Subway Sandwich: How To Order Like A Pro
Ordering a Subway sandwich can feel overwhelming, especially if you're new to the experience. The array of choices, from bread to toppings, can be daunting. But don't worry, guys! This guide will break down the process step-by-step, turning you into a Subway sandwich-ordering pro in no time. We'll cover everything from choosing your bread and protein to loading up on veggies and sauces. Get ready to create your perfect sub!
1. Choose Your Bread: The Foundation of Your Sandwich
The first step in your Subway journey is selecting your bread. This choice is crucial, as it sets the stage for the entire sandwich experience. Subway offers a variety of bread options, each with its unique flavor and texture. Let's explore some popular choices:
- Italian: The classic choice, Italian bread is a soft, white bread that's a crowd-pleaser. It's a versatile option that pairs well with most fillings.
- Honey Oat: For a slightly sweeter and heartier option, go for the Honey Oat. This bread has a subtle sweetness and a pleasant chewy texture thanks to the rolled oats.
- Wheat: If you're looking for a healthier option, Wheat bread is a great choice. It's made with whole wheat flour and has a nutty flavor.
- Monterey Cheddar: Cheese lovers, rejoice! The Monterey Cheddar bread is infused with cheddar cheese, adding a savory and cheesy dimension to your sandwich.
- JalapeƱo Cheddar: For those who like a little kick, the JalapeƱo Cheddar bread is the way to go. It has bits of jalapeƱo peppers baked right in, adding a spicy zing.
- Flatbread: Subway also offers flatbread, which is a thinner, softer bread option. It's a good choice if you prefer a less bready sandwich.
When choosing your bread, consider the overall flavor profile you're aiming for. Do you want something classic and neutral, or something with a bit more character? Once you've made your selection, you can choose between a 6-inch or footlong sub. A 6-inch is perfect for a light meal, while the footlong is ideal for a heartier appetite or for sharing.
Pro Tip: Don't be afraid to ask the Subway employee for a recommendation if you're unsure! They often have insights on which breads pair best with certain fillings.
2. Select Your Protein: The Heart of the Matter
Next up is the protein, the star of your Subway sandwich. This is where you get to personalize your sub and choose the filling that satisfies your cravings. Subway offers a wide range of protein options, from classic deli meats to flavorful grilled options. Let's dive into some popular choices:
- Turkey: A lean and healthy option, turkey is a classic Subway choice. It's a versatile protein that pairs well with a variety of toppings and sauces.
- Ham: Another classic deli meat, ham offers a savory and slightly salty flavor. It's a great option for a traditional sub.
- Roast Beef: For a more robust and flavorful option, try the roast beef. It's a hearty protein that's perfect for a filling sandwich.
- Chicken: Subway offers several chicken options, including rotisserie-style chicken, grilled chicken strips, and spicy chicken. Each offers a unique flavor profile, so you can choose the one that suits your taste.
- Tuna: A popular choice for seafood lovers, Subway's tuna salad is a creamy and flavorful option.
- Veggie Patty: For vegetarians, Subway offers a veggie patty that's made with a blend of vegetables and grains. It's a hearty and satisfying option.
- Steak: If you're craving something a bit more indulgent, the steak is a great choice. It's a flavorful and filling protein option.
Beyond these standard options, Subway also offers specialty subs with unique protein combinations. These might include the Meatball Marinara, the Italian B.M.T. (Black Forest ham, Genoa salami, and pepperoni), or the Spicy Italian (pepperoni and salami). Consider your taste preferences and desired level of richness when choosing your protein. A lean protein like turkey or chicken is a great choice for a lighter meal, while steak or the Italian B.M.T. offer a more indulgent experience.
Pro Tip: You can even double up on your protein for an extra-filling sandwich! Just ask the Subway employee to add an extra portion of your chosen protein.
3. Add Cheese: The Melty Goodness
No sandwich is complete without cheese, right? Subway offers a variety of cheese options to add that melty, gooey goodness to your creation. Cheese not only adds flavor but also contributes to the overall texture of the sandwich. Let's explore some of the cheesy choices:
- American Cheese: A classic choice, American cheese is mild and melty. It's a great all-around option that pairs well with most fillings.
- Cheddar Cheese: For a sharper and more flavorful option, go for cheddar cheese. It adds a distinct tang to your sandwich.
- Provolone Cheese: Provolone cheese has a mild, slightly tangy flavor and a smooth, creamy texture. It's a great choice for Italian-inspired subs.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: Similar to cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese offers a mild, slightly buttery flavor. It melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture to your sandwich.
- Pepper Jack Cheese: If you like a little heat, Pepper Jack cheese is the way to go. It's infused with jalapeƱo peppers, adding a spicy kick.
- Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese has a mild, nutty flavor and a distinctive texture with holes. It's a great choice for a classic deli sandwich.
The cheese you choose can significantly impact the overall flavor profile of your sandwich. A mild cheese like American or provolone is a versatile option that won't overpower the other flavors. For a bolder flavor, try cheddar or pepper jack. Consider which cheese will best complement your protein and toppings. For example, provolone cheese pairs well with Italian meats like salami and pepperoni, while cheddar cheese is a great match for roast beef or turkey.
Pro Tip: Don't be afraid to try different cheese combinations! You can even ask for a mix of two cheeses for a more complex flavor.
