You’re about to discover why the Reuben isn’t just another sandwich—it’s a masterpiece of melty, meaty perfection.
Let’s be honest: when you’re craving comfort food, nothing beats the harmonious blend of warm corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and gooey Swiss cheese, all hugged between slices of rye bread.
Sure, you could grab one at your local deli, but making your own? That’s where the real magic happens. Ready to transform your kitchen into a sandwich paradise?
5 Reasons to Love This Recipe
- Perfect comfort food: Warm, toasty rye bread with melty Swiss cheese and tender corned beef creates the ultimate satisfying sandwich for cold days or comfort cravings.
- Quick and simple: It takes just 15 minutes to assemble and grill, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners or lunch breaks.
- Budget-friendly option: Using deli corned beef and basic pantry ingredients keeps costs down while delivering restaurant-quality results.
- Protein-packed meal: The combination of corned beef and Swiss cheese provides essential protein, making it a filling and nutritious choice.
- Customizable classic: Easily adapt the ingredients to taste – swap the meat, adjust the sauerkraut, or try different cheeses while keeping the beloved Reuben format.
Like many budget-friendly meals, this Reuben sandwich recipe serves my family well while keeping costs low.
Classic Grilled Reuben Sandwich Recipe
Growing up in Wisconsin, the Reuben sandwich has always been a deli favorite, especially with our state’s rich German heritage and exceptional local corned beef. This grilled sandwich combines tangy, savory, and creamy elements, creating an unforgettable comfort food experience.
Ingredients
- 2 slices of rye bread
- 4 oz thinly sliced corned beef
- 2 oz sauerkraut, drained
- 2 slices of Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons of Russian dressing
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
The key to an authentic Reuben lies in quality ingredients. Wisconsin-made Swiss cheese offers superior melting properties and nutty flavor. Sauerkraut provides the essential tang, though kimchi can be substituted for an interesting twist.
While Russian dressing is traditional, Thousand Island dressing works well as an alternative. The dark rye bread should be dense and fresh – marble rye offers an attractive presentation.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Drain sauerkraut thoroughly, pressing out excess moisture.
- Butter one side of each bread slice.
- Spread Russian dressing on the non-buttered sides.
- Layer one slice with corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese.
- Top with the second bread slice, buttered side up.
- Heat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Place the sandwich butter-side down in the pan.
- Grill for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip carefully and grill an additional 2-3 minutes until cheese melts.
- Remove from heat, and let it rest 1 minute before slicing diagonally.
Serving Suggestions & More
From my restaurant experience, temperature control and moisture management are the keys to achieving the perfect Reuben. Always press your sauerkraut well – excess moisture makes for a soggy sandwich.
I prefer using a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution and better browning. For the corned beef, have your butcher slice it paper-thin against the grain.
When serving for catering events, I keep the assembled sandwiches warm by wrapping them in foil and holding them in a low-temperature oven (170°F) for up to 30 minutes. The Swiss cheese should be at room temperature before grilling to guarantee proper melting.
Serve your Reuben with a pickle, potato chips, French fries, or a classic deli side like:
· Pasta Salad
· Coleslaw
· Tomato Soup
Nutritional Guide (per Serving)
- Calories: approximately 750
- Protein: 41g
- Total Fat: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Great Cooking Starts With the Right Tools
Ready to make the perfect Reuben? As a professional chef who’s grilled thousands of sandwiches across Wisconsin’s finest kitchens, I can tell you that great results start with quality tools. The right equipment transforms good ingredients into exceptional meals, whether you’re cooking for a busy restaurant or your family of five.
After years of experience, I’ve curated a collection of essential grilling and sandwich-making tools that deliver consistent results. From heavy-duty spatulas that perfectly flip those loaded sandwiches to cast-iron griddles that create that signature golden-brown crust on rye bread, these are the professional-grade tools I trust in my own kitchen.
Don’t let subpar equipment stop you from crafting restaurant-quality Reubens at home. Invest in reliable tools that will serve you well beyond just sandwiches – they’re essential for everything from weekend brunches to holiday feasts.
Your family deserves the best, and so do you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought sauerkraut?
Yes, store-bought sauerkraut works well, but ensure it’s properly drained before use to prevent a soggy sandwich.
Is Swiss cheese necessary for a Reuben?
Swiss cheese is essential for an authentic Reuben sandwich and can’t be substituted without fundamentally changing the classic flavor profile.
What’s the best way to warm corned beef?
Warm corned beef in a pan with a splash of beer, avoiding the microwave to maintain proper texture and enhance flavor.
Which bread works best for a Reuben?
Rye bread, grilled in butter over medium-low heat until golden brown, provides the ideal foundation for a classic Reuben sandwich. Marbled rye, in my opinion, presents better.
Final Thoughts
Making the perfect Reuben sandwich seems intimidating, but once you’ve mastered these techniques, you’ll be cranking out deli-worthy sandwiches that’ll make your local sandwich shop jealous.
Living in Wisconsin, I’ve got easy access to some killer local sauerkraut and fantastic artisanal rye bread that takes this classic to the next level.
Whether serving it up for game day, a quick family dinner, or impressing friends at your next get-together, this Reuben will become your go-to comfort food.
