The Perfect Grilled Cheese: Reheating Time And Tips

Grilled cheese is a delicious, comforting meal, but sometimes we make too much and are left with leftovers. The good news is that you can reheat grilled cheese! The best methods for reheating grilled cheese are the stovetop, toaster oven, or air fryer. Using the microwave is not recommended as it can make the sandwich soggy. When reheating grilled cheese, it's important to use low heat and take your time to ensure the cheese melts and the bread becomes crispy without burning. Now, let's get into the details of how long to reheat grilled cheese using different methods.

Stovetop reheating

To reheat a grilled cheese sandwich on the stovetop, you will need a non-stick frying pan or skillet, a lid, and some butter or mayonnaise. If your grilled cheese sandwich does not already have butter on the bread, you will need to spread some softened butter on each side of the sandwich. Alternatively, you can use mayonnaise, which provides even browning and minimal prep work. If you are using butter, pre-melt it before spreading it on the bread to prevent it from burning.

Once your sandwich is prepared, heat your pan on medium-high heat. If you are using butter, you may want to melt a little in the pan before adding your sandwich. After adding your sandwich to the pan, sprinkle a few drops of water into the pan and cover it with a lid, leaving a slight gap for steam to escape. This will help create a warm and moist environment that will melt the cheese and ensure even heating.

After 2-3 minutes, remove the lid and flip the sandwich, heating each side for an additional 1-2 minutes. If your sandwich already has a lot of butter, you may not need to add extra butter to the pan to prevent it from becoming too greasy. Keep in mind that the goal is to heat the sandwich evenly and achieve a balance of crispy bread and melted cheese.

Using the stovetop method, the total reheating time for your grilled cheese sandwich should be around 5-7 minutes. This method delivers both quality and speed, resulting in a crispy exterior and gooey cheese.

Toaster oven reheating

Toaster ovens are a great option for reheating grilled cheese sandwiches, offering a hands-off approach to achieving that perfect balance of crispy bread and melty cheese. Here's a detailed guide on how to go about it:

Preparation

Before reheating your grilled cheese sandwich, there are a few important steps to follow. Firstly, ensure that any leftovers are stored properly. Wrap the sandwich in aluminium foil or parchment paper and place it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the bread from becoming soggy.

When you're ready to reheat, let the sandwich reach room temperature. This step is crucial as it reduces the reheating time and helps to distribute heat evenly, preventing the exterior from overcooking before the cheese melts. Allow about 10-15 minutes for the sandwich to reach the optimal starting temperature.

Toaster Oven Settings

Now, let's set up the toaster oven. The ideal temperature for reheating grilled cheese is around 350°F (175°C). If your toaster oven has multiple rack levels, the middle rack placement usually works well. You can also try the lowest position to get your bread crisped and golden.

Place an empty baking sheet or a solid metal tray (to prevent cheese dripping) inside the toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F or 450°F on the "Bake" setting. If your toaster oven tends to run hot or is a convection type, consider lowering the temperature to 325°F or 400°F.

Reheating Process

Once the toaster oven is preheated, it's time to cook your sandwich. Place the sandwich on the preheated pan, buttered-side down, and return it to the toaster oven.

Cook the sandwich for about 4 minutes, or until the bottom is toasted and browned. Then, carefully remove the pan, flip the sandwich with a spatula, and return it to the toaster oven for another 3 to 4 minutes. This timing should result in a perfectly toasted sandwich with melted cheese.

If your sandwich has multiple layers of cheese or thicker bread, you may need to adjust the timing accordingly, adding a minute or two to ensure the cheese melts completely.

Serving

Once the sandwich is done, let it cool slightly to avoid burning your tongue! You can serve it with various dips to enhance the flavour. Enjoy your perfectly reheated grilled cheese!

Air fryer reheating

Reheating a grilled cheese sandwich in an air fryer is a simple and effective way to recapture that freshly-made taste and texture. The air fryer is a great appliance for reheating food, giving your sandwich a crispy exterior without drying out the inside.

