Types Of Cheese At Subway

Decoding the Dairy: A Deep Dive into Subway's Cheese Selection

Subway, the ubiquitous sandwich giant, offers a seemingly simple cheese selection. But beneath the surface of those familiar slices lies a world of dairy diversity, each type boasting unique characteristics influencing flavor, texture, and even the overall sandwich experience. This comprehensive guide explores the types of cheese commonly found at Subway locations worldwide, delving into their production, flavor profiles, and best pairings to help you make the most informed sandwich choice.

Introduction: More Than Just "Cheese"

Choosing your cheese at Subway might seem trivial, but it's a crucial step in customizing your perfect sandwich. The type of cheese you select significantly impacts the overall taste and texture, complementing or contrasting with your chosen meats, vegetables, and bread. From the creamy richness of cheddar to the sharp bite of provolone, understanding the nuances of Subway's cheese offerings empowers you to craft a truly exceptional meal. This article will unravel the complexities of Subway's cheese selection, providing you with the knowledge to make informed decisions and elevate your Subway experience to new heights.

Types of Cheese Typically Found at Subway

While the exact cheese offerings can vary slightly depending on location and availability, Subway typically provides a selection from the following categories:

1. American Cheese: This is often the default choice and the quintessential "Subway cheese." It's a processed cheese, meaning it's made from a blend of cheeses, milk solids, emulsifiers, and other additives. This process results in a smooth, meltable texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It's widely considered a crowd-pleaser due to its versatility and ability to complement a wide range of sandwich ingredients.

• Flavor Profile: Mild, slightly sweet, creamy
• Texture: Smooth, melty, pliable
• Best Pairings: Almost any Subway sandwich; especially good with simpler combinations like ham or turkey.

2. Cheddar Cheese: A classic choice, cheddar cheese comes in various ages and thus possesses a broad spectrum of flavor profiles. Subway's cheddar tends to fall on the milder side, offering a sharp yet creamy texture. Cheddar is a naturally occurring cheese, produced from cow’s milk and using a process that separates the curds and whey.

• Flavor Profile: Sharp, creamy, nutty (depending on the age; Subway typically offers a younger, milder variety)
• Texture: Firm, crumbly, melts well
• Best Pairings: Roast beef, steak, and heartier sandwiches. The sharper notes cut through richness.

3. Swiss Cheese: Recognizable by its signature large holes (eyes), Swiss cheese offers a distinctly nutty and slightly sweet flavor. This cheese is known for its mildness and clean taste. It is a hard cheese, produced from cow’s milk. The holes are a result of the production process, where the carbon dioxide produced by bacteria creates the characteristic openings.

• Flavor Profile: Nutty, slightly sweet, mild
• Texture: Firm, smooth, melts well with a slight elasticity
• Best Pairings: Turkey, ham, and lighter sandwiches where you want a subtle, complementary flavor.

4. Provolone Cheese: Provolone is an Italian cheese known for its semi-hard texture and slightly salty, sharp flavor. It's generally a richer and more complex cheese than cheddar or Swiss. This cheese has a buttery texture and melts smoothly.

• Flavor Profile: Nutty, slightly salty, sharp
• Texture: Semi-hard, firm, melts well, slightly chewy
• Best Pairings: Italian BMT, meatball marinara, and other sandwiches with bolder flavors. It can stand up to robust ingredients.

5. Pepper Jack Cheese: This is a spicy option that introduces a fiery kick to your sandwich. Pepper Jack cheese is a Mexican-style cheese infused with jalapeños or other chili peppers. The spiciness can vary depending on the batch, but it typically provides a warm, enjoyable heat.

• Flavor Profile: Spicy, slightly salty, creamy
• Texture: Semi-hard, melts well
• Best Pairings: Roast beef, steak, and other substantial sandwiches. The heat cuts through rich meats.

6. Monterey Jack Cheese: Monterey Jack is a mild, creamy cheese offering a milder alternative to other choices. It's a semi-hard cheese with a smooth, slightly elastic texture that melts beautifully.

• Flavor Profile: Mild, creamy, slightly sweet
• Texture: Semi-hard, smooth, melts well
• Best Pairings: Chicken, turkey, and veggie subs, where you want a mild and creamy element without overpowering the other ingredients.

Understanding Cheese Production: A Brief Overview

While Subway uses commercially produced cheese, understanding the basic principles of cheesemaking can enhance your appreciation of the different varieties. Cheese production generally involves:

1. Milk Selection: The type of milk (cow, goat, sheep) significantly influences the final product's flavor and texture.
2. Coagulation: Adding rennet or other coagulants causes the milk proteins to separate into curds and whey.
3. Curd Processing: The curds are then cut, stirred, and heated to achieve the desired texture.
4. Salting and Pressing: Salting helps to preserve the cheese and develop its flavor. Pressing removes excess whey and shapes the cheese.
5. Aging: Many cheeses require aging to develop their characteristic flavors and textures. The aging process can range from a few weeks to several years.

These steps, along with variations in milk type, bacterial cultures, and aging techniques, contribute to the wide variety of cheeses available, including those found at Subway.

FAQ: Common Questions About Subway Cheese

Q: Is Subway cheese real cheese?

A: Subway uses commercially produced cheese, which may contain additives and emulsifiers to achieve consistent texture and melting properties. While the exact composition varies depending on the type of cheese, it’s generally derived from milk and cheese cultures.

Q: Can I request extra cheese?

A: Generally, yes. Most Subway locations allow you to add extra cheese, though there may be a small additional charge.

Q: Are there any vegetarian/vegan cheese options at Subway?

A: Subway doesn't typically offer vegetarian or vegan cheese options as part of their standard menu.

Q: Which cheese melts the best?

A: American cheese and Monterey Jack are known for their excellent melting properties, making them ideal for warm sandwiches.

Q: Can I substitute or combine cheese types?

A: This depends on the location and employee, but most Subway locations will accommodate reasonable requests for cheese substitutions or combinations.

Choosing the Right Cheese: Tips and Tricks

Choosing the best cheese for your Subway sandwich is largely a matter of personal preference. However, consider these tips to guide your decision:

• Consider the other ingredients: Stronger flavors like roast beef or spicy Italian sausage pair well with equally strong cheeses like provolone or pepper jack. Milder meats and vegetables are best complemented by milder cheeses like Swiss or Monterey Jack.
• Think about texture: Do you want a creamy, melty cheese, or something firmer? Consider the overall texture you want for your sandwich.
• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try different combinations! Part of the fun of Subway is the customization.

Conclusion: Unlocking the Flavor Potential

Subway's seemingly simple cheese selection offers a surprisingly diverse range of flavors and textures. By understanding the characteristics of each cheese type, you can elevate your sandwich experience from ordinary to extraordinary. So, the next time you find yourself at Subway, take a moment to consider your cheese choice—it's a crucial decision that can significantly impact the overall enjoyment of your meal. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try a new cheese combination; you might just discover your new favorite Subway sandwich. Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to personalizing your Subway experience, and the cheese is a key ingredient in that journey towards sandwich perfection.