Nutrition Diet: How many calories does a 12 inch cheesesteak have?

October 29, 2025 •

4 min read

A 12-inch cheesesteak from a restaurant chain can contain well over 1,000 calories, while homemade versions offer more control over ingredients. Understanding the nutritional factors behind this popular sandwich is key for anyone monitoring their intake, especially when asking the question: how many calories does a 12 inch cheesesteak have?.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a 12-inch cheesesteak is highly variable, influenced by ingredients such as the cut of meat, cheese type, oil quantity, and bread size. Calorie totals frequently exceed 1,000, but can be reduced by making smarter ingredient choices or opting for smaller portions.

Key Points

Calorie Variation: The calorie count for a 12-inch cheesesteak is highly variable, ranging from 900 to over 1200 calories depending on ingredients and portion size.
Ingredient Impact: The type of meat (ribeye vs. leaner cut), cheese (provolone vs. lower-fat options), and amount of cooking oil are major factors in determining total calories.
Restaurant vs. Homemade: Restaurant cheesesteaks often contain more calories and sodium than a version prepared at home, where ingredients can be controlled.
Healthier Alternatives: Lower-calorie versions can be made by using leaner meat like shaved chicken, reduced-fat cheese, and incorporating more vegetables.
Balance Your Diet: Despite being a calorie-dense meal, a cheesesteak can be enjoyed as an occasional treat as part of a balanced diet, provided it is consumed in moderation.
Consider Sodium and Fat: Beyond calories, be aware of the high saturated fat and sodium content often found in cheesesteaks, especially from commercial establishments.

The Surprising Range of Cheesesteak Calories

When contemplating the calorie impact of a 12-inch cheesesteak, the answer is rarely a single number. Instead, it is a wide spectrum influenced heavily by ingredient choices and preparation methods. For example, commercial chains often provide nutritional information showing a significant calorie load, whereas a homemade version can be controlled to be more diet-friendly. The foundation of the sandwich—the bread, meat, and cheese—are the primary drivers of the overall energy content.

Factors Influencing the Calorie Count

Several elements contribute to the total caloric load of a cheesesteak. Each component plays a specific role in bumping up the total number, often with surprising results.

The Meat: The traditional choice is thinly sliced ribeye steak, a cut known for its rich marbling and high fat content. Using a leaner cut like sirloin or even switching to shaved chicken or plant-based meat substitutes can significantly lower the total fat and calories.
The Oil: The steak is typically cooked on a griddle with oil. The amount of oil used can add a substantial number of calories. For instance, a tablespoon of vegetable oil adds approximately 120 calories. Excess oil from pan-frying can quickly increase the total energy content.
The Cheese: The type and quantity of cheese are major factors. Classic options like provolone or Cheez Whiz are high in calories and saturated fat. Using a lower-fat cheese, less cheese overall, or healthier alternatives like reduced-fat cheddar can help manage the calorie count.
The Roll: A standard 12-inch hoagie roll is a major source of carbohydrates and calories. Some nutritional data shows a single roll contributing over 400 calories. Opting for a lower-carb bun, or even hollowing out the roll, can reduce the total intake.
Added Ingredients: While onions and peppers add minimal calories and extra nutrients, other additions like bacon or extra sauces can pile on calories and sodium.

Comparison Table: 12-Inch Cheesesteak Calorie Estimates


Cheesesteak Type	Calorie Estimate	Primary Factors	Source
Homemade Standard	~1146 kcal	Thinly sliced ribeye, provolone cheese, hoagie roll, cooked with oil
Great Steak Original (12")	~1070 kcal	Specific chain recipe, may use slightly leaner beef or different cheese
Pizza Delight Cheesesteak (12")	~1200 kcal	High fat content noted, likely more oil or a fattier cheese blend
Homemade Leaner	~600-800 kcal	Lean sirloin, reduced-fat cheese, fewer calories from oil, extra vegetables

Creating a Healthier Cheesesteak at Home

Controlling your ingredients is the most effective way to enjoy a cheesesteak without the calorie overload. Following these steps can help create a more balanced version.

Choose Leaner Meat: Swap out ribeye for shaved sirloin steak or even lean ground beef. Alternatively, make a delicious and lower-fat chicken cheesesteak using shaved chicken breast.
Use Less Oil: Instead of dousing the pan, use a minimal amount of cooking spray or a small splash of olive oil to sauté the meat and vegetables.
Lighten up the Cheese: Replace calorie-dense provolone or American cheese with a reduced-fat version or sprinkle a lighter cheese like reduced-fat shredded mozzarella. You can also simply use less cheese overall.
Fortify with Vegetables: Load up on grilled onions, bell peppers (any color), and mushrooms to add volume, fiber, and nutrients for very few calories.
Modify the Bun: Use a lighter, whole-wheat hoagie roll, a low-carb alternative, or even serve the cheesesteak mixture over a bed of steamed broccoli to make a low-carb bowl.
Cut the Portion Size: A simple way to reduce calories is to eat a smaller amount. Instead of a 12-inch sub, opt for a 6-inch or even an 8-inch, and share the rest.

For more great ideas on how to adjust your favorite meals, consider looking at Food Network's Cheesesteak-Inspired Recipes to see how others approach creating delicious, balanced versions of classic dishes.

Nutritional Considerations Beyond Calories

While calories are a key concern, other nutritional aspects of a cheesesteak are worth noting. Cheesesteaks are typically high in protein, which is beneficial for muscle repair and satiety. However, they are also often very high in saturated fat and sodium, especially at restaurant establishments.

Saturated Fat: Consuming too much saturated fat can negatively impact heart health. By choosing leaner meat and less cheese, you can significantly lower your saturated fat intake.
Sodium: Many cheesesteaks contain a very high amount of sodium, often exceeding the daily recommended limit in a single serving. Being mindful of this is important, especially for those managing blood pressure. Reducing processed cheeses and salty sauces can help.

Conclusion: Enjoying a Cheesesteak Mindfully

The calorie content of a 12-inch cheesesteak is far from a fixed number and is highly dependent on the ingredients and preparation. By understanding the components that contribute to the total, you can make informed choices to create a healthier version at home or select a more balanced option when dining out. From choosing leaner meats to adding more vegetables, there are many ways to enjoy this classic sandwich while keeping your nutrition goals in mind. A delicious meal does not have to break the bank of your daily calorie budget; it just requires a bit of awareness and planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 12-inch cheesesteak typically contains between 990 and 1200 calories, but this can vary widely based on ingredients. Factors like the cut of meat, type and amount of cheese, and cooking methods heavily influence the total.

The total calories are affected by the cut of beef used (leaner cuts have fewer calories), the amount of oil, the type of cheese (provolone or Cheez Whiz are high in fat), and the bread.

A homemade cheesesteak can be made much healthier because you have complete control over the ingredients. You can opt for leaner meat, less oil, and reduced-fat cheese to significantly cut calories.

You can make a cheesesteak lower in calories by using shaved chicken breast instead of beef, incorporating more vegetables like peppers and onions, using reduced-fat cheese, or hollowing out your hoagie roll.

Specific nutritional information is available for some chains. For example, a 12-inch cheesesteak from Great Steak can have around 1070 calories, while one from Pizza Delight might have 1200 calories.

Consider swapping fatty ribeye for lean sirloin or chicken breast, high-fat cheese for reduced-fat provolone or mozzarella, and a standard hoagie roll for a lighter or whole-grain option.

Cheesesteaks are often high in saturated fat and sodium, particularly from restaurant versions. While they also provide a good amount of protein, it's wise to be mindful of these other nutritional factors, especially for those with blood pressure or heart health concerns.