How many calories are in a 5 inch cheesesteak? Unpacking the Nutrition

December 6, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data from chain restaurants, a standard 5 inch cheesesteak typically contains between 410 and 510 calories, but this can vary significantly based on ingredients. This popular sandwich is a delicious treat, but understanding its caloric content and nutritional profile is key for anyone monitoring their diet.

Quick Summary

A 5-inch cheesesteak's calorie count ranges widely based on ingredients, with restaurant versions often falling between 410 and 510 calories. The final total depends on the type of bread, cheese, meat, and toppings used. Adjusting these components can significantly alter the sandwich's nutritional impact.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Range: A 5-inch cheesesteak typically contains 410 to 510 calories, but the exact number depends heavily on the ingredients and preparation.
Ingredient Impact: The type of meat (beef vs. chicken), cheese, and roll are the primary determinants of the total calorie count and overall nutrition.
Smarter Substitutions: Opting for leaner meats like chicken, reduced-fat cheese, or a whole wheat roll can significantly lower the calorie count.
Veggies Boost Nutrition: Adding more sautéed onions, peppers, and other vegetables increases flavor and fiber while keeping calories in check.
Home Cooking Control: Making your own cheesesteak allows for complete control over ingredient selection and portion sizes, enabling precise calorie management.
Check Restaurant Data: For pre-made sandwiches, checking specific restaurant nutritional information is the most accurate way to determine calories.

Decoding the Cheesesteak Calorie Count

When you ask "how many calories are in a 5 inch cheesesteak?" you are stepping into a complex world of variables. Unlike a simple apple, a cheesesteak's nutritional makeup is entirely dependent on its construction. From the bread to the cheese and everything in between, each component plays a significant role in the total calorie count. For example, a restaurant's beef cheesesteak can land around 510 calories, while a chicken version might be closer to 460 calories, based on similar 5-inch offerings from Capriotti's. Other options, like a leaner flank steak version, could dip even lower to 410 calories.

The Main Components and Their Caloric Impact

The Bread: The roll is a major calorie contributor. A traditional Italian roll is dense and can pack in a significant number of carbohydrates. Opting for a whole wheat roll can sometimes offer a small reduction in calories and a boost in fiber, as seen with some recipes.
The Meat: The type and amount of meat are crucial. While shaved sirloin steak is traditional, switching to lean chicken or opting for a plant-based 'impossible' version can alter the total. An Impossible cheesesteak, for instance, comes in at 540 calories in some 5-inch versions, slightly higher than the standard beef at 510 due to different fat content. The cooking method also matters; frying adds more fat and calories than grilling.
The Cheese: The choice of cheese is another primary variable. Provolone and American cheese slices are standard, but the quantity can vary. Using a reduced-fat cheese or a lighter sauce can help, as some lighter recipes demonstrate. Cheez Whiz is a fan favorite but may also contribute to a higher fat and calorie count.
The Toppings: Classic cheesesteak toppings like sautéed onions and peppers add flavor without a huge caloric penalty. However, extras like mayonnaise, ketchup, or additional oils used in cooking can quickly increase the final tally. Loading up on vegetables is generally a good way to boost nutrients and fill you up with fewer calories.

Comparison of Cheesesteak Variations

Here is a comparative look at how different versions of a 5-inch cheesesteak might stack up in terms of key nutritional values, using available data from various sources.


Cheesesteak Type	Approx. Calories	Total Fat	Protein	Sodium
Standard Beef (5-inch)	510	30g	35g	1110mg
Chicken (5-inch)	460	28g	28g	Varies
Lean Beef/Flank (5-inch)	410	15g	32g	1110mg
Impossible (5-inch)	540	37g	23g	1490mg
Vegetarian/Portobello	Approx. 300+	Varies	Varies	Varies

Note: Nutritional information can vary significantly between brands and preparation methods.

Strategies for a Lighter Cheesesteak

For those who love the flavor but want to reduce the calorie load, here are some actionable tips:

Choose a leaner protein source. Swap out the beef for chicken breast or explore plant-based options. If sticking with beef, choose a leaner cut like flank steak.
Reduce the cheese. Instead of processed cheese spreads, use a single slice of reduced-fat provolone or a smaller amount of a sharp, flavorful cheese to get the taste with fewer calories.
Load up on veggies. Caramelized onions and peppers are staples, but you can add more spinach, mushrooms, or other vegetables to bulk up the sandwich with low-calorie, high-fiber ingredients.
Choose the right roll. A whole wheat roll or scooping out the inside of the roll can decrease the carbohydrate density. For a drastic cut, consider a low-carb alternative like serving the filling over a salad or zucchini noodles.
Limit high-fat additions. Be mindful of added oils, butter, and condiments like mayonnaise. These can drastically increase calories and fat content without adding much nutritional value.

How to Calculate Your Own Cheesesteak Calories

If you're making a cheesesteak at home, it's easy to get a more accurate count. You'll need to calculate the calories for each ingredient separately and then sum them up. For instance, if you use 4oz of shaved sirloin (approx. 300 calories), 1oz of American cheese (approx. 100 calories), a 5-inch hoagie roll (approx. 210 calories), and sautéed onions (approx. 25 calories), your total would be around 635 calories. The advantage of making it yourself is full control over the ingredients, ensuring you can tailor it to your dietary needs.

Conclusion

In short, the number of calories in a 5 inch cheesesteak is not a fixed number. While many standard restaurant versions fall into the 410 to 510 calorie range, this can fluctuate widely. The final count is a direct result of the choices made regarding the bread, type of meat, quantity of cheese, and other toppings. By making strategic substitutions, such as using leaner meat, less cheese, and more vegetables, it is entirely possible to create a delicious and satisfying cheesesteak that aligns with your dietary goals. Paying attention to these details allows you to enjoy this classic sandwich without derailing your nutrition plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

The average calorie count for a small, or 5-inch, cheesesteak typically falls between 410 and 510 calories, though it varies by restaurant and specific ingredients used.

Different cheeses have varying calorie densities. Using a smaller amount of a sharper, flavorful cheese or opting for a reduced-fat provolone instead of a heavier cheese sauce can help lower the overall calorie and fat content.

Generally, yes. A 5-inch chicken cheesesteak, for instance, was listed at 460 calories by one chain, compared to 510 for their standard beef version, but this depends on preparation.

To make a healthier version, use a lean cut of meat like flank steak or chicken, opt for a whole wheat roll, reduce the amount of cheese, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms.

Adding extra sautéed onions and peppers does not significantly increase the calorie count, as they are primarily low-calorie vegetables. Most caloric additions come from fat sources like oils and cheese.

A 5-inch cheesesteak can be a good source of protein. A standard beef version may contain around 35g of protein, while a chicken version might offer slightly less at 28g.

Not necessarily. While they can be, some plant-based 'impossible' versions contain similar or even slightly higher calories and fat than their beef counterparts due to their specific formulation.