How To Reheat Meatball Sub [There’s No SUBstitute!]

Eating leftover meals without reheating them can be harmful to your body. It should only take a couple of minutes to get leftover meals back to their initial texture taste. Meatball sub is a fantastic fast food for any occasion, whether fresh or reheated. So, when the latter is the case, you need to know how to reheat meatball sub.

You can reheat your meatball sub with the help of an oven, a microwave, a stove, or an air fryer. All methods are relatively easy and take 15 minutes or less to utilize.

In this article, you will find all there is to know about reheating meatball sub. These methods will help to maintain your meatball sub’s texture and taste.

1. Reheat Meatball Sub Using an Oven

The outcome of using an oven to reheat any meal is usually the best and why it should be your first choice. Using an oven is the best way to get your leftover meatball sub tasting like a freshly baked one. 

To reheat meatball sub using an oven and achieve your desired result, follow these steps:

1. The first step is to preheat the oven to about 350°F-400°F. It is best to allow your meatball sub to defrost. But if you can’t wait, turn up the temperature and heat for a few more minutes. 
2. Position the bun in a “V” format, keep the sauce inside, while the meatball and cheese should be at the top. 
3. Lay the meatball on the bun with a spoon. This way, not only the body gets hot but the inside as well. 
4. Place a baking sheet or an aluminum foil on the oven rack to trap the sauce and melted cheese. After, place the sub on the rack with the foil. 
5. Heating for about four minutes is enough time to get your meatball sub hot and crispy. You can heat longer if need be, but be careful not to overheat your sub. 
6. Once reheated, you can serve. Be generous with the cheese and toppings if you want your sub to be tastier.

Also check out our latest blog on How to Reheat Fish Cakes 

2. Reheat Meatball Sub Using a Microwave

The microwave is yet another home appliance that can help you revive the taste of your leftover. 

Here is how to use a microwave for this purpose:

1. Take out the microwave-safe plate and place the meatball sub in it. Then, return the plate to the microwave. 
2. Position the bun to take a “V” shape. The sauce, cheese, and meatball should be at the top. 
3. Set the timer to heat for about 2-4 minutes. Increase the timing to 6-8 minutes if you are reheating a frozen meatball sub. Do not use plastic containers or aluminum foil in the microwave, as they can easily melt or catch fire. 
4. Serve the meatball hot. 

3. Reheat Meatball Sub Using a Stove

To reheat your meatball sub with a stove, you need a skillet, water, and oil. This method is slow and, therefore, will require a longer time than others.  

Here is how to reheat leftover meatball sub using a stove: 

1. Light the stove, set it at a low temperature,  then place the skillet on it. Allow the skillet to get hot for a few minutes. 
2. Reheating the sub as a whole may not be effective, and therefore, you should disassemble them. Place the sauce and meatball in the skillet, then turn up the heat to a medium-high temperature. Add a few spoons of water to the sauce if necessary. 
3. You can either choose to cover the skillet or not. Lower the heat once the sauce starts to boil. Set aside if it is hot enough. 
4. Get a clean skillet and place the bun on it. Add butter or oil if you want to, then heat the bun for about 2 minutes.
5. Reassemble the meatball sub. Add some cheese or other toppings and serve hot to make it more flavorful. 

4. Reheat Meatball Sub Using an Air Fryer 

An air fryer is another alternative for reheating a leftover meatball sub. Note that an air dryer works best for frozen or dry food. So, do not add an extra layer of cheese on the meatball sub while it is in the air fryer. 

Follow these steps to reheat your sub with an air fryer:

1. Wrap the sub loosely with aluminum foil. This is to prevent the sauce and melted cheese from dripping into the air fryer. 
2. Place the wrapped sub on the air fryer basket. 
3. Set the air fryer to a temperature of 160°F – 180°F then heat for about 5 to 15 minutes. If the sub is frozen, preheat the air dryer at a temperature of 350°F. 
4. Constantly monitor the sub while it gets hot. Leaving it longer than necessary could get it burnt.
5. Once the bun turns brown and crispy, then your meatball sub is ready to be devoured. 
6. Take it from the air fryer, remove the foil if you used one and serve hot. 

Make sure to consume all of it or throw out the rest. Reheating a leftover twice can cause food poisoning.  

Conclusion

Now you’re armed with the knowledge to conquer leftover meatball subs! Whether you seek the warmth of the oven, the speed of the microwave, or the pan’s crisping kiss, you can revive your sub to its former glory.

Remember, moisture is key to combat dryness. A drizzle of broth, some marinara magic, or even a few pats of butter can work wonders. And don’t forget the cheese revival! Shredded mozzarella, a sprinkle of Parmesan, or even a quick broil can create a melty masterpiece.

So next time you have a lonely meatball sub lurking in the fridge, don’t despair! Embrace it as an opportunity for a second helping of comfort and flavor. With these tips and a little creativity, you can transform those leftovers into a satisfying and delicious meal.