Corned Beef Reuben Sandwich

The Corned Beef Reuben Sandwich is a warm, melty, and savory classic that never goes out of style. Layers of tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy dressing, and melted Swiss cheese come together between slices of crisp, buttery rye bread for a sandwich that’s hearty, satisfying, and full of bold flavor. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just craving something comforting, this Reuben hits all the right notes.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Classic Comfort – A timeless deli favorite you can easily make at home.
Crispy & Gooey – Toasted bread and melted cheese give every bite great texture.
Flavor-Packed – Tangy, savory, creamy, and perfectly balanced.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes.
Customizable – Adjust the fillings or make it lighter if you prefer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Sandwich:

• 8 slices rye bread (marbled or seeded preferred)
• 1 lb cooked corned beef, thinly sliced
• 8 slices Swiss cheese
• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (softened, for spreading on bread)

For the Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins:

• Sliced dill pickles (for extra crunch)
• Caramelized onions (for extra sweetness)
• Coleslaw (as a substitute for sauerkraut)

Tools You’ll Need
Non-stick skillet or griddle
Spatula
Small mixing bowl
Knife and cutting board
Paper towels (for pressing sauerkraut)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 2: Prep the Ingredients
Pat the sauerkraut dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Lay out all sandwich components for quick assembly.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread one side of each slice of bread with softened butter.
Place 4 slices butter-side down on a cutting board or plate.
Layer each with 1–2 slices of Swiss cheese, a generous portion of corned beef, ¼ cup of sauerkraut, and a drizzle of the dressing.
Top with remaining slices of bread, butter-side up.

Step 4: Grill the Sandwiches
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Place sandwiches on the hot surface (in batches if necessary).
Grill for 3–5 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and crisp, and the cheese is fully melted.
Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning.

Step 5: Slice and Serve
Remove from the skillet and let rest for 1 minute.
Slice in half and serve hot with pickles, chips, or a side salad.

Tips for the Best Reuben Sandwich
Use Good Rye Bread – It’s the backbone of the sandwich and adds signature flavor.
Drain the Sauerkraut – Excess moisture can make the sandwich soggy.
Grill Low and Slow – Gives a crispy crust without burning and melts the cheese perfectly.
Butter Evenly – Full coverage ensures even browning.
Customize the Ratio – Add more corned beef or less kraut depending on your taste.

Serving Suggestions
Dill Pickle Spears – Classic and crunchy side.
Potato Chips – For a deli-style experience.
Tomato Soup – A warm pairing that works well.
Coleslaw – Balances the richness with a fresh crunch.
Sweet Potato Fries – A modern twist that works beautifully.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Wrap cooled sandwiches in foil and store for up to 2 days.
Best when fresh, but still tasty reheated.

Reheating:
Skillet: Reheat on a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy again.
Oven: Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 4–5 minutes.
Avoid microwaving—bread will become soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pastrami instead of corned beef?
Yes! Pastrami is a delicious variation and often used in Reubens.

2. What’s the best cheese substitute for Swiss?
Provolone, Havarti, or even mozzarella can work, though flavor will vary.

3. Can I make it lighter?
Use light mayo for the dressing, reduce the cheese, and grill with a light olive oil spray instead of butter.

4. Is there a vegetarian version?
Yes. Replace meat with grilled tempeh or mushrooms, and use the same cheese and dressing.

5. Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?
Yes. Assemble the sandwiches, wrap in foil, and bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes until heated through and crisp.

Final Thoughts
The Corned Beef Reuben Sandwich is a deli classic for a reason—it’s hearty, flavorful, and satisfying down to the last bite. With crispy grilled rye, tangy sauerkraut, and melty cheese, this sandwich is everything you want in a comfort food favorite. Easy to make at home and endlessly customizable, it’s a must-try for lunch, dinner, or any time you’re craving something bold and delicious.

Try it out this week and bring a slice of deli perfection to your own kitchen!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: American / Deli Classic

Nutritional Information (Per Sandwich):
Calories: 540 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 32g | Fat: 32g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 950mg

Print