Best Cheeses To Compliment A Roast Beef Sub

A roast beef sub is a delicious and hearty meal, and the type of cheese you choose can really elevate it. There are several cheeses that pair well with roast beef, and the best one for you will depend on your taste preferences and the other ingredients in your sub. A classic choice is cheddar, which provides a sharp flavor and creamy texture that complements the beef. Swiss cheese is another excellent option, with its distinct nutty and slightly sweet flavor. Provolone is a good choice for an Italian-style roast beef sub, as its smooth and mild flavor blends well with the beef. For a bolder flavor, you can add some crumbled blue cheese, which will give your sub a gourmet upgrade. Other cheeses that go well with roast beef include Gruyère, horseradish Havarti, Monterey Jack, and Manchego.

Best bread for a roast beef and cheese sub

When it comes to making a roast beef and cheese sub, the bread you choose can make a big difference. Here are some tips and suggestions for selecting the best bread to elevate your sandwich experience.

Factors to Consider

Firmness and Texture

If you like your sub piled high with generous portions of roast beef and toppings, you'll need a sturdy and firm bread that can hold it all together. Soft breads like supermarket white bread or brioche tend to fall apart and are not ideal. Instead, opt for chewy, crusty, or hard varieties. Kaiser rolls are a popular choice for those who prefer pillowy breads, while hard rolls or crusty sourdoughs are excellent options for a firmer texture.

Taste

While your roast beef should be the star of the show, the right bread can complement its savory flavor. Avoid strongly flavored breads like egg-enriched challah or fruity options such as pumpkin or banana bread. Instead, consider mild and tangy sourdough, which can enhance the overall taste experience without overwhelming the beef.

Recommended Bread Options

Artisan Breads

If you have access to an artisanal bakery, take advantage of their specialty breads. Freshly baked options like crusty French or Italian sandwich breads can take your sub to the next level.

Baguette

A crispy baguette, sliced and stuffed with roast beef, cheese, and toppings, can create a delightful textural contrast. This preparation style is similar to a Vietnamese bánh mì.

Ciabatta

Italian ciabatta bread offers a delightful combination of a crunchy crust and a soft, airy interior. The crust keeps the sandwich tidy, while the airy bubbles soak up melted cheese or sauces for a tasty treat.

Hoagie Rolls

Hoagie rolls are a great choice for roast beef subs as they are large and sturdy. You can load up all your toppings without worrying about the sandwich falling apart.

Sub Rolls

If you prefer a longer roll, sub rolls are a good option. They provide a bit more length than hoagie rolls, giving you extra room for all your favorite fillings.

Best cheese for a roast beef and cheese sub

There are many cheeses that can be paired with roast beef to make a delicious sub. Here are some of the best options:

Provolone

Provolone is a smooth and mild cheese that pairs wonderfully with roast beef. It has a slightly sweet and creamy flavour when melted, making it a great choice for paninis, melts, or standard sliced sandwiches. Provolone helps to bind the ingredients together, creating a cohesive and satisfying sandwich.

Cheddar

Cheddar is a classic pairing with roast beef and for good reason. Aged cheddar provides a sharp flavour and creamy texture that complements the beef. The intensity of the cheddar stands up to the hearty flavours of the meat. For an extra tangy contrast, pair sharp cheddar with bakery-style bread.

Swiss Cheese

Swiss cheese is a popular choice for deli-style roast beef sandwiches. It has a distinct nutty and slightly sweet flavour, with a firm yet creamy texture that melts nicely. Swiss cheese adds a lovely flavour dimension to a warm roast beef melt.

Blue Cheese

For a bolder flavour, crumbled blue cheese can add a tangy and creamy taste to your roast beef sub. A drizzle of blue cheese dressing or a sprinkling of blue cheese crumbles can really kick things up a notch. Just be sure not to overpower the beef—a little goes a long way!

Horseradish Havarti

For fans of the classic horseradish and roast beef combo, horseradish-flavoured Havarti is a great choice. The pungent kick of horseradish pairs perfectly with the juicy roast beef, while the smooth and buttery Havarti provides the ideal base for this flavour profile.

Monterey Jack

When making a hot roast beef sub, Monterey Jack is an excellent cheese option. Its creamy texture and mild flavour melt beautifully, creating a luscious, cheesy experience. Shredded Monterey Jack blends seamlessly with roast beef, making it perfect for a cheesy cheesesteak-style sandwich.

Best toppings for a roast beef and cheese sub

There are many different toppings that can take your roast beef and cheese sub to the next level. Here are some ideas for how to make your sub truly excellent.

