Reuben Sandwich – Savor the timeless flavors of a Reuben Sandwich, a choice, for lunch or dinner in America. With its combination of corned beef, Swiss cheese and tangy Thousand Island dressing this sandwich creates a balance of savory and sweet. It’s the option for days when you want something satisfying yet easy to whip up in 15 minutes.
The first time I tried my hand at making a Reuben Sandwich it turned out to be a delight. I had some leftover corned beef and a craving for something hearty. Little did I know that this sandwich would not only become a favorite among my family but also serve as proof of my experiments. The excitement in my husband’s eyes and the anticipation on my child’s face for the bite made this sandwich an enduring star in our household.
What makes this Reuben Sandwich truly special?
What sets the Reuben Sandwich apart is its combination of convenience and homemade goodness. In 15 minutes you can have a meal ready to enjoy on those busy days when you need something quick yet satisfying. The secret lies in the homemade Thousand Island dressing that infuses it with unparalleled flavor taking it beyond sandwiches. Moreover the recipe offers flexibility, with bread choices—whether you opt for rye or mix it up with rye and pumpernickel—to cater to tastes and preferences. Every single element, starting from the quality corned beef to the sauerkraut that has been drained properly contributes significantly to crafting a sandwich that goes beyond being a simple meal; it becomes an unforgettable experience.
What You Need To Make This Reuben Sandwich Recipe?
Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise forms the base of our Thousand Island dressing providing a rich texture. It is recommended to use full-fat mayonnaise, for optimal flavor.
Grated Onion: Grated onion adds a sharpness and depth to enhance the complexity of the dressing. Finely grating it ensures that it seamlessly blends into the flavor.
Ketchup: Ketchup, not just reserved for fries brings a tangy note to balance out the richness of the mayonnaise in our dressing.
Sweet Pickle Relish: Sweet pickle relish is where we achieve that tangy kick. It adds bits of crunch and bursts of flavor truly elevating the dressing’s uniqueness.
Paprika: A touch of paprika introduces a warmth and a hint of smokiness subtly enhancing the character of the dressing.
Salt: A pinch of salt is all it takes to bring all these flavors together. It’s those details that make a difference!
Corned Beef: Now let’s talk about beef. It steals the spotlight! Opt for slices of quality corned beef to enjoy tender and flavorful bites that truly make your sandwich shine.
Rye Bread: When it comes to bread choice, rye bread with its robust flavor is a timeless classic for Reuben sandwiches. Feel free to experiment by mixing rye and pumpernickel, for a twist.
Swiss Cheese: Last but not least Swiss cheese…Swiss cheese is a match, for corned beef and tangy sauerkraut due to its melty texture and mild yet distinctive flavor.
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Sauerkraut: Sauerkraut, which is fermented cabbage adds a crunch. Brings a bright acidic taste that balances out the richness of the cheese and beef. Just make sure to drain it to prevent your sandwich from becoming soggy.
Butter: To achieve that crispy exterior with an extra touch of richness don’t forget to use butter. It gives the bread a color while creating a delightful contrast, in textures for your sandwich.
Steps To Make Reuben Sandwich:
Step 1: First, let’s whip up our dressing. In a cozy little bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, onion, ketchup, relish, a sprinkle of paprika, and a hint of salt. It’s the soul of our sandwich, so give it some love!
Step 2: Now, let’s build our sandwich. Lay out the bread and place a slice of Swiss cheese on each. Spoon a generous tablespoon of your lovingly made dressing on top. Then, let’s get layering – divide the corned beef and sauerkraut evenly among the bread slices. It’s like building a little tower of flavors!
Step 3: Butter up! Spread a bit of butter on the top of each sandwich. Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and gently place your sandwich, butter side down. Now, butter the top side. Cover the skillet with foil, just a bit loose, and cook until the underside is golden. Flip it carefully – we’re aiming for that perfect golden brown on both sides. The cheese should be ooey-gooey and the sandwich piping hot.
Tip:
For the perfect Reuben Sandwich, the key is in the griddling. Ensure your skillet or griddle is at a medium-low heat before adding the sandwich. This controlled temperature is crucial — too hot, and the bread will burn before the cheese melts; too low, and you won’t get that deliciously crispy exterior. The goal is to achieve a golden, toasty crust on the bread while allowing enough time for the cheese inside to melt beautifully, integrating with the corned beef and sauerkraut. Patience is your friend here; let the sandwich cook slowly and evenly for that perfect texture and flavor meld. A well-griddled Reuben is a symphony of crunchy, melty, and savory in every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this sandwich with a different type of cheese?
Sure you can definitely try using a kind of cheese for this sandwich! While Swiss cheese is the choice you can experiment with options, like Gouda or Cheddar to add a flavor profile.
What can I serve with the Reuben Sandwich?
As for accompaniments, with the Reuben Sandwich, a classic choice would be potato chips or a refreshing green salad. If you prefer something heartier enjoy it alongside a warm cup of tomato soup.
How can I store leftovers?
When it comes to storing any leftovers it’s generally recommended to consume the sandwich fresh. However if necessary you can wrap it in foil. Store it in the refrigerator. To reheat and enjoy the flavors at their best use a skillet.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Reuben Sandwich
Ingredients
THOUSAND ISLAND DRESSING:
- ½ c mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp grated onion
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 pinch paprika
- 1 pinch salt
SANDWICHES:
- 12 oz corned beef
- 8 slices rye or rye and pumpernickel mixed
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 c sauerkraut well drained
- 4 tbsp butter
Instructions
- To make the dressing combine ½ cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of onion, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of pickle relish, a pinch of paprika and a pinch of salt, in a small bowl.
- For the sandwiches lay out 8 slices of rye bread. Place a slice of cheese on each slice. Spread 1 tablespoon of the dressing on each slice. On four slices add beef. On the other four slices add sauerkraut. Pair one slice with corned beef and one with sauerkraut to create a sandwich.
- To cook the sandwiches, butter the side of each sandwich. Heat a skillet, over medium-low heat and place the sandwiches butter side down in it. Butter the other side well. Loosely cover them with foil. Cook until they turn brown on one side. Then flip them over. Cover again to cook until the other side becomes brown and the cheese has melted.
Notes
