Corned Beef Reuben Sandwich

The Corned Beef Reuben Sandwich is a timeless deli favorite—crispy, melty, and stacked with bold flavors. Layers of juicy corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and creamy dressing are grilled between slices of buttery rye bread. Whether you’re making lunch for one or a batch for guests, this classic sandwich delivers savory satisfaction every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Deli-Style at Home – No need to hit the sandwich shop.
Crispy & Melty – Golden, buttery bread with gooey cheese in every bite.
Quick to Make – From skillet to table in under 20 minutes.
Customizable – Swap the bread, cheese, or dressing to suit your taste.
Great for Leftovers – Perfect way to use leftover corned beef.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For Each Sandwich:

• 2 slices rye bread (marble or seeded rye works great)
• ¼ lb sliced corned beef (warm or room temperature)
• 2 slices Swiss cheese
• ¼ cup sauerkraut, drained well
• 1½ tbsp Thousand Island or Russian dressing
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for grilling)

Tools You’ll Need

• Skillet or griddle
• Spatula
• Small bowl and spoon
• Paper towels (to pat sauerkraut dry)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

1. Warm the corned beef slightly in a skillet or microwave if preferred.
2. Drain the sauerkraut and pat it dry with paper towels to avoid soggy bread.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich
3. Lay out two slices of rye bread.
4. Spread a layer of Thousand Island dressing on each slice.
5. On one slice, layer one slice of Swiss cheese, followed by corned beef, sauerkraut, and the second slice of cheese.
6. Top with the second bread slice, dressing-side down.

Step 3: Grill the Sandwich
7. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add half the butter.
8. Place the sandwich in the skillet and press lightly with a spatula.
9. Cook for 3–4 minutes on one side until golden and crispy.
10. Add the remaining butter, flip the sandwich, and grill the other side for another 3–4 minutes until the cheese is melted and both sides are toasted.

Step 4: Slice and Serve
11. Remove from the skillet and let rest for a minute.
12. Slice in half and serve hot with chips, pickles, or a side salad.

Tips for the Best Reuben Sandwich
Drain the Sauerkraut – This step keeps your sandwich from getting soggy.
Low & Slow Heat – Helps the cheese melt without burning the bread.
Don’t Overstuff – Too much filling makes it hard to grill evenly.
Press While Grilling – Gently pressing the sandwich ensures even browning and melting.
Try a Panini Press – For a café-style finish, use a sandwich press or grill pan with a weight.

Serving Suggestions
Crispy Potato Chips – Classic deli-style side.
Pickle Spears – Adds crunch and cuts through the richness.
Coleslaw – A creamy or vinegar-based slaw complements the flavors.
Tomato Soup – Dipping a hot Reuben into soup is pure comfort.
Iced Tea or Lemonade – Refreshing drinks to pair with bold flavors.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store for up to 2 days.

Reheating:

• Skillet: Reheat over medium-low heat for the best texture.
• Oven: Wrap in foil and warm at 350°F for 10 minutes.
• Avoid microwave: It softens the bread and doesn’t crisp it up.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pastrami instead of corned beef?
   Yes! Pastrami is a flavorful alternative and is often used in Reuben-style sandwiches.
2. What’s the difference between Russian and Thousand Island dressing?
   Russian is spicier with more mustard and horseradish. Thousand Island is sweeter and creamier—either works great.
3. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Use a dairy-free cheese alternative and plant-based butter to adapt it.
4. What kind of bread works best?
   Rye bread is traditional, but pumpernickel or sourdough are great alternatives.
5. Can I make this in advance?
   Assemble ahead, then grill fresh for the best texture. You can also pre-toast one side of each bread slice to keep it crispy.

Final Thoughts

The Corned Beef Reuben Sandwich is a crave-worthy classic that never goes out of style. With its crispy grilled bread, tangy sauerkraut, melty cheese, and savory beef, every bite is full of flavor and comfort. Whether you’re whipping one up for a quick lunch or serving a platter at your next gathering, this sandwich is sure to be a hit.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your sandwich turns out.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Cuisine: American Deli

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 470 | Protein: 25g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 28g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 860mg

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