Cheese And Prime Rib: The Perfect Pairing

Prime rib is an expensive cut of meat, so it's no surprise that people want to make the most of their leftovers. One of the best ways to do this is to make a sandwich. But what cheese goes with prime rib? Provolone is a popular choice, as its mild flavour doesn't overpower the sandwich, but it's still strong enough to be noticed. Swiss, Monterey Jack and cheddar are also good options. Layer your chosen cheese with some arugula, horseradish sauce, and caramelised onions, and you've got a delicious prime rib sandwich.

Prime rib and cheese sandwiches

Ingredients

• Leftover prime rib
• Bread (co: 0,3,4>baguette, sourdough, or hoagie bun)
• Cheese (co: 0,2,3>provolone, Swiss, or cheddar)
• Onions (co: 2>sweet Vidalia onions, thinly sliced)
• Horseradish/horseradish sauce or whole-grain mustard
• Arugula or other crunchy greens
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Other vegetables of your choice (optional)

Instructions

• Prepare the Prime Rib: Slice your leftover prime rib as thinly as possible. Cold meat is easier to slice, so you can chill or even freeze the prime rib for a while before slicing.
• Caramelize the Onions: Heat some butter or olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until they are soft, golden, and caramelized. This can take around 20-40 minutes, depending on your desired level of caramelization.
• Sauté Other Vegetables (Optional) : If you want to add more vegetables to your sandwich, such as peppers, sauté them separately or with the onions until tender.
• Make the Sauce: Prepare a sauce by combining mayonnaise, horseradish, salt, and pepper. You can also use horseradish sauce or whole-grain mustard instead. Spread this sauce on the bread slices or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side.
• Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread butter on the outer sides of the bread slices. On the inner side, spread the horseradish sauce (if not serving on the side). Layer the bread with cheese, followed by the warmed prime rib, caramelized onions, and any other vegetables you've sautéed. Top with arugula or other crunchy greens and another slice of cheese.
• Grill the Sandwiches: Place the sandwiches in a pan or sandwich press and grill over medium heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
• Serve: Slice the sandwiches in half and serve immediately. Enjoy the decadent combination of juicy prime rib, melted cheese, and sweet onions!

Feel free to adjust the quantities of the ingredients based on your preferences and the number of sandwiches you wish to make. You can also experiment with different types of bread and cheese to create your perfect prime rib and cheese sandwich.

Best cheese for prime rib sandwiches

A prime rib sandwich is a great way to use up leftover prime rib. Thinly sliced prime rib served on a toasted baguette with caramelized onions, horseradish mayo, melted cheese, and peppery arugula makes for a delicious bite. Here's a guide to the best cheeses to use for a prime rib sandwich.

Provolone

Provolone is a mild-flavoured cheese that won't overpower the other ingredients in your prime rib sandwich. It's also a great melting cheese, so it will get nice and gooey. Provolone is a popular choice for prime rib sandwiches and pairs well with the other classic ingredients like caramelized onions and horseradish.

Swiss Cheese

Swiss cheese is another excellent melting cheese that works well on a prime rib sandwich. It has a slightly stronger flavour than provolone, adding a bit of extra tanginess to your sandwich. Swiss cheese pairs well with horseradish and onions, enhancing the savoury flavours of the prime rib.

Cheddar Cheese

For a classic, comforting flavour, cheddar cheese is a great option. It melts well and has a familiar, mild flavour that won't overwhelm the prime rib. Cheddar adds a creamy texture and a touch of sharpness to the sandwich. It's a versatile choice that works well with various toppings and spreads.

Monterey Jack

If you're looking for a cheese with a bit more kick, Monterey Jack is a good choice. It has a mild, buttery flavour with a hint of spice that can complement the other ingredients in your prime rib sandwich. Monterey Jack melts beautifully, creating a creamy texture and adding a touch of extra flavour.

Horseradish and Cheese

When it comes to prime rib sandwiches, horseradish is a popular condiment. Horseradish has a pungent, spicy flavour that can be tempered by the right cheese. Provolone, Swiss cheese, and cheddar all go well with horseradish, balancing out the sharpness and creating a complex, savoury flavour profile.

