The Best Cheeses For An Italian Sub Sandwich

The Italian sub is a sandwich piled high with cured meats, cheese, and vegetables. While there are many variations, the cheese used is typically provolone. In fact, some say that provolone is non-negotiable for an authentic New York-style Italian sub. However, Swiss cheese is also considered a suitable option.

Provolone is the standard cheese

Provolone is a salty, cured cheese that pairs perfectly with the cured meats that are also typical of an Italian sub. These meats include salami, pepperoni, capicola, and ham. The meat and cheese combo is what makes it an Italian sub. You can add other meats and cheeses on top of that, but provolone should be the standard.

For a New York-style Italian sub, you'll want to use a 12-inch oblong-shaped Italian hero roll. It will either be seeded with sesame seeds or plain. If you can't find this type of roll, you could use a baguette, but it might be too crusty and dense. Another option is to buy a full loaf of Italian bread and use a portion of it for your sub.

To assemble your Italian sub, first, scoop out some of the bread from the top half of the roll to make room for the fillings. Then, spread mayonnaise on the bottom half of the roll. Next, layer on your meats and cheese. On top of the cheese, add your vegetables: shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced tomatoes, sliced onions, and pickled peppers. Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar, then sprinkle with dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Close the sandwich and enjoy!

Mozzarella can be used in emergencies

The Italian sub is a sandwich with many variations, but it typically includes a combination of cured meats such as salami, pepperoni, and capicola. It is served on a sturdy sub roll or Italian loaf, with toppings like shredded iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickled peppers. The sandwich is dressed with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano.

When building an Italian sub, the architecture is important. The meat is crucial, and a good selection of thinly sliced, cured Italian meats is essential. The texture should be light and airy, not dense. The cheese is also sliced thinly and placed on top of the meat, followed by the lettuce, onion, and tomato. The sandwich is then drizzled with olive oil and vinegar and sprinkled with oregano.

While provolone is the standard choice, mozzarella can be used in a pinch. It is a softer cheese, so it may not provide the same texture and flavour as provolone. However, in an emergency, it can be a suitable substitute.

Mozzarella is a fresh, soft cheese that is mild in flavour and can be purchased in most supermarkets. It is a versatile cheese that melts well and is often used in dishes like pizza and lasagna. While it may not be the first choice for an Italian sub, it can be a suitable alternative if provolone is unavailable or if someone prefers mozzarella.

Swiss cheese is nice too

The beauty of an Italian sub is that you can get creative with the ingredients. Sure, there are some non-negotiables—like the cured meats—but you can absolutely put your own spin on it. If you're a Swiss cheese fan, go for it!

Swiss cheese has a mild, nutty flavour and a creamy texture that can complement the other ingredients in an Italian sub perfectly. It's a versatile cheese that can add a touch of sophistication to your sandwich.

When building your Swiss cheese Italian sub, consider the other components as well. Start with a sturdy sub roll or a demi Italian loaf to prevent sogginess. Layer on your favourite cured meats—maybe some Genoa salami, pepperoni, or prosciutto. Then add your Swiss cheese, sliced nice and thin.

Don't forget the veggies! Shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and pickled peppers are classic choices. You can also add sliced onions, but be sure to soak them in water first to take the edge off.

To finish it off, a drizzle of olive oil and red wine vinegar, along with a sprinkle of dried oregano, will bring all the flavours together. So, don't be afraid to get creative and use Swiss cheese on your next Italian sub—it might just become your new favourite!

American cheese is a no-go

Provolone is the standard cheese for Italian subs, and it's what people like best. It's what you'll find in every NY deli. But while provolone is the standard, Swiss cheese is also nice.

You want a cheese that's salty, and that's why provolone is the perfect choice. It's a firm, aged cow's-milk cheese with a mild, tangy flavour. It's the ideal complement to the Italian cured meats that are layered into an Italian sub.

So, if you're making an Italian sub, skip the American cheese and go for provolone. It's the only way to get that authentic Italian flavour.

Cured meats are a must

If you want to be strict about it, skip the ham or mortadella and go for cured meats only. Prosciutto is a great choice for this, as is Genoa salami or hot soppressata. If you want to add some heat, go for the hot version of the soppressata.

You can also add some spicy coppa to your sub for an extra kick.

Frequently asked questions