Patrick Oconnell
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a delicious, quick, and easy meal, but what happens when you have leftovers? Leftover grilled cheese can turn cold and dry in the fridge or even at room temperature, but there are several ways to reheat it and return it to its former glory. While you can reheat grilled cheese in the microwave, it's not recommended as it will turn out soggy. Instead, try reheating it in a pan on the stovetop, in a conventional oven, or in a toaster oven.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reheating Methods | Pan-grilling, Baking in a toaster oven, Toasting in a toaster oven, Conventional oven, Convection oven, Air fryer, Microwave |
| Ideal Temperature | 325-400°F |
| Ideal Time | 2.5 minutes on each side on a pan, 10 minutes in a toaster oven, 10-12 minutes in a conventional oven, 2-4 minutes in an air fryer |
| Result | Crisp on the outside, melted cheese on the inside |
| Tips | Use butter or mayonnaise, cover the pan with a lid, do not freeze |
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What You'll Learn
Reheating grilled cheese in the oven
Reheating grilled cheese sandwiches in the oven is a great way to recapture that freshly made magic. It is best to use a toaster oven, conventional oven, or convection oven. If you are reheating multiple sandwiches, it is best to use a baking sheet and spread them out in a single layer.
If you are using a toaster oven, set it to bake at 350°F without preheating. Place the sandwich directly on the rack and heat for 10 minutes, flipping it halfway through. This method will result in a grilled cheese that is crisp on the outside, but the cheese might not be fully melted.
For a conventional oven, preheat to 350°F. Place the sandwich on top of a foil bag and cook for 10–12 minutes. Flip the sandwich and cook for another 10–12 minutes. Look for colour, crispiness, and oozing cheese. If you see black, it's overdone. Let it cool for 2–3 minutes before serving.
A convection oven is faster than a conventional oven because the fan circulates air and heats the food evenly. Preheat to 325°F and set the fan to low. Follow the same directions as the conventional oven but only cook for 8–10 minutes per side.
To keep grilled cheese sandwiches warm, you can put them in the oven on the lowest setting for 10–20 minutes or even 30 minutes. Place them on a grid-type cooling rack and cover them loosely with foil before placing them in the oven.
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Reheating grilled cheese in the toaster
Reheating grilled cheese sandwiches in a toaster is a convenient option, especially if you're short on time. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:
Preparing the Sandwich
Allow the sandwich to cool completely before placing it in the toaster. This helps prevent sogginess and ensures even heating. If you're preparing the sandwich in advance, wrap it in wax paper to keep it fresh. You can also use firmer bread, which tends to hold up better during reheating.
Toasting the Sandwich
When you're ready to reheat, set your toaster oven to the toast setting at a medium level. If your toaster oven has a temperature setting, set it to around 350°F. Place the grilled cheese sandwich directly on the rack and toast for about 5 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
Halfway through the toasting time, flip the sandwich to ensure even browning and melting of the cheese. Depending on your toaster's heat settings, you may need to adjust the timing. If your toaster lacks a temperature dial, you can estimate the time by observing the colour and crispiness of the bread.
Serving the Sandwich
Once the sandwich is toasted to your liking, remove it from the toaster and let it cool slightly before serving. This will allow the cheese to set a little, ensuring a neat and enjoyable eating experience.
Tips for Optimal Results
For the best flavour and texture, some prefer re-grilling the sandwich in a pan on the stovetop. This method allows for more control over the melting of the cheese and the crispness of the bread. However, the toaster oven method is a quicker and more convenient option, especially for busy individuals or when serving multiple sandwiches.
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Reheating grilled cheese in the microwave
Reheating grilled cheese sandwiches in the microwave is a quick and easy option that requires minimal cleanup. However, it is important to note that this method can negatively affect the texture of the sandwich, making it less crispy and more soggy or chewy, especially if the filling contains a lot of liquid.
If you are short on time or prefer a softer grilled cheese sandwich, here is a step-by-step guide to reheating your grilled cheese sandwich in the microwave:
- Start by assembling your sandwich on a microwave-safe plate.
