Finding the perfect dipping sauce to complement the savory flavors of a Philly cheesesteak can make your sandwich experience even more delicious. The classic Philly cheesesteak contains thinly sliced ribeye or top round beef, sautéed onions, melted cheese (usually provolone, Cheez Whiz or American), and is served on a long Italian roll. With such a hearty and indulgent sandwich, you’ll want a dipping sauce that adds zest, moisture, creaminess and even a touch of acidity or sweetness to balance each bite. Here are some of the most popular and tasty dipping sauce options to consider for your next Philly cheesesteak.
Ketchup
Ketchup is the traditional and most classic dipping sauce pairing for a Philly cheesesteak. As the quintessential American condiment, ketchup offers a sweet and tangy flavor that cuts through the rich fattiness of the ribeye steak and melted cheese. It adds moisture and also complements the caramelized onions. Heinz is the most popular brand of ketchup used on Philly cheesesteaks. Keep in mind ketchup has a relatively mild flavor compared to other spicier or stronger options. It works well for those who don’t want to overpower the unique flavors of the sandwich.
Horseradish Sauce
For those who like a little kick of heat and zing, horseradish sauce is an excellent dipping sauce choice for Philly cheesesteaks. The sharp, pungent flavor of horseradish pairs beautifully with fatty, protein-rich beef. It also helps cut through the richness of the cheese and onions. You can find prepared horseradish sauce at any grocery store, or easily make your own blending horseradish root, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic and spices. Horseradish sauce is especially satisfying with provolone or Whiz cheese-topped Philly sandwiches.
BBQ Sauce
Sweet and tangy barbecue sauce is another common Philly cheesesteak dipping sauce option. The tomato, vinegar and spice-based flavors complement the onions and meatiness of the steak. The subtle smoky flavors also pair well. Choose your favorite regional style barbecue sauce to dip – from Kansas City-style molasses-based sauces, to North Carolina vinegar-pepper sauces, to South Carolina-style mustard-based sauces. The thicker, sticky texture of BBQ sauce also helps it adhere well to the sandwich with each bite.
Ranch Dressing
Cool and creamy ranch dressing is a go-to dipping sauce for many sandwich fans. With its rich, eggy and creamy buttermilk flavor punctuated by herbs and spices, ranch makes the perfect complement for a hot Philly cheesesteak. It also cuts through the richness nicely. Ranch pairs especially well with provolone and American cheeses. Try making your own homemade ranch recipe or use your favorite store-bought brand. For extra flavor, you can also find ranch recipes inspired by Philly flavors, such as Philadelphia Ranch made with cream cheese.
Honey Mustard
Honey mustard is a delicious balance of sweet and tangy that pairs well with Philly cheesesteaks. The honey provides a sticky sweetness while the mustard gives it a punchy kick. The savory and salty flavors of the ribeye steak, melted cheese and onions are perfectly balanced by the honey mustard’s acidity. You can make your own honey mustard sauce by combining mustard, honey, mayonnaise and seasonings. Or try gourmet versions with ingredients like whole-grain mustard, brown sugar, garlic and spices. Honey mustard is especially tasty with provolone cheese.
Marinara Sauce
For an Italian-inspired flavor pairing, try dipping your Philly cheesesteak in marinara sauce. With its fresh tomato, garlic, herbs and spices, marinara sauce gives your sandwich a tangy, robust flavor profile. The basil is also a nice complement to the rich ribeye steak. And the acidity helps cut through the indulgence of cheese and onions. Use your favorite jarred marinara sauce, or make your own for the freshest flavor. Pair provolone cheese with marinara dip to make your sandwich taste even more authentically Philly Italian.
Buffalo Sauce
Spice lovers will enjoy the lively heat and vinegary zing of buffalo sauce paired with their Philly cheesesteak. Made with cayenne pepper hot sauce and butter, buffalo sauce packs some pleasant fire that offsets the fat and richness of the sandwich ingredients. The cooling dairy from the melted cheese will help neutralize some of the heat. Turn up the heat even more by adding extra hot sauce to your dipping cup. This works great with Cheez Whiz and provolone cheeses.
Au Jus Sauce
For an upscale and delicious French flair, try dipping your Philly cheesesteak in au jus sauce. This rich, meaty juice is flavored from roasted meats like beef, veal or lamb. The hearty, beefy flavor is a perfect complement to the thinly sliced ribeye steak. And the meaty juice helps moisten each bite of your sandwich. Make your own au jus using beef broth, red wine, onions, garlic and herbs. Or use a prepared au jus sauce powder. Enjoy this sauce pairing with provolone cheese.
Cheese Sauce
For extra cheesy indulgence, consider dipping your Philly cheesesteak in an extra creamy cheese sauce. The rich, velvety cheese will accentuate the gooey cheese already in your sandwich. You can make a simple cheese sauce by combining shredded cheese of choice (like cheddar, Monterey Jack, etc) with milk or half-and-half over low heat until smooth and melted. Spike it with spices or hot sauce for more flavor. Pair with provolone or American cheeses on your sandwich.
