A cheesesteak is a delicious sandwich made with thinly sliced steak and melted cheese. However, like most sandwiches, cheesesteaks don’t always reheat well and can become soggy and unappetizing. With the right techniques, you can reheat a cheesesteak and keep that authentic flavor and texture.
Reheating a Cheesesteak in the Microwave
The microwave offers a quick and easy way to reheat a cheesesteak. Here are some tips:
- Unwrap the sandwich and place it on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover the sandwich with a paper towel to prevent it from drying out.
- Microwave on high power in 30 second intervals until heated through, checking and flipping the sandwich occasionally.
- Watch carefully as cheesesteaks can overcook quickly in the microwave. It should take 1-2 minutes total to reheat.
- Let the cheesesteak rest for a minute before eating so the heat can evenly distribute.
How to Use the Oven to Reheat a Cheesesteak
The oven allows you to reheat a cheesesteak slowly and evenly for the best taste and texture:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F degrees.
- Place the wrapped or unwrapped cheesesteak on a baking sheet.
- Heat the sandwich in the oven for 10-15 minutes until hot and the cheese is melted.
- Check it occasionally and flip it over halfway through baking.
- If the bread starts to get too crispy, loosely tent foil over the top.
- Let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Reheating a Cheesesteak in a Toaster Oven
A toaster oven is ideal for reheating cheesesteaks quickly and getting that crispy bread:
- Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F.
- Unwrap the cheesesteak and place it directly on the rack.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid over-toasting.
- Using tongs, flip the sandwich over halfway through.
- Check that the cheese is melted before removing.
- Let the cheesesteak sit for a minute before eating.
How to Use a Grill or Panini Press
Using a grill or panini press gives you that signature crispy, browned cheesesteak texture:
- Preheat your grill, panini press or sandwich press.
- Lightly butter or oil the grilling surfaces.
- Place the cheesesteak directly on the grill and close the lid.
- Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Press down lightly with a spatula to help heat evenly.
- Cut in half and serve immediately.
FAQs:
Q: How long can I store a leftover cheesesteak?
A: Cheesesteaks can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat within this time for the best quality.
Q: Is it safe to reheat a cheesesteak more than once?
A: It’s best to only reheat a cheesesteak one time. Reheating multiple times can make the bread soggy and increase risk of food-borne illness.
Q: What is the best cheese for a cheesesteak?
A:Traditional cheesesteaks use provolone or Cheez Whiz for a gooey texture. You can also use mozzarella, Swiss, or cheddar.
Q: What is the best cheese to use when reheating a cheesesteak?
A: Provolone and Cheez Whiz are classic cheeses for cheesesteaks. When reheating, opt for provolone which melts well when heated. Avoid cheeses like cheddar that can become oily or break when reheated.
Q: My cheesesteak came with fried onions and peppers. How do I reheat them?
A: It’s best to separate the onions and peppers from the sandwich when reheating. Place them on a baking sheet and reheat at 300°F for 5-7 minutes before adding back to the cheesesteak. This prevents them from getting soggy.
Q: Can I reheat a cheesesteak in an air fryer?
A: Yes, an air fryer works great! Preheat to 300°F. Place the cheesesteak in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes until hot and crispy. The air fryer will reheat the bread nicely.
Q: How can I reheat a cheesesteak to be crispy?
A: Using a grill, panini press or skillet on the stovetop will reheat the cheesesteak with a crispy, crunchy bread exterior. Medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side is perfect.
Q: Is it safe to eat a leftover cheesesteak that was forgotten overnight?
A: For food safety, it is not recommended to eat a cheesesteak left out overnight, as bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature. Discard leftovers that sat out more than 2 hours.
Q: What is the best way to reheat a frozen cheesesteak?
A: Thaw the cheesesteak in the refrigerator overnight. Then use the oven or toaster oven at 300°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. This allows the bread to thaw gradually and prevents sogginess.
Q: Can I reheat a cheesesteak in the instant pot or slow cooker?