4. Load Up on Veggies: The Fresh Factor
Now for the healthy and colorful part: the veggies! Subway offers a wide array of fresh vegetables that you can add to your sandwich. This is your chance to customize your sub with your favorite crunchy, crisp, and flavorful additions. Veggies not only add nutrients but also contribute to the overall texture and taste of the sandwich. Here's a rundown of the veggie options you'll typically find at Subway:
- Lettuce: A staple for any sandwich, lettuce adds a crisp and refreshing element.
- Spinach: For a more nutritious option, choose spinach. It has a slightly earthy flavor and is packed with vitamins and minerals.
- Tomatoes: Juicy and flavorful, tomatoes add a touch of sweetness and acidity to your sandwich.
- Cucumbers: Cucumbers offer a cool and refreshing crunch.
- Green Peppers: Green peppers add a slightly sweet and peppery flavor.
- Red Onions: Red onions provide a sharp and pungent flavor.
- Pickles: Pickles add a tangy and briny kick.
- Olives: Black olives offer a salty and slightly bitter flavor, while green olives are milder and more briny.
- JalapeƱos: For those who like it hot, jalapeƱos add a fiery kick.
- Banana Peppers: Banana peppers offer a mild, slightly sweet and tangy flavor.
Don't be shy about loading up on your favorite veggies! The more, the merrier, especially if you're aiming for a healthy and satisfying meal. Consider the flavor profiles you're trying to achieve when choosing your veggies. For example, cucumbers and lettuce are great for a refreshing sandwich, while onions and jalapeƱos add a bolder flavor. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect mix.
Pro Tip: If you're not sure where to start, try the classic combination of lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles. It's a crowd-pleasing mix that works well with most fillings.
5. Choose Your Sauce: The Flavor Finisher
Finally, it's time to add the finishing touch: the sauce! Subway offers a variety of sauces and dressings to add flavor and moisture to your sandwich. This is where you can really personalize your sub and create a unique taste experience. From creamy and savory to sweet and tangy, there's a sauce for every palate. Let's take a look at some popular choices:
- Mayonnaise: A classic sandwich condiment, mayonnaise adds a creamy and rich flavor.
- Mustard: Subway offers several types of mustard, including yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, and honey mustard. Each offers a unique flavor profile, from tangy to sweet.
- Ranch Dressing: A creamy and savory option, ranch dressing is a popular choice for many sandwiches.
- Oil & Vinegar: For a lighter option, choose oil and vinegar. It adds a tangy and refreshing flavor.
- Sweet Onion Sauce: This sauce is sweet and slightly tangy, adding a unique flavor to your sandwich.
- Chipotle Southwest Sauce: For a spicy kick, try the Chipotle Southwest Sauce. It's creamy and smoky with a hint of heat.
- BBQ Sauce: BBQ sauce adds a smoky and sweet flavor that's perfect for sandwiches with grilled chicken or steak.
- Teriyaki Sauce: Teriyaki sauce offers a sweet and savory flavor with a hint of soy sauce.
The sauce you choose can significantly impact the overall taste of your sandwich. Consider the flavors of your protein, cheese, and veggies when making your selection. For example, mayonnaise and mustard are classic choices that pair well with most fillings. If you're looking for a bolder flavor, try the Chipotle Southwest Sauce or BBQ Sauce. For a lighter option, oil and vinegar or the sweet onion sauce are great choices.
Pro Tip: Don't be afraid to mix and match sauces! You can even ask for a little bit of two different sauces for a more complex flavor profile. Just be mindful of how the flavors will complement each other.
6. Toasted or Not?: The Warmth Factor
After you've chosen your sauce, you'll be asked if you want your sandwich toasted. This is a matter of personal preference, but toasting can definitely enhance the overall experience. Toasting the bread adds warmth and a slight crispness, which can make the sandwich even more satisfying. However, some people prefer the softer texture of untoasted bread.
If you're unsure, consider the fillings you've chosen. Sandwiches with melted cheese often taste better toasted, as the heat helps the cheese to become extra gooey and delicious. Toasting can also help to meld the flavors of the ingredients together, creating a more cohesive sandwich experience. On the other hand, if you've loaded up on cold veggies and sauces, you might prefer to keep the sandwich untoasted for a refreshing bite.
Pro Tip: If you're getting a footlong sub, you can even ask for half of it to be toasted and the other half untoasted. This is a great way to satisfy different preferences if you're sharing the sandwich with someone.
7. Extras and Sides: Completing the Meal
Once your sandwich is built, you have the option to add extras and sides to complete your meal. Subway offers a variety of sides, including chips, cookies, and drinks. You can also add extra ingredients to your sandwich, such as avocado or bacon, for an additional charge.
Chips are a classic sandwich side, and Subway offers a variety of flavors to choose from. Cookies are a sweet treat that's perfect for satisfying your dessert cravings. And of course, you'll need something to wash it all down, so be sure to choose your favorite drink.
If you're looking to add a little extra something to your sandwich, avocado is a great choice. It adds a creamy and healthy element to your sub. Bacon is another popular add-on that adds a smoky and savory flavor.
Pro Tip: Subway often has deals and promotions on meals that include a sandwich, a side, and a drink. Be sure to ask about any available offers to save some money.
Conclusion: Your Subway Sandwich Masterpiece
Ordering a Subway sandwich is all about customization and creating a sub that perfectly suits your taste. By following these steps and experimenting with different combinations, you'll be a Subway sandwich pro in no time! Don't be afraid to try new things and create your own signature sub. And remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the process and savor your delicious creation! So go ahead, guys, and build your Subway masterpiece!