Meatball subs are a beloved sandwich that has become a staple in Italian-American cuisine. You’ll find it on the menu of every sub shop and takeout place. With its warm bread, hearty meatballs, and tangy tomato sauce, it’s no wonder this sandwich has stood the test of time. But where did this iconic sandwich come from, and how did it become so popular? In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into the history of meatballs and how they became part of this beloved sandwich.
The Food of Italian Immigrants
The origins of meatball subs can be traced back to Italian immigrants who came to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These immigrants brought with them their love of meatballs, which were a common dish in Italy. Meatballs were easy to make, and the easy access to meat in America meant they could make bigger meatballs than they did back in Italy. They popped up in Italian eateries in immigrant communities, and their proximity to other ethnic groups meant they could incorporate foods from other cultures. For example, putting meatballs on a French baguette led to the creation of the meatball sub.
Meatballs from Around the World
Every country and culture has a version of meatballs. In the United States, our meatballs are made in the Italian tradition, but there are others. Many people are familiar with the smaller, sweeter Swedish meatballs. Most cultures use beef or pork, but some branch out. For example, in Germany, they make something called Könisberger Klopse with anchovies and salted herrings. It sounds odd to us, but they seem to like it!
They Come in All Sizes
Because of the Italian immigrants making bigger meatballs, we tend to still make big ones. But if you go back to Italy, they still make them quite small. Usually, they’re about the size of a golf ball. However, in the Teramo province in the Abruzzo region, they make them even smaller! They’re known for their delicious but tiny meatballs.
Enjoy a Meatball Sub at Your Favorite Sub Shop!
We have all your favorites at the Chelmsford Sub Shoppe. Stop in and grab a meatball sub or any of our other delicious menu items!