Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Ingredients
3. Instructions
4. Cooking Notes
5. Variations
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
7. Conclusion

The Reuben Sandwich is a beloved American classic that brings together tender corned beef, Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Russian dressing—all grilled between slices of buttered rye bread. It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures, with a crispy exterior and a gooey, savory filling. This hearty sandwich is easy to make at home and is sure to become a favorite whenever you’re in the mood for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 8 slices rye bread
• 1 lb corned beef, thinly sliced
• 8 slices Swiss cheese
• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained well
• 1/2 cup Russian dressing (recipe included below)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

For the Russian Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Russian Dressing

In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and paprika. Stir until well mixed. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside.

2. Assemble the Sandwiches

• Lay Out the Bread: Lay the rye bread slices on a flat surface. Spread a generous amount of Russian dressing on one side of each slice.
• Layer the Ingredients: On 4 slices of bread, layer 1 slice of Swiss cheese, a few slices of corned beef, about 1/4 cup of sauerkraut (make sure it is well-drained), and another slice of Swiss cheese. Top with the remaining bread slices, dressing side down, to create sandwiches.

3. Butter the Bread

Spread softened butter on the outside of each sandwich, on both the top and bottom sides.

4. Grill the Sandwiches

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet (work in batches if needed) and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Press down slightly with a spatula while cooking to help the sandwich stay together.

5. Serve

Once both sides are golden and the cheese is melted, remove the sandwiches from the skillet. Let them cool for a minute, then slice each sandwich in half. Serve warm, with extra Russian dressing on the side if desired.

Cooking Notes

• Corned Beef: You can use deli-sliced corned beef, or leftover homemade corned beef for a thicker, heartier sandwich.
• Sauerkraut: Make sure to drain the sauerkraut very well before adding it to the sandwich. Excess moisture can make the sandwich soggy.
• Russian Dressing: If you don’t have time to make homemade Russian dressing, Thousand Island dressing is a great substitute.

Variations

• Turkey Reuben (Rachel Sandwich): Swap out the corned beef for sliced turkey and use coleslaw in place of sauerkraut for a “Rachel Sandwich,” a popular variation of the classic Reuben.
• Pastrami Reuben: Substitute corned beef with pastrami for a different, smoky flavor profile.
• Swiss & Cheddar Reuben: Use a combination of Swiss and sharp cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy sandwich.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between Russian dressing and Thousand Island dressing?

Russian dressing is tangier and less sweet than Thousand Island dressing. It typically contains mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and horseradish, giving it a more savory flavor. Thousand Island dressing often contains relish, giving it a sweeter taste.

Can I make a Reuben sandwich ahead of time?

It’s best to make a Reuben sandwich fresh to keep the bread crispy and the filling hot. However, you can prepare all the ingredients in advance and assemble the sandwiches just before cooking.

How do I store leftovers?

If you have leftovers, store the sandwich in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to crisp up the bread and warm the filling.

Can I use a different type of bread?

Rye bread is traditional, but you can use pumpernickel or any other hearty bread. The flavor of rye bread complements the corned beef and sauerkraut well, but any bread that holds up well during grilling will work.

Can I freeze Reuben sandwiches?

It’s not ideal to freeze fully assembled and cooked Reuben sandwiches because the bread can become soggy. However, you can freeze corned beef and assemble the sandwiches with fresh bread when ready.

Reuben Sandwiches are a classic deli-style treat that’s easy to make at home. With layers of corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melty Swiss cheese, and creamy Russian dressing, all grilled to golden perfection, this sandwich is the ultimate in comfort food.

Try this recipe and enjoy the perfect combination of flavors and textures—ideal for lunch, dinner, or whenever you’re in the mood for something hearty and delicious!

Let me know if you need more variations or additional tips for this recipe