Ham & Cheese Sub or Turkey & Cheese Sub – Which One to Order?

You ever stand in front of a menu, staring at two options, and your brain just freezes? Happens to all of us. And at Pops Pizza, one of the most common freeze-ups is between the ham & cheese sub and the turkey & cheese sub.

Both look similar. Both got meat, cheese, bread, toppings. Both are delicious. But let me tell you – they are not the same animal. Not even close.

I’ve been making subs for years. I’ve watched hundreds of customers flip-flop back and forth. So let me help you decide. By the time you finish reading this, you’ll know exactly which one belongs in your hands today.

The Ham & Cheese Sub – Smoky, Salty, Satisfying

Let’s start with the ham & cheese sub. This one is for people who like bold flavors. Our ham is not that watery, sad deli ham you get at the grocery store. No no no. We use smoked ham – thick enough to taste, thin enough to stack. It’s got that pink color, that slight saltiness, that smoky kick that hits you right away.

We pile it high on a fresh sub roll. Then we add your choice of cheese – provolone is the classic move, but American works too if that’s your style. Then we toast it just enough so the cheese gets soft and the ham gets warm. Not burned. Just… cozy.

Then come the toppings. Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, oil, vinegar, oregano, salt, pepper. Simple. Classic. Perfect.

The ham & cheese sub is not trying to be fancy. It’s trying to be delicious. And it succeeds.

Who should order the ham & cheese sub?

• People who like smoky, savory meats
• People who aren’t afraid of a little salt
• People who grew up eating deli sandwiches and want that nostalgic taste
• People who want a sub that feels like a meal, not a snack

The Turkey & Cheese Sub – Light, Lean, Lovely

Now let’s talk about the turkey & cheese sub. This one is for a different crowd. Our turkey is roasted in-house – not pressed, not processed, not that weird oval-shaped turkey loaf. Real turkey breast. Oven-roasted. Sliced fresh every morning.

The taste is cleaner than ham. Milder. No smoke, no salt bomb. Just pure turkey flavor with a little bit of herbiness from the roasting process.

Same sub roll. Same cheese options (provolone or American). Same toasting process. Same toppings. But the experience is completely different.

The turkey & cheese sub feels lighter. You eat it and you don’t feel like you need a nap afterward. It’s still filling – don’t get me wrong – but it sits differently in your stomach. Cleaner. Easier.

Who should order the turkey & cheese sub?

• People who want something lighter but still satisfying
• People who don’t love salty or smoky flavors
• People who are watching their sodium but still want a real sub
• People who want lunch, not a food coma

Side by Side – Let’s Compare

But Wait – What About Toppings?

Here’s the thing. Both subs get the same toppings by default. But the way those toppings interact with the meat is totally different.

On a ham & cheese sub, the saltiness of the ham makes the tomatoes taste sweeter. The vinegar and oil cut through the smoke. It’s a balance thing.

On a turkey & cheese sub, the mild turkey lets the toppings shine more. You taste the lettuce crunch. You taste the onion zing. You taste the oregano. The turkey is the supporting actor, not the star. And sometimes that’s exactly what you want.

A Little Story From Behind the Counter

Last week, a mom came in with her two kids. The daughter wanted a ham & cheese sub. The son wanted a turkey & cheese sub. The mom looked at me and said, “What’s the difference?”

I gave her the short version. She ordered both. Then she took a bite of each and said, “Now I get it.” The ham one was for when she wanted something bold. The turkey one was for when she wanted something easy.

She ended up eating half of each. Smart lady.

What If You Can’t Decide?

I’ll be straight with you. Some days I can’t decide either. On those days, I do one of two things:

1. Order a half of each. We can do half subs. Not a problem.
2. Ask yourself one question: Do I want to feel smoky or do I want to feel clean?

That question has never failed me.

A Quick Word About Our Roast Beef Sub

I know you’re here for ham and turkey. But since we’re talking about subs, I should mention we also have a roast beef sub on the menu. That’s for when you want something beefy and juicy with a little au jus on the side. Different vibe entirely. But if you like ham and turkey, you’ll probably like roast beef too. Just saying.

FAQs

1. Which sub has more calories – ham & cheese or turkey & cheese?
The ham & cheese sub has slightly more due to higher fat content in the ham. About 650–750 calories vs 550–650 for turkey.

2. Can I get both meats on one sub?
Absolutely. We call that a “mixed sub” – ham AND turkey together. Best of both worlds.

3. Which cheese goes best with each?
Provolone is my pick for both. But ham & cheese sub works great with sharp cheddar. Turkey & cheese sub is excellent with Swiss if you want to get fancy.

4. Are these subs served hot or cold?
By default, we toast them so the cheese melts. But you can ask for it cold if that’s your thing. No judgment.

5. Which sub do kids like more?
Kids usually pick the ham & cheese sub. It’s sweeter and saltier. Kids have simple taste buds.

6. Do you deliver ham & cheese subs?
Yes. And they travel pretty well because the ham holds its texture. Turkey subs also travel fine – just eat it within 20 minutes.

7. Is the turkey & cheese sub healthy?
Healthier than the ham, yes. Lower sodium, lower fat. But it’s still a sub with cheese and bread. Don’t pretend it’s a kale salad.

8. Can I add bacon to either?
You can add bacon to anything. But fair warning – bacon on a ham & cheese sub is a salt explosion. Delicious, but intense.

9. Which one is more popular at Pops Pizza?
Honestly? The ham & cheese sub sells more. But the turkey & cheese sub has a loyal following. People who love it, really love it.

10. I’m vegetarian. Do you have anything for me?
Yes! Check out our vegetable stromboli or a plain cheese sub with all the veggies. Not everything has to have meat.