Classic Roast Beef & Cheese from Schlotzsky's features tender, thinly sliced roast beef paired with melted cheddar and Swiss cheese, layered on freshly baked, toasted rye bread, delivering a savory and hearty sandwich experience.
Equipments
- Oven or Roasting Oven
- Meat Slicer
- Cheese Slicer or Knife
- Sandwich Toaster or Conveyor Toaster
- Bread Knife
- Cutting Board
- Baking Tray or Sheet Pan
- Food Scale
- Serving Tongs
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) thinly sliced roast beef
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 8 slices rye bread
- 2 lbs (900g) beef top round roast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 slices rye bread
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- Butter (for toasting bread)
Ensure your beef top round roast is fresh and trimmed of excess fat before seasoning with salt, black pepper, and olive oil for optimal flavor and tenderness. Thinly slicing the roast beef with a meat slicer enhances the texture, allowing it to meld perfectly with melted cheddar and Swiss cheese. Use freshly baked rye bread and generously butter each slice before toasting for a crispy, golden crust that complements the savory filling. Preparing your sandwich with quality ingredients like these guarantees a savory and hearty Classic Roast Beef & Cheese from Schlotzsky's copycat menu experience. Your choice of equipment, such as a sandwich toaster or oven, plays a key role in achieving the ideal melted cheese and toasted bread combination.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season beef top round roast with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Place roast on baking tray; roast in oven until internal temp reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare (about 1-1.5 hours).
- Remove roast from oven; let rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Thinly slice roast beef using meat slicer.
- Lay out rye bread slices on cutting board.
- Butter one side of each bread slice.
- Place cheddar cheese and Swiss cheese on unbuttered sides of half the bread slices.
- Layer thinly sliced roast beef over cheese.
- Top with remaining buttered bread slices (butter side out).
- Transfer sandwiches to sandwich toaster or preheated skillet.
- Toast sandwiches until bread is golden and cheese is melted.
- Remove sandwiches; place on cutting board.
- Use bread knife to cut each sandwich in half.
- Serve warm using serving tongs or spatula.
Substitution
Classic Roast Beef & Cheese from Schlotzsky's copycat menu offers a delicious combination of thinly sliced roast beef and melted cheddar and Swiss cheese on toasted rye bread. If you can't find rye bread, pumpernickel or sourdough make excellent substitutes that maintain a robust flavor. When a meat slicer isn't available, carefully slicing the roast beef thinly with a sharp knife on a cutting board is a practical alternative. Your sandwich toaster can be replaced with a stovetop grill pan to achieve a similar melted cheese and toasted bread texture. Butter can be swapped with olive oil for toasting the bread if you prefer a lighter or dairy-free option.
Tips
Ensure the beef roast reaches an internal temperature of 135degF (57degC) before resting to achieve the perfect medium-rare doneness. Letting the roast rest for 10-15 minutes redistributes juices, keeping the meat tender when sliced. Butter the bread evenly and always butter the outside to achieve a crispy, golden crust during toasting. You should slice the roast beef thinly with a meat slicer for optimal sandwich texture and ease of eating.
Nutritions
Classic Roast Beef & Cheese sandwiches from Schlotzsky's provide a rich source of protein from the thinly sliced roast beef, essential for muscle maintenance and repair. The combined cheddar and Swiss cheese contribute calcium and vitamin D, supporting bone health. Rye bread adds dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting satiety throughout the day. You'll enjoy a balanced meal that delivers essential nutrients while satisfying savory cravings.
Storage
Store your leftover roast beef in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying. Keep the sliced cheeses separately in resealable plastic bags or containers to avoid odor transfer with the meat. For best freshness, refrigerate the rye bread in a paper bag or bread box, and assemble the sandwich right before toasting to enjoy the optimal texture and flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the top round roast with a tri-tip roast for a slightly different flavor and tenderness. Instead of using both cheddar and Swiss cheese, try provolone or mozzarella for a milder, creamier melt. To enhance the sandwich's texture, consider adding caramelized onions or horseradish sauce before layering the roast beef. Cooking the roast beef to medium instead of medium-rare will yield juicier slices, which might better suit your taste preference.
Allergies
Classic Roast Beef & Cheese from Schlotzsky's contains common allergens such as dairy from cheddar and Swiss cheese, and gluten from rye bread. Individuals with lactose intolerance or milk allergies should avoid this sandwich since the melted cheeses contain milk proteins. If you have a wheat allergy or celiac disease, be cautious as the rye bread includes gluten that could trigger adverse reactions.
Why this recipe?
The Classic Roast Beef & Cheese menu from Schlotzsky's restaurant appeals to many for its tender, flavorful roast beef combined with rich melted cheese on freshly baked bread. The sandwich's perfect balance of savory ingredients and fresh toppings creates a satisfying taste experience that stands out among deli offerings. Your attempt to make a copycat version at home lets you customize flavors and enjoy the same hearty, restaurant-quality sandwich anytime. This approach also offers a cost-effective way to savor Schlotzsky's iconic roast beef and cheese without dining out.