Give Jersey Mike's Philly Cheesesteak Off-The-Charts Flavor With Just One Addition

Founded in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, in 1956, Jersey Mike's has grown to over 3,400 locations across the United States, serving up hot and cold subs that rank among the most craveable in the sandwich-chain game. It's easy to see why it developed a following. Its extensive menu, complete with its own ordering slang and points system — two of the many fun facts to know about the chain — offer plenty of opportunities for customization.

Under the Hot Subs section, for example, you find a handful of cheesesteaks, including chipotle chicken, Buffalo chicken, and, of course, Mike's Famous Philly. Thinly shaved beef piled high with grilled onions, peppers, and white American cheese, the sandwich is pretty much perfect as is. However, there's one addition that takes it up a notch, bringing both texture and a spicy kick: a healthy slathering of hot chopped pepper relish.

Jersey Mike's signature hot chopped pepper relish is not to be slept on. Made with pickled red and green peppers, white distilled vinegar, and salt, it delivers a zesty, crunchy punch when schmeared on any sub, hot or cold. It's one of the best condiments on the menu, and you can even buy it in 16-ounce jars (it's always in my refrigerator). Adding hot chopped pepper relish to the classic Mike's Famous Philly brings a welcome hit of acidity that cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese and the sweetness of the grilled onions and peppers. It's a great ordering trick to get the best Jersey Mike's sandwich, and it also works wonders on the chain's other cheesesteaks.

Besides Mike's Famous Philly, two of the better cheesesteaks to add Jersey Mike's hot chopped pepper relish to are the Big Kahuna and the chipotle cheesesteak. The Big Kahuna is a crowd-pleaser available with either beef or chicken and loaded with grilled onions, peppers, mushrooms, jalapeños, and extra white American cheese. Adding hot chopped pepper relish brings even more heat and a tangy counterpoint to the jalapeños and all that melted cheese. 

Meanwhile, fans go gangbusters for the chipotle cheesesteak, featuring your choice of beef or chicken, plus grilled onions, peppers, white American cheese, and chipotle mayonnaise. The addition of hot chopped pepper relish proves to be a winner, with Redditors gushing over the combination of the pickly zing of the peppers with the creamy, spicy mayonnaise. Another simple ordering ask for any of these sandwiches is to have them grilled. After all, who wouldn't want a cheesesteak griddled to crisp, gooey perfection?

A word to the wise: Neither the relish nor the grilled bread add-ons are available on Jersey Mike's mobile app. While there's a "special instructions" field where you can request them, your note may get overlooked — it's happened to me. Don't let that deter you, though. Run — don't walk — to your nearest Jersey Mike's, order your new favorite cheesesteak, and ask for some hot chopped pepper relish.