How to Reheat a Corned Beef Sandwich? [4 Methods Explained]

Whether it is a classic or a deli-style Reuben, served with coleslaw or homemade sauce, or simply a large portion of meat between the two slices of bread, corned beef sandwiches rarely remain as leftovers. At least, this is the case in my household. Still, what to do if that happens? How to reheat a corned beef sandwich?

There are several methods to reheat a corned beef sandwich: in the microwave, oven, toaster oven, or a frying pan. Microwaving is the fastest method, but using the oven gives you the best results.

Each of these methods can improve the taste of your leftover sandwich by turning it into a warm and flavorful meal. However, if you don’t follow the instructions for reheating, you can end up with a burnt, dry, and unsavory dish. To help you avoid mistakes that may ruin your sandwich, I have listed the step-by-step instructions in the following text. 

In a Microwave

Microwaving is the fastest way to reheat corned beef sandwiches. However, since the microwave heats all parts of the sandwich evenly, you might end up with a dry and bland meal. To prevent this, make sure you take the following steps.   

Step 1: Cover the Sandwich

Choose a microwave-safe plate and place the sandwich on it. Cover the sandwich with paper kitchen towels completely to avoid sogginess. 

Step 2: Microwave 

Place a covered sandwich in the microwave. If you are reheating more than one sandwich, make sure that you separate them before heating. Set the microwave on high and heat the sandwiches for 60 seconds. 

Step 3: Check 

After 60 seconds, check to see if the sandwich is warm. If not, microwave it for another minute or until perfectly warm. To prevent it from becoming dry, don’t microwave it for more than 3 minutes.

In an Oven

Reheating a corned beef sandwich in the oven takes longer than other methods, but it is a sure way to reheat it without getting soggy or dry. This is also the method I use the most out of all four.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven 

To start the reheating process, preheat the oven to 350°F. This is an important step because if you put the sandwich in the oven before preheating, it might end up dry. 

Step 2: Wrap the Sandwich 

Before placing the sandwich in the oven, wrap it with aluminum foil. If you are reheating multiple sandwiches, wrap each separately. 

Step 3: Heat 

Place the sandwich on a tray, put it in the oven, and heat for 15 to 20 minutes. 

Step 4: Check

After 15 minutes, unwrap the sandwich and take it out of the oven to check if it is ready. If not, return it to the oven for another 3 or 4 minutes. 

In a Toaster Oven

A toaster oven is another great way to heat your corned beef sandwich. This type of oven has great air circulation, which makes it perfect for sandwich reheating. 

Step 1: Preheat the Toaster Oven

Similar to a classic oven, before placing a sandwich into it, preheat the toaster oven to 350°F. Though air circulates better in the toaster oven, if you are putting the sandwich into it before preheating, you risk ending up with a dry and bland meal.

Step 2: Cover/Wrap the Sandwich

Wrap the sandwich in aluminum foil, and don’t leave any part exposed to the heat. This is the most important step, so I always make sure to do it properly. You can also heat it on a plate suitable for high temperatures; just don’t forget to cover it.

Step 3: Heat 

Heat the sandwich for 5 minutes, then take it out (if you are using the plate), turn it on the other side, and return it to the toaster oven for another 5 minutes. This should be enough to make your corn beef sandwich warm and delicious.

In a Frying Pan

There are two ways to heat the corn beef sandwich in a frying pan – heat ingredients before assembling or reheat the whole sandwich. Here is how.

Step 1: Prepare Frying Pan

Whether you are reheating ingredients or an assembled sandwich, it is important to prepare the pan. Start by brushing it with a small amount of butter or olive oil and setting the stovetop on low heat.

Reheat the Whole Sandwich

If you are reheating a whole sandwich, make sure to use a non-stick pan. Use a small amount of oil or butter, and spread it evenly. 

Once the oil is hot enough, throw the sandwich in and let it heat for about 2 minutes. After that, flip it and heat it for another 2 minutes. 

Reheat the Ingredients 

If you are heating the ingredients for a corn beef sandwich separately, start with two slices of bread. 

Same as with the whole sandwich, brush the pan with oil or butter and, once it is hot enough, place the slices of bread. Heat them for 1-2 minutes on one side, and then flip and heat for another minute. 

Once the bread is done, remove it from the pan, brush the pan once again, and throw in corned beef. Heat it for 2 or 3 minutes. 

In the meantime, spread mustard or horseradish ranch over bread slices. Once the meat is heated, assemble the sandwich with other ingredients of your choice.