The Classic Reuben Sandwich is a legendary American deli favorite that brings together bold flavors and irresistible textures. Stacked with tender slices of corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Russian or Thousand Island dressing, and gooey Swiss cheese, all grilled between buttery rye bread slices, the Reuben is the ultimate comfort sandwich. Its perfect balance of salty, sour, savory, and creamy makes it an unforgettable bite.
Ingredient
For the Sandwich:
| Sliced Rye Bread | 2 slices |
|---|---|
| Deli-Sliced Corned Beef | 4-6 ounces (115-170g) |
| Sliced Swiss Cheese | 2-3 slices |
| Sauerkraut | ¼ cup (50g) |
| Unsalted Butter, softened | 1 tablespoon |
| Mayonnaise | 2 tablespoons |
|---|---|
| Ketchup | 1 tablespoon |
| Prepared Horseradish | 1 teaspoon (optional) |
| Sweet Pickle Relish | ½ teaspoon |
Cooking Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing and Fillings
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, prepared horseradish, and sweet pickle relish to make the Russian dressing.
- Gently squeeze any excess liquid from the sauerkraut using a paper towel or your hands.
- Briefly warm the deli-sliced corned beef in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 1 minute, just to warm it through. This makes it easier to work with.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich
- Generously spread the softened butter or mayonnaise on one side of each slice of rye bread.
- Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Layer the ingredients in this order:
- 1 slice of Swiss cheese
- Half of the corned beef
- The drained sauerkraut
- The remaining corned beef
- The second slice of Swiss cheese
4. Spread a generous amount of the Russian dressing on the non-buttered side of the second slice of bread, then place it on top of the sandwich with the buttered side facing up.
Step 3: Grill the Sandwich
- Cook the sandwich for 4-6 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt.
- Using a spatula, carefully flip the sandwich and grill for another 3-5 minutes, until the second side is golden and the cheese is fully melted and gooey.
Step 4: Serve
- Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it rest for a minute.
- Slice the sandwich in half diagonally.
- Serve immediately while it's hot.
Extra Tips for a Perfect Reuben
- Drain the Sauerkraut: This is the most important tip to prevent a soggy sandwich.
- Low and Slow: Cooking over medium-low heat allows the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld without burning the bread.
- Cheese is Key: Swiss cheese is the traditional choice, but a good provolone or Gruyère can also work well.
- Dressing Debate: Russian dressing is a little spicier and more piquant, while Thousand Island is often sweeter. Both are delicious on a Reuben.
Nutritional Value
Approximate (per sandwich)
| Calories | 700-900 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 40-55 grams |
| Fat | 40-65 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 40-50 grams |
| Fiber | 4-6 grams |
Benefits
- ✅ Flavor Explosion: A perfect harmony of savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy dressing, and melted cheese.
- ✅ High-Protein Meal: Corned beef delivers a filling protein boost.
- ✅ Comfort Food Favorite: Ideal for a cozy lunch or dinner that feels indulgent and satisfying.
- ✅ Deli-Style at Home: Brings the authentic New York deli experience to your kitchen.
- ✅ Customizable: Can be made with pastrami or turkey as a variation for different tastes.
The Classic Reuben Sandwich with Corned Beef is a timeless deli masterpiece that never goes out of style. Its irresistible layers of flavor, paired with the crispy rye bread and melted cheese, make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether served with pickles, potato chips, or a bowl of soup, this sandwich is sure to deliver comfort and satisfaction with every bite.