The Perfect Cheese For Meatball Sandwiches

Meatball sandwiches are a hearty meal, and the type of cheese you use can make or break the dish. While you can use any cheese you like, Italian cheeses are the most common, with provolone, mozzarella, and parmesan being popular choices. If you're feeling adventurous, you could try using a blend of cheeses or a different variety altogether, such as cheddar, Swiss, or blue cheese. The key is to choose a cheese that melts well and complements the other flavours in the sandwich.

Mozzarella and provolone

Mozzarella is a mild, white cheese that melts well and has a stretchy texture. It can be fresh or smoked, but note that fresh mozzarella may take longer to melt and could burn the bread.

Provolone is a mild, slightly tangy cheese with a springy texture. It is often smoked, which adds depth of flavour to the sandwich.

When making a meatball sandwich, it's important to consider the melt factor of the cheese. You want the cheese to melt enough so that it doesn't contrast with the temperature of the meatballs. A blend of mozzarella and provolone will give you the best of both worlds: the stretch of mozzarella and the flavour of provolone.

To make the perfect meatball sandwich, start by baking your meatballs and making your marinara sauce from scratch. Then, slice a hoagie roll or baguette lengthwise, and scoop out some of the bread to make room for the meatballs. Brush the inside with seasoned olive oil or garlic butter, and toast the roll in the oven.

Next, add your meatballs and a generous spoonful of sauce. Top with a blend of shredded mozzarella and provolone cheese, and return the sandwich to the oven until the cheese is melted and gooey.

Serve immediately, as these sandwiches tend to get soggy quickly. Enjoy!

Cheddar

A meatball sandwich is a simple dish, so it is important that the ingredients are of good quality. White cheddar has a mild flavour and melts well, making it a great option for a meatball sandwich. It is also a popular choice for those who want to avoid Italian cheeses.

When making a meatball sandwich with cheddar, it is important to consider the other ingredients. The bread should be crusty or a simple hotdog bun, and the meatballs should be tender. A tangy marinara sauce pairs well with the cheddar, and the sandwich should be served hot so that the cheese melts.

For an extra cheesy treat, you could try adding cheddar to the meatballs themselves. Simply add a cube of cheddar to the centre of each meatball before baking. This will result in a delicious, oozy cheese centre.

Parmesan

One recipe recommends mixing ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, Parmesan, and spices with your hands before shaping the mixture into meatballs. Another suggests combining Italian sausage, ground beef, onion, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic, and an egg.

When it comes to serving, one recipe suggests sprinkling Parmesan on top of the mozzarella layer, while another recommends serving the meatball sandwiches with extra grated Parmesan on the side.

Some recipes also suggest using a blend of cheeses, with Parmesan paired with mozzarella, provolone, or ricotta.

Ricotta

To make ricotta meatballs, you can follow this general recipe:

• Combine ricotta cheese, eggs, garlic, and other seasonings in a large bowl. Whisk them together until well blended and somewhat smooth.
• Add ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken), parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, breadcrumbs, and any additional seasonings of your choice. Stir the mixture until just combined, using your hands if needed.
• Slightly wet your hands and shape the mixture into meatballs of your desired size.
• Cook the meatballs by browning them in a skillet, baking them in the oven, or simmering them in your favourite marinara sauce.
• Serve the meatballs on sandwiches, with pasta, salad, or vegetables. Top with extra parmesan and herbs if desired.

Benefits of Using Ricotta

User Testimonials

Many people have shared their positive experiences with using ricotta in meatball sandwiches:

• "The ricotta keeps the meatballs so tender and moist."
• "The meatballs are excellent... They also freeze well."
• "These are SO good!... My family unanimously voted that this is our new go-to recipe for meatballs!"
• "The addition of ricotta was new to me, but it worked really well. I did add about a tablespoon of King Arthur's pizza seasoning to the mix, and I cut the salt by half."

Suggested Combinations

When creating your meatball sandwiches with ricotta, you can experiment with various combinations of cheeses and sauces. Here are some ideas:

• Combine ricotta with other cheeses such as parmesan, mozzarella, provolone, or asiago.
• Serve the meatballs in a marinara sauce, tomato sauce, or spaghetti sauce.
• Top your sandwich with fresh basil or other herbs.
• Use ricotta as a spread on a garlic-toasted roll.

Asiago

When making a meatball sandwich with Asiago, it is best to grate the cheese and mix it into the meatball mixture. This will give the meatballs a creamy texture and a more intense flavour. The cheese will also help to bind the meatballs, ensuring they hold their shape during cooking.

To make Asiago meatballs, simply mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, and spices with grated Asiago cheese. Shape the mixture into small, evenly-sized balls and fry until browned on all sides. Meatballs can be cooked in a tomato-based sauce or baked in the oven. For a true meatball sandwich experience, serve the meatballs in a toasted baguette or sub roll with tomato sauce and melted cheese.

For an extra cheesy kick, sprinkle some grated Asiago on top of the meatballs before baking, or add a slice of Asiago to the sandwich. This will create a delicious, savoury contrast to the other ingredients and elevate your meatball sandwich to the next level.

Frequently asked questions