- Depending on the temperature of your sandwich, adjust the microwave timing. If the sandwich is still warm, heat it for 30 seconds. If it is cold from the refrigerator, increase the heating time to 90 seconds on 50% power. For best results, keep an eye on the sandwich to avoid overcooking.
- While the sandwich is in the microwave, you can prepare a skillet or pan. Heat it on medium-high heat and add butter or oil to prevent sticking.
- Once the microwave beeps, carefully remove your sandwich and place it on the preheated skillet or pan, butter-side down. This step is crucial to crisping up the bread and releasing the trapped steam to prevent sogginess.
- Cook the sandwich for an additional 3-4 minutes on the skillet or pan. If desired, add a squirt of water to the pan and cover it with a lid for a steam effect, but remember to remove the lid a few minutes before it's done.
- Finally, serve your grilled cheese sandwich hot and enjoy!
While the microwave method is convenient, it is worth mentioning that other reheating options are available, such as using a stovetop, oven, toaster oven, or Panini press, each offering its own advantages in terms of texture and flavor.
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Reheating grilled cheese in the pan
Reheating grilled cheese sandwiches in a pan is a great option, especially if the sandwich hasn't been refrigerated yet. It works for cold sandwiches too, but you might want to consider other methods if you're short on time or want to avoid cleaning a pan.
To reheat your grilled cheese sandwich in a pan, first, turn the heat to medium-high and let the pan get hot. You can add a little butter to the pan to help the bread brown and stop it from sticking. Place your sandwich in the pan and cover it with a lid to help the cheese melt. Be careful to place the lid on crooked so that steam can escape, preventing sogginess. After about two and a half minutes, or when the sandwich is golden and crispy, flip it over and cook for another two and a half minutes. This method produces a grilled cheese sandwich with bread that is crisp, but not dried out, and cheese that is melted.
If you're reheating a sandwich that was served with a foil bag, you can place the sandwich back in the bag and put it, bag and all, into the pan. This will help keep your pan clean and prevent the sandwich from drying out. Just be sure to leave the bag open to let the steam escape.
If you're short on time, you can first heat your sandwich in the microwave for a minute, and then lay it butter-side down in a medium-hot pan for 3-4 minutes. This is a quick and fail-safe method that ensures your sandwich will be crispy and the cheese will be melted.
If you're reheating multiple sandwiches, you can place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and cover the pan loosely with foil before placing it in a warm oven. This will help keep the sandwiches from drying out.
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Reheating grilled cheese in the air fryer
First, prep your sandwich. If your sandwich has fresh, cold ingredients like lettuce or tomato, remove them. You can add them back after reheating. Secure each sandwich with a toothpick before air frying, then remove the toothpicks before flipping the sandwiches. This is especially important if you are using light bread, to prevent it from blowing around in the air fryer.
Next, preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F (175°C). Wrap your sandwich in aluminum foil. This prevents it from drying out, keeps the ingredients intact, and ensures that the cheese melts without making a mess.
Now you are ready to air fry! Place your wrapped sandwich in the air fryer basket and cook for about 3 to 8 minutes, depending on the temperature and the size and thickness of your sandwich. Check your sandwich halfway through cooking to ensure it is reheating evenly.
Once your sandwich is heated through, remove the foil and add back any fresh toppings. Enjoy your crispy, gooey grilled cheese!
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to reheat a grilled cheese sandwich is to re-grill it in a pan. Place a little butter in the bottom of the pan and heat it at medium-high. Put the sandwich in the pan and place a lid on it, ensuring the lid is tilted to prevent steam from building up. After about two and a half minutes, flip the sandwich and let it cook for another two and a half minutes.
Yes, you can. Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the sandwich directly on the rack for 10 minutes, flipping it halfway through. The sandwich will be crisp on the outside, but the cheese might not melt all the way through.
Yes, but it is not recommended. If you choose this method, place the sandwich in the microwave for 30 seconds if it is still warm, or for 90 seconds on 50% power if it is cold. Note that your sandwich will not be crispy.
Yes, but it is not recommended as the cheese will turn soggy when you reheat it. If you do choose to freeze your sandwich, wait for it to cool down completely before placing it in the freezer. Reheat it within two months for the best results.
