Reuben Sandwich
A Reuben sandwich is easy to make with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing grilled between slices of rye bread.
- 20 min
- Serves 4
- 6 ingredients
Steps
- Gather all ingredients and preheat a large griddle or skillet over medium heat.
- Spread one side of bread slices evenly with Thousand Island dressing.
- On four bread slices, layer one slice Swiss cheese, 2 slices corned beef, 1/4 cup sauerkraut, and a second slice of Swiss cheese. Top with remaining bread slices, dressing-side down. Butter the top of each sandwich.
- Place sandwiches, butter-side down on the preheated griddle; butter the top of each sandwich with remaining butter. Grill until both sides are golden brown, about 5 minutes per side.
- Serve hot. Enjoy!
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Russian dressing instead of Thousand Island?
Yes, and many people consider it the more traditional choice for a Reuben. Russian dressing is sharper and has more horseradish bite, where Thousand Island is sweeter from the relish, so the sandwich comes out less sweet.
How do I stop my Reuben going soggy?
Drain the sauerkraut properly, which the ingredient list calls for and is where most of the wetness comes from. Squeezing it in a clean cloth removes more than draining alone, and putting cheese on both sides of the filling as the method does keeps the dressing off the bread.
Can I use pastrami instead of corned beef?
Yes, though strictly that makes it a different sandwich. Pastrami is smokier and more peppery than corned beef, and it suits the sauerkraut and Swiss just as well. Use the same eight slices.
What bread can I use instead of rye?
Sourdough or any sturdy white sandwich loaf works if you dislike caraway. Whatever you choose needs to hold up to five minutes a side on the griddle without going limp under the dressing and sauerkraut.
Can I make a Reuben in a panini press?
Yes, and it saves flipping. Butter the outsides the same way and press until both sides are golden, which takes less than the five minutes a side a griddle needs because both faces heat at once.
What do you serve with a Reuben sandwich?
A dill pickle is the standard, and fries or crisps alongside. Something sharp works because the sandwich is rich on every layer, with dressing, butter, cheese and cured beef all at once.