This Reuben Sandwich is the ultimate crispy, melty, deli-style classic made right at home! Perfect for lunch or a quick dinner, this sandwich combines buttery grilled rye bread with gooey Swiss cheese and juicy corned beef. Topped with tangy sauerkraut and creamy thousand island dressing, each bite is packed with flavor and satisfaction.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 11 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of savory beef, rich cheese, and zesty dressing creates a symphony of tastes that will delight your palate.
- Versatile Meal Option: Ideal for lunch, dinner, or even as a party dish; this Reuben sandwich fits any occasion perfectly.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or swap out ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
- Comfort Food Classic: This sandwich brings the warmth and nostalgia of a deli right into your home.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Reuben Sandwich effortlessly, having the right tools is essential. These items will ensure that your cooking process is smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Skillet
- Spatula
- Cutting board
- Knife
Why These Tools Matter
- Skillet: A large skillet allows for even cooking and helps achieve that perfect golden crust on the bread.
- Spatula: This tool makes flipping the sandwich easy without damaging its structure.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for assembling your sandwich ingredients efficiently.
- Knife: A good knife is essential for slicing bread and portioning ingredients neatly.
Ingredients
This Reuben Sandwich is the ultimate crispy, melty, deli-style classic made right at home! Buttery grilled rye bread, gooey Swiss cheese, juicy corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy thousand island dressing come together in one ridiculously satisfying sandwich, ready in just 11 minutes!
For the Sandwich
- 4 slices dark rye bread
- 1 cup Swiss cheese (shredded)
- 4 tablespoons thousand island dressing
- 1 cup sauerkraut
- ½ pound corned beef (or pastrami, thinly sliced)
- 4 tablespoons butter (unsalted, softened)
How to Make Reuben Sandwich
Step 1: Assemble Your Sandwich
- Lay out 2 slices of dark rye bread on a cutting board.
- Top each slice with Swiss cheese, either shredded or sliced.
- Drizzle some thousand island dressing on each slice.
- Place half of the corned beef on each slice followed by half of the sauerkraut.
- Complete with another slice of bread on top.
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of butter on the outside of the top slice.
Step 2: Cook Your Sandwich
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Carefully place both sandwiches with the buttered side down in the skillet.
- Cook until golden brown for about 3 minutes.
- Spread the remaining butter on the outside of the top slice of bread.
- Flip each sandwich using a spatula and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown.
Enjoy your homemade Reuben Sandwich packed with flavor and comfort!
How to Serve Reuben Sandwich
The Reuben Sandwich is a delightful meal that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a casual lunch or a cozy dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your Reuben experience.
Classic Pairings
- Pickles: Serve with dill pickles for a tangy crunch that complements the savory flavors.
- Potato Chips: Crispy potato chips add a satisfying crunch and are easy to grab on the go.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw provides a cool contrast to the warm, melty sandwich.
Gourmet Touches
- Avocado Slices: Add creamy avocado slices for an extra layer of richness and flavor.
- Hot Sauce: A dash of your favorite hot sauce can spice things up, adding a kick to each bite.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Perfect Reuben Sandwich
Perfecting your Reuben Sandwich is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your sandwich is top-notch.
- Bold Bread Choice: Use high-quality dark rye bread for the best flavor and texture.
- Even Cheese Distribution: Ensure that the cheese is evenly spread to guarantee gooeyness in every bite.
- Warm Ingredients: Warm the sauerkraut before adding it to the sandwich; this helps meld the flavors together.
- Controlled Heat: Cook over medium heat to avoid burning while ensuring the cheese melts perfectly.
- Butter Generously: Don’t skimp on butter; it adds rich flavor and helps achieve that golden crust.
- Rest Before Cutting: Let the sandwich rest for a minute after cooking; this allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to cut.
Best Side Dishes for Reuben Sandwich
Pairing your Reuben Sandwich with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy and sweet, these fries provide a delicious contrast to the savory sandwich.
- Tomato Soup: A warm bowl of tomato soup offers comfort and pairs perfectly with grilled sandwiches.
- Garden Salad: A simple green salad adds freshness and balances out the richness of the sandwich.
- Onion Rings: Crispy onion rings give an extra crunch and flavor explosion alongside your meal.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad brings sweetness and brightness, making for a well-rounded plate.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add warmth and nutrition, complementing your sandwich nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Reuben Sandwich can be simple, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using the wrong bread: Choosing a bread that isn’t hearty enough can lead to a soggy sandwich. Stick to dark rye for the best flavor and texture.
- Overstuffing: While it’s tempting to add more ingredients, overstuffing can make it difficult to cook evenly and hold together. Use the recommended amounts for the best results.
- Skipping the butter: Not buttering the bread can result in a dry sandwich. Always spread butter on the outside for that perfect golden crust.
- Neglecting heat control: Cooking on too high heat can burn the bread before the cheese melts. Use medium heat for even cooking and melty goodness.
- Forgetting to drain sauerkraut: Adding wet sauerkraut can make your sandwich soggy. Always drain and pat it dry before adding it to your sandwich.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Reuben Sandwich
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Reuben Sandwich
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate. Heat at medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Reuben Sandwich?
A Reuben Sandwich is a classic deli-style sandwich made with layers of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing, all grilled between slices of rye bread.
How can I customize my Reuben Sandwich?
You can customize your Reuben Sandwich by using different meats like turkey or lamb, trying various cheeses, or adding veggies like pickles or tomatoes for extra crunch.
Can I make a vegetarian version of a Reuben Sandwich?
Yes! You can substitute corned beef with grilled vegetables or tempeh, use vegan cheese, and keep the sauerkraut and dressing for flavor.
How do I ensure my cheese melts perfectly?
To ensure your cheese melts perfectly, use shredded cheese and allow it to come to room temperature before grilling. This helps achieve that gooey consistency you desire.
Conclusion
The Reuben Sandwich is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that makes it perfect for lunch or dinner. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences, making it an easy choice for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite!
Ultimate Homemade Reuben Sandwich
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
Description
Indulge in the ultimate homemade Reuben Sandwich, a crispy and melty delight that brings the essence of a classic deli straight to your kitchen. This sandwich features buttery grilled rye bread layered with gooey Swiss cheese, savory sliced beef, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy dressing. Perfect for lunch or a satisfying dinner, each bite is bursting with flavor and comfort.
Ingredients
- 4 slices dark rye bread
- 1 cup Swiss cheese (shredded)
- 4 tablespoons thousand island dressing
- 1 cup sauerkraut (drained)
- ½ pound sliced beef
- 4 tablespoons butter (unsalted, softened)
Instructions
- Assemble the sandwich by layering two slices of dark rye bread with Swiss cheese on each slice.
- Drizzle thousand island dressing on top and layer with sliced beef and sauerkraut.
- Top with another slice of bread.
- Spread softened butter on the outside of the top slice.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and place the sandwiches butter-side down.
- Cook for about 3 minutes until golden brown.
- Butter the other side, flip using a spatula, and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until both sides are crispy and the cheese has melted.
- Let rest briefly before slicing in half and serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1050mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
