When it comes to picking the perfect cheese for a meatball sub, there are a few key factors to consider. The first is finding a cheese that will melt nicely when heated. You want the cheese to get creamy and ooze into all the nooks and crannies of the meatballs, bread, and vegetables. Popular melted cheese choices for subs include provolone, mozzarella, and cheddar.
Provolone
Provolone is a good option for meatball subs because it has a nice mellow flavor that complements, but doesn’t overpower, the flavor of the meatballs. When melted, provolone becomes silky and creamy, coating each bite of the sub. Provolone comes in various ages and styles – provolone piccante is aged longer and has a sharper flavor, while provolone dolce is milder. For meatball subs, a medium aged provolone strikes the right balance of mellowness and flavor. High quality provolone also gets that ideal stretchy texture when melted.
Mozzarella
Fresh mozzarella and low moisture mozzarella are both excellent choices for meatball subs. Fresh mozzarella has a delicate dairy flavor and soft, pillowy texture that melts into stringy deliciousness. Low moisture mozzarella has a bit more complex nutty, buttery flavor and melts into gleaming puddles of cheese. The beauty of mozzarella on a meatball sub is that it melts beautifully while still retaining some texture. Each bite is a satisfying mix of melted mozzarella enveloping the flavorsome meatball.
Cheddar
For those who like some sharpness to balance the richness of the meatballs, aged cheddar is a good choice. The tang of the cheddar contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the meatballs. Use a good quality extra sharp cheddar and shred it finely so it melts thoroughly. The flavor will become more pronounced when melted. White cheddar also works well, giving you thatnostalgic vibes of a classic cheese pizza with extra cheesy meatballs. Just be careful not to use too aged of a cheddar, as very dry and crumbly cheddar may not melt properly.
Other Cheeses to Consider
While provolone, mozzarella and cheddar are likely the most popular choices, there are a few other cheeses worth considering for your meatball sub:
- Swiss – Nutty, slightly sweet flavor that melts into a smooth consistency
- Pepper Jack – Spicy kick complements the richness of the meatballs
- Smoked Gouda – Adds a smoky flavor note
- Havarti – Creamy with a hint of tanginess
- Fontina – Earthy, nutty, becomes very creamy when melted
Combination Cheeses
You can also use a combination of cheeses to get the best of both worlds. A meatball sub with both provolone and mozzarella gives you the melting creaminess of both. Or mix pepper jack and cheddar for a blend of spicy and sharp flavors. Havarti and Swiss is another good combo. Just be sure to shred or slice all cheeses thinly so they melt properly.
Amount of Cheese
When it comes to the amount of cheese, it’s hard to go wrong with extra cheese on a meatball sub! But a good starting point is around 4-6 oz of cheese per 6-8 inch sub roll. Adjust according to your preferences – if you really love melted cheese, go for 8 oz or more. Just be sure to layer it evenly over the meatballs so it melts thoroughly as the sub cooks.
Cooking Method
To get the cheese properly melted on a meatball sub, they are best cooked in the oven or on the stove in a panini press. Heat your subs at 350F degrees in the oven for 5-10 minutes until the bread is toasty and the cheese is fully melted. You can also cook them in a panini press to crisp up the bread while melting the cheese inside. Meatball subs are not ideal for microwaving as it makes the bread soggy.
Bread Choice
The right bread is key to containing all those delicious fillings while still getting nice and toasty. For meatball subs, you want a bread that is soft and sturdy. Italian or French bread rolls around 6-8 inches work perfectly. Baguettes and crustier artisanal breads don’t contain the fillings as well. And be sure to slice the bread roll completely in half rather than just a hinge cut. This allows it to fully wrap around the meatballs and bake up crispy.
Other Fillings
In addition to oozing, melted cheese, what else belongs on a meatball sub? Here are some tasty fillings to consider:
- Marinara sauce -Adds moisture and brings all the flavors together
- Onions – Sauteed, grilled, or raw provide flavor
- Mushrooms – Sauteed mushrooms add another layer of umami
- Bell peppers – Roasted red peppers add sweetness
- Banana peppers – Pickled banana peppers bring spice and acidity
- Olives – Salty, briny flavor
- Lettuce – Crisp cool lettuce balances the richness
- Tomatoes – Sliced tomatoes add juiciness
- Spinach – Quick-wilted spinach is an easy way to add veggies
Pick and choose your favorite fillings but be careful not to overstuff the sub. You want to fully taste all the components in each bite, with the cheeses and meatballs as the stars of the show.
Conclusion
When making a meatball sub, go for a high-quality cheese that melts well, like provolone, mozzarella or cheddar. Use 4-6 oz of shredded cheese per sub, and cook it in the oven or a panini press to get it perfectly melted. Complement the cheese and meatballs with sauteed vegetables, marinara sauce, and other tasty fillings. With the right cheese and cooking method, you’ll achieve meatball sub perfection!