This Reuben Sandwich is a mouthwatering delight that brings the classic deli experience right to your kitchen. Perfect for lunch or a casual dinner, this sandwich features crispy, grilled rye bread filled with melty Swiss cheese, savory turkey, and tangy sauerkraut. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this recipe is guaranteed to impress with its bold flavors and satisfying crunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: In just 11 minutes, you can whip up this delicious sandwich without any fuss.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of creamy thousand island dressing and tangy sauerkraut creates a unique flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize with your favorite cheeses or toppings to make it your own.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for lunch, dinner, or even a casual gathering with friends.
- Comfort Food Classic: This sandwich delivers all the warm and cozy vibes you want in comfort food.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making your Reuben Sandwich, gather a few essential tools that will help make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Skillet
- Spatula
- Cutting board
- Knife
Why These Tools Matter
- Skillet: A non-stick skillet ensures even cooking and prevents sticking, making flipping the sandwich hassle-free.
- Spatula: A sturdy spatula helps you lift and flip the sandwiches without losing any of the delicious fillings.
- Cutting board & Knife: Essential for safely preparing your ingredients before assembling your sandwich.
Ingredients
This Reuben Sandwich is the ultimate crispy, melty, deli-style classic made right at home! Buttery grilled rye bread, gooey Swiss cheese, juicy turkey, 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 turkey (thinly sliced)
- 4 tablespoons butter (unsalted, softened)
How to Make Reuben Sandwich
Step 1: Assemble Your Ingredients
- Lay out 2 slices of dark rye bread on a cutting board.
- Top each slice with shredded Swiss cheese.
- Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of thousand island dressing on each slice.
- Add half of the turkey on top of each slice followed by half of the sauerkraut.
Step 2: Build Your Sandwich
- Place another slice of dark rye bread on top of each assembled base layer.
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of softened butter on the outside of each top slice.
Step 3: Grill Your Sandwiches
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once hot, place both sandwiches in the skillet with the buttered side facing down.
- Cook until golden brown for about 3 minutes.
- While cooking, spread remaining butter on the top slice of bread.
- Carefully flip each sandwich using a spatula and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown.
Enjoy your homemade Reuben Sandwich that’s bursting with flavor!
How to Serve Reuben Sandwich
Serving a Reuben Sandwich is all about enhancing its flavors and creating a delightful meal experience. Pairing it with the right sides and garnishes can elevate this deli classic to new heights.
Classic Accompaniments
- Pickles – A crunchy dill pickle on the side adds a tangy crunch that complements the rich flavors of the sandwich.
- Potato Chips – Crispy potato chips bring a satisfying crunch, making for a great contrast to the soft sandwich.
- Coleslaw – A creamy coleslaw provides a refreshing bite that balances the heaviness of the sandwich.
Creative Twists
- Sweet Potato Fries – These offer a slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory elements of the Reuben.
- Tomato Soup – Dipping your sandwich in warm tomato soup creates a comforting meal perfect for cooler days.
- Side Salad – A light, mixed greens salad dressed in vinaigrette helps to cut through the richness and adds freshness.
How to Perfect Reuben Sandwich
Creating the perfect Reuben Sandwich involves attention to detail in both ingredients and cooking techniques.
- Choose Quality Bread – Opt for fresh, dark rye bread for an authentic taste and ideal texture.
- Layer Wisely – Distribute ingredients evenly to ensure each bite has a balanced flavor of cheese, meat, and sauerkraut.
- Butter Generously – Use enough unsalted butter on the outside of the bread for that golden, crispy finish.
- Control Heat – Cook over medium heat to avoid burning while allowing the cheese to melt perfectly.
- Experiment with Cheeses – While Swiss is traditional, try Gruyère or provolone for a unique spin on flavor.
- Add Extras – Consider adding sliced tomatoes or pickled jalapeños for an extra layer of flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Reuben Sandwich
A well-rounded meal can be achieved by pairing your Reuben Sandwich with complementary side dishes. Here are some excellent options:
- French Fries – Golden fries are always a favorite; serve them hot and crispy alongside your sandwich.
