7 Best Seasonings for Philly Cheesesteaks 2025

Bold, unapologetically rich, this Blackstone bundle delivers a gourmet griddle experience straight from the comfort of your backyard. With four full-sized bottles of their signature Cheesesteak Seasoning—each packed with a savory fusion of onions, peppers, and cheese notes—it’s engineered for those who crave authentic Philly flavor at scale. Whether you’re hosting a tailgate or feeding a hungry family, the 29.2 oz total volume ensures you’ll never run dry, and the inclusion of a grill-ready bottle opener and BBQ guide adds practical flair that serious grillers will appreciate.

In real-world testing, the seasoning shines brightest on thinly sliced ribeye seared on a flat-top griddle, where its fine granule size allows for even distribution and quick caramelization. It builds a flavorful crust without overpowering the meat, and the gluten-free formulation holds up impressively across chicken, mushrooms, and roasted veggies—making it a versatile staple beyond just cheesesteaks. That said, it leans moderately salty, so low-sodium diets may require cautious application, and the lack of actual cheese means you’ll still need provolone or Cheez Whiz for that true deli finish.

Compared to single-bottle options like the basic Philly Cheesesteak Seasoning (B0CBVXP73L), this bundle is the obvious upgrade for frequent entertainers or griddle enthusiasts who value volume and added accessories. While not as adventurous in flavor range as the Whiskey Burger & Tequila Lime 5-Pack, it doubles down on authenticity—perfect for purists. It’s the best value play for dedicated cheesesteak lovers, offering more seasoning per dollar than any other gourmet set in the lineup.

Don’t let the minimalist packaging fool you—this no-frills Philly Cheesesteak Seasoning packs a surprisingly authentic punch for the price-conscious cook. It nails the classic holy trinity of Philly flavor: sweet bell pepper, savory onion, and a subtle cheesy umami that lingers just long enough to feel genuine. At this price point, it’s the go-to for occasional cheesesteak nights, delivering a taste remarkably close to street-corner stands without demanding a specialty griddle or culinary skills.

Applied to shaved steak on a cast-iron skillet, it browns beautifully and clings well to moist surfaces, though it lacks the depth of more complex blends with smoked or herbal notes. It performs adequately on chicken and fries but doesn’t transcend beyond cheesesteak applications—versatility is limited. The fine texture dissolves quickly, but without anti-caking agents or bold acidity, it can taste slightly flat when used on leaner proteins or in larger batches.

When stacked against Gary’s QuickSteak Wow! or the Blackstone gourmet sets, this version is the budget baseline—it gets the job done but doesn’t elevate. Still, for first-time users or those testing the waters of homemade cheesesteaks, it’s a low-risk entry point that outperforms generic store brands. It won’t replace your favorite deli, but it comes closer than expected for the cost, making it ideal for college students, weeknight warriors, or pantry backups.

This is the one—the secret weapon that transforms humble weeknight meals into crave-worthy experiences with a single shake. Gary’s QuickSteak Wow! Seasoning isn’t just for cheesesteaks; it’s a culinary multitasker crafted by Gary Rohwer, the mind behind the original Philly steak seasoning used in restaurants nationwide. With a balanced blend of savory, slightly sweet, and umami-rich notes, it delivers that diner-style magic without MSG or gluten, making it a clean-label win for health-conscious foodies.

In action, it’s remarkably adaptive: it deepens the flavor of thinly sliced chuck roast on a griddle, adds zest to roasted potatoes, and even elevates popcorn and scrambled eggs with a cheesy, onion-kissed kick. The 3.5 oz bottle may seem small, but the granular density and potency mean a little goes a long way. Unlike some overly salty rubs, it maintains flavor clarity across proteins and carbs, though heavy use on delicate fish can overwhelm. It doesn’t melt like cheese, but the umami profile tricks your taste buds into sensing richness.

Compared to the Blackstone sets, Gary’s version trades volume for sophistication, offering a more refined, restaurant-grade taste in a compact format. While the Blackstone bundle wins for feeding crowds, this is the superior choice for flavor purists and home chefs who want one all-star seasoning. It’s the best overall blend in this lineup—more versatile, cleaner, and more nuanced than any other, justifying its premium over budget picks.

If your griddle game craves adventure, this flavor-packed 5-blend bundle is your passport to backyard culinary stardom. With 38.9 oz of total seasoning, including Whiskey Burger, Tequila Lime, Steakhouse, All Purpose, and Cheesesteak, it’s the most diverse gourmet set available—perfect for cooks who love experimenting. The Whiskey Burger rub steals the show with its smoky depth and subtle bourbon warmth, while the Tequila Lime brings a bright, zesty kick that’s ideal for fajitas or grilled shrimp.