Pepperoncini Juice
For an extra flavor-packed dipping sauce, use the tangy juice from pepperoncini peppers. The briny, spicy and slightly sour liquid provides great contrast to the savory steak and cheese. It also packs a pleasant heat. Add some of the sliced pickled pepperoncini peppers into the juice for texture. This pairs especially well with provolone cheese. The peppery flavors complement each other.
Brown Gravy
For true Philly style and flavors, try dipping your cheesesteak in traditional brown gravy. The rich, meaty and salty gravy complements and enhances the flavors of the ribeye steak. The moisture also helps bring each bite of sandwich together. Make your own brown gravy from pan drippings, broth, flour and seasonings. Or use canned or packet gravy for an easy cheat. Gravy pairs well with Cheez Whiz topped sandwiches.
Salsa
For a fresh, vibrant dipping sauce, go for salsa seasoned with ingredients like tomato, onion, cilantro, lime juice and jalapeño. The cool tomato-based sauce has just the right flavors to balance the rich cheesesteak. The acidity cuts through the oiliness of the meat and cheese, while the spicy kick offsets the savory flavors. Use your favorite fresh pico de gallo or jarred salsa. Top provolone and American cheese variations with this dip.
Guacamole
Creamy, cooling guacamole makes for an indulgent dipping partner for Philly cheesesteaks. The rich avocado flavor and texture pairs perfectly with the melted cheese and caramelized onions. Spices like garlic, onion and chili pepper also help accentuate the sandwich flavors. The touch of acidity from lime or lemon juice helps cut through the fat. Make your own chunky guacamole or use store-bought. Enjoy with provolone or American cheeses.
Chimichurri
For a Mediterranean flair, try dipping your Philly cheesesteak in vibrant green chimichurri sauce. This Argentinean herb sauce contains olive oil, parsley, cilantro, oregano, garlic, shallots, red wine vinegar and dried red pepper flakes for heat. The fresh herby flavors pair beautifully with the rich ribeye steak. Chimichurri also contains acids that help cut through the cheese. Mix up a batch to slather on your sandwich for a tasty twist.
Aioli
Garlic aioli is another savory Mediterranean-inspired dipping sauce option for Philly cheesesteaks. Blending raw garlic with olive oil, lemon juice and sometimes egg, aioli offers a bold, aromatic garlic flavor that enhances the sandwich. The creaminess also balances nicely with the meat and cheese. Add some dried Italian herbs for extra dimension. Aioli is delightful with provolone cheese.
Fry Sauce
For a uniquely American and Utah-inspired riff, try dipping your Philly cheesesteak in fry sauce. This combo of ketchup, mayo and spices provides a creamy yet tangy sauce that pairs so well with the classic sandwich. The ketchup cuts through the fat, the mayo offers richness and moisture, and spices like black pepper, paprika and cayenne add flair. Fry sauce is also a great way to give plain ketchup more oomph.
Tzatziki
Cool and refreshing tzatziki sauce makes for a delicious Philly cheesesteak dip too. This yogurt-based Greek sauce contains cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill and mint. The tangy, herby flavor provides bright contrast to the savory sandwich. The yogurt-cucumber blend helps cut through the grease as well. Mix up a batch or use store-bought tzatziki. Pair with provolone for a cheese-on-cheese pairing.
Steak Sauce
For an ultra savory dip, go for steak sauce with your Philly cheesesteak. Iconic brands like A1, Heinz 57 or Lea & Perrins contain a powerhouse blend of tomatoes, raisin, spices, vinegar, tamarind and more. The bold, umami-rich flavors enhance the meatiness of the ribeye steak so well. Steak sauce also helps moisten each bite of your sandwich. Delicious with provolone or Whiz cheeses.
Cheese Whiz
Lastly, the ultimate Philly cheesesteak hack is to use extra Cheese Whiz as your dip! The same gooey, orange, cheese-like sauce slathered on your sandwich makes for an indulgent dipping partner. Cheese Whiz offers a punchy cheddar, milk and sodium citrate flavor that pairs perfectly with the thinly sliced ribeye. It also nicely complements the caramelized onions. This is definitely more of an occasional indulgence than an everyday dip, but perfect for hardcore Philly cheesesteak lovers.
Conclusion
When it comes to the perfect dipping sauce for your Philly cheesesteak, the options are practically endless. You can keep it classic with ketchup or ranch dressing. Opt for extra flavor with horseradish, BBQ or hot sauces. Or go gourmet with steak sauce, au jus or chimichurri. No matter what direction you go, find a dipping sauce that enhances your sandwich experience. The right sauce should add moisture, flavor contrast, creaminess and a touch of acidity or spice to balance each tasty bite of your cheesesteak.