How To Reheat Sandwiches [I Tested 5 Methods]

Tossing out a day-old sandwich feels like a sin, especially if it was an absolute masterpiece. So I decided to experiment to find the best way to reheat sandwiches.

The best way to reheat sandwiches is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and wrap the sandwich in foil to protect the bread from drying out. Heat the sandwich for 10-15 minutes. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to crisp the bread.

These methods will work for whatever sandwich you have, Cuban sandwiches, Reuben sandwiches, or a fat pastrami sandwich.

How I Tested Reheating Sandwiches

I went to my local deli and asked for a few Cuban sandwiches (my favorite), after eating one for lunch I put the rest in the fridge overnight. The next day was all about the revival. I tested several reheating methods:

• In the oven: Slow, but reliable and tasty.
• On the stove: Crispy and delicious.
• In the microwave: Convenient, but mushy texture.
• In an air fryer: A bit too crispy for my liking.
• In a panini press: Decent option if you have one.

My goal was to find a method that heated the sandwich all the way through and kept the bread crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Yum.

Note: The bread type and thickness of your sandwich will make a difference to how long you should heat it for. Thicker sandwiches will need longer, and more delicate breads like brioche will dry out faster so you need to keep an eye on them.

Reheating Sandwiches In The Oven

Time: 10-15 minutes
Rating: 9/10

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 
2. Wrap your sandwich in aluminum foil.
3. Place the foil-wrapped sandwich on the oven rack. Heat for around 10-15 minutes.
4. Unwrap the foil and allow the sandwich to heat for an additional few minutes to crisp up the bread.

If you’re short on time, place your sandwich uncovered in a cold oven, then set it to 350°F. It should be perfectly reheated by the time the oven is hot and you don’t need to wait for it to preheat.

For thicker sandwiches, consider heating them in the microwave for a 15-20 seconds first to make sure the middle warms. through. Another option is to open the sandwich and heat it in two halves.

And if you’re using a toaster oven, keep a close eye on your sandwich. Toaster ovens can heat things surprisingly fast and you don’t want to burn the bread.

Results: This method was the most reliable option, and it can accommodate all types of sandwiches from deli classics to hefty subs. Although it’s a slower process compared to other methods, the gentle heat allows for good control. My bread came out toasty and warm, the meat was juicy, and the cheese perfectly melted. What more could I want?

Reheating Sandwiches On The Stove

Time: 5-7 minutes
Rating: 8/10

1. Heat a pan over medium heat and melt 1/2 teaspoon of butter in it.
2. Place your sandwich in the pan and sprinkle a few drops of water around it.
3. Cover the pan and heat for 2-3 minutes.
4. Flip the sandwich, add a few more drops of water, and cover again for 2 minutes.
5. Remove the lid and increase the heat slightly to crisp the bread for an additional 30 seconds on each side.

The steam created by the water drops helps to heat the sandwich evenly and keeps the fillings moist. I try to avoid sprinkling the water on the sandwich itself but don’t worry if you get a few drops on the bread, it will dry out quickly in the pan.

And don’t be tempted to increase the heat to get your sandwich faster, this will just leave you with a lukewarm middle.

Psst… Swapping out butter for bacon grease will make and sandwich taste like it was sent from heaven.

Results: My stovetop sandwich was delightfully crispy bread and had perfectly melted cheese, I also like the subtle flavor of the butter. I’d happily use this method again. The only potential drawback is that thick sandwiches, might not heat through completely before the bread crisps up.

Reheating Sandwiches In The Microwave

Time: 1-2 minutes
Rating: 4/10

1. Cover the sandwich with a damp paper towel or place it inside a paper bag.
2. Reheat in 30-second intervals, checking the sandwich during the breaks.
3. Let the sandwich rest for a few seconds before biting into it so you don’t burn your mouth.

The damp paper towel or paper bag helps to create a moist environment, which stops the bread from drying out too much. You can also put a glass of water into the microwave alongside the sandwich.

Short heating intervals help to avoid overheating, which can lead to soggy fillings and tough bread. 

Once the sandwich is hot, it’s important to eat it quickly because the bread will toughen up as it cools down. After 10 minutes, the bread was pretty much like cardboard.

