14 Jersey Mike's Famous Philly Cheesesteak Upgrades Worth Ordering

Jersey Mike's Famous Philly is a classic for a reason. It's made with freshly grilled steak, melted white American cheese, and grilled onions and peppers, all piled onto Jersey Mike's classic roll. But perhaps the best thing about ordering a cheesesteak from Jersey Mike's is how many ways the sandwich chain allows you to customize your order. Whether you want to make your cheesesteak cheesier, add some heat, introduce a little acidity, or simply turn an already filling sandwich into an even bigger meal, Jersey Mike's makes every sandwich to order, giving you the chance to create something truly your own.

As a Jersey Mike's fan, I've tried plenty of different combinations when it comes to customizing the Famous Philly. I've also spent some time looking at the recommendations other devoted Jersey Mike's fans share online. Some of the ideas below are relatively simple upgrades, while others can take the Famous Philly in a completely different direction. There are also a few options that aren't listed as standard Famous Philly modifications in the app, so you may need to ask for them in person or call your location. Keep in mind that availability and customization options can also vary somewhat by location. Whether you're a cheesesteak purist who just wants more of the good stuff or someone who thinks every sandwich can be improved with enough toppings, these are 14 Famous Philly upgrades worth trying.

If your favorite part of a cheesesteak is the combination of melted cheese and savory steak, adding extra cheese is probably the simplest and most effective upgrade you can make. The Famous Philly already has white American cheese melted onto the sandwich, but asking for extra gives you even more of that gooey, rich texture in every bite. It's particularly appealing if you prefer your cheesesteak to be more melty rather than meat-forward, especially since white American is known for its ability to melt into a creamy texture that oozes, rather than sticks.

That said, extra cheese can also help bring the other ingredients together. The grilled onions and peppers have plenty of flavor on their own, but more melted cheese creates a creamy layer between the vegetables, steak, and bread. 

This is one customization I'd recommend keeping relatively simple. The Famous Philly has a lot going on once you start piling on toppings, and extra cheese is most enjoyable when you let it remain one of the stars of the iconic sandwich. Pair it with the standard recipe of grilled onions and peppers for a straightforward upgrade that really lets the cheese shine.

Mushrooms are a classic way to customize a cheesesteak. Grilled mushrooms bring an earthy, savory flavor and a soft texture that works particularly well with the steak, melted white American cheese, onions, and peppers. The mushrooms at Jersey Mike's can be especially delicious because they're grilled alongside the other hot ingredients, causing everything to take on some of that savory, browned umami flavor. If you already enjoy mushrooms on other cheesesteaks, like Jersey Mike's Big Kahuna Chicken Cheese Steak, this is an upgrade that makes a lot of sense.

I'd keep the rest of the sandwich fairly traditional when trying this combination for the first time. Steak, cheese, onions, peppers, and mushrooms are already a substantial lineup, and you don't necessarily need a bunch of cold toppings to make the sandwich interesting.

Keep in mind that this upgrade is not available online or in the Jersey Mike's app via standard customizations options. You'll need to type in your request in the "special instructions" area of the ordering process. When ordering in person, just request grilled mushrooms when you initially order so they can be grilled in with your onions and peppers, as opposed to being added cold on the top of your sandwich.

For onion lovers, there's really no reason to stop at the standard amount. Asking for extra grilled onions gives the Famous Philly considerably more of that sweet, savory flavor that develops when onions hit the grill. Grilled onions are a natural match for the savory steak and melted white American cheese. It also adds more moisture and texture without introducing an entirely new ingredient. 

If you're a cheesesteak purist, this may be one of the upgrades you'll appreciate most because it doesn't take the sandwich in a radically different direction. Plus, adding extra onions is an easy way to make your cheesesteak taste more flavorful without making it feel heavier in the way extra meat or cheese can. This is also one of those modifications that's easy to combine with other toppings. You could add extra onions alongside grilled mushrooms for a deeper, more savory sandwich. For this upgrade, you'll need to either order in person or add into the "special instructions" section of your order. Trust me, it's worth it!

The red and green grilled pepper strips on the Famous Philly bring a mild sweetness to the cheesesteak. If you're looking for more punch, though, you can always ask for extra. This makes for a cheesesteak that features a stronger grilled-vegetable flavor. The combination of steak, melted cheese, grilled onions, and a generous amount of peppers makes for a hearty sandwich that's more substantial, without requiring a long list of additional toppings.

For those who aren't a fan of onions, extra grilled peppers are a great substitute. Simply ask for the onions to be left off and replace them with extra grilled peppers. You'll still get the hot, savory character of the original sandwich, but the flavor profile becomes noticeably more pepper-forward.

Adding extra grilled peppers can also be useful if you're experimenting with other additions. For example, peppers and mushrooms create a particularly savory combination, while jalapeños add a sharper, spicy contrast to the sweeter peppers. It's a small change, but sometimes the best sandwich upgrades are simply getting more of the ingredient you already know you like.

