Easy Reuben Sandwich Recipe: Crispy, Flavorful Classic

Crafting the ultimate reuben sandwich brings together a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

Layers of tender corned beef nestle between slices of perfectly toasted rye bread.

Tangy sauerkraut adds a zesty crunch that cuts through the richness.

Melted swiss cheese creates a creamy embrace that binds every delectable ingredient.

Thousand island dressing drizzles its magic, turning this classic into something extraordinary.

Crisp pickles on the side complete the ensemble with a delightful pop.

Variations to Make Reuben Your Own

• Vegetarian Reuben: Replace corned beef with roasted portobello mushrooms, maintaining the classic tangy sauerkraut and Swiss cheese flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Reuben: Add jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and mix chipotle sauce into the Russian dressing for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Reuben: Swap corned beef for grilled eggplant, use feta cheese, and incorporate olive tapenade into the dressing.
• Low-Carb Reuben Lettuce Wraps: Skip bread entirely, wrap ingredients in large butter lettuce leaves, and grill for a lighter version.

Pairing Ideas to Enjoy With Your Sandwich

• Pair the robust Reuben with a cold, sharp German pilsner that cuts through the sandwich's rich, tangy flavors and cleanses the palate with its hoppy brightness.
• Add a dill pickle spear on the side to complement the sandwich's sauerkraut and provide a zesty, crunchy texture that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Select a robust dark amber ale with malty undertones that stand up to the corned beef's saltiness and match the sandwich's complex flavor profile.

Storage Tips for Leftover Reuben

Store leftover Reuben sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness.

Warm sandwiches in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Add a touch of butter to help crisp the bread and prevent sticking.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place sandwiches on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Skip microwaving as it makes the bread soggy and ruins the crispy texture. Stick to skillet or oven reheating for best results.

FAQs

• What makes Russian dressing different from Thousand Island dressing?

Russian dressing uses horseradish and hot sauce for a spicier kick, while Thousand Island is sweeter and milder with pickle relish.

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of corned beef?

Pastrami works great as an alternative and provides a similar flavor profile to corned beef in a Reuben sandwich.

• Why is it important to butter the bread's exterior?

Buttering helps create a crispy, golden-brown crust and adds rich flavor when grilling the sandwich, ensuring a perfect texture and even browning.

• How do I know when the sandwich is perfectly grilled?

The bread should be golden brown, cheese completely melted, and the sandwich feels warm throughout when touched.

Reuben Sandwich with a Twist You’ll Love

• Craft Quick Comfort: Enjoy a classic deli-style sandwich that comes together in just a few simple steps, perfect for satisfying sudden hunger cravings.
• Master Flavor Fusion: Combine tangy Russian dressing, rich corned beef, melty Swiss cheese, and zesty sauerkraut for a mouthwatering flavor explosion that delights taste buds.
• No-Fuss Cooking Technique: Easily grill the sandwich in a single skillet, creating a crispy golden exterior and perfectly melted cheese with minimal kitchen equipment and effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Ideal for casual gatherings, lunch dates, or a quick family meal that appeals to both kids and adults with its familiar and comforting taste profile.

Ingredients for Classic Reuben Sandwich

• Bread Slices: A classic base for creating a delicious Reuben sandwich that provides structure and crunch.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that adds rich texture to the Russian dressing.
• Ketchup: Provides tangy sweetness to the dressing.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and complex flavor to the dressing.
• Lemon Juice: Brings brightness and acidity to balance the dressing.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Swiss Cheese: Melty cheese that adds creamy richness to the sandwich.
• Corned Beef: Signature protein that gives the Reuben its classic taste and hearty texture.
• Sauerkraut: Tangy fermented cabbage that provides a distinctive zesty element.

• Butter: Creates a golden, crispy exterior when grilling the sandwich.

How to Make a Perfect Reuben Sandwich

Step 1: Whip Up Zesty Russian Dressing

Grab a small mixing bowl and combine mayonnaise, ketchup, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk everything together until smooth and well-blended, creating a tangy and creamy condiment.

Step 2: Prep the Bread Canvas

Take your bread slices and generously butter one side of each piece. On the opposite side, spread a delightful layer of the homemade Russian dressing, ensuring full coverage.

Step 3: Build Layers of Deliciousness

• Swiss cheese slice
• Tender corned beef slices
• Sauerkraut
• Another Swiss cheese slice

Place the dressed sides facing inward, with buttered sides exposed. Repeat the process for multiple sandwiches.

Step 4: Sizzle and Grill

Warm a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Carefully place your assembled sandwiches into the pan.

Cook until the bottom turns golden brown and the cheese starts to melt beautifully.

Step 5: Perfect the Crispy Exterior

Gently flip each sandwich, allowing the other side to achieve a gorgeous golden-brown color.

Adjust heat if needed to ensure even melting without burning.

Step 6: Serve Piping Hot

Transfer the grilled sandwiches to a cutting board.

Slice diagonally and serve immediately while the cheese is melty and the bread is crisp.

Tips for Crispy Bread and Savory Filling

• Add a pinch of horseradish or hot sauce to the Russian dressing for an extra kick that elevates the sandwich's taste profile.
• Use room temperature cheese to ensure even melting and prevent burning while grilling the sandwich.
• Pat sauerkraut dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and prevent a soggy sandwich bottom.
• Use a cast-iron skillet or griddle for achieving a golden-brown, crispy exterior that adds delightful texture.
• Warm corned beef slightly before assembling to help it heat evenly and melt the cheese more consistently.

Reuben Sandwich Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Reuben sandwich delivers classic deli flavors between perfectly grilled rye bread, layering tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Swiss cheese. Delicious comfort beckons with each savory, melty bite you’ll eagerly devour.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Dairy:

• 3/4 pound corned beef
• 8 slices Swiss cheese

Bread:

• 8 slices marble rye bread

Condiments and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup salted butter, softened
• 2 cups sauerkraut, drained

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Instructions

1. Craft the tangy Russian dressing by whisking mayonnaise, ketchup, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice in a small mixing bowl until smooth and well-combined.
2. Generously coat one side of each bread slice with butter, then spread Russian dressing on the opposite interior sides of the bread.
3. Layer the sandwich components strategically: place Swiss cheese, corned beef slices, sauerkraut, and another Swiss cheese slice between the dressed bread sides, ensuring the buttered surfaces face outward.
4. Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat for approximately 2-3 minutes, creating an even cooking surface.
5. Carefully transfer the assembled sandwich to the heated skillet, allowing the buttered exterior to develop a golden-brown crisp and the cheese to slowly melt.
6. After 3-4 minutes, when the first side achieves a rich, caramelized color, gently flip the sandwich using a spatula to cook the opposite side.
7. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, monitoring heat to prevent burning while ensuring the cheese becomes fully melted and the bread turns uniformly crisp.
8. Remove the hot sandwich from the skillet, let it rest momentarily, then slice diagonally and serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Notes

• Customize the Russian dressing by adding a dash of hot sauce or chopped pickles for extra tang and complexity.
• Use room temperature butter for easier spreading and more even browning on the bread’s exterior.
• Drain sauerkraut thoroughly to prevent soggy sandwich bottoms and maintain a crisp texture.
• For a lighter version, swap corned beef with turkey pastrami and use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the dressing.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 743 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1650 mg
• Fat: 51 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 1.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 39 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg