Meatball subs are the ultimate comfort food, and picking the right cheese can take them to a whole new level. We take decisions like this pretty seriously at The Sandwich Shop, so it’s essential to know your cheeses. While you can put pretty much any cheese you like on your sub, not all options are ideal for sandwiches. Everyone has their personal preferences, but some cheeses are definitely more popular than others to finish off a delicious meatball sub. There are three top contenders: provolone, Swiss, and American.
A meatball sub may be the perfect comfort food, but the cheese can make or break your sandwich. Here’s how our top three cheeses compare.
Provolone
Provolone is often the go-to cheese for a meatball sub. It’s an aged cheese with a slightly nutty flavor that perfectly complements the flavors of meatballs and marinara sauce. It also melts beautifully, so it helps to hold your sub together and contain the sauce within the bread. Provolone has just enough stretch that you get the satisfying gooey cheese experience without making a mess.
Swiss
Swiss cheese is similar to provolone in taste (though it’s slightly sweet) and meltiness. It also complements the meatballs and sauce without overpowering their stronger flavors. However, because Swiss cheese has holes in it, you sometimes need multiple layers to completely cover the meatballs in cheese. Not everyone likes this much cheese on their sub, but for others, the cheesier the better.
American
Some people are inclined to turn their noses up at American cheese, but it’s actually a great sandwich and melting cheese. Its mild flavor and smooth texture blend well with other ingredients, and it melts incredibly easily. If the melty consistency of warm cheese is what you’re after, American cheese is the perfect choice.
So, Which Cheese Wins?
Honestly, it all comes down to your taste buds. If you love a sharp, nutty kick, provolone’s for you. If you want something mild and mellow, Swiss is the way to go. And if you’re a sucker for that ooey-gooey cheese factor, American cheese is your best bet. We don’t cheese-shame at The Sandwich Shop. Your comfort food choices are up to you.