"Mike's Way" is one of the signature Jersey Mike's customization options, but it might be a step you skip if you're ordering a hot sandwich like a cheesesteak. The standard Mike's Way preparation adds fresh onions, lettuce, tomatoes, Jersey Mike's signature olive oil and red wine vinegar blend, and spices to any sandwich.

On a cold sub, this combination is a Jersey Mike's classic. On a hot cheesesteak, however, it changes the sandwich quite a bit. The lettuce and tomato introduce a fresh, crisp element, while the oil and red wine vinegar add acidity that cuts through the richness of the steak and cheese. The additional raw onions also give the sandwich a more enhanced onion flavor, since the cheesecake already featured grilled onions.

Making your cheesesteak "Mike's Way" is an especially good choice if you find traditional cheesesteaks a little too heavy. The Famous Philly is a rich, hot sandwich, and the fresh vegetables and acidic dressing help give it a more balanced quality in both temperature and flavor. While this isn't necessarily the choice for a traditional cheesesteak purist, it's absolutely worth trying on a Famous Philly if you've never had it.

Jalapeños are an easy way to give the Famous Philly some heat without completely changing its identity. They're already Jersey Mike's-cheesesteak-approved since the chain offers them on its Big Kahuna Cheesesteak, which features steak, white American cheese, grilled mushrooms, and jalapeños. What I like about jalapeños on a cheesesteak is that they provide more than just heat. Their texture gives the soft sandwich a little contrast and the spice helps cut through the richness of the steak and cheese.

If you're sensitive to heat, you may want to ask for light jalapeños on your first try. I'd also consider pairing them with something creamy, like Jersey Mike's mayo, if you want to counteract the heat. The combination of spicy peppers and a creamy sauce gives the Famous Philly a completely different personality, while still letting the steak and cheese shine.

If you want your Famous Philly to have a little more bite, but don't necessarily want to make it spicy, banana peppers are a great choice. They bring a tangy, slightly acidic flavor that can counter balance the heaviness of the steak and cheese without turning the sandwich into fully spicy sandwich.

I like this modification with the standard grilled onions and peppers, because the combination gives you the flavor of both cooked and fresh peppers. You can also add banana peppers to a Mike's Way Famous Philly if you want to lean even harder into a sandwich that is fresh and acidic.

If you're ordering a customized cheesesteak for the first time and aren't sure how adventurous you want to get, this is one of the more approachable additions. For me, this is a choice that doesn't necessarily scream "upgrade" when you're looking at the ingredients, but you notice the difference once you take a bite.

Adding bacon to a cheesesteak isn't exactly a traditional Philadelphia move, but when it comes to Jersey Mike's customizations, bacon is one that takes any sandwich over the top. It's hard to deny that the salty, smoky meat works with the savory flavor profile of a cheesesteak's grilled meat and melted cheese. Not only does adding bacon make your sandwich heartier, but it also introduces a crisp texture that contrasts well with the tender steak, melted cheese, grilled vegetables, and soft roll. Its smoky flavor also gives the sandwich another savory dimension.

This is particularly good if you like substantial, meat-heavy sandwiches. You can add bacon while leaving the Famous Philly otherwise unchanged, or combine it with mushrooms, jalapeños, or chipotle mayo for a more unique cheesesteak. When you're in the mood for maximum indulgence, bacon is a pretty easy choice no matter what other ingredients you add.

Sometimes an upgrade doesn't need to introduce a new flavor at all. If what you really want is more protein, simply modify your sandwich with extra steak. Jersey Mike's allows customers to customize the amount of meat on all of its sandwiches, and this is arguably the most straightforward way to make a Famous Philly even better.

I recommend this option for cheesesteak purists. If your ideal sandwich is simply steak, cheese, onions, peppers, and bread, there's no reason to pile on a dozen toppings just to make the sandwich more satisfying. Extra steak just gives you more of exactly what you ordered. You can also combine extra steak with extra cheese if you're looking for a supersized Philly cheesesteak. The extra cheese helps keep all that additional steak together and adds more flavor.

Jersey Mike's hot chopped pepper relish is one of those condiments that can completely change a sandwich. It's tangy, spicy, slightly sweet, and packed with pepper flavor. It's a Jersey Mike's original, made with pickled red and green peppers. Adding it to a Famous Philly turns a the classic steak-and-cheese sandwich into something more complex in flavor and unique to Jersey Mike's, since you can't get the hot pepper relish anywhere else. Pepper relish gives the cheesesteak the right amount of acidity to balance the richness of the cheese. Its sweetness complements the grilled onions, and the small bit of heat gives the steak more punch. It's a small addition with a surprisingly noticeable effect.

