Cheese Perfection: The Ultimate Sub Sandwich Guide

There are many types of cheese that can be used in subs, but some of the most popular options include cheddar, provolone, Swiss, and mozzarella. When choosing the best cheese for a sub, factors such as meltability, taste, and texture should be considered. For example, young, high-fat, high-moisture, and low-acid cheeses tend to melt better and are ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches. Additionally, the type of bread and other ingredients used in the sub can also influence the choice of cheese. For instance, soft sandwich bread and butter are typically used in British cheese sandwiches, with mature cheddar or Red Leicester as the classic cheese options.

Cheddar: the classic option, balanced, melty, and customisable

Cheddar is a classic option for a sub. It's the most widely-consumed type of cheese globally and is a versatile choice for your sandwich.

First, let's talk about the different types of cheddar. You can choose between mild and mature cheddar, depending on your preference. If you're looking for a smoother texture, go for a younger cheddar. Aged cheddars tend to be drier and crumbly, but they have a more intense flavour. You can also find different colours of cheddar, ranging from pale yellow to bright orange. The colour variation is due to the addition of annatto, a natural colouring derived from the seed of the achiote tree, during the cheesemaking process.

Cheddar is a balanced option for your sub. It has a good amount of protein and fat, and it pairs well with many other ingredients. You can add hot sauce, apple slices, or fresh herbs to complement the flavour of the cheese. If you're making a grilled cheese sandwich, younger, milder cheddars will give you the best melting results. Shredding the cheese will also help it melt more evenly.

Cheddar is also a great choice because it's customizable. You can combine it with other cheeses, such as Red Leicester, to add a pop of colour and a slightly different flavour. If you want to stick with cheddar but vary the type, you can try different British hard cheeses like Double Gloucester, White Cheshire, or Shropshire Red.

So, if you're looking for a classic, versatile, and melty cheese for your sub, cheddar is an excellent option. Its adaptability and wide availability make it a popular choice for sandwiches, and its customizability allows you to create unique flavour combinations to suit your taste.

Red Leicester: adds a pop of colour and a different flavour

While the traditional option for a cheese sandwich is Cheddar, Red Leicester is a great alternative that adds a pop of colour and a different flavour. Red Leicester is a British hard cheese that pairs well with Cheddar, as it belongs to the same flavour family. It has a slightly different flavour dynamic than Cheddar, making it a unique and interesting choice for a sub.

Red Leicester is a good option for those who want to add a bit of variety to their cheese sub. It has a distinctive orange colour, which can make a sub look more appealing and interesting. The flavour of Red Leicester is slightly different from Cheddar, with a nutty, buttery taste and a creamy texture. It is a hard cheese, so it grates well and can be easily incorporated into a sub.

When using Red Leicester in a sub, it is important to consider the other ingredients. As Red Leicester has a strong flavour, it is best paired with ingredients that will complement its taste. For example, crisp and salty ingredients such as crisps or ham can provide a contrast to the creaminess of the cheese. Other classic combinations include cheese and pickle, cheese and onion, or cheese and Marmite.

Red Leicester can also be combined with other cheeses in a sub. For example, it can be paired with Cheddar to create a 50/50 combination, adding a different flavour dynamic to the sub. Other British hard cheeses that go well with Red Leicester include Double Gloucester, White Cheshire, or Shropshire Red. These cheeses have similar textures and flavours, so they can be easily combined to create a unique and tasty sub.

In conclusion, Red Leicester is a great choice for a sub as it adds a pop of colour and a different flavour. Its strong, nutty taste and creamy texture make it a unique and interesting option, and its versatility means it can be paired with a variety of ingredients to create a delicious and satisfying sub.

Swiss cheese: lower in acidity, smooth and mild in flavour, with distinctive holes

Swiss cheese is a great choice for a sub, especially if you're looking for something smooth and mild in flavour. It's also lower in acidity than other cheeses, which makes it a good melting cheese. This is because the lower acidity cheeses tend to be younger and have higher moisture content.

Swiss cheese is known for its distinctive holes, which are caused by the introduction of a bacterial culture that emits carbon dioxide during the ageing process, creating air pockets. Common types of Swiss cheese include Emmentaler, Gruyere, Raclette, Sbrinz, and Appenzeller. These varieties of cheese are versatile and pair well with a range of ingredients, making them a great option for subs.

When choosing Swiss cheese for your sub, consider the type of bread and other fillings you'll be using. If you're making a traditional Cubano, for example, Swiss cheese would be an excellent choice to pair with pulled pork, yellow mustard, ham, and dill pickles. The mild flavour and melting capabilities of Swiss cheese make it a versatile option that can complement a variety of ingredients without overwhelming them.

Additionally, Swiss cheese is a good source of protein and is lower in sodium compared to some other cheeses. This makes it a healthier option for those conscious of their sodium intake. Overall, Swiss cheese is a tasty and versatile option for subs, offering a mild flavour, good melting capabilities, and distinctive holes that add a unique touch to your sandwich.

Mozzarella: mild flavour, melts well, but fresh mozzarella can make bread soggy

Mozzarella is a mild-flavoured cheese that melts well, making it a good choice for subs. However, fresh mozzarella can be too moist, which can make bread soggy. Therefore, if you want to use mozzarella in a sub, it's better to opt for aged, shredded mozzarella, which has the stretchiness that makes it so popular as a pizza topping.

Mozzarella is a versatile cheese that can be made from various kinds of milk, although most varieties are produced from cow's milk. It is known for its creamy, delicate texture and mild flavour, with little aroma. While fresh mozzarella is delicious, its high moisture content can be problematic when used in sandwiches, as it can cause the bread to become soggy.

To avoid this issue, it is recommended to use aged mozzarella that has been shredded. This form of mozzarella develops the ideal stretchiness that makes it a popular topping for pizzas. While it may not be the most exciting choice for a sub, it can be enhanced by adding toppings such as pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and prosciutto to create a pizza-inspired flavour profile.

Mozzarella is a popular cheese that is well-loved for its mild flavour and melting qualities. However, when using it in a sub, it is important to consider the moisture content to ensure the bread remains crisp and tasty.

Provolone: melts well, pairs well with honey, Italian cured meats

Provolone is a Southern Italian cow's milk cheese that is perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches. It comes in two types: Dolce and Piccante. Dolce provolone is aged for two to three months, giving it a milder, fruity flavour and a softer texture, while Piccante is aged for four months or more, resulting in a saltier and firmer texture. Provolone is an excellent melting cheese, making it a great choice for grilled cheese sandwiches.

Provolone pairs exceptionally well with honey, creating a delightful combination of sweet and savoury flavours. The mild, fruity notes of Dolce provolone can complement the sweetness of honey, resulting in a delicious, gooey sandwich. To elevate this pairing, consider using whipped honey, which spreads easily and adds a unique texture to the sandwich.

In addition to honey, provolone also goes well with Italian cured meats. Adding meats like Mortadella, Testa, or Coppa to your sandwich can create a flavourful and hearty combination. For an extra touch of flavour, garnish your sandwich with a hint of giardiniera, an Italian relish made with mixed vegetables in vinegar or brine. This combination of provolone, Italian cured meats, and giardiniera brings together the best of Italian flavours and textures.

Provolone is a versatile cheese that can be used in various dishes. It melts smoothly, making it ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches, but it can also be sliced and enjoyed on a charcuterie board or added to pasta dishes for a creamy texture and a salty kick. Its mild flavour makes it a crowd favourite, and it pairs well with many other ingredients, making it a popular choice for sandwiches, snacks, and meals alike.

Frequently asked questions