Jersey Mike's Meatless Subs
Jersey Mike's provides several options for those looking for a meat-free sandwich. While they are famously known for their cold cuts and cheese steaks, the chain has made a point to include a variety of flavorful choices for vegetarians. The two primary choices are the classic cold #14 The Veggie and the hot #64 Grilled Portabella Mushroom & Swiss. Each sub offers a different taste profile and texture, giving customers variety beyond just a simple salad sub.
The Classic Cold Sub: #14 The Veggie
The #14 The Veggie is Jersey Mike's signature cold sub for vegetarians. This sandwich provides a fresh, crunchy, and savory experience built upon a foundation of multiple cheeses and fresh vegetables. The base ingredients for this sub include:
- Cheeses: Layers of provolone and Swiss cheese are the centerpiece of the #14.
- Green Bell Peppers: These are incorporated to add a crisp, fresh bite.
For a truly authentic experience, most people order the sub "Mike's Way," which adds a generous portion of freshly sliced onions, shredded lettuce, and ripe tomatoes. This is then topped with a blend of spices, olive oil, and red wine vinegar, known as "the juice," for a light and refreshing finish. You can also add more toppings, such as dill pickles, mild banana peppers, or spicy cherry pepper relish to amp up the flavor.
The Hearty Hot Sub: #64 Grilled Portabella Mushroom & Swiss
For a warmer, more satisfying meatless option, the #64 Grilled Portabella Mushroom & Swiss is a perfect choice. This sub features earthy, savory portabella mushrooms grilled to perfection with other fresh vegetables. The components of this hot sub are:
- Portabella Mushrooms: Hearty and flavorful mushrooms provide a meaty texture.
- Grilled Onions and Green Peppers: Cooked with the mushrooms to develop a deep, sweet, and savory flavor profile.
- Melted Swiss Cheese: A thick layer of melted cheese holds the grilled veggies together for a gooey, satisfying bite.
Like all Jersey Mike's subs, this can be customized with additional ingredients like extra veggies or sauces. It provides a more decadent and filling alternative to the cold veggie sub.
Customizing Your Sub for Any Diet
Jersey Mike's makes it easy to customize your sub to fit specific dietary needs. Here's how you can modify the standard offerings:
For Vegans:
To make either the #14 Veggie or #64 Grilled Portabella sub vegan, you must request it without cheese. In addition, be mindful of the bread choice, as the standard white bread contains honey. Vegan-friendly breads and wraps include:
- Wheat Bread
- Seeded Italian Bread
- Spinach Herb Wrap
- Tomato Basil Wrap
- Garlic Herb Wrap
For Low-Carb Dieters:
For those looking to cut carbs, Jersey Mike's offers the "Sub in a Tub" option. This provides all the fillings of your sub, served in a bowl over a bed of shredded lettuce. It is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of the sandwich without the bread. To keep it low-carb, you may also want to ask for light cheese or dressing.
Comparison of Jersey Mike's Meatless Subs
| Feature | #14 The Veggie (Cold) | #64 Grilled Portabella (Hot) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Ingredients | Provolone, Swiss, green bell peppers | Grilled portabella mushrooms, grilled onions, grilled green peppers, melted Swiss |
| Temperature | Cold | Hot |
| Flavor Profile | Fresh, crisp, tangy, and refreshing | Rich, earthy, savory, and warm |
| Texture | Crunchy from fresh vegetables and soft cheese | Tender and meaty from grilled mushrooms, gooey cheese |
| Vegan Modification | Request no cheese and select a vegan bread/wrap | Request no cheese and select a vegan bread/wrap |
Ordering and Final Touches
When you order a meatless sub at Jersey Mike's, remember that customization is key. The team is usually happy to work with you to create the perfect sandwich. Always specify if you need no cheese for a vegan sub, and don't be afraid to ask for additional toppings or sauces. Add-ons like avocado can make a vegan sub more filling, while cherry pepper relish or banana peppers can provide a spicy kick. You can find more information about their menu and ingredients on the official website.
Conclusion
Jersey Mike's successfully provides diverse and delicious meatless sub options that go beyond just basic vegetables. Whether you prefer the refreshing crunch of the cold #14 or the warm, savory flavor of the hot #64, both subs can be easily modified to fit vegetarian or vegan preferences. With customizable toppings, sauces, and even the breadless "Sub in a Tub" option, Jersey Mike's offers substantial and flavorful choices for non-meat-eaters.
