No Reuben sandwich is quite like a classic one! Grilled to perfection, this filling of rye bread, corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and creamy Thousand Islands dressing is robust and savory. Originally from a Nebraska hotel, the Reuben has been a preferred choice for decades. Let’s do it right at home.
Ingredients
- 2 slices of rye bread
- 2 tablespoons Thousand Island dressing (or homemade: mix ketchup, mayonnaise, relish, and a dash of white vinegar)
- 1 slice of Swiss cheese.
- 4–5 ounces of corned beef, folded for extra layers
- ¼ cup sauerkraut, well drained
- 1 tablespoon of butter
Instructions
Get ready the bread by first Arrange the pieces of rye bread. Drizzle one side of every slice with evenly distributed Thousand Island dressing.
To make a sandwich, lay a slice of Swiss cheese on one piece of bread. Arrange the corned beef atop and fold it to give height. Including the drained sauerkraut guarantees uniform coverage.
Top It Off: Dress side down, spread Thousand Islands dressing on the second slice of bread, and top it.
The top side of the sandwich should be butter-covered bread.
Heat a griddle or cast iron skillet on medium heat to grill the sandwich. Butterfly butter-side down the sandwich. While it’s on the griddle, butter the other side.
Cook until golden brown and crispy on the outside, with gooey melted cheese inside, over medium heat. Flip and then repeat across the opposite side.
Once toasted and melty, take off from the heat, slice, and serve right away.
Tips
Create your own Russian dressing or Thousand Island using basic pantry items if you don’t have them on hand.
An even press works best on a griddle; nevertheless, a skillet with light pressure will also do the job.
While the cheese melts within, keep medium heat to guarantee the bread crisps up without burning.
Taste your homemade Reuben sandwich in deli-style fashion.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread instead of rye?
Indeed, although rye bread is classic, you might use sourdough or whole wheat for a quite distinct taste. Rye, though, brings the traditional taste that distinguishes a Reuben.
What’s the best way to drain sauerkraut properly?
Put the sauerkraut in a fine-mesh strainer and squeeze it with a spoon to drain extra liquid, therefore avoiding a soggy sandwich. A paper towel will also help you to dry it.
Can I use pastrami instead of corned beef?
Correct! Although pastrami adds a smokey taste and substitutes nicely, corned beef is the traditional choice.
What’s the difference between Thousand Island and Russian dressing?
Made with mayonnaise and relish, Thousand Island is sweeter and creamier; Russian dressing is spicier with a tangy edge, generally including horseradish and Worcestershire sauce. One might make a Reuben sandwich with both.