Results: The microwave is undeniably convenient, but you need to be willing to compromise on texture. My bread felt mushy and chewy and had lost all of its crisp. The microwave is an okay option if you have no choice, but if you do, skip it.

Reheating Sandwiches In An Air Fryer

Time: 3-5 minutes
Rating: 7/10

1. Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
2. Place the sandwiches in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
3. Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking frequently.

The air fryer is a very harsh heating method, so I recommend a lower heating temperature to make sure you don’t burn your sandwich. I would also check on it every few minutes.

If you’ve got several sandwiches, keep them in a single layer to ensure even heating.

For thicker sandwiches, wrapping them in foil can help protect the bread while the middle heats through.

Results: The air fryer was fast, but the bread ended up a bit too crispy for my liking. I think the air fryer is ideal for thinner sandwiches that will heat through quickly without the bread becoming overly hard or crunchy.

Reheating Sandwiches In A Panini Press

Time: 3-4 minutes
Rating: 7/10

1. Preheat the panini press.
2. Place the sandwich in the press and close it gently.
3. Heat for 3-4 minutes, checking to ensure it doesn’t burn.

If you don’t have a panini press, you can create a makeshift one by heating two pans and using the second pan to press down on the sandwich from above. Cast iron pans are ideal for this because they’re so heavy, but I appreciate most people don’t have two of these.

Be cautious with the pressure and heat to avoid crushing the sandwich or burning the bread.

Results: I found this method similar to the air fryer, it was fast but works best for thinner sandwiches. If the sandwich is too thick, the bread will burn and the middle will be cold.

How to Store Leftover Sandwiches

To store leftover sandwiches, let them cool to room temperature (if hot) before wrapping them in foil or plastic wrap. You can also place the sandwiches in an airtight container. Keep the sandwich in the fridge where it will last for 3-4 days.

If you store the sandwich while it’s still warm, you’ll get some condensation which will leave the bread soggy.

Sandwiches with lots of wet ingredients and sauces won’t store as well because the moisture will soak into the bread and turn it mushy. Consider removing these ingredients before storing the sandwich, and adding them fresh when you reheat the sandwich.

Can You Freeze Leftover Sandwiches?

Yes, you can freeze leftover sandwiches, but the success largely depends on the ingredients. Sandwiches with mayonnaise and fresh salad ingredients won’t freeze that well. However, sandwiches with meats, cheeses, and spreads like peanut butter or hummus are more suitable for freezing.

How to Freeze Sandwiches

1. Let the sandwiches cool to room temperature if hot.
2. Remove any ingredients that don’t freeze well like tomatoes, lettuce, or mayonnaise.
3. Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This layer helps protect the sandwich from freezer burn and flavor transfer.
4. Place the wrapped sandwiches in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bag.
5. Place the bag in the freezer and consume within 1-2 months for the best quality.

When you’re ready to enjoy your sandwiches, thaw them in the fridge for several hours or overnight. Some sandwiches will benefit from being toasted or reheated after thawing to refresh the bread, heat the fillings, and melt the cheese.

How To Reheat Sandwiches [Tested Methods]

In this short recipe, I show you the best way to revive and reheat your leftover sandwiches. They works with all types of sandwiches, including Cuban and Reuben sandwiches.

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course, Snack

Cuisine: All

Keyword: How To Reheat Sandwiches

Prep Time: 0 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 1 person

Calories: 272kcal

Ingredients

• 1 Sandwich

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 
• Wrap your sandwich in aluminum foil.
• Place the foil-wrapped sandwich on the oven rack. Heat for around 10-15 minutes.
• Unwrap the foil and allow the sandwich to heat for an additional few minutes to crisp up the bread.

Notes

If you’re short on time, place your sandwich uncovered in a cold oven, then set it to 350°F. It should be perfectly reheated by the time the oven is hot and you don’t need to wait for it to preheat.

For thicker sandwiches, consider heating them in the microwave for a 15-20 seconds first to make sure the middle warms. through. Another option is to open the sandwich and heat it in two halves.

And if you’re using a toaster oven, keep a close eye on your sandwich. Toaster ovens can heat things surprisingly fast and you don’t want to burn the bread.

Nutrition

Serving: 100g | Calories: 272kcal