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Prep Your Sandwich: If your sandwich has fresh ingredients like lettuce, tomato, or condiments, remove them. You can add them back after reheating.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to around 350°F-400°F. Preheating ensures the hot air circulates efficiently.
• Wrap in Foil: Wrapping your sandwich in foil is important to prevent it from drying out, keeping the ingredients intact, and ensuring the cheese melts without making a mess.
• Air Fry: Place your wrapped sandwich in the air fryer basket. Reheat for about 2-8 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of your sandwich. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't overcook.
• Final Touches: If you've removed any fresh toppings, add them back now. You can also freshen up condiments like mayonnaise and ketchup.
• Serve: Your grilled cheese sandwich is now ready to enjoy, with a crispy exterior and a warm, delicious interior.

Tips:

• Don't Overcrowd: Air fryers work best when air can circulate freely. Reheat in batches if necessary.
• Adjust Time: Thicker or larger sandwiches may need more time, while smaller ones may need less.
• Check Midway: Give the sandwich a quick check halfway through to ensure even reheating.
• Secure Light Bread: If your bread is very light, use toothpicks to secure the sandwich so it doesn't blow around or fall apart in the air fryer.

Microwave reheating

Microwaving is a quick and convenient way to reheat your grilled cheese sandwich. However, it is worth noting that this method may not deliver the same crispy texture as other reheating methods.

Steps to Reheat Grilled Cheese in the Microwave:

• Cover the sandwich with a lid while microwaving. This ensures even heating and prevents some parts from overcooking or remaining cold and mushy.
• Alternatively, wrap the sandwich in a soft cloth before placing it in a microwave-safe dish. Do not use plastic wrap.
• Heat the sandwich in the microwave for about 2 to 3 minutes.
• If the sandwich is still not warm enough or crispy enough, you can reheat it again.
• For frozen grilled cheese, microwave for 1 minute or 40 to 50 seconds on each side.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• If you are aiming for a crispy texture, consider using a skillet, toaster oven, or air fryer instead of a microwave.
• To prevent sogginess, let the sandwich reach room temperature before reheating and manage steam and moisture effectively during the process.

Freezing and reheating

While grilled cheese is best eaten fresh, it is possible to freeze and reheat it for later. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to do it right:

Freezing

The key to effectively freezing a grilled cheese sandwich is to minimise the chance of freezer burn, which can affect the taste and texture of your sandwich. Start by letting the sandwich cool down completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a sealed airtight container before putting it in the freezer. Bread can be frozen for up to six months, while cheese can be frozen for up to 12 months. However, for the best quality, it is recommended to reheat a frozen grilled cheese sandwich within two months.

When it comes to cheese selection, semi-firm cheeses like gouda and colby Jack are the best options for freezing. Hard cheeses like Parmesan freeze well but are not ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches. High-moisture cheeses like young cheddar and American should be avoided, as the moisture in the cheese will turn to ice, affecting the texture of the sandwich.

Reheating

The best way to reheat a grilled cheese sandwich is in an oven or toaster oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) and bake the sandwich for about 10 minutes, flipping it halfway through. You can also use a convection oven, which cooks faster and more evenly. Preheat it to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius) and follow the same directions as with a conventional oven, but for only 8-10 minutes per side.

If you want to reheat your sandwich on the stovetop, the classic way of preparing grilled cheese, simply slather both sides of the sandwich with butter or mayonnaise and cook it over medium-high heat. Place a lid on the pan at a tilted angle to trap some steam and remove the sandwich once the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted, which should take about 2-5 minutes.

You can also reheat your grilled cheese sandwich in a toaster oven or an air fryer. The toaster oven allows you to use the toast function to heat the sandwich to your desired level. As for the air fryer, set it to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius) and cook for 2-4 minutes.

It is not recommended to reheat grilled cheese in the microwave, as it will not retain its crispy texture.

Frequently asked questions