The Reuben sandwich is a classic deli favorite that combines savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Russian dressing, and melted Swiss cheese between slices of hearty rye bread. This sandwich is perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be commonly found in every home. Corned beef is a cured meat that you can find in the deli section of your supermarket. Sauerkraut is fermented cabbage and is usually located near the pickles or in the refrigerated section. Russian dressing is a tangy, slightly sweet dressing that you can either buy pre-made or make at home with mayonnaise, ketchup, and a few other ingredients.
Ingredients For Reuben Sandwich Recipe
Rye bread: A type of bread made with rye flour, known for its dense texture and slightly sour taste.
Swiss cheese: A mild, nutty cheese that melts beautifully, perfect for sandwiches.
Corned beef: Cured beef brisket that is sliced thinly, providing a savory and salty flavor.
Sauerkraut: Fermented cabbage that adds a tangy and slightly sour flavor to the sandwich.
Russian dressing: A creamy, tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, ketchup, and other seasonings.
Butter: Used to toast the bread to a golden brown and add richness to the sandwich.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To achieve the perfect grilled sandwich, ensure your skillet is preheated to medium heat before placing the sandwich on it. This helps in evenly melting the cheese and achieving a golden-brown crust. Additionally, pressing down gently with a spatula while grilling can help the ingredients meld together beautifully.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
rye bread - Substitute with pumpernickel bread: Both breads have a similar dense texture and rich flavor, making pumpernickel a suitable alternative.
swiss cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone has a mild, slightly tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients well.
corned beef - Substitute with pastrami: Pastrami has a similar texture and flavor profile, with a bit more spice, which can add an interesting twist to the sandwich.
sauerkraut - Substitute with coleslaw: Coleslaw provides a similar crunch and tangy flavor, though it is slightly sweeter and less acidic.
russian dressing - Substitute with thousand island dressing: Thousand island dressing has a similar creamy texture and tangy-sweet flavor, making it a good alternative.
butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used in place of butter for spreading on the bread, providing a similar texture and flavor.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Sandwich
How to Store or Freeze This Sandwich
Allow the Reuben sandwiches to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to maintain freshness and prevents the sandwiches from drying out.
Place the wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of freshness.
Store the sandwiches in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them within 2-3 days. This keeps the corned beef and sauerkraut at a safe temperature.
For longer storage, place the wrapped sandwiches in the freezer. They can be frozen for up to 1 month without significant loss of quality.
When ready to eat, thaw frozen sandwiches in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even thawing and prevents the bread from becoming too soggy.
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sandwiches are warmed through.
Alternatively, you can reheat the sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the Reuben sandwich in aluminum foil to keep it from drying out. Place it on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the corned beef is heated through.
Use a skillet for a quick reheat. Place the sandwich in a preheated skillet over medium heat. Cover with a lid to help the cheese melt evenly. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is crispy and the filling is hot.
For a toaster oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the Reuben sandwich on the rack or a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
If you're in a hurry, use the microwave. Place the sandwich on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. Note that this method may make the bread less crispy.
For an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the Reuben sandwich in the basket and heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the corned beef is hot. This method will keep the bread nice and crispy.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for grilling the sandwiches to achieve a golden brown crust and melted cheese.
Spatula: A tool used to flip the sandwiches in the skillet to ensure even cooking on both sides.
Butter knife: Used to spread butter on the bread slices evenly.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for assembling the sandwiches.
Knife: Used to slice the corned beef if it isn't pre-sliced.
Measuring cup: Ensures the correct amount of sauerkraut is used.
Spoon: Helps in spreading the Russian dressing on the bread slices.
Plate: Used to hold the assembled sandwiches before grilling and to serve the finished product.
How to Save Time on Making This Sandwich
Pre-slice ingredients: Have corned beef, rye bread, and swiss cheese pre-sliced and ready to use.
Use pre-made dressing: Opt for store-bought Russian dressing to save time.
Drain sauerkraut in advance: Ensure sauerkraut is well-drained before starting.
Preheat the skillet: Start heating your skillet while assembling the sandwiches.
Assemble in batches: Prepare multiple sandwiches at once to streamline the process.

Reuben Sandwich
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 slices Rye bread
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 8 oz Corned beef thinly sliced
- 1 cup Sauerkraut drained
- 4 tablespoon Russian dressing
- 2 tablespoon Butter softened
Instructions
- Butter one side of each slice of bread.
- On the unbuttered side of two slices, spread Russian dressing.
- Layer with Swiss cheese, corned beef, and sauerkraut.
- Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side out.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Grill sandwiches until both sides are golden brown and cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Recipe
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