Toasted Steak Sandwich with White Cheddar and Pickled Onions

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This toasted steak sandwich is packed with flavor and ready in minutes. Loaded with white cheddar, tangy onions, and creamy horseradish.

Before You Cook, Read This!

💬 The Vibe: Cheesy, savory, and perfectly toasted. It’s your favorite steak sandwich, made at home with bold flavor and barely any effort.

🔑 What You Gotta Know: Thinly sliced ribeye is key for tender, juicy bites. Toast the bread, but don’t overdo it, just enough to hold up to the cheese and sauce.

🥪 Best Bite Alert: A swipe of horseradish sauce with the tangy pickled onions cuts through the richness of the steak and cheese. Don’t skip it!

Overhead view of steak sandwich cut in half on white plate on marble surface.

This Toasted Steak Sandwich is loaded with thin-sliced juicy steak, melty white cheddar, tangy pickled red onions, and creamy horseradish sauce. It's all piled on a toasted ciabatta roll. Bold, cheesy, and full of flavor, just like the Panera Bread favorite, but made right at home.

Inspired by their Toasted Steak & White Cheddar Sandwich, this version is simple to make, deeply satisfying, and comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a cozy lunch, game day, or a low-effort dinner that still feels indulgent.

Let's get started!

Why You’ll Love This Toasted Steak Sandwich

Inspired by the beloved Panera classic.
Ready in under 30 minutes.
Easy to customize with different breads, sauces, or cheeses.
Rich, flavorful, and hearty enough for dinner.
Great way to use up leftover steak, too!

Ingredients You'll Need

Ingredients needed to make sandwich in separate bowls on marble surface.

Ribeye Steak - Thinly sliced ribeye cooks quickly and stays tender. Use pre-sliced or thinly slice it yourself.
Bread - Ciabatta rolls work beautifully, but hoagie rolls or crusty sourdough are great too.
White Cheddar - Sharp or mild white cheddar adds creamy richness. Use slices for easy melting.
Pickled Red Onions - angy, slightly sweet, and the perfect contrast to the rich meat and cheese. Make a batch with this recipe → Quick Pickled Red Onions.
Horseradish Sauce - Adds creamy heat. Use a store-bought version or substitute with mayo if desired.
Olive Oil or Butter – For sautéing the steak, either works well.
Salt, Pepper & Garlic Powder – For simple, balanced seasoning.

👉🏾 See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.

How to Make a Toasted Steak Sandwich

Step 1 Cook the Steak: Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sauté for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.

Overhead view of steak and seasoning added to pan with oil.

Step 2 Melt the Cheese: Divide the cooked steak into 3–4 portions in the skillet. Place white cheddar slices on top. Turn off the heat and cover briefly to melt.

Cooked steak in pan topped with sliced cheese.

Step 3 Toast the Bread: While the cheese melts, toast the ciabatta rolls until lightly golden and crisp.

Step 4 Assemble the sandwich: Spread horseradish sauce on the inside of each toasted roll. Top with a portion of steak and melted cheese, a generous pile of pickled red onions, and the top half of the roll. Enjoy warm with chips, fries, or a crisp green salad.

Assembling sandwich on white plate on marble surface.

Recipe Tips & Variations

Make the pickled onions ahead, they get better with time.
Not into horseradish? Swap in mayo or a garlic aioli.
Try provolone, Swiss, or Havarti cheese for a different flavor profile.
Use leftover steak or another grilled meat for an even faster version.
Toast the bread just enough to hold up to the sandwich, not too hard.

What to Serve with Steak Sandwiches

🥔 Potato chips or sweet potato fries.
🥗 A simple green salad with vinaigrette.
🥣 Tomato soup or French onion soup.
🌶️ Dill pickles or pepperoncini on the side.

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Close up center of finished sandwich on white plate.

Want More Steak Recipes? Try These:

Got a question or want to share how you built your sandwich? Leave a comment below. I’d love to hear your take!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another cut of steak?

Yes! Sirloin, flank steak, or even leftover grilled steak will work. Just slice it thin.

Is horseradish sauce spicy?

It has a mild heat and zippy flavor, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. Use less or substitute in mayo if preferred.

Can I make this ahead?

You can prep the pickled onions and cook the steak ahead of time. Assemble just before serving so the bread stays crisp.

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