If there’s ever been a reason to fall in love with a grilled sandwich, it’s the Reuben Sandwich. This classic deli creation features savory corned beef layered with tangy sauerkraut, gooey Swiss cheese, creamy dressing, and crisp rye bread toasted to golden perfection. It’s rich, hearty, and bursting with contrasting flavors and textures that just sing when melded together. Whether you’re satisfying a comfort food craving or making an impressive lunch for friends, the Reuben Sandwich is an all-time favorite that never disappoints.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in a Reuben Sandwich brings something unique to the table, whether it’s the crunch of sauerkraut, the richness of corned beef, or the bite of rye bread. Quality ingredients are key here—even the simplest components get a moment to shine.

Rye Bread: Look for fresh, hearty slices; the tanginess and firmness are essential for holding all those delicious fillings together.
Corned Beef: Opt for thinly sliced, good-quality corned beef for a tender bite and full-bodied flavor.
Sauerkraut: Make sure it’s well-drained and squeezed dry; excess moisture can make the sandwich soggy.
Swiss Cheese: Choose real Swiss for a nutty, perfectly melty layer every time.
Russian or Thousand Island Dressing: This creamy, tangy spread brings the layers together and adds a hint of sweetness.
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter guarantees a crispy, golden exterior without overpowering the other flavors.

How to Make Reuben Sandwich

Step 1: Prep Your Skillet

Get things started by preheating a large skillet or griddle on medium heat. This step is important—the right temperature sets you up for perfectly toasted bread that doesn’t burn before your cheese melts, so be patient!

Step 2: Build the Base Layers

Lay out all your rye bread slices and generously spread the Russian or Thousand Island dressing on one side of each slice. This is your secret to that creamy, tangy flavor with every bite. Next, add a slice of Swiss cheese onto four of those slices; this will help everything hold together (and get perfectly melty!).

Step 3: Add the Corned Beef and Sauerkraut

Pile on the corned beef, dividing it equally among the four cheese-topped slices. Top each with a handful of well-drained sauerkraut—it adds the perfect sour crunch and balances the richness of the meat and cheese.

Step 4: Close and Butter the Sandwiches

Take the remaining bread slices and place them dressing-side down on top of each open-faced sandwich to create four complete Reuben sandwiches. Gently butter the outside of every sandwich on both sides so you’ll get that irresistible golden crust.

Step 5: Grill to Golden Perfection

Set your sandwiches in the preheated skillet. Cook them for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing slightly with a spatula to compact them without squishing. You’re looking for a crisp, golden crust and bubbly, melted cheese inside. Slice each Reuben Sandwich in half, and get ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Reuben Sandwich

Garnishes

A Reuben Sandwich can look as good as it tastes with the right finishing touches. Try a sprinkle of chopped fresh dill or parsley sprinkled over the top, or serve each sandwich half with a few snappy dill pickle spears for an extra hit of brightness.

Side Dishes

This hearty sandwich pairs fantastically with classic deli sides. Potato chips, coleslaw, or a light green salad are all great choices that let the bold flavors of the Reuben Sandwich take center stage without weighing you down.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try making mini Reuben sliders for parties, or cut sandwiches into triangles and serve as an appetizer platter. Elevate weekday lunches by wrapping a homemade Reuben Sandwich in parchment, paired with kettle-cooked chips on the side. The possibilities are as limitless as your imagination!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Reuben Sandwich halves, wrap them tightly in foil or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay tasty for up to two days, though they’re best enjoyed fresh for the crispiest texture.

Freezing

While you technically can freeze a Reuben Sandwich, it’s not recommended for peak quality. Sauerkraut and dressing can make the bread soggy upon thawing. If you must, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and consume within a month for best results.

Reheating

For that just-grilled taste, reheat your sandwich in a skillet over medium-low heat until hot and crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes, flipping once. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can turn your Reuben Sandwich soft and chewy instead of crisp and melty.

FAQs

Can I use pastrami instead of corned beef in a Reuben Sandwich?

Absolutely! Pastrami brings a smoky, peppery twist, and many delis swap it in. It’s not traditional, but it’s delicious—give it a try if you love a deeper flavor profile.

What’s the difference between Russian and Thousand Island dressing?

Russian dressing is typically zestier with a bit of horseradish tang, while Thousand Island is sweeter and creamier. Both taste fantastic in a Reuben Sandwich, so use whichever you prefer.

How do I keep my bread from getting soggy?

Always drain and squeeze your sauerkraut really well, and don’t be heavy-handed with the dressing. Toasting over medium heat helps the bread form a barrier so the sandwich stays crisp.

Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the corned beef for grilled or roasted sliced mushrooms or tempeh, double up on the cheese, and proceed as usual for a satisfying vegetarian version of the classic Reuben Sandwich.

Do I need any special equipment?

Nope! A simple skillet or nonstick griddle works great. A spatula for pressing and flipping is handy—no panini press needed (unless you want ultra-crispy results).

Final Thoughts

The Reuben Sandwich is truly comfort food at its best: warm, melty, tangy, and utterly satisfying. Even if you’ve never made one before, you’ll be hooked by how easy and impressive they are. Gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and treat yourself or someone you love to deli-style perfection right at home. Enjoy every outrageously delicious bite!

Reuben Sandwich Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 17 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich with this easy-to-follow recipe. Packed with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and tangy dressing, this grilled sandwich is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread:

8 slices rye bread

Corned Beef:

8 ounces thinly sliced corned beef

Sauerkraut:

1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry

Swiss Cheese:

4 slices Swiss cheese

Dressing:

1/4 cup Russian or Thousand Island dressing

Butter:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spread dressing on one side of each rye bread slice.
Assemble: Place Swiss cheese on 4 bread slices. Top with corned beef and sauerkraut. Cover with remaining bread slices, dressing side down.
Cook: Butter both sides of each sandwich. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted.
Serve: Slice sandwiches in half and serve warm.