A: It’s not recommended. The moisture in these appliances will make the bread soggy. Stick to dry heat methods like the oven or skillet for best results.
Tips:
- Add a little milk or broth when reheating in the oven for extra moisture.
- Use a reheat setting on a toaster oven rather than full power.
- Don’t microwave cheesesteaks more than 60 seconds to avoid drying out.
- Grill leftover cheesesteaks the next day for an extra crispy texture.
- Use low heat. High heat can make the bread soggy and cause the cheese to separate.
- Go low and slow in the oven, between 250°F and 300°F. This will evenly heat the bread and melt the cheese.
- Cover it up. Put foil loosely over the sandwich to trap in steam and prevent drying out.
- Get some steam. Add a damp paper towel or add a small amount of broth or water to the wrapping to create steam.
- Crisp it up. Throw it on a hot skillet or panini press at the end to crisp and brown the bread.
- Loosen and flip. Gently separate the bread layers and flip while reheating for even heating.
- Give it a rest. Let the cheesesteak sit for 2-3 minutes after reheating so the heat distributes through the layers.
Recipes
Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
Ingredients:
- Cheesesteak leftovers
- 4 slider buns or small dinner rolls
- Butter or oil for pan
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 300°F.
- Split slider buns in half and lightly butter or oil both sides. Place on a baking sheet.
- Slice cheesesteak into 4 equal pieces. Place cheesesteak on bun bottoms.
- Bake 5-10 minutes until buns are toasted and cheesesteak is heated through.
- Remove from oven and top with bun tops. Enjoy!
Reheated Cheesesteaks with Sautéed Peppers and Onions
Ingredients:
- Leftover cheesesteaks
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Add onions and peppers. Cook 5 minutes until tender.
- Meanwhile, reheat cheesesteaks in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
- Remove cheesesteaks from oven. Top with sautéed onion and pepper mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
Cheesesteak Stromboli
Ingredients:
- 1 cheesesteak, sliced into strips
- Pizza dough
- Shredded mozzarella
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Roll out pizza dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle.
- Layer cheesesteak meat and mozzarella cheese on dough.
- Roll up tightly, pinching seams to seal. Brush with egg wash.
- Bake 20 minutes until golden brown. Slice into pieces and serve with marinara sauce.
Recommended Products
Microwave:
- Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven with Smart Sensor (1.2 Cu.ft)
- Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN966S (2.2 Cu. Ft)
- GE JES1145SHSS Microwave (1.1 Cu. Ft)
- Breville Quick Touch BMO734XL (1.1 Cu. Ft)
- LG NeoChef LMC0975ST Countertop Microwave Oven (0.9 Cu. Ft)
Oven:
- GE JB645RKSS 30″ Free-Standing Electric Range
- Samsung NE59J7850WS Electric Range
- LG LDE4415ST Electric Range
- Whirlpool WFE515S0ES Electric Range
- Frigidaire FFEF3054TD 30″ Electric Range
Toaster Oven:
- Cuisinart TOB-260N1 Chef’s Convection Toaster Oven
- Breville BOV845BSS Smart Oven Pro
- KitchenAid KCO273SS 12″ Convection Digital Countertop Oven
- Black+Decker TO3250XSB 8-Slice Extra Wide Convection Countertop Toaster Oven
- Hamilton Beach 31123D Countertop Oven with Convection & Rotisserie
Grill/Panini Press:
- Cuisinart 5-in-1 Griddler GR-4N
- Hamilton Beach Electric Panini Press Grill
- George Foreman GRP4842MB Multi-Plate Evolve Grill
- Zojirushi Gourmet Sizzler Electric Griddle and Crepe Maker
- Breville Smart Grill BSG520XL Panini Press
With a little trial and error, you can easily reheat a leftover cheesesteak at home. The microwave offers a fast option, while the oven, toaster oven, and grill heat evenly for a crispy exterior and melted interior. Just be sure not to overcook. Now you can enjoy delicious reheated cheesesteaks anytime!
