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    You are here: Home » Meal Type » Main Dishes » The Ultimate Steak Sandwich with Arugula and Pesto

    The Ultimate Steak Sandwich with Arugula and Pesto

    July 11, 2019 (updated August 2, 2021) by Danielle Esposti

    May contain affiliate links. See our Privacy Policy and disclosure.

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    Pinterest image for the ultimate steak sandwiches with arugula and pesto.
    Pinterest image for the ultimate steak sandwiches with arugula and pesto.
    A grilled steak sandwich with sharp cheddar, arugula, thinly sliced steak, and pesto on a brioche bun.

    Is it sacrilege to say I’d take a Steak Sandwich over a burger any day? And twice on Friday? I’ll take whatever punishment awaits, because this steak sandwich is just that good. Charred and tender slices of steak, sharp cheddar, peppery arugula, and tangy pesto layered onto a buttery brioche bun are the ultimate combination. 

    A grilled steak sandwich with sharp cheddar, arugula, thinly sliced steak, and pesto on a brioche bun.
    Jump to:
    • Ultimate Steak Sandwich Ingredients
    • How to Make the Ultimate Steak Sandwich
    • More Recipes You’ll Love
    • Recipe

    This is it y’all. The ultimate steak sandwich. Life-changing? Maybe. Live-giving? OH HECK YES. 

    I prepped you for this earlier in the week with my recipe for smoky, tender Rosemary Steak. Did you note that I didn’t say how to serve it? NOT A MISTAKE.

    Two steak sandwiches layered with sharp cheddar, arugula, and pesto on a brioche bun.

    Yes, yes, those tender shreds of beef are totally tasty on their own, served with your favorite sides. But the smartest among you won’t stop there. You’ll pile that beef onto buttery brioche buns with sharp Vermont cheddar, all of the arugula and a schmear of pesto and you will bite into the Ultimate Steak Sandwich, sit back, sigh, and be oh so happy. 

    Ultimate Steak Sandwich Ingredients

    Steak sandwiches are made from the heart, but in just in case you need a few goalposts to determine what your heart desires, make sure you don’t skip the following:

    • Rosemary Steak:  charred and flavorful on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, our rosemary steak recipe is perfect for steak sandwiches. It’s delicious cold, so tuck the leftovers into the fridge to enjoy sandwiches for days. 
    • Sharp Cheddar:  the bite from sharp cheddar is a delicious offset to sweet pesto. If you’re not a fan of the sharper varieties, a mild cheddar works too. Need more dairy options? OKAY! Provolone, swiss, and even blue cheese are great options too. 
    • Arugula:  peppery arugula really rounds out the flavor-bomb action in this sandwich, but any baby green can be substituted. 
    • Pesto Sauce:  homemade, store-bought, classic or gourmet, go with whatever your guts tells you. 
    • Brioche Buns:  buttery brioche buns and grilled steak are meant to be. I buy my brioche buns at Aldi because they’re super fresh and so dang affordable. 

    How to Make the Ultimate Steak Sandwich

    These steak sandwiches are the ultimate summer delight, and one of our favorite quick and easy dinners. Even the kids love them (sans arugula, of course!). But don’t stop there – these sandwiches are a terrific party upgrade from burgers, and perfect for serving a crowd at your next backyard BBQ or party. 

    Slices of tender grilled flank steak.

    Step one:  make some tender, juicy rosemary steak. While the whole steak is resting, prep the rest of the sandwich so that once you slice into that tasty beef everything else is ready for go-time. 

    A slice of sharp cheddar over a brioche bun before and after being broiled.

    Place the bottoms of 4 (or more) brioche buns on a baking sheet. Four buns easily fit on a quarter-sheet pan, or eight on a half-sheet pan. Top each with a slice of sharp cheddar, then broil in the oven until the cheese is melty and gooey. 

    Right - Arugula piled onto a brioche bun. Left - Pesto sauce slathered on a brioche bun.

    Top off the bottom bun with a big ol’ pile of baby arugula, and spread some pesto over the top bun. 

    Brioche bun layered with sharp cheddar cheese, arugula, and thinly sliced grilled steak slices.

    Pile thinly sliced strips of steak over the arugula, then oh so gently top it off with the pesto-smeared bun. 

    A close-up view of a grilled steak sandwich with sharp cheddar, arugula, thinly sliced steak, and pesto on a brioche bun.

    And now you nom. And maybe dance, too. 

    More Recipes You’ll Love

    • Fried Green Tomato BLT Sandwiches
    • Caprese Chicken
    • The Very Best Turkey Burgers
    • Grilled Lemon Thyme Chicken Skewers
    • BLT Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing
    A grilled steak sandwich with arugula, cheddar, and pesto sliced in half.

    Did you make these Ultimate Steak Sandwiches? I’d love to know how they turned out! Leave a comment and a rating below.

    While you’re at it, let’s be friends – follow me on Pinterest and Instagram for the latest and greatest.

    Recipe

    A grilled steak sandwich with sharp cheddar, arugula, thinly sliced steak, and pesto on a brioche bun.

    Ultimate Steak Sandwiches

    Author: Danielle Esposti
    Print Recipe Rate this Recipe Pin Recipe
    These steak sandwiches are the ultimate summer delight, and one of our favorite quick and easy dinners. Even the kids love them (sans arugula, of course!). But don’t stop there – these sandwiches are a terrific party upgrade from burgers, and perfect for serving a crowd at your next backyard BBQ or party. 
    Prep Time: 10 mins
    Cook Time: 5 mins
    Total Time: 15 mins
    Servings : 4
    Calories: 583

    Recommended Equipment

    • Baking Sheet

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb rosemary steak
    • 4 brioche buns
    • 4 slices sharp cheddar
    • 4 tbsp pesto sauce, homemade or store-bought
    • 2 oz baby arugula

    Instructions

    • Prepare the rosemary steak according to recipe instructions (see link in recipe card above or notes below). While the steak is resting, prep the remainder of the sandwich ingredients. Alternatively, enjoy the steak for dinner and use the cold leftovers for these sandwiches. 
    • Position a rack at the top of the oven, just under the broiler element. Set the oven to high broil. Place the bottoms of four buns on a baking sheet and top with a slice of cheese. Broil 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
    • Top the melted cheese with a handful of arugula (about half an ounce). 
    • Spread a tablespoon of pesto sauce on the top of each bun. 
    • Slice the steak against the grain into ¼″ slices. Pile 4-5 slices of steak onto the arugula, then top with the pesto-coated bun. Enjoy! 

    Notes

    The recipe for grilled rosemary flank steak can be found here. This steak is delicious cold, so leftovers are perfect for steak sandwiches. 

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 583kcal (29%), Carbohydrates: 32g (11%), Protein: 38g (76%), Fat: 33g (51%), Saturated Fat: 11g (55%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 111mg (37%), Sodium: 1155mg (48%), Potassium: 119mg (3%), Fiber: 0g, Sugar: 2g (2%), Vitamin A: 600% (600%), Vitamin C: 4.1% (4%), Calcium: 350% (350%), Iron: 2.7% (3%)
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @oursaltykitchen or tag #oursaltykitchen!
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    Disclaimer: This post and the recipe card may contain affiliate links, which means we receive a small commission (at no cost to you!) if you make a purchase using these links. Rest assured, we only endorse products we own and truly love!

    1 Comment
    Filed Under: 30 Minute Meals, Grilled Steak, Grilling Recipes, Kid Friendly, Main Dishes, Summer Recipes

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      July 17, 2022 at 10:50 pm

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