Meatball Sub: Best Cheeses To Compliment The Classic

Meatball subs are a classic Italian-American dish, and the type of cheese you choose can make or break the sandwich. The best cheeses for a meatball sub will complement the juicy meatballs and zesty marinara sauce without overwhelming them. They should also melt well, resulting in a satisfying cheese pull.

The most popular choices for meatball subs are Italian cheeses such as provolone, mozzarella, and parmesan. Provolone is mild with a nutty and slightly spicy flavour, while mozzarella is creamy and mild. Parmesan is often used to finish the sandwich, adding a salty, pronounced flavour.

Other cheese options include fontina, smoked mozzarella, cheddar, asiago, Swiss, pepper jack, white cheddar, buratta, ricotta, gorgonzola, and blue cheese. Ultimately, the choice of cheese depends on your personal preference and the specific ingredients used in your meatball sub.

Mozzarella is a popular choice, but fresh mozzarella can be watery

Mozzarella is a popular choice of cheese for a meatball sub, but fresh mozzarella can be watery. It is a mild, creamy cheese that melts perfectly and is widely available. It is a classic Italian cheese that pairs well with the spicy and zesty flavours of the meatballs in marinara sauce.

Mozzarella is a versatile cheese that can be used in many dishes, and it is a great choice for meatball subs if you are looking for a cheese that will melt well and give you that satisfying cheese pull. However, fresh mozzarella can be watery, so it is important to use it in moderation or mix it with other cheeses to balance out its moisture content.

One option is to use a blend of cheeses, such as fontina and smoked mozzarella, or fontina and mozzarella. This can help improve the melting action and flavour of the cheese on your meatball sub. Another option is to use a combination of provolone and mozzarella, as provolone is a good choice for those who prefer a nuttier and slightly spicier flavour.

When making a meatball sub, it is also important to consider the other ingredients. Succulent meatballs, zesty marinara sauce, and tasty bread are essential components. The sandwich is best served hot, and it is important to heat it long enough to melt the cheese. To prevent soggy bread, you can try the cheese hack of covering the bread with cheese to act as a barrier between the bread and the sauce.

Provolone is a mild, nutty alternative

Provolone is a popular choice for meatball subs and other Italian-style sandwiches at delis and restaurants across the US. It is a mild cheese with a nutty and slightly spicy flavour. It melts well, resulting in a satisfying cheese pull, and its nutty flavour pairs well with the zesty marinara sauce and juicy meatballs.

When making a meatball sub with provolone, you can use sliced or grated cheese. Sliced provolone allows for a more targeted approach, as you can sprinkle it exactly where you want it and control the amount used. Covering the meatballs with slices of provolone will create a sheet-like covering that envelops them. Grated provolone, on the other hand, will result in an even coating that covers the meatballs more thoroughly.

To melt the provolone, you can put the assembled sub under a broiler for a few minutes or heat it in the microwave. If your marinara sauce is hot enough, it may melt the cheese on contact. To prevent soggy bread, you can use the "cheese hack" and cover the bread with provolone before adding the sauce. This will create a barrier that keeps the bread from getting soggy, even when extra sauce is added.

In addition to provolone, you can also finish your meatball sub with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. This will add a salty, more pronounced flavour to the sandwich.

Parmesan is a popular finishing sprinkle

Parmesan: The Popular Finishing Sprinkle

Parmesan is a great choice for meatball subs because it is a hard cheese that can be grated into a fine sprinkle. This means it can be added at the end without needing to be melted, and it won't make the sandwich soggy. It also has a strong, salty flavour that adds an interesting contrast to the other ingredients without overwhelming them.

When making a meatball sub, it is common to use a combination of cheeses. Mozzarella and provolone are popular choices, as they melt well and have a mild flavour. However, these cheeses can be quite subtle, so adding Parmesan as a finishing sprinkle can add a more complex flavour profile to the sandwich.

In addition to its flavour and texture, Parmesan is also a popular choice because it is readily available. It is a well-known cheese that can be found in most grocery stores, making it an accessible option for those looking to add an extra touch to their meatball subs.

For those who want to elevate their meatball subs, Parmesan is a great way to add a touch of sophistication. Its strong flavour and unique texture make it a popular finishing sprinkle that can take the sandwich to the next level. Whether you're a home cook or a professional chef, adding a light dusting of Parmesan to your meatball sub is a simple way to impress.

A blend of cheeses works well for flavour and melting

While there are many different types of cheese that can be used on a meatball sub, a blend of cheeses will give you the best of both worlds in terms of flavour and melting capabilities.

A blend of mozzarella and provolone is a popular choice for meatball subs. Provolone has a nutty and slightly spicy flavour, while mozzarella is creamy and mild. Together, they create a delightful combination that perfectly complements the meatballs and marinara sauce. This blend of cheeses also melts well, creating a gooey and indulgent texture that is ideal for a hot sub.

Another option is to combine smoked mozzarella with fontina. Smoked mozzarella has a more robust flavour, while fontina is known for its excellent melting capabilities. This combination will give you a smoky and savoury taste with a smooth, creamy texture.

For a meatball sub with a bit of a kick, you could try blending mozzarella with pepper jack cheese. Pepper jack is a semi-soft cheese with a spicy kick that will add some heat to your sub. Mozzarella will help to balance out the spice and create a smooth, creamy texture.

If you're looking for a more classic Italian flavour, you could try blending mozzarella with parmesan. Parmesan has a salty, pronounced flavour that will enhance the overall taste of your sub. Mozzarella will again help to balance out the stronger flavour of parmesan and create a smooth, creamy texture.

Cheddar, Asiago, and Swiss are also common

While the most popular cheeses to pair with a meatball sub are provolone and mozzarella, there are several other options that are also common. These include Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, and Swiss.

Cheddar, Asiago, and Swiss are common alternatives to the classic Italian cheeses. For example, one source suggests that if you are unable to find provolone, Asiago is a good substitute. Another source recommends a blend of several cheeses, including cheddar, to get the best melting action and flavour.

Asiago is a cow's milk cheese with a rich, nutty, and slightly sweet flavour. It is an Italian cheese with a firm texture, and it melts well, making it an excellent choice for a meatball sub.

Swiss cheese, with its mild, nutty flavour and distinctive holes, is also a common choice for meatball subs. It has a creamy texture and melts well, adding a unique touch to the sandwich.

Cheddar, a cow's milk cheese, is widely available and comes in various colours, including white and yellow. It has a sharp, distinct flavour and melts well, making it a suitable option for those who want a more familiar taste.

Frequently asked questions