Hot Roast Beef Sandwich With Horseradish and Cheddar Cheese

The scent of horseradish always takes me back to my grandfather’s deli. Every Saturday, he’d craft me a roast beef on rye, slathered with creamy horseradish sauce that tingled just right. It was a ritual, a warm hug of flavor that cemented our bond. This hot roast beef sandwich is my attempt to recapture that memory, amplified with the sharpness of mature cheddar and the comforting warmth of a perfectly baked Kaiser roll. It’s simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes (or 25-30 minutes if frozen)
• Total Time: 30-40 minutes (or 40-50 minutes if frozen)
• Servings: 6
• Yields: 6 sandwiches
• Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

• 6 soft Kaiser rolls, split
• ½ cup butter, very soft
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish, to taste
• 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped white onions
• 12 thin slices deli roast beef (or Versatile Roast Beef in the Crock Pot)
• 6 slices mature cheddar cheese

Equipment Needed

• Small bowl
• Knife or spatula for spreading
• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven rack is positioned in the center for even baking.

2. In a small bowl, combine the very soft butter, Dijon mustard, prepared horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and finely chopped white onions. Mix thoroughly until well combined. This is your flavorful horseradish-Dijon spread. Taste and adjust the amount of horseradish to your liking, depending on your preferred level of heat.

3. Generously spread the horseradish-Dijon butter mixture onto both inner sides of the split Kaiser rolls. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Don’t be shy!

4. Place two slices of deli roast beef and one slice of mature cheddar cheese into each Kaiser roll. Arrange the roast beef so it covers most of the roll surface, and center the cheese on top.

5. Replace the tops of the Kaiser rolls to complete the sandwiches.

6. Wrap each sandwich individually in a square of aluminum foil, sealing carefully to trap the heat and flavors. Ensure the foil is tightly sealed to prevent any steam from escaping during baking.

7. At this point, you have a few options:

   • Bake the sandwiches immediately.
   • Refrigerate them for later.
   • Freeze them for even longer storage (place wrapped sandwiches in a freezer bag).

8. Baking:

   • If baking immediately or after refrigerating, bake in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the sandwiches are hot and the cheese is melted and gooey.
   • If baking from frozen, bake at a slightly lower temperature of 300°F (150°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until heated through. The lower temperature will allow the sandwich to thaw and heat evenly without burning the bread.

9. Once baked, carefully remove the foil-wrapped sandwiches from the oven. Let them rest for a minute or two before unwrapping. Be cautious of escaping steam!

10. Serve hot, or at room temperature. These sandwiches are delicious with a side of soup, a crisp salad, or some fresh fruit for dessert.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast the Kaiser rolls before adding the butter mixture. This will also help prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
• If you don’t have Kaiser rolls, you can use other types of rolls or even sliced bread. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
• To enhance the cheese flavor, try using a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
• Don’t overbake the sandwiches, as the bread can become dry and the cheese can harden. Check for doneness after 15 minutes (or 25 minutes if frozen) and adjust the baking time as needed.
• If you want to add a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the butter mixture.
• For a richer flavor, use clarified butter or brown butter in the butter mixture.
• To prevent the bottom of the sandwiches from getting soggy, place a piece of parchment paper on the baking sheet before placing the foil-wrapped sandwiches.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the hot roast beef sandwiches immediately after baking for the best flavor and texture. They are delicious on their own or with a side of your favorite soup, salad, or fresh vegetables.

Storage:

• Room Temperature: Baked sandwiches can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
• Refrigeration: Leftover sandwiches can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
• Freezing: Wrapped, unbaked sandwiches can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Reheating:

• Reheat refrigerated sandwiches in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
• You can also reheat them in a microwave, but the bread may become slightly soggy.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	308.8 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	161 g	52%
Total Fat	17.9 g	27%
Saturated Fat	10.1 g	50%
Cholesterol	40.7 mg	13%
Sodium	463.3 mg	19%
Total Carbohydrate	31.3 g	10%
Dietary Fiber	1.6 g	6%
Sugars	1.7 g	N/A
Protein	6 g	12%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the butter mixture for a spicier sandwich.
• Different Cheese: Substitute the mature cheddar with provolone, Swiss, or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the roast beef with grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian alternative.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free Kaiser rolls or bread for a gluten-free version.
• Deluxe: Include sliced tomatoes, lettuce, and pickles for a more substantial sandwich.
• Horseradish Mayo: Substitute the horseradish-Dijon butter mixture with a premade horseradish mayonnaise.
• Roast Beef Alternative: For a richer flavour, use sliced smoked brisket instead of regular roast beef.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?
A: Yes! These sandwiches are perfect for making ahead of time. Assemble them, wrap them in foil, and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to bake.

Q: How do I prevent the sandwiches from getting soggy?
A: Lightly toasting the rolls before adding the butter mixture can help prevent sogginess. Also, make sure to wrap the sandwiches tightly in foil to keep the steam contained.

Q: Can I use a different type of bread?
A: Absolutely! While Kaiser rolls are recommended, you can use any type of roll or bread that you prefer. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.

Q: What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
A: You can substitute Dijon mustard with yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Q: Can I add other toppings to the sandwiches?
A: Of course! Feel free to add any of your favorite toppings, such as sliced tomatoes, lettuce, onions, or pickles.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe inspires you to create your own delicious hot roast beef sandwiches. The combination of tender roast beef, sharp cheddar, and creamy horseradish sauce is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making them for a quick lunch, a picnic, or a party, these sandwiches are sure to be a hit. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions to create your own unique version. I’d love to hear about your creations and any feedback you have. Pair these sandwiches with a hearty tomato soup or a refreshing coleslaw for a complete and satisfying meal. Happy cooking!