The Perfect Cheese For An Italian Hoagie

The Italian hoagie is a sandwich that is loaded with cured meats, cheese, and herbs. The type of cheese used in an Italian hoagie is a topic of debate, but most people agree that provolone is the best option. Some people also use mozzarella, while others suggest that American, cheddar, or muenster cheese does not belong on a New York-style Italian hoagie.

Provolone is the most common cheese for Italian hoagies

Provolone is a non-negotiable ingredient in an Italian hoagie, according to some. While other cheeses, such as mozzarella, can be used in an emergency, provolone is the classic choice and provides the ideal balance of flavours and textures.

The salty, sharp, and tangy notes of provolone pair well with the other ingredients in an Italian hoagie. Its creamy texture also helps to balance the crispiness of the roll and the other ingredients. Provolone is also a relatively mild cheese, so it won't overpower the other flavours in the sandwich.

In addition, provolone is a versatile cheese that can be sliced or shredded to suit different preferences and cooking methods. It also melts well, making it ideal for a toasted hoagie.

Finally, provolone is widely available in deli counters, making it an accessible and convenient choice for those preparing Italian hoagies at home or in restaurants. Its popularity and availability make it a reliable choice for creating a delicious and crowd-pleasing Italian hoagie.

Mozzarella can be used as an alternative

While the classic Italian hoagie is made using provolone cheese, you can use mozzarella as an alternative. However, this is a break-in-case-of-emergency type of situation, as the use of provolone is non-negotiable for a New York-style Italian hoagie.

Ingredients

• 1 Italian hoagie roll
• - Mayonnaise
• - Pickled cherry pepper spread
• - Genoa salami
• - Mortadella
• - Prosciutto di Parma
• - Provolone or mozzarella cheese
• - Beefsteak tomato
• - Pickled pepperoncini peppers
• - Fresh herbs (parsley, oregano, rosemary)
• - Iceberg lettuce
• - Red wine vinaigrette
• - Salt and pepper, to taste

Method

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

To make the pickled cherry pepper spread, add all the ingredients to a small food processor and pulse until you get a chunky purée. Transfer the mixture to a small bowl and set aside.

Next, make the red wine vinaigrette by combining all the ingredients, except for the olive oil, in a medium bowl. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the dressing emulsifies. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.

Now it's time to assemble the sandwich. Place the hoagie roll on a sheet pan and toast it in the oven for 5 minutes. Slice the roll lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Open the roll and spread mayonnaise and pickled cherry pepper spread on the top and bottom layers.

Shingle the salami across the bottom half of the roll, followed by the mortadella, prosciutto, and cheese. Add the tomatoes and pepperoncini peppers. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and spread the iceberg lettuce across the top.

Drizzle the sandwich with red wine vinaigrette and season with salt and pepper. Slice the hoagie in half and serve immediately.

Tips

• To reduce the pungency of the onions, soak them in water for a bit before adding them to the sandwich. Be sure to dry them well so they don't add moisture to the hoagie.
• When layering the ingredients, avoid placing the tomatoes next to the cheese, as both are slippery and may slide off the sandwich.
• If you can't find an Italian hoagie roll, you can use a portion of a full loaf of Italian bread or a baguette. Just be aware that a baguette might be too crusty and dense.

American, cheddar, and muenster are not suitable

When it comes to an Italian hoagie, the choice of cheese is crucial. While there is flexibility with the types of cold cuts used, the cheese is non-negotiable. Provolone is the classic choice for an Italian hoagie, and it is important to stick to this and avoid American, cheddar, and muenster cheese.

American cheese is a processed cheese product that is often made with a combination of cheeses, emulsifiers, and other ingredients. It has a mild, creamy flavour and a smooth, meltable texture. While it is a popular choice for sandwiches, grilled cheese, and burgers, it is not suitable for an Italian hoagie. The reason is that American cheese lacks the sharpness and tanginess that a traditional Italian hoagie cheese should have. It also has a very different melt and texture compared to provolone, which can affect the overall experience of the sandwich.

