A cheesesteak is a popular sandwich from Philadelphia that is made with thinly sliced beef and melted cheese. It can be heated up in the oven to create a quick and tasty meal. Determining the right amount of time to heat a cheesesteak in the oven depends on a few factors.
Type of Cheese
The type of cheese used on the cheesesteak will impact the heating time. Standard options like provolone, Cheez Whiz, and American cheese melt faster and will require less time in the oven. Cheeses like mozzarella and Swiss take longer to fully melt and ooze.
Thinner Sliced Cheeses
Thinner sliced cheeses like provolone will melt faster than thicker sliced cheeses. Thin slices heat through in just 2-3 minutes. Thicker mozzarella and Swiss slices may need 4-5 minutes to fully melt and get gooey.
Processed Cheese Spreads
Processed cheese spreads like Cheez Whiz require minimal oven time. The spreads are already smooth and extremely meltable. They will be hot and creamy in just 1-2 minutes in the oven.
Shredded Cheeses
Shredded cheeses that are sprinkled on the sandwich also heat up very quickly. The increased surface area of the small shreds melts in just 1-2 minutes in the oven.
Amount of Filling
How stuffed the cheesesteak is will also impact oven heating time. A cheesesteak overflowing with beef and extra cheese will need more time to heat all the way through versus a lighter sandwich.
Overstuffed
An overstuffed cheesesteak with mounds of steak and cheese piled high will likely need 5-6 minutes in the oven to fully heat the inside while lightly browning the bread exterior.
Light Filling
A lightly filled cheesesteak with a single layer of steak and one slice of cheese will take less time to heat. This type of sandwich may only need 2-3 minutes in the oven before it is hot and ready to eat.
Cooking Method
The way the sandwich was cooked initially also changes the oven heating time. A cheesesteak that was fully cooked on a griddle or grill just needs to melt the cheese versus one that is assembled with raw meat.
Pre-cooked Meat
If the steak and onions were pre-cooked on the stovetop, griddle, or grill, the oven time mainly needs to melt the cheese. This takes 2-4 minutes depending on the cheese choice.
Raw Meat
A cheesesteak assembled with raw steak meat will require oven time to fully cook through. It needs a minimum of 4-6 minutes in the oven to ensure it is safe to eat.
Oven Temperature
Oven temperature plays a big role in melting times. Higher heat melts cheese faster. Lower temperatures take longer to melt the cheese thoroughly.
High Heat
Cooking at a high oven temperature above 375°F will melt cheese the quickest. At 400°F, cheese is ooey-gooey in 2-3 minutes. High heat also crisps the bread exterior.
| Oven Temperature | Heating Time |
|---|---|
| 400°F | 2-3 minutes |
| 375°F | 3-4 minutes |
Moderate Heat
A mid-range oven temperature of 350°F melts cheese in 3-5 minutes depending on thickness and quantity.
Low Heat
For a low oven temperature of 300°F or less, expect at least 5-7 minutes for cheese to fully melt on a cheesesteak.
Browning
If you want to brown the bread a bit, allow for extra oven time. Light browning on the cheesesteak bun requires 6-8 minutes in the oven. Deeper browning takes 8-10 minutes to achieve.
Light Browning
For just a touch of crisping and color on the cheesesteak roll, 6-8 minutes in the oven is needed. This lightly toasts the bun.
Deep Browning
If you prefer a deeper golden brown color and crunchier texture on your cheesesteak, keep it in the oven for 8-10+ minutes. This crisps up the bread extensively.
Conclusion
Determining the oven heating time for a cheesesteak depends on several factors. The type of cheese, amount of filling, cooking method, oven temperature, and desired level of browning on the bun all impact how long to heat the sandwich. For most cheesesteaks, anywhere from 2-8 minutes in a 350-400°F oven will melt the cheese and heat the sandwich through. Allow for extra time if the meat is raw. Follow these guidelines for perfectly melted cheese and a warm, toasty cheesesteak every time.