Understanding the Numbers: How many carbs are in a philly cheesesteak sub?

October 25, 2025 •

4 min read

The carbohydrate content of a Philly cheesesteak sub can range dramatically based on ingredients, with some versions containing over 80 grams per serving. For anyone monitoring their intake, understanding exactly how many carbs are in a philly cheesesteak sub is a crucial step towards making a more informed dietary choice.

Quick Summary

A Philly cheesesteak sub's carb count varies widely, primarily dictated by the bread and fillings. Restaurant versions can be high in carbs, while homemade and keto alternatives offer significantly lower options by modifying the bread or serving style.

Key Points

The bread is the main carb source: In a traditional sub, the hoagie roll accounts for the vast majority of the carbohydrates, with fillings like meat and cheese contributing very little.
Restaurant carbs vary widely: Depending on the size and preparation, a Philly cheesesteak from a fast-food chain or diner can have anywhere from 50g to nearly 100g of carbs.
Keto options eliminate the bread: Low-carb versions often skip the roll entirely, opting for lettuce wraps, keto-friendly buns, or simply serving the filling in a bowl.
Homemade versions offer control: Making a cheesesteak at home allows you to manage the carb count by using lighter rolls, wraps, or increasing low-carb vegetables.
Small ingredients have a minor impact: While toppings like peppers and onions add a small number of carbs, the bread is the decisive factor for the overall carbohydrate total.

The Core Components: Where Do the Carbs Come From?

To pinpoint the carbohydrate total of a Philly cheesesteak, it's essential to look at its fundamental parts. The traditional sub consists of three main components: the bread, the meat, and the cheese, with optional additions like onions and peppers. The vast majority of the carbohydrates come from the hoagie roll.

The Bread: The Biggest Carb Contributor

Historically, the Philly cheesesteak is served on an Amoroso roll, a soft, chewy Italian bread that is a major source of carbohydrates. A single hoagie roll alone can contribute a significant number of carbs. For example, one 154g hoagie roll can contain around 417 calories, predominantly from carbohydrates. Chain restaurants like Great Steak use a 12-inch roll, which can push the total carb count close to 100 grams for the entire sub. The type of roll, its size, and the refining process all influence its carb load.

Fillings and Toppings: Smaller Carb Sources

While the steak and most cheeses are very low in carbohydrates, other additions can add to the total. Onions and bell peppers, for instance, contain a small amount of naturally occurring carbs and fiber. The type of cheese also matters, although it contributes much less to the carb total than the bread. While provolone is a traditional choice, some diners opt for Cheez Whiz, which can have a small carb count depending on the brand.

Carb Counts from Popular Philly Cheesesteak Variations

The carbs in a cheesesteak can differ drastically depending on the eatery or preparation style. Here's a breakdown based on available nutritional data from various sources:

Traditional-Style Sub: A full, traditional Philly cheesesteak can contain a high carb count due to its large, starchy hoagie roll. A Nutritionix entry for a generic Philly cheesesteak sub reports 84g of total carbohydrates. This value can fluctuate based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Chain Restaurants: Fast-food variants often come in different sizes, with carb counts varying accordingly. A Subway 6-inch Big Philly Cheesesteak contains 51g of total carbs. Charleys Cheesesteaks offers a regular-sized chicken Philly with 55g of carbohydrates. Domino's Pizza's Philly Cheese Steak sandwich is listed with 50g of carbs.
At-Home Recipes: When making a cheesesteak at home, you have complete control over ingredients, making it possible to create healthier, lower-carb versions. Recipes on sites like What A Girl Eats offer a version with around 28g of carbs per sandwich.

Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly Alternatives

For those on a low-carb or ketogenic diet, traditional cheesesteaks are often off the table due to the high carb count from the bread. Fortunately, numerous delicious alternatives exist that maintain the flavor while drastically reducing carbohydrates.