Arugula and Cheese

Arugula, also known as rocket, is a peppery green that adds a nice bite to prime rib sandwiches. When choosing a cheese to pair with arugula, opt for something mild that won't overpower its distinctive flavour. Provolone and Swiss cheese are good choices, as they have subtle flavours that won't clash with the arugula.

How to reheat prime rib for sandwiches

When it comes to reheating prime rib for sandwiches, there are several methods you can use to ensure the meat retains its tenderness, flavour and colour. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Storing the Prime Rib

It is important to properly store your leftover prime rib to maintain its quality. Wrap any leftover meat tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate or freeze it. For best results, keep the meat intact instead of slicing it. If you have any leftover au jus, drizzle a few tablespoons over the prime rib before wrapping it. Leftover prime rib can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for up to six months.

Step 2: Choosing a Reheating Method

There are several ways to reheat prime rib, each with its own advantages:

• Oven: Place the prime rib in a pan, cover with foil, and add a little au jus or low-sodium beef stock. Reheat in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the piece.
• Stovetop: Thinly slice the prime rib and reheat it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through. You can also add some butter or oil to the pan for extra flavour.
• Steamer: Place slices of prime rib in a steamer basket or a plate covered with foil, add a few tablespoons of water, and steam for 3-6 minutes.
• Microwave: While this method may sacrifice some tenderness, it is a quick and convenient option. Place slices of prime rib in a microwave-safe bowl with a lid and add a few tablespoons of broth. Cover and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Assembling the Sandwiches

Once your prime rib is warmed through, it's time to assemble your sandwiches! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Bread: Choose a crusty baguette, sourdough, or a soft hoagie bun.
• Cheese: Provolone, Swiss, or cheddar cheese pairs well with prime rib.
• Toppings: Sautéed onions, peppers, arugula or other crunchy greens, and creamy horseradish sauce will add flavour and texture to your sandwich.

Now you're ready to enjoy your delicious prime rib sandwiches!

How to slice prime rib for sandwiches

When slicing prime rib for sandwiches, it's important to ensure the meat is cold. Cold meat is firmer and easier to slice thinly and consistently. Some people even put the meat in the freezer for 30 minutes beforehand to make it easier to work with. Using a sharp butcher's knife, slice the prime rib as thinly and evenly as you can.

For a prime rib sandwich, you'll also want to consider the type of bread you use. French baguettes, hoagie rolls, and kaiser rolls are all popular choices, and toasting the roll can add a nice touch.

As for the other ingredients, many prime rib sandwiches include toppings such as caramelized onions, arugula or other leafy greens, and cheese. Horseradish sauce or mayonnaise are also common additions.

What to serve with prime rib sandwiches

There are a variety of things that you can serve with prime rib sandwiches. Here are some ideas:

Side Dishes

Creamy pasta salad, chimichurri pasta salad, Greek pasta salad, and cucumber-onion-tomato salad are some side dishes you can serve with prime rib sandwiches. You can also serve a cast-iron chocolate chip cookie as a dessert.

Sauces

You can serve prime rib sandwiches with a variety of sauces. Horseradish cream sauce, gorgonzola, chipotle ranch dressing, and au jus are some sauces that can be served with the sandwich.

Bread

A baguette is a good choice for prime rib sandwiches as it gets crispy and toasty while maintaining a light and airy chew. Ciabatta or bolillo rolls are also great alternatives.

Meat

Prime rib sandwiches are usually made with leftover prime rib, sliced as thin as possible, almost shaved. You can also use other leftover cuts of beef or steak such as beef tenderloin, ribeyes, sirloin, or T-bones.

Cheese

Provolone is a good choice for prime rib sandwiches as it is mild enough in flavour and a great melting cheese. You can also use Swiss or Monterey Jack cheese.

Vegetables

Arugula is a good choice for prime rib sandwiches as it is a hearty green that can hold up to the beefy flavour of prime rib. You can also dress the arugula with oil and vinegar. Sweet Vidalia onions, sautéed until golden-brown, can also be a great addition to the sandwich.

Frequently asked questions