How to Reheat Stromboli? 7 Methods Explained
Stromboli is a true delight fresh, but it can retain its taste and aroma if you reheat it properly. However, reheating Stromboli could be a tricky business as the bread may harden or become crumbly if you go overboard or if you use an unsuitable method. So, how to reheat Stromboli?
The best way to reheat Stromboli is in an air fryer for ten minutes at medium heat. It mustn’t be overheated as the bread would harden or begin to crumble, and the mozzarella will become lumpy instead of smooth. Therefore when reheating Stromboli, it is crucial to balance the heat and the moisture.
Since mozzarella cheese is at its best when melted only once, it is challenging to create the same effect the second time. The good news is that it is doable. In the following paragraphs, I will explain how to reheat this pizza-like treat using different appliances.
How to Reheat Stromboli in the Microwave?
The microwave is a great way to reheat Stromboli, but it could make the bread soggy. Therefore to prevent this, it is best to cover the microwave plate with a cotton towel and wrap the Stromboli in a cotton towel, too, so that the excess moisture gets absorbed into the towel instead of the bread.
Start reheating for one minute and check the Stromboli. If you like what you see, your job is done; if not, continue the reheating in 30-second cycles.
You can also use parchment paper instead of cotton towels, but under no circumstances should you use tin foil or plastic wrap. Avoid paper napkins as well, as the napkin will stick to the sandwich due to the moisture it absorbs.
How to Reheat Stromboli in an Air Fryer?
An air fryer is one of the best ways to reheat anything, especially Stromboli and similar sandwiches. The air fryer works in such a way that the hot air circulates inside the appliance, equally penetrating the contents inside, in this case, Stromboli.
The circulating air isn’t moist but hot, meaning that it will only reheat the Stromboli without making them soggy. Therefore the bread will warm up without getting stiff or crumbly, and the mozzarella will soften without turning into a big lump.
It is a good idea to layer the air fryer with parchment paper to prevent the mozzarella from sticking to the pan or spray some oil—Cook for no more than ten minutes at medium heat. Start at five minutes, check the state of the Stromboli, and continue another five if you think it needs.
How to Reheat Stromboli in Toaster Oven?
The toaster oven is another excellent solution to reheat Stromboli, but it may come out a little dry. The toaster oven is mainly used for dehydration and hot reheating, so it doesn’t have the air circulation feature the air fryer has. It’s just hot air sucking out the moisture.
However, that hot air will melt the mozzarella, which will release some juice, and the meat, which will release some grease. Those juices and grease will get absorbed into the bread-making up for the lost moisture.
If you decide on this method, be careful and don’t go over eight minutes at medium heat. You don’t need to cover the Stromboli since the hot air doesn’t have much space and it will stay concentrated around the sandwich. Just leave it in the toaster oven as it is and pay close attention to the time.
How to Reheat Stromboli in an Oven?
The primary function of the oven is to bake, which means to dehydrate whatever is inside in order to cook it. It isn’t intended to reheat but to thoroughly cook the food. So, just like with the toaster oven, the regular oven could dry up your Stromboli.
Unlike the toaster oven, the regular oven is more spacious, so the hot air won’t be concentrated around the sandwich, increasing the chances of it getting dry. Therefore, you should wrap the Stromboli with a tin foil and place them directly on the oven racks, not on a baking pan.
The hot baking pan will overheat the bottom of the Stromboli, making it hard, almost crisp on that side. Also, poke some holes on in the tin foil wrap to make sure that the hot air circulating inside the wrap doesn’t make the sandwich overly wet or soggy.
How to Reheat Stromboli on a Stove?
Although an unconventional way to reheat Stromboli, the stove could do a good job. You need to wrap the sandwich in a tin foil and place it in a frying pan. This way, the hot air will circulate around and heat all sides equally, saving you the time and effort of turning it over frequently.
Another way is to spray cooking oil on the pan and place the Stromboli in it uncovered. However, this way, you will need to frequently turn it over so that it doesn’t burn on one side and stay cold on the other. Turning over your Stromboli presents a risk that it may fall apart, but if you do it carefully using the right kitchen tools (tongs), this method will give you a tasty result.
There s a third way if you want to imitate a microwave effect using the stove, and that’s wrapping the Stromboli in a tin foil and then covering it with a lid.
Whichever method you choose, make sure your plate is set at medium heat and don’t go over ten minutes.
How to Reheat Stromboli in a Waffle Maker?
This is more of a last resort method, but it works nonetheless. Spray some cooking oil to grease up the waffle maker plates and place the Stromboli.
The waffle maker should be pressed, similarly to a toaster, but this isn’t the way to go with Stromboli. Put the top plate but don’t press once you’ve placed the Stromboli on the waffle maker; put the top plate but don’t press. It will, naturally, press down the Stromboli, but let it go as much as it goes on its own, without additionally pressing down.
This method will heat up the Stromboli on the top and the bottom, and the sides will likely not be affected. However, since the heat will spread from the mozzarella juice and meat grease, they will become warmer and softer.
How to Reheat Stromboli in a Sandwich Maker?
Much like reheating Stromboli in a waffle maker, you need to press down the sandwich maker as well. Because a sandwich maker is generally larger than a waffle maker, it is somewhat of a better option, but still, keep it as a last resort.
Grease up the bottom and top plates and place the Stromboli on the sandwich maker. Let the top plate press the Stromboli without pressing additionally. This is to prevent the filling from spilling out.
However, if your Stromboli is stable enough, feel free to press as you may like the toasted Stromboli version. All in all, see that you don’t use excessive force and be as gentle as you can, especially if the Stromboli isn’t tight.
What Is the Best Way to Reheat Stromboli?
Reheating stromboli in an air fryer will give you the best result. However, the microwave method is a lot faster, but the dough can easily become soggy. That’s why you mustn’t forget to place a paper towel on the stromboli while reheating it.
Can You Eat Stromboli Cold?
Yes, you can eat Stromboli cold, as it is still flavorful and tasty. It is, however, better when warm because the mozzarella is melted and therefore creamier, and the meat is still greasy and juicy.
When cold, the mozzarella stiffens, and the meat grease hardens, and the sandwich is more on the dry side but far from bland or boring.
The bottom line is that it’s a matter of preference if you have it cold or warm.
How to Reheat a Frozen Stromboli?
Before you reheat a Stromboli that’s been in the freezer, leave it in the fridge for 24 to 48 hours to thaw. This is very important because the frozen Stromboli will contain a lot of moisture, making it irreparably soggy if you leave them out of the fridge or pop them in the reheating appliance of your choosing.
Let the Stromboli come to a point as if it hasn’t been frozen but just refrigerated. This means that it will not have excess moisture, the bread will be soft but stable, and there will be no water inside the sandwich.
Choose one of the aforementioned reheating methods and enjoy it when it gets to this point. When reheating frozen Stromboli, I recommend using the oven. Wrap the Stromboli with a tin foil wrap and pop it in the oven for ten minutes at medium heat.
How Long Does Stromboli Last?
The Stromboli ingredients are highly perishable, making the sandwich easy to turn. Outside the fridge, it could last for up to four or five hours. To prolong its shelf life, place it in an airtight container and put it in the fridge; this way, it should be suitable for about four to five days, but no more.
If you don’t have an airtight container, put the Stromboli on a plat and cover it with a plastic foil. Wrap it tightly and place it on the top shelf of the fridge.