If you've never tried it, I'd suggest starting with a small amount, rather than immediately going all in. The relish has a distinctive flavor, and it can become the dominant element of the sandwich if you use too much. You can also ask for it on the side, which gives you more control over how much goes into each bite, or purchase a bottle at the restaurant to take home and add to your sandwich yourself.

For an even more intense combination, pair the relish with jalapeños. If you prefer creamy and spicy flavors, try it with chipotle mayo instead. No matter what you decide, hot pepper relish is one of my favorite recommendations for someone who already knows they like Jersey Mike's signature flavors and wants to make the Famous Philly taste a little more exciting.

If you want to take the Famous Philly in a completely different direction, turn it into something known in Philadelphia as a "cheesesteak hoagie." The basic idea is to combine the hot steak and cheese filling with the kinds of fresh toppings you'd find on a traditional cold cut hoagie, creating a sandwich that's somewhere between a traditional cheesesteak and a cold Italian-style sub.

For a Jersey Mike's version, I'd add lettuce, tomato, onions, and mayo to the Famous Philly. The lettuce and tomato provide freshness and crunch, while the mayo adds creaminess and helps bring the hot and cold ingredients together. You can keep the grilled onions from the original sandwich, too, if you're a serious onion fan, or remove one of the onion options for a more balanced flavor.

This customization is especially appealing if you like the contrast between hot and cold ingredients. The steak and cheese remain warm, while the lettuce and tomato stay crisp and crunchy, keeping the sandwich from feeling too heavy. With this customization, I'd be mindful of how much moisture you add. A hot sandwich topped with vegetables, mayo, oil, and vinegar can get messy quickly. So, if you're ordering it to take home, you might want to go lighter on the wet ingredients or request them separately.

Chipotle mayo is one of those Jersey Mike's ingredients that doesn't always get as much attention as other more common toppings, but it can be an excellent addition to a cheesesteak. Jersey Mike's chipotle mayo combines the traditional creamy mayonnaise you love with smoky, mildly-spicy chipotle flavor. It's a rich sauce that pairs well with the Famous Philly, without completely overwhelming the steak.

The sauce is a great choice for those who like a bit of spice, but don't necessarily want to add a pile of hot peppers. Instead of getting the sharp heat of jalapeños or the acidic burst of flavor from hot pepper relish, chipotle mayo adds a smoother combination of smokiness, creaminess, and a hint of mild spice.

For a spicier, but still classic take on the Famous Philly, I'd start with chipotle mayo as the only additional condiment. The steak, cheese, onions, and peppers already provide a ton of flavor, and the mayo should complement those ingredients, as opposed to covering them up.

If you're someone who thinks texture is just as important as flavor, ask your location if they will toast the roll before making your sandwich. Jersey Mike's bread is baked fresh in its stores, but it is typically sliced and served cold. But fans say that giving the roll some time on the grill can create a completely different eating experience.

The appeal of this upgrade is textural contrast. A Famous Philly has a soft filling made from tender steak, melted cheese, and grilled vegetables. A lightly toasted roll introduces some much needed crispness and firmness, giving you something to bite through before getting to the soft, gooey filling.

This upgrade is also especially helpful if you enjoy adding a lot of wet ingredients. Customizations like Mike's Way, pepper relish, mayo, and other sauces can make a sandwich softer as it sits, so a toasted roll gives the bread a little more structure from the beginning, so it has a better chance of not getting completely soggy by the time you get home.

Keep in mind that not every location or ordering method may offer exactly the same customization options. If the app doesn't provide a toasted-roll option, enter it into the "special instructions" section, ask in-person, or call ahead to see if they can accommodate the request. While this isn't necessarily the most dramatic flavor upgrade on the list, it's a must-try if you care about texture, and it can make a surprisingly noticeable difference.

For a totally off-menu-style customization, ask your local Jersey Mike's about adding fresh green bell peppers to your Famous Philly. Keep in mind, these aren't the same thing as the grilled peppers that traditionally accompany the cheesesteak. The distinction is that you're adding a crisp, fresh pepper component, rather than simply increasing the amount of the grilled peppers that already come on the sandwich.

This is one I'd ask about directly at the restaurant or over the phone, rather than relying on the app. Fans say that topping availability and customization capabilities can vary by location, and fresh green peppers aren't presented as a standard topping on Jersey Mike's online menu. Instead, the fresh green peppers only appear on the menu as a base ingredient for the chain's veggie sandwich.

But if your location allows, this upgrade appeals due to its significant impact on texture and flavor. Fresh green bell peppers have a crunchy bite and a distinct flavor that contrasts with the grilled steak, melted cheese, and grilled onions and peppers. You can keep the grilled onions and peppers and add the fresh peppers, or ask about substituting the fresh peppers for the grilled ones if you prefer their flavor.

It's not the most traditional Famous Philly customization, but that's precisely why it's interesting. If you've tried the standard sandwich enough times that you're looking for something different, asking for fresh green bell peppers can give it a new texture and flavor without drowning the steak and cheese in sauces and condiments.