I’ve been to Subway more times than I can count, and somehow the cheese question still catches me off guard. I usually default to American because it feels safe, but I’ve learned the right cheese can completely change a sandwich.
Here’s what I’ve figured out about Subway’s cheeses, what they do best, and how to pair them for a sub that actually hits.
First Things First: What Cheese Does Subway Use?
Here’s the current U.S. lineup you’ll find at most Subway restaurants:
- American
- Monterey Cheddar (Shredded)
- Provolone
- Pepper Jack
- Shredded Mozzarella
- BelGioioso® Fresh Mozzarella
- Parmesan (Grated)
- Occasional appearances: Feta or Swiss, depending on region
Each cheese has a role. Some melt perfectly, some balance spice, some add punch to mild meats.
Let’s get into the fun part, what to pair them with.
Subway Cheese Pairing Guide
Now that you know what’s on the menu, let’s talk about how to actually use them. Here’s how each cheese works best, and what to pair it with for a better Subway sandwich.
American Cheese – The Comfort Bridge
American cheese is the one you pick when your sandwich already has enough going on. It doesn’t compete; it connects.
That soft, salty melt smooths out spicy toppings and balances sharp sauces. Pair it with anything creamy or tangy, Tuna, Cold Cut Combo, or a Veggie Delite with extra pickles, and it rounds off the edges perfectly.
If you’re building a sub with a bold sauce like Southwest Chipotle or Buffalo, American keeps it from going overboard. It’s the neutral friend that keeps everyone in the conversation.
Best with: Tuna, Cold Cut Combo, Veggie Delite
Skip with: Teriyaki or Marinara
Pro tip: Toast it. The heat gives it a buttery finish that makes any sandwich taste more “cooked” than assembled.
Monterey Cheddar – The Melty Workhorse
If you want that rich, gooey bite that actually feels like a grilled cheese, Monterey Cheddar is your move. It’s the kind of cheese that holds everything together while still standing out enough to be noticed.
This blend of Monterey Jack and Cheddar melts beautifully, coating each bite in buttery flavor with just a touch of tang. It’s perfect for hot sandwiches or anything heavy on meat, like Steak and Cheese, Chicken Bacon Ranch, or a toasted Italian B.M.T.
Best with: Steak and Cheese, Chicken Bacon Ranch, Italian B.M.T.
Skip with: Cold subs; it’s made to melt
Pro tip: Ask for it on flatbread or Italian Herbs and Cheese bread for a golden, crisp edge.
Provolone – The Smooth Balancer
Provolone is the cheese that quietly keeps your sandwich in check. It’s mild but slightly nutty, the kind of flavor that makes salty meats and tangy sauces feel like they belong together.
If your sandwich leans Italian, Provolone is a must. It complements pepperoni, salami, and ham without overpowering them, and when toasted, it turns silky and rich.
Best with: Italian B.M.T., Spicy Italian, Club, or Roast Beef
Skip with: Simple turkey or veggie subs, it’s too subtle alone
Pro tip: Double up and toast it. The extra layer gives you that buttery stretch that makes every bite linger.
Pepper Jack – The Flavor Kick
Pepper Jack is what you choose when you want your sandwich to wake up a little. It’s creamy at first, then finishes with just enough heat to keep things interesting.
This cheese works best with sauces that are sweet or mild because it adds the missing punch. Try it on Chicken Teriyaki, Steak, or the Spicy Italian if you like a bit of warmth in every bite.
Best with: Chicken Teriyaki, Steak, Spicy Italian
Skip with: Tuna or anything already spicy
Pro tip: Pair it with Provolone for a creamy-spicy combo that melts evenly and layers flavor instead of heat.
Mozzarella – The Stretch Factor
Mozzarella is your go-to when you want smooth texture more than sharp flavor. It’s clean, milky, and stretches beautifully when melted, which makes it ideal for saucy, toasted sandwiches.
It shines on Italian-style subs, especially Meatball Marinara or Chicken Pizziola, where it blends into the sauce instead of fighting it. Fresh mozzarella, when available, adds a softer, café-style touch that works well with lighter meats or veggie fillings.
Best with: Meatball Marinara, Chicken Pizziola, Turkey, Veggie Delite
Skip with: Cold sandwiches or anything heavy on mayo
Pro tip: Combine with Parmesan for a pizza-style flavor boost.
Parmesan – The Finisher
Parmesan isn’t really a sandwich cheese; it’s more like a finishing touch. A light sprinkle brings salty sharpness that deepens flavor without adding heaviness.
Use it like seasoning. It works beautifully over warm, saucy sandwiches like Meatball Marinara or Steak, or even over toasted bread with garlic aioli.
Best with: Meatball Marinara, Chicken Pizziola, Steak
Skip with: Cold subs or deli-style sandwiches
Pro tip: Ask for it after toasting so it stays dry and crisp rather than melting into the bread.
Fresh Mozzarella – The Delicate One
BelGioioso Fresh Mozzarella is Subway’s smoothest, most refined cheese. It’s creamy and mild, the opposite of salty or sharp. It doesn’t try to dominate the sandwich, it just adds a cool, luxurious texture.
This cheese belongs on lighter builds: turkey with spinach and tomato, Veggie Delite with vinaigrette, or anything with balsamic glaze. It softens strong flavors and makes simple combinations feel composed.
Best with: Turkey, Veggie Delite, Caprese-style subs
Skip with: Heavy sauces or meats
Pro tip: Leave it untoasted. The clean, fresh flavor disappears if it’s overheated.
The Secret to Perfect Cheese Pairings
Here’s the simple logic: Cheese isn’t just about flavor, it’s about balance.
| Flavor Situation | Cheese to Pick | Why It Works |
| Heavy meats (salami, pepperoni) | Provolone | Balances saltiness |
| Sweet sauces (teriyaki, sweet onion) | Pepper Jack or Swiss | Adds spice or nuttiness |
| Lean meats (turkey, ham) | Swiss or Mozzarella | Keeps things light |
| Veggie subs | Feta or Fresh Mozzarella | Adds tang or creaminess |
| Toasted, saucy sandwiches | Monterey Cheddar | Melts perfectly |
| Classic creamy craving | American | Nostalgic comfort melt |
Want to Eat Smarter? Pick by Goal
If you care about what’s in your sandwich as much as how it tastes, picking the right cheese can make a big difference. Whether you’re cutting sodium, chasing protein, or just want the most flavor for your bite, here’s how to choose the cheese that fits your goal.
Low sodium? Fresh Mozzarella or Swiss (around 55–60 mg sodium).
High protein? Provolone or Swiss (4g+ per serving).
Most flavor per bite? Pepper Jack or Parmesan.
Creamy comfort? American or Monterey Cheddar.
Subway Cheese Hacks Most People Don’t Know
After countless Subway runs, I’ve picked up a few cheese tricks along the way, small things I started asking for that completely changed how my sandwiches melt, taste, and hold together.
- Ask for a “half and half.” You can mix cheeses! Great for balancing flavor.
- Get your cheese melted on both sides of the bread. Keeps fillings warm and locks in sauce.
- Use cheese as structure. A slice below the veggies keeps the sandwich from getting soggy.
- Extra toasted = extra melt. Always.
Next Time You’re at the Counter
Subway might keep things simple, but the right cheese combo can make your sandwich feel like a small win in the middle of your day.
- For comfort: American.
- For melt: Monterey Cheddar.
- For balance: Provolone.
- For adventure: Pepper Jack.
- For freshness: Mozzarella.
- For flair: Parmesan.
So next time you’re standing in line, don’t freeze up, think pairing, not guessing.
Your perfect Subway combo is just one cheese choice away.
