Introduction
The Reuben Sandwich is a legendary deli-style sandwich that combines bold, savory, and tangy flavors into one unforgettable bite. This American classic, believed to have originated in the early 20th century, is typically made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian or Thousand Island dressing, all grilled between slices of rye bread.
What makes the Reuben so special is the contrast of textures and flavors—the saltiness of the corned beef, the sharp nuttiness of Swiss cheese, the tangy crunch of sauerkraut, and the creamy richness of the dressing, all tucked between crispy, buttery bread. The result is a warm, melty, and hearty sandwich that feels both comforting and indulgent.
It’s a staple in American delis and diners and has remained a favorite for decades because it’s simply irresistible.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love the Reuben Sandwich because it has the perfect balance of flavors. Each bite is a harmony of salty, tangy, cheesy, and savory notes—it’s complex yet incredibly satisfying.
Another reason I love it is its versatility. While the traditional Reuben is perfect on its own, you can easily adjust it to suit your preferences—try it with pastrami instead of corned beef, or even make a vegetarian version with grilled mushrooms.
Lastly, I adore the Reuben because it’s quick and easy to make at home but tastes like something you’d order at a New York deli. It has that old-school charm that makes you feel like you’re enjoying a true comfort food classic.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
The Reuben Sandwich is a must-try because:
- It’s a timeless deli classic that has stood the test of time.
- It delivers big flavors with simple ingredients.
- It’s hearty enough to be a full meal on its own.
- It can be customized to fit different tastes and dietary preferences.
If you’ve never had a Reuben before, this sandwich will redefine your expectations of what a truly great sandwich should be.
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 sandwiches
- Calories (per serving): ~600–650 calories
- Course: Main Course (Sandwich)
- Cuisine: American (Deli-style)
Ingredients
- 8 slices rye bread
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup Russian dressing (or Thousand Island dressing)
- 1 pound corned beef (thinly sliced, deli-style)
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 cup sauerkraut (drained and patted dry)
Cooking Directions
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Prepare the Bread:
- Butter one side of each slice of rye bread. This will be the outer side for grilling.
- Assemble the Sandwich:
- Place 4 slices of bread, butter side down, on a flat surface.
- Spread a tablespoon of Russian dressing on the inside of each slice.
- Layer with Swiss cheese, corned beef, sauerkraut, and another slice of Swiss cheese.
- Spread Russian dressing on the other slice of bread and place it on top, butter side facing out.
- Grill the Sandwich:
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Place sandwiches on the skillet and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve:
- Slice each sandwich in half and serve warm.
How to Serve
- Serve hot with a side of dill pickles for an authentic deli experience.
- Pair with potato chips, French fries, or coleslaw for a complete meal.
- For a lighter side, serve with a simple green salad.
Recipe Tips
- Drain the sauerkraut well to prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy.
- Low and slow grilling ensures the cheese melts without burning the bread.
- Use a panini press or grill pan for perfectly even toasting.
- Warm the corned beef slightly before assembling to help the cheese melt faster.
Variations
- Rachel Sandwich: Swap corned beef for turkey and use coleslaw instead of sauerkraut.
- Pastrami Reuben: Replace corned beef with pastrami for a smokier flavor.
- Vegetarian Reuben: Substitute corned beef with grilled portobello mushrooms or tempeh.
- Reuben Wrap: Use a tortilla instead of bread for a lighter version.
- Open-Faced Reuben: Serve the ingredients on top of a single slice of toasted rye and broil to melt the cheese.
Freezing & Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to crisp the bread.
- Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze assembled Reubens, as sauerkraut and dressing will make the bread soggy. However, you can freeze the cooked corned beef separately for up to 2 months.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large skillet, griddle, or panini press
- Spatula
- Cutting board and knife
Conclusion
The Reuben Sandwich is more than just a deli staple—it’s a bold, flavorful masterpiece that has earned its place as one of the greatest sandwiches of all time. With its rich corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy dressing, it’s a perfect harmony of tastes and textures.
Whether you stick to the traditional version or try out fun variations like the Rachel or vegetarian Reuben, this sandwich will always deliver on comfort and satisfaction. Easy to make, deeply satisfying, and perfect for any occasion, the Reuben Sandwich is truly a must-try classic.
Reuben Sandwich
Description
The Reuben Sandwich is a legendary deli-style sandwich that combines bold, savory, and tangy flavors into one unforgettable bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Prepare the Bread: Butter one side of each slice of rye bread. This will be the outer side for grilling.
-
Assemble the Sandwich: Place 4 slices of bread, butter side down, on a flat surface. Spread a tablespoon of Russian dressing on the inside of each slice. Layer with Swiss cheese, corned beef, sauerkraut, and another slice of Swiss cheese. Spread Russian dressing on the other slice of bread and place it on top, butter side facing out.
-
Grill the Sandwich: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place sandwiches on the skillet and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
-
Serve: Slice each sandwich in half and serve warm.
