Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, buttery sandwich packed with savory corned beef, melty Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Russian dressing. A Reuben sandwich isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. Whether you’re enjoying it at a deli, whipping it up at home, or sharing it with friends, the Reuben stands as one of the most iconic sandwiches ever created.
The combination of flavors and textures in a Reuben is truly unmatched. It’s savory, tangy, crispy, and creamy all in one bite. Best of all, it’s surprisingly easy to make in your own kitchen. Ready to create this delicious classic? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love the Reuben Sandwich
- Iconic Flavor: A perfect blend of salty corned beef, creamy dressing, tangy sauerkraut, and nutty Swiss cheese.
- Golden, Buttery Bread: Each bite begins with the satisfying crunch of toasted marble rye.
- Simple Yet Sophisticated: It’s a dish that feels indulgent without being overly complicated.
- Customizable: Whether you prefer extra cheese, more dressing, or less sauerkraut, the Reuben is easy to tailor to your taste.
Ingredients for the Reuben Sandwich
Here’s everything you need to make the ultimate Reuben, along with a simple recipe for herbed butter to take your sandwich to the next level.
| Category | Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| For the Herbed Butter | Butter (softened) | ¼ cup (½ stick, 57 g) |
| Dried minced garlic | ½ teaspoon | |
| Dried minced onion | ½ teaspoon | |
| Sesame seeds | ½ teaspoon | |
| Poppy seeds | ¼ teaspoon | |
| Sea salt | ½ teaspoon | |
| For the Reuben Sandwich | Deli corned beef | 1 pound |
| Marble rye bread | 1 loaf | |
| Russian dressing | 1 cup (245 g) | |
| Sauerkraut | 8 ounces | |
| Swiss cheese | 12 slices |
How to Make a Reuben Sandwich
1. Prepare the Herbed Butter
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, dried minced garlic, minced onion, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and sea salt.
- Stir until well combined. This flavorful butter will give your Reuben sandwich a perfectly golden and crunchy crust.
2. Prep the Ingredients
- Lay out your marble rye bread slices, corned beef, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing, and sauerkraut.
- If the sauerkraut is very wet, drain and gently pat it dry with a paper towel. This prevents the bread from getting soggy.
3. Butter the Bread
- Spread a generous layer of the herbed butter on one side of each slice of bread. This side will be toasted for that irresistible crunch.
4. Assemble the Sandwich
- On the unbuttered side of the bread, spread about 1 tablespoon of Russian dressing.
- Layer 2 slices of Swiss cheese, followed by a generous portion of corned beef, about 2 tablespoons of sauerkraut, and another slice of Swiss cheese.
- Top with another slice of bread, buttered side facing out.
5. Grill the Sandwich
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
- Press the sandwich lightly with a spatula to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
6. Slice and Serve
- Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it rest for 1-2 minutes. Slice it in half diagonally and serve warm.
- Enjoy with pickles, chips, or a side of coleslaw for a complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect Reuben Sandwich
- Choose High-Quality Corned Beef: Visit your local deli for freshly sliced corned beef, as it makes a huge difference in flavor and texture.
- Drain the Sauerkraut: Excess liquid can make your sandwich soggy, so make sure to drain and dry the sauerkraut before using.
- Don’t Skimp on Butter: The herbed butter adds incredible flavor and ensures the bread gets perfectly crispy.
- Low and Slow: Cook the sandwich over medium heat to ensure the cheese melts without burning the bread.
What is Russian Dressing?
Russian dressing is a tangy, creamy sauce made with mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, and spices. It’s the classic choice for a Reuben sandwich, and its slight sweetness balances the saltiness of the corned beef and the tang of the sauerkraut. If you can’t find Russian dressing, Thousand Island dressing makes a good substitute.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per sandwich (serves 4):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 610 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 41g |
| Fat | 36g |
| Sodium | 1450mg |
FAQs About the Reuben Sandwich
1. Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes! While marble rye is traditional, you can use regular rye, sourdough, or even whole-grain bread.
2. Can I make a vegetarian version?
Absolutely. Swap the corned beef for roasted vegetables, tempeh, or a vegetarian deli meat alternative.
3. What’s the difference between Russian dressing and Thousand Island?
Thousand Island is sweeter and includes pickle relish, while Russian dressing has a tangier and spicier flavor profile.
4. Can I toast the sandwich in the oven?
Yes! Assemble the sandwich and bake it at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. How do I keep the bread from burning?
Cook the sandwich on medium heat and check frequently. You can also lower the heat slightly if the bread is browning too quickly.
6. Can I use a panini press?
Definitely! A panini press works great for making Reuben sandwiches and ensures an even, crispy texture.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Herbed Butter: Prepare the herbed butter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Russian Dressing: Homemade dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Leftovers: If you have leftover sandwiches, store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in a skillet to maintain crispiness.
Serving Ideas
The Reuben sandwich is hearty on its own, but you can pair it with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded meal:
- Pickles: Add a crunchy, tangy element to your plate.
- Potato Chips: The crispiness pairs well with the melty sandwich.
- Coleslaw: The creamy, tangy flavors complement the Reuben beautifully.
- Tomato Soup: For a comforting and warm combination.
Your Turn to Master the Reuben Sandwich
Now that you know how to make the perfect Reuben sandwich, it’s time to bring this deli classic into your own kitchen. With its crispy herbed butter crust, savory corned beef, and melty cheese, this sandwich is sure to become a family favorite.
So, grab your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to create a masterpiece. Once you take your first bite, you’ll understand why the Reuben sandwich has been loved for generations!
Reuben Sandwich: A Timeless Classic
Ingredients
For the Herbed Butter
- ¼ cup ½ stick, 57 g butter, softened
- ½ tsp dried minced garlic
- ½ tsp dried minced onion
- ½ tsp sesame seeds
- ¼ tsp poppy seeds
- ½ tsp sea salt
For the Reuben Sandwich
- 1 pound deli corned beef
- 1 loaf marble rye bread
- 1 cup 245 g Russian dressing
- 8 ounces sauerkraut drained
- 12 slices Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Make the Herbed Butter: Mix softened butter, minced garlic, onion, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and sea salt in a small bowl until combined.
- Prep Ingredients: Lay out bread slices, corned beef, cheese, Russian dressing, and sauerkraut. Drain sauerkraut to avoid soggy bread.
- Butter the Bread: Spread herbed butter on one side of each slice of bread. This will be the toasted side.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread Russian dressing on the unbuttered side of the bread. Add 2 slices of Swiss cheese, corned beef, sauerkraut, and another slice of cheese. Top with another slice of bread, buttered side out.
- Grill the Sandwich: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Grill the sandwich for 3-4 minutes on each side until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Let the sandwich rest for a minute, slice in half, and enjoy with your favorite sides.