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It doesn’t get better than a mouthwatering Reuben Sandwich recipe – a classic blend of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and homemade Thousand Island dressing! Perfect for lunch or dinner.
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Pin ItThe Ultimate Reuben Sandwich: A Flavorful Journey
When it comes to classic deli sandwiches, the Reuben Sandwich stands out as a true favorite. This delectable creation combines the rich flavors of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing between slices of rye bread.
The Heart of the Reuben Sandwich
At the core of any Reuben sandwich recipe is the tender and flavorful corned beef. This cured and seasoned beef brings a savory depth that pairs perfectly with the creamy Swiss cheese. The sauerkraut adds a tangy crunch, and the Thousand Island dressing ties it all together with a zesty kick.
Variations and Twists
While the classic Reuben sandwich with corned beef is a timeless choice, there are endless ways to put your spin on it. Some adventurous sandwich enthusiasts opt for pastrami instead of corned beef. Or sliced turkey, creating a “Rachel” sandwich.
Other Reuben sandwich ideas include using different types of cheese, experimenting with bread varieties, or even adding unique toppings like pickles or coleslaw. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
How to Make the Perfect Reuben Sandwich
Creating a Reuben sandwich that wows your taste buds doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with high-quality ingredients, pay attention to layering for an even distribution of flavors, and grill it to golden perfection.
Whether you’re making a classic Reuben or exploring your creative side, the key is balance – ensuring each element complements the others.
The Reuben sandwich is a classic that continues to delight sandwich lovers worldwide. Whether you stick to the traditional corned beef version or venture into exciting variations, the Reuben’s combination of flavors and textures is sure to please.
So, gather your ingredients, get creative, and embark on a delicious journey to create the perfect Reuben sandwich.
Reuben Sandwich Recipe: Ingredients & Substitutions
To make a Reuben Sandwich, you will need …
Ingredients
For the sandwich
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- butter – Instead of butter, you can spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the bread for grilling.
- sliced corned beef – For a slightly different flavor, you can make a Reuben Sandwich with pastrami instead of corned beef. If you prefer a lighter option, turkey slices can be used as a healthier alternative to corned beef, creating a variation known as a “Rachel” sandwich. You can make a vegetarian or vegan Reuben by using meatless deli slices or tempeh instead of meat.
- marble rye bread – If you can’t find marble rye bread, regular rye bread works just as well. For a healthier twist, you can use whole-wheat bread.
- Swiss cheese slices – Provolone, Gruyere, or even cheddar cheese can be used if you’re not a fan of Swiss cheese.
- sauerkraut – If you’re not a fan of sauerkraut, you can use coleslaw as a crunchy alternative. Sliced dill pickles can add a tangy crunch to your sandwich.
For the Thousand Island Dressing
- mayo
- shallot – If you don’t have shallots, you can use minced red onion or sweet onion in the Thousand Island dressing.
- ketchup
- dill relish
- lemon juice
- Worcestershire sauce
- paprika
- dried dill
- salt
Notes
- If you prefer convenience, you can use store-bought Thousand Island dressing instead of making it from scratch.
- Russian dressing is a similar alternative to Thousand Island with a slightly different flavor.
Serving Suggestions For Reuben Sandwich
- Chips: Classic potato chips make for a crunchy and satisfying side dish that complements the flavors of the Reuben.
- Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw salad adds a refreshing contrast to the sandwich’s richness.
- Pickles: Sliced dill pickles or pickled cucumbers on the side provide a tangy and briny element.
- Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing balances the indulgent Reuben with freshness.
- Soup: Serve your Reuben with a warm bowl of soup, such as tomato soup or potato soup, for a comforting meal.
- Fries: Crispy french fries or sweet potato fries are a favorite accompaniment for a hearty sandwich.
- Fruit: Fresh fruit salad or fruit skewers offer a healthy and colorful option.
- Beer: If you’re looking for a beverage pairing, a cold beer, especially a lager or ale, complements the sandwich’s flavors.
- Iced Tea: A glass of iced tea, whether sweetened or unsweetened, is a refreshing choice.
- Dill Pickle Spears: Placing a few dill pickle spears directly in the sandwich or serving them on the side enhances the overall experience.
Reuben Sandwich: FAQs
A Reuben Sandwich is a classic deli sandwich consisting of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing, all grilled between slices of rye bread.
The exact origin of the Reuben Sandwich is debated, but it is widely believed to have been created in the early 20th century in the United States. Some stories attribute its creation to a deli in Omaha, Nebraska, while others claim it originated in New York City.
Reuben Sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare some components in advance, such as the Thousand Island dressing. Assemble the sandwiches and grill them just before serving to maintain their texture and taste.
They pair well with classic deli sides like potato chips, coleslaw, pickles, or a side salad like potato salad or dill pickle pasta salad. You can choose sides that suit your preferences.
Yes, leftover dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
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Reuben Sandwich
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Equipment
Ingredients
Thousand Island Dressing:
- 1 ¼ cups mayo
- 1 shallot, minced
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons dill relish
- juice from 1/2 of a lemon
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the sandwiches
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound sliced corned beef
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 8 slices marble rye bread
- 16 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 ½ cups sauerkraut
Instructions
Thousand Island Dressing
- In a small mixing bowl, add all the dressing ingredients and whisk until combined. Cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
For the sandwiches
- Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat and melt the 1 tablespoon of butter.
- To the pan, add the sliced corned beef and cook until the meat is hot. Transfer to a plate and set aside. Wipe clean the pan and heat over medium heat.
- For each sandwich, butter one side of a slice of marble rye with the softened butter and place it on the heated pan. Place on two slices of Swiss cheese, 4 ounces of the slices and warmed corned beef, 1/4 cup of the sauerkraut, 2-3 tablespoons of thousand island dressing, 2 more slices of Swiss cheese, and top with another slice of buttered marble rye, butter side up.
- Grill the sandwich on both sides for 3-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining sandwich ingredients.
- Cut the sandwiches in half and serve immediately.
Notes
- Reuben Sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare some components in advance, such as the Thousand Island dressing. Assemble the sandwiches and grill them just before serving to maintain their texture and taste.
- Leftover Thousand Island dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
