What's a deli sandwich without cheese? While such sandwiches certainly do exist, cheese is a common addition for most sandwiches both hot and cold. American cheese is probably the most popular sandwich cheese, being conveniently square. However, sandwich shops typically offer other varieties as well. Rather than stick with your usual order, try one of the cheeses below.

Sharp Cheddar

If American cheese is your go-to order at the sandwich shop, try sharp cheddar instead. It's the same color, but it offers more of a tang. Its consistency is also a little drier. It works beautifully in a grilled cheese sandwich. However, it also has enough texture and bite to stand up to meat such as roast beef.

Brie

Many people think of brie as a party appetizer. However, it can make a delicious sandwich cheese. It's a soft cheese with a small bite, so it can stand alone with bitter greens such as arugula. It pairs well with strong meats such as Serrano ham. But it's light enough that it won't overpower a turkey sandwich. Grilled tomato with brie is a nice vegetarian option.

Havarti

Havarti is a buttery cheese that melts well, which makes it another good option for grilled cheese. Havarti is also good for cold sandwiches because its soft texture melds well with the bread and ingredients. Consider ordering it on a light sandwich with sliced cucumber or apple in addition to turkey. It pairs well with bacon, too.

Manchego

Manchego is an unusual cheese for a sandwich shop, but some deli-style places will offer it. If you see it on the menu, consider ordering this sheep's milk cheese for a completely new taste. It's sharp and salty with a melting point that makes it another good grilling cheese. Manchego comes from Spain, so it also pairs well with Serrano ham.

Gouda

Gouda is good all-around cheese. It can be very light and soft. When aged, it becomes harder and sharper. It also comes smoked. Gouda is a fun cheese to replace American cheese in a grilled ham and cheese sandwich. It adds a little more body and depth of flavor. It also pairs well with fruit flavors, so consider it for a sandwich with jam.

Provolone

Provolone is an Italian staple. While aged provolone can be almost as sharp as gouda, most sandwich shops offer the sweet, mild variety. Because of that flavor profile, it stands up well in Italian sandwiches, especially those that feature spicy soppressata because it cuts the heat. It's also good in a cold tomato sandwich with olive oil and basil.

Venture out of your cheese routine by ordering one of the above on your next sandwich.

To learn more about your options, contact a sandwich shop.