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Home » Recipes » Main Dishes

Modified: Apr 18, 2025 · Published: Apr 6, 2025 by LaKita · This post may contain affiliate links.

Toasted Steak Sandwich with White Cheddar and Pickled Onions

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Close up side view on sandwich halves stacked on white plate.
Close up view of finished sandwich halves stacked on top of white plate.
Close up shot of the center of the finished sandwich on white plate.
Sandwich being assembled on white plate on top of marble surface.
Two finished photos of the sandwich on white plate on pin with text overlay.
Close up view of sandwich cut in half and stacked on pin with text overlay.
Overhead view of sandwich on white plate with other ingredients on pin with text overlay.
Four process photos to make sandwich on pin with text overlay.
Close up side view on sandwich halves stacked on white plate.

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.
  1. Ribeye Steak - Thinly sliced ribeye cooks quickly and stays tender. Use pre-sliced or thinly slice it yourself.
  2. Bread - Ciabatta rolls work beautifully, but hoagie rolls or crusty sourdough are great too.
  3. White Cheddar - Sharp or mild white cheddar adds creamy richness. Use slices for easy melting.
  4. 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.
  5. Horseradish Sauce - Adds creamy heat. Use a store-bought version or substitute with mayo if desired.
  6. Olive Oil or Butter – For sautéing the steak, either works well.
  7. 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:

  • Ribeye Steak
  • Cast Iron Flank Steak
  • Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak
  • Hibachi Steak
  • Hamburger Steak and Gravy
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    Homemade Mild Taco Seasoning (Quick & Kid-Friendly Spice Blend)

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.

📖 Recipe

Close up side view on sandwich halves stacked on white plate.

Toasted Steak Sandwich

LaKita Anderson
This toasted steak sandwich is packed with flavor and ready in minutes. Loaded with white cheddar, tangy onions, and creamy horseradish.
4.94 from 15 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 40 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 636 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large skillet or braiser

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ribeye steak, thinly cut
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 8 slices white cheddar cheese slices
  • 4 ciabatta or hoagie rolls, sliced in half
  • 2 tablespoons horseradish sauce
  • ½ cup prepared pickled red onion

Instructions
 

  • Begin the recipe by grabbing a large skillet and placing it on the stovetop on medium-high heat. Add the 1 tablespoon oil into the hot pan followed by the 1 pound thinly cut ribeye steak.
  • Season with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder. Cook and stir occasionally until all of the steak has browned.
  • Carefully use a spatula to section off each serving (about 4) for equal amounts of meat per sandwich.
  • Top with the 8 slices of white cheddar cheese and turn off the heat from the skillet. The residual heat will melt the cheese.
  • Lightly toast the 8 halves of bread and evenly spread the 2 tablespoons of horseradish sauce on the inside of each piece of bread. Top with the portioned out steak and cheese mixture.
  • Add the ½ cup pickled onions followed by topping with the other slice of toasted bread. Serve with a side of your favorite chips or a salad and enjoy!

Video

Notes

  • Make the pickled onions ahead of time, they only get better with age.
  • Toast the bread until just golden, not too hard!
  • Not a horseradish fan? Swap it for mayo or a creamy garlic spread.
  • Use a cast iron skillet for a good sear on the steak.
  • Prefer a different cheese? Provolone or Swiss also work great.
Calories: 636kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 41gFat: 39gSaturated Fat: 19gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 1023mgPotassium: 399mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 579IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 414mgIron: 2mg

The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.

Keyword steak sandwich, toasted steak sandwich
Tried This Recipe?Leave a comment below or tag @simplylakita on social!

Original post date 02/23/2022. Updated 04/06/2025.

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Comments

    4.94 from 15 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Chenée says

    July 04, 2022 at 5:20 pm

    5 stars
    The toasted steak sandwich is my favorite sandwich from Panera, and now it's my favorite sandwich to make at home! Thank you so much for this recipe!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      July 07, 2022 at 12:11 pm

      I feel the same way Chenée, it's such a great sandwich!!!

      Reply
  2. Jacqueline Debono says

    July 03, 2022 at 6:14 am

    5 stars
    This post made me hungry. Those steak sandwiches look so good. I love the idea of using pickled red onions and horseradish. On my to make list later this week! Want to make the pickled onions too!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      July 07, 2022 at 12:10 pm

      Thanks Jacqueline, hope you get a chance to try it soon 🙂

      Reply
  3. Daniela Weiner says

    July 01, 2022 at 8:12 pm

    5 stars
    I made the pickles a day ahead of time as suggested and wow - we couldn't stop snacking on them. Don't skip them when making this delicious toasted Steak Sandwich

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      July 07, 2022 at 12:10 pm

      Thank you Daniela! The pickled onions really do make this sandwich 🙂

      Reply
  4. Sharon says

    July 01, 2022 at 5:48 pm

    5 stars
    This toasted steak sandwich came out so yummy! I love that the thinly cut steak cooked up quickly so it was perfect for lunchtime.

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      July 07, 2022 at 12:08 pm

      Thank you Sharon, it is such a great lunch option!

      Reply
  5. veenaazmanov says

    June 30, 2022 at 12:27 am

    5 stars
    Love the combination and love the spice and sauce flavors too. Perfect for any meal or snack box too.too.

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      July 07, 2022 at 12:08 pm

      Thank you so much, I completely agree!

      Reply
  6. Amanda says

    June 29, 2022 at 1:05 pm

    5 stars
    This is such a delicious steak sandwich! I love the kick from the horseradish, and the steak came out so juicy and tender.

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      June 29, 2022 at 6:58 pm

      Thank you so much, the horseradish certainly adds a nice punch of flavor!

      Reply
  7. Anna says

    June 29, 2022 at 11:33 am

    5 stars
    This was a perfect sandwich to make and take to our family picnic! Everyone loved it, it was so easy to make too!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      June 29, 2022 at 6:58 pm

      Thank you Anna, such a great picnic option 🙂

      Reply
  8. Mikayla says

    June 28, 2022 at 9:50 pm

    5 stars
    A classic sandwich that is always good, the pickled onions and horseradish elevated to terrific.

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      June 29, 2022 at 6:55 pm

      Thank you so much, so many delicious flavors in one sandwich!

      Reply
  9. Cathleen says

    June 28, 2022 at 10:29 am

    5 stars
    This sandwich has my name written all over it! Can't wait to make this tonight, thanks so much for the recipe 🙂

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      June 29, 2022 at 6:54 pm

      Thank you, hope you give it a try soon!

      Reply
  10. Dennis Littley says

    June 28, 2022 at 9:50 am

    5 stars
    your steak sandwich recipe was the hit of our household yesterday! My family loved them and made me promise to make them again soon!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      June 29, 2022 at 6:54 pm

      Thank you! So happy to hear your family enjoyed the sandwich recipe!!

      Reply
Head shot bio photo of LaKita in an orange shirt.

Hi, I'm LaKita. I'm a Lifelong home cook and self-taught baker. I've been sharing modern comfort food through food blogging, recipe development, and photography since 2013.

More about me →

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