Randy Chandler
There are many types of cheese that can be used in a meatball sub, including mozzarella, provolone, fontina, havarti, cheddar, Monterey, pepper jack, and parmesan. The choice of cheese is important as it should melt well and complement the other ingredients without overwhelming them. Mozzarella is the classic option, known for its mild and creamy flavour. Provolone is also widely used due to its ability to melt sufficiently and cover the bun and meatballs evenly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Mozzarella, Provolone, Fontina, Parmesan, Cheddar, Monterey, Pepper Jack, Havarti |
| Cheese form | Sliced, shredded, grated |
| Cheese amount | Lite, normal, extra, x3 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Mozzarella is a classic choice
Mozzarella is a versatile cheese that can be used in different forms. Shredded mozzarella melts faster and more evenly, reducing the risk of burning the bread. Fresh mozzarella has a superior taste but requires careful watching to avoid burning. Sliced mozzarella provides a satisfying sheet-like covering over the meatballs.
Mozzarella is also a popular choice for meatball subs because of its availability. It is one of the more common cheeses, along with sliced cheese, that people are likely to have exposure to and easy access to.
Mozzarella can be combined with other cheeses to enhance the flavour and texture of the meatball sub. It pairs well with provolone, another popular choice for meatball subs, as well as fontina, asiago, and parmesan cheeses.
Cheese-Bread Bliss: The Art of Melty Indulgence
You may want to see also
Provolone is a popular option
Provolone is a common choice for meatball subs at delis and restaurants across the US. It is a mild cheese that pairs well with the zesty marinara sauce and meatballs. The cheese can be shredded or sliced, depending on preference. Sliced provolone allows for a more targeted approach, as it can be sprinkled exactly where desired. Shredded provolone, on the other hand, melts faster and reduces the chance of the bread burning.
When preparing a meatball sub with provolone, it is recommended to toast the bun first. A hoagie roll is a popular choice for the bread, as it is thick and can hold saucy meatballs without becoming soggy. The bun can be brushed with seasoned olive oil, garlic butter, or left plain, depending on preference. The meatballs can be homemade or store-bought and are typically coated in marinara sauce. The provolone is then placed on top of the meatballs and sauce, and the sandwich is baked until the cheese is melted and golden.
Provolone is a versatile cheese that can be paired with various ingredients to customise the meatball sub to one's taste. It is a popular choice due to its mild flavour, melting ability, and availability at restaurants and delis.
Assembling Nacho Cheese Pump: Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Fontina is a gooey option
Fontina cheese can be shredded a few hours in advance and stored in the fridge. Freshly shredded cheese melts better and tastes better than pre-shredded cheese, which contains preservatives and stabilizers. It is best to use shredded fontina cheese as it melts faster, reducing the chance of the bread burning. If using fresh fontina, keep a close eye on the meatball sub as it cooks to prevent burning.
To assemble the meatball sub, first, slice the hoagie rolls down the middle, but don't cut all the way through. Pile on the meatballs, about 4-5 per roll, and top with marinara sauce. Then, add the shredded fontina cheese and place the subs onto a baking sheet. Put the baking sheet under the broiler until the cheese is melted, gooey, and slightly golden brown in spots.
For an extra layer of flavour, brush the hoagie rolls with seasoned olive oil before toasting. You can make the olive oil more flavourful by adding garlic and oregano. If you want to prevent a soggy bun, cover the bread with cheese to act as a barrier between the bread and the sauce.
Cheese on Fish Pie: Delicious or Disaster?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Parmesan adds flavour
When added to the meatball mixture, parmesan cheese enhances the flavour of the meatballs from the inside out. It adds a savoury, salty taste that complements the other ingredients in the meatballs, such as breadcrumbs, eggs, herbs and spices. Parmesan also helps to bind the meatball mixture, keeping the meatballs moist and tender.
Sprinkling grated parmesan on top of the meatballs before serving adds a burst of flavour to the sandwich. The salty, tangy taste of parmesan pairs well with the other ingredients in a meatball sub, such as the meatballs themselves, tomato-based marinara sauce, and other cheeses like mozzarella and provolone.
Using parmesan in both the meatball mixture and as a topping creates a cohesive flavour profile for the sandwich. It adds depth and complexity to the overall taste experience, making the meatball sub more indulgent and satisfying.
In addition to its flavour-enhancing properties, parmesan also has practical benefits for the meatball sub. When melted on top of the meatballs, it can act as a barrier between the sauce and the bread, helping to prevent the bread from becoming soggy. This ensures that the sandwich maintains its texture and structural integrity, making for a more enjoyable eating experience.
While parmesan cheese can be a delicious addition to a meatball sub, it is important to note that it is a strong-flavoured cheese, so a small amount can go a long way. It is also a harder cheese to find and can be more expensive than other options, so using a combination of cheeses may be a more economical and flavourful choice.
Cheese or Peanut Butter: Which Catches the Mouse?
You may want to see also
Cheddar, Havarti, Monterey, or pepper jack are alternatives
While the most popular cheeses for meatball subs are Italian cheeses like provolone and mozzarella, there are several other options to choose from. You can use cheddar, Havarti, Monterey, or pepper jack as alternatives. These cheeses will add a different flavour profile to the sub and can be used in combination with other cheeses or on their own.
Mozzarella is a classic choice for meatball subs as it is creamy and mild, complementing the spicy and zesty flavours of Italian meatballs in marinara sauce. It melts nicely and gets golden, making it a good option for those who want a mouth-watering, aesthetically pleasing sub. Provolone is another popular option that melts sufficiently to cover the bun and meatballs. It has a delicate flavour that won't overpower the meatballs.
Using cheddar, Havarti, Monterey, or pepper jack can add a unique twist to the traditional meatball sub. These cheeses can offer different textures and tastes that blend well with the other ingredients. For example, cheddar has a stronger flavour that can enhance the overall taste of the sub. Havarti has a creamy and buttery flavour with a hint of sweetness that can complement the meatballs and sauce. Monterey has a sharp and savoury flavour that can add depth to the sub. Pepper jack, on the other hand, can contribute a spicy kick to the sandwich.
When selecting the cheese for your meatball sub, consider the flavour profile you want to achieve. The cheese should complement the meatballs and sauce without overwhelming their taste. It is also important to choose a cheese that melts well, creating a satisfying cheese pull and preventing a soggy bun. The right cheese for your meatball sub ultimately depends on your personal preference and the specific combination of ingredients you use.
The Ultimate Broccoli Salad: Cheese or No Cheese?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The most popular cheeses for a meatball sub are provolone and mozzarella.
Provolone has a more nutty and spicy flavour than mozzarella.
Parmesan is often used to finish a meatball sub.
Fontina is a popular choice, as well as a combination of mozzarella and provolone.
