The Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It consists of thinly sliced pieces of beef and melted cheese on a hoagie roll. While the original version only contained steak and cheese, a variety of condiments are commonly added to give more flavor. Choosing which condiments to put on a Philly cheesesteak is a matter of personal taste, though there are some classic options. In this article, we’ll explore the most popular condiments that traditionally go on a Philly cheesesteak.
Onions
Onions are one of the most popular condiments added to a classic Philly cheesesteak. Sliced white or yellow onions add a sharp, sweet flavor that perfectly complements the savory steak and cheese. When ordering a cheesesteak in Philadelphia, “wit” means with onions. Onions are typically sautéed on the grill before being added to the sandwich, which gives them a delicious caramelized flavor. The onion slices add texture and crunch too. So if you want to keep it traditional, onions are a must-have topping.
Peppers
Peppers are another traditional condiment seen on many Philly cheesesteaks. Green bell peppers are most common, though other varieties like banana peppers may also be used. The peppers are grilled or sautéed to soften them up and add flavor. They bring a fresh, slightly bitter taste that balances the richness of the cheese and steak. Peppers add a nice crunch too. When ordering a cheesesteak “wit”, it typically comes with both onions and peppers. So if you like some kick, be sure to add peppers.
Ketchup
A squirt of ketchup is commonly spread on top of a hot cheesesteak. The sweet and tangy tomato flavor pairs well with the salty beef and cheese. It also adds moisture to the sandwich. For many cheesesteak purists, ketchup is a must. Some eateries will serve it on the side for adding as desired. If you like the classic flavor of ketchup, feel free to add a drizzle to your Philly cheesesteak.
Pizza Sauce
Another way to add tomato flavor to a Philly cheesesteak is with pizza sauce. Many sandwich shops will offer pizza sauce as a condiment choice. The savory marinara-style sauce gives a richer, bolder tomato taste than ketchup. It can help cut through the richness of the dish too. Pizza sauce is a great option if you want to give your cheesesteak more flavor but don’t want just ketchup.
Mayonnaise
Adding a smear of mayo is an untraditional but popular condiment choice for a Philly cheesesteak. The creaminess helps balance the texture of the beef and melted cheese. It also adds a subtle tanginess from the vinegar and eggs. Mayo will make your sandwich more indulgent and rich. If you like some extra creaminess, don’t be afraid to slather on the mayo.
Hot Sauce
For those who like some heat, hot sauce is a popular condiment for Philly cheesesteaks. Tabasco, Texas Pete, sriracha, and Frank’s RedHot are commonly used. A few dashes of the spicy sauce will give your sandwich a kick. The heat pairs nicely with the savory flavors of the beef and cheese. If you like spicy food, consider adding hot sauce for an extra dimension of flavor.
Jalapeños
In addition to hot sauce, chopped or sliced jalapeño peppers can be added on top of a cheesesteak. The fresh jalapeños will give a similar spicy flavor but with more texture and crunch. Grilled or pickled jalapeños are also seen as toppings at many sandwich shops. If you want a stronger pepper flavor than bell peppers alone, jalapeños add the perfect heat and acidity.
Mushrooms
While not a traditional topping, mushrooms have become a popular modern addition to Philly cheesesteaks. Sautéed mushrooms lend an earthy, umami flavor to the sandwich. They also add moisture and texture. Portobello and white button mushrooms are most commonly used. Mushrooms pair well with the rich flavors of the cheese and beef. If you like mushrooms, try adding them on your next cheesesteak.
BBQ Sauce
For a sweet and tangy flavor, BBQ sauce is sometimes used as a Philly cheesesteak topping. The tomato-based sauce with spices gives a nice smoky, molasses-like flavor. It works well with the salty beef and cheese. BBQ sauce will make your sandwich much more messy, so keep that in mind. But it can add a fun twist to the classic cheesesteak taste.
A1 Steak Sauce
Another savory condiment that cheesesteak lovers may add is A1 steak sauce. The Worcestershire sauce-based condiment adds tanginess, sweetness, and peppery spices. It brings out more umami flavor in the meat. Just a few dashes of A1 sauce gives your cheesesteak a boost. It works well when you want flavor but don’t want to overwhelm the beef and cheese taste.
Common Cheese Options
While we’ve covered the classic condiments, the cheese choice itself makes a big difference in your Philly cheesesteak. Here are some of the most popular cheese options:
- Provolone – Traditional, mild and creamy
- American – Classic flavor, melts easily
- Cheez Whiz – Processed, creamy, iconic Philly style
- Mozzarella – Fresh, soft, mild flavor
- Cheddar – Sharp, nutty flavor
- Swiss – Nutty, mellow flavor
The traditional choice is provolone or Cheez Whiz, but don’t be afraid to experiment with other melted cheeses too. The cheese lends a lot of flavor to your sandwich, so choose your favorite!
Conclusion
When constructing your ideal Philly cheesesteak, there are endless combinations of condiments you can choose from. Here are some of the most popular choices:
– Onions
– Peppers
– Ketchup
– Pizza Sauce
– Mayonnaise
– Hot Sauce
– Jalapeños
– Mushrooms
– BBQ Sauce
– A1 Steak Sauce
The classic Philly way is with sautéed onions and melted provolone or Cheez Whiz cheese. But you can customize with additional condiments and cheese choices based on your preferences. The beauty of the cheesesteak is experimenting with different flavors. Just don’t load down your sandwich too much, as the thinly sliced steak works best when you can still taste the quality beef. Figure out your favorite condiment combinations to create your perfect Philly cheesesteak.