Cheddar cheese is another popular variety, known for its sharp, nutty flavour and firm texture. However, cheddar does not belong on an Italian hoagie. This is because cheddar has a distinct flavour that can overwhelm the other ingredients in the sandwich. The sharp, tangy taste of cheddar is not in line with the more subtle, savoury notes of the Italian meats and condiments. Additionally, cheddar does not melt or drape over the meats in the same way that provolone does, affecting the overall mouthfeel and texture of the hoagie.

Muenster cheese, a semi-soft variety with a mild, slightly sweet flavour, is also not suitable for an Italian hoagie. While muenster can be a good melting cheese for certain sandwiches, it does not have the sharpness or tang that provolone brings to an Italian hoagie. The mildness of muenster can make the sandwich seem bland, and its softer texture can make the hoagie seem overly soggy, especially when paired with the vinegar-drenched lettuce and other moist ingredients.

In conclusion, while American, cheddar, and muenster cheeses are all excellent in their own right, they do not belong on an Italian hoagie. The unique flavour and texture profile of provolone is essential to the authentic Italian hoagie experience, and any substitutions can detract from the classic combination of flavours and textures that make this sandwich so beloved.

The cheese must be sliced thinly

When making an Italian hoagie, it's important to slice the cheese thinly. This is because the cheese is a key component of the sandwich, and thinly sliced cheese will ensure that the sandwich is well-balanced in terms of flavour and texture.

Thinly sliced cheese will also allow for better layering of the ingredients. An Italian hoagie typically includes multiple types of meat and cheese, as well as toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and peppers. By slicing the cheese thinly, you can create a more uniform layer that allows the other ingredients to shine as well. This will also help to prevent the sandwich from becoming too heavy or overwhelming to eat.

In addition, thinly sliced cheese will melt more easily when the sandwich is toasted or grilled, creating a gooey and delicious texture that contrasts nicely with the crispiness of the bread and the freshness of the toppings.

Finally, slicing the cheese thinly can help with portion control. Italian hoagies are typically large sandwiches, and by slicing the cheese thinly, you can still enjoy the flavour it adds without making the sandwich too heavy or rich. This can help to create a more well-rounded and enjoyable eating experience.

So, when crafting your Italian hoagie, remember to take the time to thinly slice your cheese. It will make a difference in the overall quality and enjoyment of your sandwich.

Layer the cheese with the meat

Layering the cheese with the meat is a crucial step in making an Italian hoagie. The key is to create a harmonious balance between the rich, fatty flavours of the meat and the salty, tangy notes of the cheese. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect combination:

Step 1: Choose the Right Cheese

For an Italian hoagie, the cheese of choice is typically Provolone. It adds a salty kick to the sandwich and pairs well with the cured meats. If you want to add a little spice, opt for Picante Provolone. In a pinch, you could also use sliced mozzarella, but Provolone is the traditional favourite.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat

The beauty of an Italian hoagie is the variety of meats it showcases. The most common combination includes Genoa salami, capicola (also known as "gabagool"), pepperoni, and boiled ham. Some variations also include mortadella, prosciutto, or hot soppressata if you want some spice. Ensure that all your meats are sliced thinly and paper-thin to allow for easy layering and biting.

Step 3: Layering Technique

Now it's time to assemble your hoagie. Start by spreading mayonnaise on the bottom half of your roll or bread. You can also add a drizzle of dressing or vinegar and oil for extra flavour. Then, begin layering your meats, creating an even distribution across the bread. After you've laid down your first layer of meat, add your cheese. You can use a single layer or multiple slices, depending on your preference. Repeat this process, alternating between meat and cheese, until you've reached your desired thickness.

Step 4: Final Touches

Once you've finished layering the cheese and meat, it's time to add the remaining ingredients. Top with shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced tomatoes, onions, and pickled peppers. Drizzle with more vinegar and oil, and season generously with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Finally, crown your masterpiece with the top half of the roll, and your Italian hoagie is ready to be devoured!

Frequently asked questions