Quick Answer
The best way to reheat a meatball sub in the oven is to wrap it in foil and heat it at 300°F for 15-20 minutes. This allows the bread to steam and prevents it from getting dried out. Meatball subs can also be reheated well in the microwave, heating individual subs for 60-90 seconds each.
Detailed Answer
Meatball subs are a delicious Italian-American sandwich made with meatballs, tomato sauce, and melted cheese on a sub roll. Like many sandwiches, they taste best when freshly made. However, with some care, leftover meatball subs can be safely reheated and return close to their original taste and texture.
There are two recommended methods for reheating meatball subs: using the oven or the microwave. Let’s go through each reheating method in detail.
Reheating in the Oven
Reheating meatball subs in the oven is simple and effective. Follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F.
- Wrap each meatball sub individually in aluminum foil. Make sure to seal the foil tightly so steam can heat the sub.
- Place the wrapped subs directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet.
- Heat the meatball subs for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Unwrap and enjoy!
The oven allows the subs to heat gradually and evenly. The foil wrapping is crucial, as it traps steam released by the sandwich ingredients. This steam gently brings the bread and fillings back up to temperature without drying them out.
Reheating in the Microwave
The microwave can also be used to reheat meatball subs. Follow these steps:
- Place one meatball sub on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave on high for 60-90 seconds until heated through.
- Let the sub stand for a minute before unwrapping so the heat can equalize.
- Repeat to reheat any remaining subs.
When microwaving, it’s best to reheat subs one at a time to ensure even heating. The standing time after microwaving allows the heat to continue to penetrate the fillings.
Take care not to over microwave, as this can make the bread rubbery. Watch carefully and adjust cook times as needed if subs seem to be heating unevenly.
Tips for the Best Results
Use day-old bread
For the best results, buy meatball subs on day old bread or allow freshly baked subs to sit overnight before reheating. Fresher bread tends to dry out more when reheated. Using bread that’s dried out slightly helps it retain moisture better.
Double wrap subs before freezing
If freezing meatball subs for later reheating, wrap them first in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Then wrap securely again in foil before freezing. Allow frozen subs to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Add cheese last
Cheese can dry out, separate, or get tough when reheated. For best results, add sliced mozzarella or provolone only to subs after reheating so the cheese is melted while still fresh.
Keep sauce separate
If reheating whole subs in foil, keep extra meatball sauce or gravy on the side. Sauce can make the bread soggy if left on the sub. Brush on or dip the reheated sub into the sauce after unwrapping.
| Reheat Method | Prep needed | Recommended time |
|---|---|---|
| Oven | Wrap in foil | 15-20 minutes at 300°F |
| Microwave | None | 60-90 seconds per sub |
Conclusion
Leftover meatball subs can return to nearly edible with proper reheating. The oven method steams subs gently without drying them out, while the microwave is faster for individual portions. Let subs rest after reheating so the heat can distribute evenly. With some planning and care, reheated meatball subs can taste almost as delicious as they did the day they were purchased.