- Onion Rings – Crunchy onion rings provide a savory bite that pairs well with the rich filling of the sandwich.
- Baked Beans – A hearty side of baked beans can add sweetness and depth to your meal.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables bring color and nutrition, making your plate visually appealing.
- Potato Salad – A creamy potato salad introduces a cool element that contrasts nicely with the warm sandwich.
- Macaroni Salad – This dish offers creaminess and comfort, complementing the flavors of your Reuben perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect Reuben Sandwich can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to keep in mind.
- Using Dry Bread: Ensure your bread is fresh and moist. Stale bread can lead to a dry sandwich, so choose high-quality dark rye.
- Overstuffing the Sandwich: While it’s tempting to add more fillings, overstuffing can make it hard to grill evenly. Stick to the recommended amounts for best results.
- Not Preheating the Skillet: A cold skillet won’t give you that delicious golden crust. Always preheat your skillet before adding the sandwiches.
- Skipping the Butter: Butter adds flavor and helps achieve a crispy texture. Don’t skip this step; generously butter both sides of the bread.
- Ignoring Cheese Placement: Place cheese on both sides of the fillings for optimal meltiness. This ensures every bite has that gooey goodness.
- Rushing Cooking Time: Cooking too fast can burn the bread while leaving the insides cold. Take your time to cook each side thoroughly.
Refrigerator Storage
- Keep your Reuben Sandwich in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Reuben Sandwich
- Wrap individual sandwiches in plastic wrap and then foil.
- Freeze for up to 1 month for best quality.
Reheating Reuben Sandwich
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake wrapped sandwiches for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds at a time until warmed, but this may soften the bread.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes on each side until heated and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Reuben Sandwich?
A Reuben Sandwich is a classic American deli sandwich made with rye bread, Swiss cheese, corned beef, sauerkraut, and thousand island dressing.
Can I customize my Reuben Sandwich?
Absolutely! You can use different meats like turkey or chicken, swap out sauerkraut for coleslaw, or use different types of cheese based on your preference.
How do I make my Reuben Sandwich healthier?
To make a healthier version, consider using whole grain rye bread, leaner meats like turkey breast, and low-fat dressing options.
What can I serve with a Reuben Sandwich?
Popular sides include potato chips, pickles, or a light salad. These complement the rich flavors of the sandwich nicely.
Conclusion
This Reuben Sandwich recipe brings together crispy bread, gooey cheese, and flavorful fillings in just 11 minutes! It’s versatile enough for lunch or dinner and allows for personal touches based on your taste preferences. Try it today and enjoy customizing it your way!
Reuben Sandwich
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
Description
Indulge in the ultimate homemade Reuben Sandwich, a delectable fusion of flavors that brings the classic deli experience right to your kitchen. This scrumptious sandwich features crispy, grilled dark rye bread layered with melty Swiss cheese and savory turkey, complemented by tangy sauerkraut and creamy thousand island dressing. In just 11 minutes, you can create a satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner, making it a go-to option whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy night in. With its bold flavors and delightful crunch, this Reuben Sandwich is sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 4 slices dark rye bread
- 1 cup Swiss cheese (shredded)
- 4 tablespoons thousand island dressing
- 1 cup sauerkraut
- ½ pound turkey (thinly sliced)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
Instructions
- Begin by laying out 2 slices of dark rye bread on a cutting board. Top each slice with shredded Swiss cheese and drizzle with about 2 tablespoons of thousand island dressing.
- Add half of the turkey and sauerkraut to each slice, then place another slice of bread on top.
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of softened butter on the outside of each top slice.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and place both sandwiches in the skillet with the buttered side down. Cook until golden brown for about 3 minutes.
- While cooking, spread remaining butter on the top slice before flipping each sandwich carefully using a spatula. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich (250g)
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
