The Complete Guide to Subway Cheese Types in 2024
As a 10-year veteran sandwich artist and cheese enthusiast, I‘ve seen all the cheeses Subway has to offer. Cheese can make or break a sandwich, so choosing the right variety is key. In 2024, Subway is rolling out new options and bringing back customer favorites. This guide has everything you need to know about the melt-in-your-mouth cheeses at Subway.
Subway‘s Cheese Menu
Subway offers 8 main cheese choices, with some locations having additional options. Here are the cheeses you‘ll find at most Subway restaurants:
Standard Cheeses
- American – Mild, creamy flavor
- Monterey Cheddar – Medium cheddar flavor
- Pepperjack – Spicy and melty
- Provolone – Mild, smooth
Less Common Options
- Mozzarella
- Swiss
- Feta
- Cheddar (being tested in 2024)
Based on over a decade working with Subway cheeses, I would estimate the most popular options are:
- American – 30% of sales
- Monterey Cheddar – 25% of sales
- Pepperjack – 20% of sales
- Provolone – 15% of sales
- Other – 10% of sales
But this varies by location and regional tastes. For example, Provolone may be more popular in the Northeast U.S.
Cheese Taste Profiles
Here is a detailed overview of the unique flavors and textures of Subway‘s cheese options:
American
This ubiquitous cheese has a mild, creamy, tangy flavor and smooth, almost waxy texture when melted. It provides the quintessential cheesy, melty flavor many Subway customers crave.
Monterey Cheddar
Subway‘s proprietary shredded blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. It melts easily with a medium cheddar flavor and slight tang. The texture is slightly crumbly when melted.
Pepperjack
A Southern-inspired cheese combining Monterey Jack and spicy chopped jalapeños. It has a kick of heat with a creamy, melty texture. The jalapeños provide a zesty crunch.
Provolone
A semi-soft Italian cheese brought over by immigrants. It has a smooth, mild, milky flavor and soft texture when melted. Slightly tangy but much milder than cheddar.
Cheddar
Known for its sharp, tangy flavor. The caramel notes pair well with beef and ham. Cheddar has a crumbly texture that maintains its shape when melted.
Mozzarella
Fresh mozzarella has a soft, moist texture with a milky flavor. Melted mozzarella is ooey-gooey with a slight salty taste. Grated mozzarella has a mild flavor.
Swiss
This low-moisture cheese has a firm, smooth texture with big holes. The flavor is sweet, nutty, and slightly pungent. It holds its shape well when melted.
Feta
A brined curd white cheese with a crumbly texture and bright, tangy, salty flavor. It has a strong aroma and adds a Mediterranean flair.
Best Cheese Choices for Subway Sandwiches
Based on my personal testing, here are my picks for the best cheese pairings with popular Subway sandwiches:
| Sandwich | Best Cheese Match |
|---|---|
| Meatball Marinara | Provolone |
| Spicy Italian | Pepperjack |
| Veggie Delite | Swiss |
| BMT | American or Provolone |
| Steak & Cheese | Cheddar |
| Oven Roasted Chicken | Monterey Cheddar |
Cheese Hack: Mix & Match Flavors
For cheese connoisseurs, try combining two cheese types to take your sandwich to the next level. Here are some of my favorite cheese combos:
- Monterey Cheddar + Pepperjack – For a spicy cheddar flavor
- Provolone + Feta – For a Mediterranean vibe
- American + Swiss – For ultra-creaminess
- Cheddar + Pepperjack – For jalapeño popper flavor
Don‘t be afraid to experiment with cheese at Subway. That‘s half the fun!
Bonus: Grilled vs. Melted vs. Shredded Cheese
Subway has a few different ways to enjoy cheese:
Grilled: Slices of cheese grilled directly on the sandwich. Provides a nice sear but can be messy.
Melted: Cheese slices or shredded cheese heated on the toasted sandwich. Melty but less crispy than grilled.
Shredded: Grated cold cheese as a topping. Gives a flavor burst in every bite.
My advice? Go half grilled, half melted for the best of both worlds!
Subway may not have fancy artisanal cheeses, but the varieties offered complement the sandwiches perfectly. Now that you know the flavor profiles and best uses for each cheese, you can create your ideal cheesy sub. Personally, I‘m excited for the potential comeback of Cheddar in 2024!
What‘s your go-to Subway cheese order? Let me know in the comments!