Each seasoning performs exceptionally in its niche: the Steakhouse blend builds a classic crust on ribeyes, the All Purpose works magic on roasted veggies, and the Cheesesteak version delivers that familiar Philly comfort. Real-world use reveals excellent adhesion and browning on high-heat griddles, and the gluten-free, no-fillers formula holds up across cooking methods. However, the sheer variety can feel overwhelming for beginners, and some—like Tequila Lime—don’t complement cheesesteaks directly, diluting focus for purists.

Positioned against the single-focus Blackstone 4-Pack, this set is clearly for the flavor explorer, not the traditionalist. It’s more expensive and less cheesesteak-centric, but for those who want one kit to dominate all grilling seasons, it’s unmatched. It outshines in creativity and range, though it sacrifices a bit of cohesion—ideal for gift-giving or cooks who hate flavor ruts. For gourmet variety, it’s the definitive upgrade from single-note seasoning bottles.

This dynamic duo brings together two fan-favorite flavors—creamy Parmesan Ranch and savory Cheesesteak—in a compact, gift-ready set that’s perfect for flavor contrast lovers. The 7.3 oz bottles offer generous trial sizes, letting you explore both profiles without commitment, while the bonus Slap Ya Mama Original Blend packet adds a spicy Southern twist that elevates everything from fries to scrambled eggs. It’s the ideal middle ground between variety and focus.

The Cheesesteak seasoning holds its own—delivering the expected onion-pepper savoriness—while the Parmesan Ranch is a revelation, offering a tangy, herby lift that works beautifully on chicken, fish, or roasted potatoes. Both are gluten-free and griddle-tested, with granules that sear well without burning. That said, the Ranch flavor can dominate delicate dishes, and the Cheesesteak version lacks the umami depth of Gary’s or full Blackstone bottles.

Compared to the single-flavor Philly seasoning (B0CBVXP73L), this combo doubles your culinary options without a steep price jump. It’s not as expansive as the 5-pack, but it nails the balance between novelty and practicality. For couples, new cooks, or anyone who loves switching up flavors mid-meal, it’s the best dual-flavor entry—especially with the bonus spice packet tipping the value scale. It delivers more excitement per ounce than basic bundles.

When you need cheesy impact without the mess, Grate State steps in as the ultimate umami finisher—a dairy-forward seasoning that mimics the taste of freshly grated cheese with every sprinkle. Infused with real gouda, parmesan, garlic, and chives, it’s engineered for last-second flavor boosts, transforming bland popcorn, mac and cheese, or garlic bread into indulgent crowd-pleasers. It’s not a rub or marinade—it’s a topper with attitude.

In real use, it melts in flavor, not texture, delivering a rich, savory depth that feels creamy even when dry. It excels on baked pastas, roasted potatoes, and nachos, where its fine powder adheres perfectly. Unlike artificial cheese powders, it’s gluten-free, MSG-free, and made without trans fats, so it satisfies clean-eating goals without sacrificing decadence. However, it’s not meant for cooking into meats—applying it mid-sear can lead to burning, and it lacks saltiness, so dishes may need seasoning adjustment.

Compared to the Blackstone Cheesesteak rubs, Grate State plays a different game entirely—it’s not a replacement, but a complementary ally. While Blackstone builds flavor from the start, Grate State finishes strong. For cheesesteak lovers, it’s perfect for dusting the roll or fries, adding that extra cheesy aura. It’s the best topping alternative in the group—more nuanced than powdered cheese, and cleaner than canned sprays—making it a must for snack lovers and comfort food fans.

This 17-flavor powerhouse is for the culinary adventurer who refuses to be boxed in by single-use seasonings. While marketed as a Burger/Philly blend, it’s really a flavor exploration kit—packed with global profiles from Caribbean Jerk to No Salt Lemon GP, giving you unmatched versatility in one collection. The Philly-inspired blend holds its own, offering a savory, onion-garlic base that works well on shaved beef, but it’s just the entry point to a much broader palette.

In testing, the No Salt All Purpose and Onion Garlic Pepper blends stood out for cheesesteak prep, adding depth without excess sodium, while the Caribbean Jerk brought a smoky-sweet twist to grilled chicken versions. The seasonings are finely milled and adhere well, though some—like the no-salt variants—require larger applications to taste, which can impact texture. It’s a bold move away from tradition, ideal for those who like to customize and experiment.

Against focused options like Gary’s QuickSteak or the Blackstone sets, this one trades authenticity for range. It’s not the best for purists seeking true Philly soul, but for multi-use households or spicy-food lovers, it’s a game-changer. The health-conscious no-salt options add real value, making it one of the most inclusive blends for diverse diets. If you want one shaker to rule them all, this multi-flavor variety is your best bet—just don’t expect deli-level tradition.