How to Reheat A Meatball Sub (Multiple ways)

It’s hard to resist gobbling down the leftover meatball sub from the fridge. But if you know the trick of how to reheat a meatball sub, you can turn it to as good as the first time. It can make a delicious choice whether it’s for a snack or main course. Also, it can be your savior on your busiest days, as you can freeze them and reheat them whenever you feel hungry. 

There are different ways to reheat a meatball sub. The best way is using an oven. Just preheat it to 350°F – 400°F. Then pop it in there for 10 minutes. Wait until the cheese melts. You can also use an air fryer, stove, or microwave.

Leftover food can lose its flavor and it’s not really good for your gut to just shove it in your mouth without warming it up first. To turn your leftover meatball subs into a tasteful and healthy snack, all you need to do is proper reheating. And this article will teach you exactly that. 

What Is The Best Way to Reheat A Meatball Sub?

From popping it in an oven or tossing it into a microwave, you can use different ways to reheat a meatball sub. Though, the most feasible way is using an oven.

Here I will discuss all of the ways you can heat up your meatball sub so you can choose the method that best suits you. 

Reheat Meatball Sub Using Oven

Step 1: Start with preheating the oven to 350°- 400° Fahrenheit. If it’s frozen, increase the temperature and heat it for extra 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Place the bun in ‘V’ formation. Position the sauce inside, the cheese and meatball over the top.

Step 3: Use your fingers or a spoon gently to place the meatballs in the bun so that the heat can go inside.

Step 4: Place the sub on the rack of the oven, not on a tray. You can use aluminum foil or a baking sheet to catch the melted cheese and sauce.

Step 5: Heat for 2-4 minutes until the bun turns brown and slightly crispy. You can add extra cheese and toppings to make it more flavorful.

NOTE: In case of a frozen meatball sub, keep it outside from the freezer in advance. Constantly keep checking when it is in the oven.

Reheat Meatball Sub Using Toaster Oven

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°- 400° Fahrenheit. If it’s not frozen, this temperature will work perfectly.

Step 2: Place the sub in ‘V’ formation and ensure the meatballs are placed inside. Use your fingers or a spoon to arrange it so that heat can go inside.

Step 3: Place it on the metal rack and use a foil or baking sheet underneath to catch the melted drips. 

Step 4: Heat the meatballs for additional 2 minutes, and to have a toasty bun put it later separately.

Step 5: You can add extra toppings and cheese if you like. Then serve it on a fresh plate and enjoy your meal.

NOTE: It will take a little longer if the sub is frozen. You need to heat it for 7-10 minutes in that case. Aluminum foil or baking sheets are safe for a toaster oven and you can use these here.

Reheat Meatball Sub Using Microwave

Step 1: First, place the leftover sub on a safe container that is microwave-safe. Then put it in the microwave.

Step 2: Arrange the entire meatball sub bun in ‘V’ formation similar to the oven process. Place meatballs, sauce, and cheese over the top.

Step 3: Set the timer to heat it. Use the reheating setting in the microwave since it will last a maximum of 2-4 minutes.

Step 4: If the meatball sub is frozen, it will take a little longer, around 6-8 minutes under medium heat.

Step 5: You can add extra toppings and cheese if you like. Then serve it on a fresh plate and enjoy your meal.

NOTE: Don’t use aluminum foil or a baking sheet since it quickly catches fire in the microwave for its radiation rays. Also, don’t use any plastic containers in the microwave if it’s not microwave friendly.

Reheat Meatball Sub Using Air Fryer

Step 1: Firstly, place the sub in the air fryer basket, or you can use a foil sheet to wrap it to catch the melted cheese and sauce.

Step 2: Then, set the temperature to 160°-180° F for 5 to 15 minutes. If it’s frozen, preheat it to 350° F. Spray some cooking oil in the basket for better output.

Step 3: Wait until the bun becomes slightly crispy and brown. Constantly keep checking on it, or else it will burn.

Step 4: Finally, remove it from the air fryer and serve it according to your taste.

NOTE: Don’t put extra cheese or raw materials in an air fryer. It is only convenient to dry and frozen foods.

Reheat Meatball Sub Using Stove

Step 1: Place a non-stick skillet on the stove and preheat it for a couple of minutes in low heat temperature.

Step 2: Disassemble the sub and place the meatballs and sauce inside the pan. Set the burner to medium-high heat. Add 3-4 spoons of water if needed.

Step 3: Cover the skillet with a lid though it’s optional. When the sauce starts boiling, lower the heat of the burner.

Step 4: Place the bun in a clean pan and heat it for 2 minutes. You can add some butter or oil if you want.

Step 5: Rearrange the meatball and bun. Set your sub with some toppings and extra cheese. Serve it on a fresh plate and enjoy your meal.

NOTE: In comparison with the other methods, it is slower. In the case of frozen meatballs, you need to put them out from the freezer in advance and heat it a little longer.

Things You Should Never Do When Heating A Meatball Sub

There are particular matters you should be careful about while reheating a meatball sub. It will help to get a better result and to make a light crispy delicious sub. 

• Don’t Reheat Your Leftovers Twice

Always reheat your leftovers to steaming hot. Don’t let it cool down to room temperature; as, it will create food poisoning. 

Also, never reheat leftovers more than once. The NHS recommends not to re-freeze leftovers after reheating once. It can turn a healthy dish into a poison.

• Don’t Use Aluminum Foil in Microwave

Don’t use any aluminum foil in the microwave. Microwaves use radiation to heat foods. So, using aluminum foil can cause the radiation to bounce off the aluminum foil and heat up the insides of the microwave causing a fire or even an explosion. But, using aluminum foil in an oven is perfectly safe. 

• Don’t Use Plastic Containers

Don’t use any plastic containers as it is not safe. In case you use it, make sure that the plastic container is heat-proof.

Regular plastic can melt from the heat and mix with the food in minute amounts which is never a good thing for your health. 

• Don’t reheat meatball subs that were out for too long

According to WebMD, food that is kept at room temperature for more than 2-3 hours will harbor bacteria and their toxic byproducts. These toxins do not just go away with a bit of heating. So, foods that are kept out for too long can still cause food poisoning even after being heated. 

Conclusion

Following these simple steps of how to reheat a meatball sub, you can enjoy the juicy, tender, and fresh taste of your meal even after a long time. Just be sure to follow my instructions to the letter and never eat foods that are kept out for too long. Your health is much more important than a tasty snack.