Common low-carb cheesesteak strategies:

Lettuce Wraps: Swapping the hoagie roll for large, crisp lettuce leaves, such as iceberg or romaine, can transform a cheesesteak into a low-carb, hand-held meal.
Keto Buns: For those who miss the bun experience, homemade keto bread made from ingredients like almond flour, eggs, and mozzarella cheese is an option.
Cheesesteak in a Bowl: Simply serving the meaty, cheesy filling in a bowl without any bread is the simplest and most effective way to eliminate the highest source of carbs.
Using Vegetables: Incorporating more vegetables like mushrooms, peppers, and onions into the filling adds nutrients and bulk without a significant carb increase.

Comparison of Carb Counts: Traditional vs. Low-Carb Options


Component/Variation	Estimated Carb Count	Notes
Traditional 12" Hoagie Sub	84-98g	High-carb due to the large, starchy bread roll.
Subway 6" Big Philly Cheesesteak	51g	Moderate-carb, suitable for some diets in moderation.
Charleys Regular Chicken Philly	55g	Moderate-carb, standard chain restaurant offering.
Home-Cooked w/ Light Roll	~28g	Dependent on roll choice; using lighter rolls or hollowing them out reduces carbs.
Keto Cheesesteak in a Bowl	<10g	Minimal carbs from vegetables and cheese only.
Keto with Fathead Buns	~15-20g	Dependent on bun recipe; uses almond flour and cheese.

Tips for Reducing Carbs in Your Cheesesteak

Whether you're making one at home or ordering out, there are several ways to reduce the carb impact of a cheesesteak:

Skip the Bread Entirely: Ordering the filling in a bowl is the most direct method to cut carbs. Many places will accommodate this request.
Hollow Out the Roll: For those who still crave the classic feel, asking for the roll to be hollowed out can reduce the carb count.
Choose Thinner Rolls or Wraps: Some bakeries offer thinner or smaller hoagie rolls. Alternatively, opting for a low-carb tortilla or wrap can be a great substitute.
Add Extra Veggies: Load up on extra peppers, onions, and mushrooms. They add flavor, texture, and fiber, promoting a feeling of fullness without adding many carbs.
Control Your Cheese: While cheese isn't the main carb culprit, some processed cheese products may have small amounts. Stick to natural, high-quality cheeses like provolone or low-carb mozzarella.
Mind Your Portion Size: If ordering from a restaurant, consider a smaller size. A 6-inch sub will have far fewer carbs than a 12-inch version.

The Verdict on Philly Cheesesteak Carbs

Ultimately, how many carbs are in a philly cheesesteak sub is not a fixed number but a range that depends entirely on its ingredients. A traditional, large cheesesteak is a high-carb meal, with the hoagie roll being the primary driver of its carbohydrate content. However, with a little creativity and thoughtful ingredient choices, it's entirely possible to enjoy the delicious flavors of a cheesesteak while keeping the carb count low. Homemade versions and popular keto alternatives prove that you can customize this classic sandwich to fit various dietary needs without sacrificing taste.

For more information on dietary choices, consult the World Health Organization's guidelines on a healthy diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary source of carbohydrates in a traditional philly cheesesteak sub is the large, starchy hoagie roll, which can contribute over 80% of the total carb count.

A 6-inch Big Philly Cheesesteak sub from Subway contains 51 grams of total carbohydrates.

Yes, to make a keto-friendly philly cheesesteak, you can serve the meat and cheese filling in a bowl, use lettuce wraps, or bake low-carb keto buns made from ingredients like almond flour.

To reduce carbs in a homemade cheesesteak, you can use smaller rolls, hollow out the bread, use a low-carb tortilla, or add more non-starchy vegetables like mushrooms and peppers.

No, adding vegetables like onions and peppers contributes a minimal amount of carbs compared to the large bread roll. They add flavor and fiber with little impact on the total.

Most natural cheeses like provolone and mozzarella are very low in carbohydrates. Processed cheese products like Cheez Whiz can contain a small number of carbs, so checking the label is recommended for strict diets.

The choice of meat, whether traditional shaved ribeye, flank steak, or ground beef, does not significantly impact the total carbohydrate count, as meat is very low in carbs. The meat contributes protein and fat, not carbohydrates.