The Ultimate Reuben Sandwich Recipe Everyone Will Love

Crisp deli delis have nothing on this classic reuben sandwich that captures the essence of comfort food.

Layers of tender corned beef melt against tangy sauerkraut and creamy russian dressing.

Swiss cheese adds a rich, gooey dimension to this beloved sandwich.

Perfectly toasted rye bread provides a golden, crunchy exterior that cradles the hearty fillings.

The combination of flavors creates a mouthwatering experience that transports you straight to a cozy deli counter.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of savory and zesty notes that will satisfy your deepest sandwich cravings.

Why Reuben Sandwich Is a Crowd Favorite

• Savor Quick Comfort: Whip up this classic Reuben sandwich in just minutes, perfect for satisfying sudden hunger cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Master Easy Gourmet: Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that looks impressive but requires minimal cooking skills, making it ideal for home cooks of all levels.
• Customize Your Delight: Easily swap ingredients to match personal preferences or dietary needs, creating a versatile sandwich that adapts to different tastes and ingredient availability.
• Crowd-Pleasing Classic: Deliver a beloved deli-style sandwich that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an excellent choice for casual lunches, game day, or quick family meals.

Reuben Sandwich Ingredient Essentials

• Bread Slices: Sturdy white or rye bread that provides the foundation for the classic sandwich.

• Corned Beef: Tender, flavorful meat that forms the primary protein of the Reuben sandwich.
• Swiss Cheese: Mild and melty cheese that adds creamy texture and rich flavor to the sandwich.

• Thousand Island Dressing, Sauerkraut: Tangy dressing and fermented cabbage that give the Reuben its signature zesty and slightly sour profile.

• Butter: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior when toasting the sandwich.

How to Craft the Perfect Reuben Sandwich

Step 1: Prepare Sandwich Components

Grab your bread slices and lay them out on a clean cutting board.

Generously spread Swiss cheese across each slice.

Drizzle thousand island dressing over the cheese, creating a tangy base layer.

Layer tender corned beef slices on top of the dressing.

Sprinkle sauerkraut evenly over the corned beef to add a zesty crunch.

Step 2: Build Sandwich Structure

Place a second bread slice on top of each layered sandwich.

Softly spread butter on the outer surface of each sandwich, ensuring complete coverage for a golden, crispy finish.

Step 3: Sizzle and Toast

Warm a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place sandwiches into the skillet with the buttered side facing down.

Cook until the bread turns a beautiful golden brown, roughly 3 minutes.

Spread additional butter on the top slice, then gently flip the sandwich.

Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until both sides achieve a perfect golden color.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

Transfer the hot, crispy Reuben sandwiches directly onto serving plates.

Slice diagonally if desired and enjoy while warm and wonderfully toasted.

Insider Tips for Reuben Sandwich Making

• Use softened butter for easier spreading and more even golden-brown toasting on the sandwich exterior.
• Choose high-quality corned beef from the deli counter for richer flavor and better texture compared to pre-packaged options.
• Drain sauerkraut thoroughly to prevent soggy sandwich and enhance the crispy toasted texture.
• Maintain medium heat to ensure cheese melts perfectly and bread browns evenly without burning.
• Gently press sandwich with a spatula while cooking to help ingredients meld together and create a compact, crispy exterior.

Delicious Reuben Sandwich Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Reuben: Replace corned beef with marinated and grilled portobello mushrooms or seitan for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free bread and ensure thousand island dressing is gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap bread with large lettuce leaves or low-carb tortillas, using same internal ingredients for a lighter meal.
• Turkey Reuben: Substitute corned beef with lean sliced turkey for a lower-fat protein option that maintains classic sandwich flavors.

How to Serve a Reuben Sandwich Like a Pro

• Deli-Style Plating: Slice the Reuben diagonally and serve on a rustic wooden board with a dill pickle spear and extra thousand island dressing on the side.
• Hearty Companion Sides: Pair with crispy potato chips, tangy coleslaw, or a warm cup of classic tomato soup for a satisfying meal that balances the sandwich's rich flavors.
• Beverage Pairing Perfection: Complement the robust taste with a cold beer like a light lager, amber ale, or for non-alcoholic options, try a sparkling apple cider or crisp iced tea.
• Picnic Perfect: Pack these sandwiches in wax paper for a delightful outdoor lunch, keeping them warm in an insulated container for a tasty on-the-go meal.

Storage Tips for Reuben Sandwich Freshness

• Store leftover Reuben sandwiches in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap cooled sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Warm in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side to restore crispy texture. Alternatively, use a toaster oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• What makes a Reuben sandwich authentic?

A classic Reuben always includes corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and thousand island dressing on rye bread, grilled until golden and crispy.

• Can I use a different type of bread?

While rye bread is traditional, you can substitute with sourdough or marble bread if rye isn’t available, but it might slightly change the classic flavor profile.

• Is a Reuben sandwich considered a healthy meal?

The Reuben is more of an indulgent comfort food due to its high fat and calorie content from corned beef, cheese, and buttery grilling technique.

Reuben Sandwich Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 16 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Hearty Reuben Sandwich delivers classic deli flavors with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing nestled between perfectly toasted rye bread. Delicious layers promise a satisfying meal that celebrates bold, tangy American culinary traditions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 0.5 pound (226 grams) corned beef (or pastrami, thinly sliced)

Bread and Cheese:

• 4 slices dark rye bread
• 1 cup (113 grams) Swiss cheese (shredded)

Condiments and Spreads:

• 4 tablespoons thousand island dressing
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sauerkraut
• 4 tablespoons (56 grams) butter (unsalted, softened)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the bread slices by laying them out on a clean cutting board, ensuring a flat surface for assembly.
2. Layer Swiss cheese evenly across each bread slice, creating a smooth, consistent base for the sandwich.
3. Generously drizzle thousand island dressing over the cheese, allowing it to spread across the entire surface.
4. Distribute corned beef carefully on top of the dressing, covering the entire slice with tender, flavorful meat.
5. Spread sauerkraut over the corned beef, ensuring an even distribution for balanced flavor in each bite.
6. Crown the sandwich with the second slice of bread, creating a complete layered structure.
7. Coat the exterior of the top bread slice with butter, using a smooth, even technique to promote golden browning.
8. Preheat a large skillet over medium heat, allowing the surface to reach an optimal temperature for toasting.
9. Place the sandwich butter-side down in the hot skillet, listening for a gentle sizzle that indicates proper heat contact.
10. Cook for approximately 3 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown color developing on the bread’s surface.
11. Butter the now-exposed bread slice while the first side toasts, preparing for the flip.
12. Carefully turn the sandwich, allowing the second side to toast for an additional 2-3 minutes until achieving a matching golden hue.
13. Remove from skillet immediately when both sides are crisp and evenly browned, ready to be served hot and fresh.

Notes

• Choose rye bread for an authentic Reuben flavor that complements the rich corned beef and tangy sauerkraut.
• Drain sauerkraut thoroughly to prevent a soggy sandwich and ensure a crispy, well-toasted exterior.
• Use softened butter for even spreading and better golden-brown coloring on the bread’s surface.
• Consider swapping corned beef with pastrami or turkey for a different protein variation that still maintains the classic sandwich profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 1050 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 2000 mg
• Fat: 80 g
• Saturated Fat: 40 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 35 g
• Trans Fat: 2 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 65 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg