How many calories are in a 9 inch cheesesteak?

December 27, 2025 •

4 min read

According to one fast-food chain's nutrition data, a 9-inch steak and cheese sub contains 860 calories. However, the exact calorie count for a 9 inch cheesesteak can vary widely depending on the ingredients and cooking methods used, with homemade and restaurant versions often containing different nutritional values.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a 9-inch cheesesteak is highly variable, influenced by ingredients like the type of meat, amount of cheese, roll, and added condiments. Factors such as cooking oil and extra toppings significantly impact the final nutritional profile.

Key Points

Calorie Range: A 9 inch cheesesteak typically falls between 800 and 1100 calories, but can be higher or lower depending on preparation.
Ingredient Impact: The type and amount of beef, cheese, roll, and cooking oil are the main drivers of the total calorie count.
Topping Variations: Adding extra cheese, bacon, or mayo can significantly increase the cheesesteak's calories, while vegetables add negligible amounts.
Homemade vs. Restaurant: Homemade cheesesteaks can be calorie-controlled by using leaner meat and less oil, often resulting in a lower calorie count than restaurant versions.
Healthier Options: Reducing calories can be done by choosing leaner meat, less cheese, and more vegetables, or by opting for a smaller roll.
Varied Comparisons: Different chain restaurants offer 9-inch or similar-sized cheesesteaks with varied calorie counts, like Marco's (860 cal) or Charleys (760-850 cal).

Understanding the Calorie Count of a 9 Inch Cheesesteak

A 9-inch cheesesteak is a popular and hearty sandwich, but its calorie content is not a fixed number. Multiple factors influence the final count, making it crucial to consider how the sandwich is prepared and what ingredients are included. While a typical estimate might fall within the 800 to 1100 calorie range, a traditional, indulgent Philly-style cheesesteak with extra cheese and oil could push the total well over 1100 calories. In contrast, a leaner, homemade version with carefully selected ingredients could have a significantly lower count, potentially falling in the 500-600 calorie range.

Key Factors That Influence Cheesesteak Calories

Type of meat: The primary source of calories comes from the beef. A leaner cut of beef will result in fewer calories and less saturated fat compared to a fattier cut like ribeye. Some variations use chicken, which can also reduce the calorie count.
Amount and type of cheese: The choice of cheese is a major determinant of calorie and fat content. Whiz, provolone, and American cheese all have different nutritional profiles. Extra cheese will naturally increase the calorie total.
Type of roll: The roll can account for a significant portion of the total calories. A standard Italian or hoagie roll is a substantial source of carbohydrates. Opting for a smaller roll or a whole-wheat option could help manage calories.
Cooking method and oil: The amount of oil used to sauté the meat and vegetables can add a surprising number of calories. Many restaurants use a generous amount of oil or butter for flavor, whereas a homemade version can be cooked with minimal oil.
Additional toppings and condiments: Standard toppings like onions and bell peppers add minimal calories. However, adding mayonnaise, extra cheese sauce, or bacon can significantly increase the total count.

Calculating Calories for Your 9 Inch Cheesesteak

To get a more precise estimate of your cheesesteak's calories, you can break it down by its primary components. Here is an example of a potential breakdown, keeping in mind that these are approximations:

9-inch Hoagie Roll: ~300-350 calories
4-5 oz of Shaved Beef (ribeye or sirloin): ~300-400 calories
2 oz Provolone Cheese: ~200 calories
Onions and Peppers (cooked in oil): ~50-80 calories

Adding these up, a basic 9-inch cheesesteak can easily reach 850-1030 calories. If you were to add extra cheese, more oil, or a condiment like mayo, the total could climb even higher.

Comparison of Cheesesteak Calorie Counts

To illustrate the variation, here's a comparison table of cheesesteak options from various sources:


Cheesesteak Type	Calories (Approx.)	Serving Size	Notes
Marco's Pizza Steak & Cheese Sub	860	9 inch	A branded, fixed-recipe example.
Charleys Cheesesteaks (Regular)	760	~9 inch	Their "Regular" size approximates a 9-inch sub.
Charleys Bacon 3 Cheesesteak	850	~9 inch	Added bacon increases the fat and calorie content.
Great Steak Original Philly Cheesesteak	510	Regular (likely ~9 inch)	Lower calorie due to portioning or less oil/cheese.
Homemade Lean Cheesesteak	~500-600	Estimated for 9 inch	Using leaner beef, minimal oil, and less cheese.

Making a Healthier Cheesesteak

For those looking to enjoy a cheesesteak without the high calorie count, several modifications can be made.

Choose Leaner Meat: Opt for a leaner cut of steak like sirloin or flank steak instead of fatty ribeye.
Go Light on the Cheese: Use a single slice of provolone or switch to a lower-fat cheese option. You can also skip the extra cheese.
Use Less Oil: Cook the meat and vegetables with a minimal amount of cooking spray or reduce the oil to just what is needed to prevent sticking.
Load Up on Veggies: Increase the amount of onions, peppers, and mushrooms, which are low in calories and add volume and nutrients.
Modify the Roll: Try using a whole-wheat roll for added fiber or scoop out some of the bread from the inside to reduce carbs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a 9 inch cheesesteak is a delicious but calorie-dense meal. The final count is highly dependent on the ingredients chosen, from the type of beef and cheese to the amount of oil used. While commercial versions from places like Marco's Pizza or Charleys can range from 760 to 860 calories, an indulgent version could be much higher, and a mindful, homemade rendition can be significantly lower. Understanding the factors at play allows you to make an informed choice, whether you're enjoying a traditional indulgent sandwich or preparing a healthier, lighter alternative at home. Ultimately, moderation and thoughtful ingredient selection are key to enjoying this classic dish while staying aligned with your dietary goals.

Here is a useful guide on managing high-fat foods in your diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

The type and amount of cheese and beef have the largest impact on the calorie count. The cooking oil and the size and type of the roll also contribute significantly.

Not necessarily. While a traditional, large cheesesteak can be high in calories, a homemade version made with lean beef, less cheese, and minimal oil can be much lighter.

Chicken cheesesteaks generally have a lower calorie count compared to those made with fatty cuts of beef. For example, a regular chicken philly from Charleys is 720 calories, while a regular beef cheesesteak is 760.

You can reduce calories by using leaner meat, opting for less cheese, cooking with minimal oil, and adding more low-calorie vegetables like onions and peppers.

Yes, the roll can add a substantial amount of calories due to its size and carbohydrate content. Using a whole-wheat or smaller roll can help reduce the overall calorie count.

For a lower-calorie option, you can use less provolone or American cheese. American and provolone are common, but there isn't a significantly lower-calorie traditional option, so portion control is key.

Homemade cheesesteaks can often be healthier because you have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to use leaner meat, less oil, and moderate cheese portions.