Cheese

The cheese you choose can make or break your sub. A good rule of thumb is that mild cheeses allow the flavour of the beef to take centre stage, while stronger cheeses will make more of a flavour statement. Some popular options for roast beef subs are:

• Provolone: a natural fit for paninis, melts, or your standard sliced sandwich.
• Swiss: the go-to pairing for roast beef in deli-style sandwiches.
• Cheddar: a default choice for many, aged cheddar in particular provides a sharp flavour and creamy texture that complements the beef beautifully.
• Blue cheese: a gourmet option that adds a tangy, creamy characteristic to your sub.
• Monterey Jack: a mild cheese that melts beautifully, making it a good choice for hot roast beef sandwiches.
• Mueller
• Mozzarella
• Gouda
• Fontina
• Asiago
• Gruyère: similar to Swiss cheese but with a deeper, sweeter, more complex flavour.
• Horseradish-flavoured Havarti: the creaminess of the cheese mellows out the sinus-clearing horseradish for a nice balance.
• Plain Havarti: its delicate, buttery flavour strikes just the right balance with robust beef.
• Parmesan: while not typically sliced and paired with roast beef, grated Parmesan can add a wonderful salty, nutty kick to roast beef entrées.

Other toppings

In addition to cheese, there are numerous other toppings that can enhance your roast beef sub. Here are some ideas:

• Lettuce: Arugula and micro-greens are popular choices.
• Vegetables: red onions, radishes, and tomatoes are a good combination. You could also add sliced tomato, lettuce, arugula, or red onion.
• Sauces: horseradish sauce, blue cheese dressing, Russian dressing, or thousand island dressing are all good choices.
• Condiments: freshly grated horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, or hot sauce can add a kick to your sub.
• Bacon jam: a mind-blowing combination that takes your sandwich to the next level.
• Mayonnaise: horseradish mayonnaise is a good choice if you like a bit of a kick.
• Mustard: spicy mustard or Dijon mustard can add a tangy flavour contrast.
• Onions: try caramelized onions for an over-the-top sandwich experience.
• Crispy fried onions: perfect for a barbecue roast beef sub.
• Pickles: try cornichons on a steakhouse-style roast beef platter.
• Crisps: crushed crisps can add a nice crunch to your sub.
• Salad: try a roast beef salad with blue cheese dressing or blue cheese crumbles.

Best sauces for a roast beef and cheese sub

There are many sauces that can elevate a roast beef and cheese sub. Here are some options to consider:

Creamy Horseradish Sauce

This sauce is a popular choice for roast beef sandwiches. It has a creamy texture and a tangy flavour that pairs well with the meat. Horseradish adds a nice kick to the sandwich without being too overpowering.

Mustard Sauce

A nice whole-grain or Dijon mustard can add a bit of spice and flavour to your sub. You can also mix Dijon mustard with horseradish for an extra kick. Mustard is a versatile condiment that can be adjusted to your taste preferences.

Arby's Sauce

Arby's sauce, also known as Arby-Q sauce, is a delicious and unique option for your sub. It is a slightly sweet and tangy barbecue-style sauce that pairs well with roast beef. This sauce can be found at Arby's restaurants or recreated at home with similar ingredients.

Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is a classic condiment that can add a creamy texture and mild flavour to your sub. It serves as a neutral base that allows the other flavours in your sandwich to shine. You can also mix mayonnaise with other ingredients, such as horseradish, to create a custom sauce.

Blue Cheese Dressing

Blue cheese dressing or crumbles can add a tangy and savoury flavour to your sub. Blue cheese pairs well with beef and provides a creamy texture similar to mayonnaise. It is a strong flavour, so a little goes a long way.

Chimichurri Sauce

Chimichurri sauce is a bold and flavourful choice for your sub. It is made with fresh herbs, garlic, and spicy peppers, which can complement the flavours of the roast beef and cheese. This sauce is especially good on grilled steaks or beef sandwiches.

These are just a few suggestions, but feel free to get creative and experiment with different sauces and condiments to find your perfect combination!

Best sides for a roast beef and cheese sub

A roast beef and cheese sub is a hearty sandwich that can be a meal in itself, but sometimes you want to bulk it out with some tasty sides. Here are some ideas for sides that will complement your sandwich:

Salads

A fresh, crisp salad can be a great way to balance out the richness of the sub. Try a simple everyday green salad, or a more substantial tomato cucumber salad. If you want something a little more indulgent, a strawberry caprese pasta salad will add a touch of sweetness to your meal.

Vegetables

Roast beef and cheese subs tend to be quite heavy, so some light and crispy vegetables can be a great way to round out the meal. Air fryer green beans or baked asparagus fries are a tasty and healthy option. If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, crispy baked cauliflower tots or panko-fried pickle chips are a great choice.

Potato dishes

Potato dishes are always a satisfying side, and there are plenty of options to choose from. Homemade potato chips with gorgonzola cheese sauce are a delicious upgrade on a classic, or you could try loaded baked potatoes with all your favourite toppings. For something a little more unusual, Hawaiian macaroni salad is sure to be a hit.

Other sides

If you're looking for something a little different, there are plenty of options to explore. Baked goods like brioche burger buns or potato buns can add an extra layer of flavour and texture to your sub. You could also try a side of BBQ beef or slow-cooked pulled pork to mix things up.

Drinks

Whatever sides you choose, remember that the most important thing is to enjoy your meal! So get creative, experiment with different flavours and ingredients, and most importantly, have fun!

Frequently asked questions