Best Cheeses For Meatball Subs: A Melty Combo

Meatball subs are a popular comfort food, and the type of cheese used can make or break the sandwich. The cheese should complement the flavours of the meatballs and sauce without overpowering them. It should also melt well, resulting in a satisfying cheese pull. The most popular cheeses used in meatball subs are provolone, mozzarella, and parmesan. Provolone is an aged cheese with a slightly nutty flavour that pairs well with meatballs and marinara sauce. It also melts beautifully, helping to hold the sub together. Mozzarella is another classic choice—it's creamy and mild, and melts perfectly. Parmesan is often used to finish a meatball sub, adding a salty, pronounced flavour.

Explore related products

BelGioioso Deli Sliced Mild Provolone Cheese (1.5 lbs)

$42

Rumiano Organic Havarti Cheese, Sliced, 6 oz

$4.49 $5.99

Provolone Cheese | 2.75 lb Loaf | Mild, Smooth & Creamy Italian-Style Authentic Wisconsin Provolone Cheese | Perfect for Pizza, Pasta & More

$38.75

Organic Valley Alpine Style Organic Baby Swiss Cheese Slices

$5.89

Sargento Natural Colby-Jack Sliced Cheese, 11 Slices

$2.83

Provolone Cheese Premium (Sharp) One Pound. Frank and Sal Imported Cut Fresh and Vacuum Sealed Daily To Order

$28.98

Mozzarella is a classic choice

Mozzarella can be used in combination with other cheeses, such as fontina and provolone, to create an ultra-gooey meatball sub. This combination of cheeses can be sprinkled with store-bought Parmesan for added flavour. However, it is recommended to avoid using too much fresh mozzarella as it can become watery. A blend of cheeses often works best to achieve the desired melting action and flavour.

When preparing a meatball sub with mozzarella, it is important to ensure that the cheese melts properly. This can be achieved by baking the sub in an oven preheated to 375°F for about 8 minutes. The sub should be placed on a sheet tray with the opening facing up to prevent the cheese from melting out. Alternatively, the sub can be wrapped in tin foil before baking to achieve a softer bread texture while still melting the cheese.

The type of bread used for meatball subs is also important. Sturdy rolls, such as brioche, Italian-style sub rolls, or French bread, are recommended to hold up to the weight of the meatballs and sauce without becoming soggy. The bread can be toasted before assembling the sub for added texture.

Overall, mozzarella is a versatile and popular choice for meatball subs, offering a mild and creamy flavour that pairs well with the other ingredients. Its melting properties and wide availability make it a convenient option for creating a delicious and satisfying meatball sub sandwich.

Provolone is a good alternative

Provolone is a type of Italian cheese that is known for its bold flavours. It is often used in meatball subs because it melts well and results in a satisfying cheese pull. The cheese has a delicate flavour that will not overpower the juicy meatballs and zesty marinara sauce. It is also a good choice for those who want to add more complex flavours and textures to their sub.

When using provolone in a meatball sub, it is important to shred the cheese before adding it to the sandwich. This will ensure that it melts properly and results in a gooey, cheesy sub. The cheese can be shredded a few hours in advance and stored in the fridge. To assemble the sub, start by slicing the hoagie roll down the middle and adding the desired number of meatballs. Then, top with marinara sauce and shredded provolone cheese. Finally, bake the sub in the oven until the cheese is melted and golden.

In addition to provolone, other cheeses that can be used in meatball subs include fontina, smoked mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan. However, when using fresh mozzarella, it is important to be careful as it can become watery. A blend of cheeses can also be used to get a good melting action and flavour.

Parmesan can be sprinkled on top

There are many types of cheese that can be used for meatball subs, including fontina, smoked mozzarella, provolone, cheddar, and fresh mozzarella. Parmesan is another option, although it is considered a rarer and more expensive choice.

Sprinkling Parmesan on top of a meatball sub can add extra flavour to the sandwich. To make a meatball sub with Parmesan, you can follow these general steps:

First, preheat your oven to a temperature between 375 and 425 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is preheating, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce. For the meatballs, you can combine ground beef, pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Mix the ingredients until they are well combined, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough. Form the mixture into balls, and fry or bake them until they are cooked through. For the sauce, you can use a store-bought spaghetti sauce or make your own.

Next, cut the sub rolls almost in half, leaving a hinge, and place them on a baking sheet. You can use brioche, Italian sub rolls, or French bread for the subs. Add a few tablespoons of sauce to each roll, and then place the cooked meatballs inside. Top the meatballs with shredded provolone, fontina, or mozzarella cheese. You can also mix these cheeses together for a blend of flavours and optimal melting.

Finally, place the subs in the oven and bake for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden. Remove the subs from the oven and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. You can also add other toppings, such as fresh basil, red pepper flakes, or parsley, to enhance the flavour and presentation. Serve the meatball subs warm, and enjoy the combination of melted cheese and juicy meatballs.

Explore related products

Shullsburg Creamery - 120 Slice American Cheese - 5 Pound Loaf

$35.69

Organic Valley Organic Provolone Cheese Slice, 6 Ounce -- 12 per case.

$90.46

BelGioioso Extra Sharp Provolone Wedge, 16 oz.

$39

Strong Provolone Valpadana DOP 2.2 lbs (1kg) - EMILIA FOOD LOVE Selected with love in Italy (Strong, Slice 2.2 lbs (1 KG))

$49.9

Auricchio Stravecchio Provolone- From Italy

$27.98

Sharp Provolone Cheese--Imported from Italy

$39

Fontina is a tasty option

When making a meatball sub with fontina cheese, it is recommended to shred the cheese beforehand and store it in the fridge for a few hours, as freshly shredded cheese melts better and tastes better than pre-shredded cheese. To assemble the meatball sub, start by scooping some meatballs and sauce into a baguette or hoagie roll. Then, top with shredded fontina cheese and bake the sandwich in the oven until the cheese is melted and gooey.

Fontina cheese can also be combined with other cheeses, such as smoked mozzarella or provolone, to create a blend of cheeses that will result in a good melting action and flavour. For example, one recipe suggests grating and mixing fontina and smoked mozzarella together before topping the meatballs and baking the sub. This combination of cheeses creates an ultra-gooey meatball sub experience.

Overall, fontina is a tasty option for meatball subs due to its mild flavour, gooey texture, and ability to melt well, resulting in a satisfying cheese pull.

Cheddar or Swiss cheese are also used

While the most popular cheeses for meatball subs are Italian cheeses like mozzarella and provolone, cheddar or Swiss cheese can also be used. These cheeses can add a different flavour profile to the classic meatball sub, a well-loved Italian-American dish.

Cheddar is a great option for those who want a more pronounced flavour. It is a popular cheese that is widely available and can be a good substitute for mozzarella, as it melts well and has a similar creaminess.

Swiss cheese is another option for those who want to try something different. While it may be considered non-traditional, it can add a unique twist to the meatball sub.

When using cheddar or Swiss cheese, it is important to consider the other ingredients in the sub. These cheeses may pair better with certain meats, sauces, or toppings. For example, a more robust sauce or additional meats like salami, pepperoni, or bacon could complement the stronger flavour of cheddar.

Additionally, the type of bread used can also affect the overall taste experience. A sturdy roll, such as a sesame seed hoagie, is recommended to hold up to the weight of the meatballs and other toppings.

Ultimately, the choice of cheese comes down to personal preference. Meatball subs are a versatile dish that can be customised to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

Frequently asked questions