I, for one, love a hot and delicious cheesesteak sandwich, and I bet you do too! But what if you can’t devour it all in one sitting? Don’t worry! Keep reading to learn how to reheat a cheesesteak so it is just as yummy as the first time you took a bite.
What Exactly Is a Cheesesteak?
- A cheesesteak (originated in Philadelphia) is made with thinly sliced pieces of beefsteak and melted cheese, it is served on a long roll of bread.
- Next up is the cheese. The classic options are provolone, American, or the ever-popular Cheese Whiz.
- Finally, a fresh and crusty roll, ideally an Italian subroll or a French baguette, should be used to create the perfect cheesesteak.
- So there you have it – the essential elements of a delicious cheesesteak sandwich.
How to Reheat a Cheesesteak
How to Reheat a Cheesesteak in the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Wrap the cheesesteak in aluminum foil. Encasing the cheesesteak in foil will help retain its moisture and prevent it from drying out. Be sure to wrap it tightly to avoid any air gaps.
- Place the wrapped cheesesteak on a baking sheet. Make sure the baking sheet is positioned in the center of the oven.
- Reheat for 15-20 minutes or until the cheesesteak is warm all the way through.
- Carefully remove the cheesesteak from the oven once reheated.
Reheating in the Oven – Tips & Tricks
- To maintain the crispiness of your cheesesteak bread, you can try lightly toasting it in the oven for a few minutes before wrapping it in aluminum foil.
- If you have a meat and cheese-only cheesesteak, consider reheating the meat separately from the bread. This will prevent the bread from getting soggy while allowing the cheese to melt evenly.
How to Reheat a Cheesesteak on the Stovetop
- Separate the ingredients: Before you start reheating your cheesesteak, take apart the sandwich and separate the bread, meat, and toppings (such as onions and peppers).
- Preheat the pan: Set a non-stick skillet on medium to low heat. Let it warm up for about 30 seconds. A little oil or butter can be added to provide extra flavor, but it’s not necessary.
- Reheat the meat: Add the meat to the preheated pan, stirring occasionally for 2 to 3 minutes to ensure it reheats evenly.
- Warm the toppings: In a separate pan, gently heat the onions and peppers on low heat for 1 to 2 minutes.
Toast the bread: Place the bread, cut side down, in the same pan that you reheated the meat. Toast for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly crispy. - Reassemble the cheesesteak: After all the components are heated, place the meat, toppings, and cheese on the toasted bread. Let the sandwich sit for 30 seconds to allow the cheese to melt.
Reheating on the Stovetop – Tips & Tricks
- Avoid overcrowding: Don’t put all the toppings and meat in the same pan, especially if they have varying cooking times. This can lead to uneven heating and a decrease in the sandwich’s quality.
- Use a lid: If your cheese isn’t melting quickly enough, consider covering the pan with a lid or aluminum foil for a few seconds once the sandwich is reassembled.
- Be mindful of heat settings: Keep the heat at medium to low to avoid burning your ingredients.
- Monitor the process: Be sure to consistently check on the reheating progress, as stovetop cooking times may vary. Keep an eye on the reassembly to make sure everything is heated to your liking before enjoying your revamped cheesesteak.
How to Reheat a Cheesesteak in the Microwave
- Place your cheesesteak in a microwave-safe dish.
- Add a small amount of water to the dish to help keep the bread from getting too dry.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or a piece of microwave-safe plastic wrap. Leave a small opening to allow steam to escape.
- Microwave on medium power (50%) for 1-2 minutes, checking after 1 minute.
- If needed, stir or reposition the cheesesteak to ensure even heating.
- Continue reheating in 30-second intervals at 50% power until the desired temperature is reached.
Reheating in the Microwave – Tips & Tricks
- Slice in half: Cutting your cheesesteak in half before microwaving can help it reheat more evenly.
- Use a damp paper towel: Wrap your cheesesteak in a damp paper towel to keep the bread from drying out during the reheating process.
- Rotate the dish: For a more even heat distribution, try rotating the dish halfway through the reheating process.
- Don’t overcrowd: If you’re reheating multiple cheesesteaks, be sure to give enough space between them in the dish to allow proper heat circulation.
FAQs
What’s the best way to warm up a Philly cheesesteak?
To warm up your Philly cheesesteak, the best way is to use an oven or toaster oven.
How can I reheat a cheesesteak without drying it out?
To reheat your cheesesteak without drying it out, wrap it in foil before placing it in the oven. This helps to lock in the moisture while heating.
Is it possible to reheat a cheesesteak in an air fryer?
Yes, you can reheat a cheesesteak in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and place the cheesesteak in the basket. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheesesteak is warmed through and the bread is crispy.
