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Classic Reuben Sandwich Recipe

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An easy restaurant quality Reuben Sandwich Recipe

 

,A stacked Reuben sandwich with pickles and served with chips

This classic Reuben is perfect every time!

There’s a reason this deli favorite is so popular. This tasty Reuben Sandwich Recipe is meaty, juicy and filled with bold flavors and textures that meld together in one amazing bite. Really good sauerkraut is tangy and slightly crunchy, and a hearty smear of homemade Russian dressing adds an assertive bite that’s truly unforgettable.

We use our Slow-Cooker Corned Beef for this sandwich every chance we get. The slow cooked corned beef is so tender and mouthwatering it practically begs to be layered on toasted rye bread. Finally, mild and creamy Swiss cheese binds it all together into sandwich heaven!

 

 

A collage of photos showing the progressing of making a Reuben sandwich

Making our Rueben sandwich recipe at home couldn’t be easier!

There are several easy ways to cook a Reuben sandwich:

  • toast the sandwich under the broiler, as we have done here; or
  • cook the Reuben in a Panini press; or
  • Reuben sandwiches can be pan fried, like a grilled cheese sandwich.

Our recipe works for all these cooking methods, but our favorite is under the broiler. One reason is the easy way it comes together. It won’t have to be flipped, or possibly flopped, all over the pan. If we owned a good quality Panini Press that would probably be great, too.

  • We start with fresh baked Rye bread that has been lightly buttered on both sides, and toasted under the broiler.
  • Next, slather each slice of bread with a full tablespoon of Russian dressing then layer with sauerkraut, corned beef and Swiss cheese.
  • Broil until the cheese is melted, then bring the two sides together and serve!

 

 

A closeup of a Reuben sandwich served over chips

Can you make a Reuben sandwich with pastrami instead of corned beef?

To make a classic Reuben you’ll need corned beef and sauerkraut. If you use pastrami, it’s a pastrami sandwich. If you use pastrami and substitute coleslaw for the sauerkraut, you’ve got a Rachel sandwich.  The Rachel sandwich can also be made with deli turkey and coleslaw. It’s all good!

You can call it whatever you want, just be sure to try this Reuben next time you have a little leftover corned beef. We pile it on pretty thick, using a quarter pound of brisket for each Reuben.

If you don’t have leftovers and don’t plan to make corned beef, pick some up at your local deli.

 

 

A jar of homemade Russian dressing

Make your Reuben outstanding with this homemade Russian dressing. It too, couldn’t be easier to make!

We love this easy Russian dressing recipe from Epicurious and will never buy bottled again. It takes about 5 minutes to blend the ingredients together and, the dressing keeps for up to two weeks in the fridge. Make this easy Russian dressing with:

  • finely grated onion
  • mayonnaise
  • chili sauce or ketchup
  • prepared horseradish
  • hot sauce
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • paprika
  • salt and pepper

You may want to double this recipe; it’s that good. We pass extra dressing with the Reuben sandwiches because we can, and you should!

Are Russian dressing and Thousand Island dressing the same?

It’s easy to confuse these two popular dressings. They have a very similar appearance and color, but the flavors are slightly different.

Russian dressing has a spicer profile, with horseradish and hot sauce added into the mix. Thousand Island dressing is sweeter however, with pickle relish in place of the horseradish.

Either dressing works fine for this Reuben sandwich recipe, so no worries.

 

A toasted and sliced Reuben sandwich with chips and pickles

Serve with chips and a pickle and enjoy this genius Reuben sandwich recipe. It’s a memorable treat you won’t soon forget!

 

Thanks for PINNING!

A close up of a Reuben sandwich served with chips

 

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A sliced corned beef sandwich served with chips and a pickle
5 from 1 vote

Reuben Sandwich Recipe

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Yield: 2 meaty sandwiches
Course: Main Course, Sandwich
Author: Tricia
PRINT RECIPE
An easy restaurant quality sandwich recipe you can make at home!

Ingredients

For homemade Russian dressing (optional):

  • 1 tablespoon grated onion, with juices
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup bottled chili sauce, or ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce, like Frank’s
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • pinch sweet paprika
  • salt and pepper to taste

For the Reuben

  • 4 slices rye bread, or marbled rye
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ¼ cup Russian dressing, homemade or store bought
  • ½ pound thin sliced corned beef, slightly warm (¼ pound per sandwich)
  • ½ cup prepared sauerkraut, well drained and warmed
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese

Instructions

To prepare the Russian dressing:

  • Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate in an airtight container until needed. Dressing will keep for up to 2 weeks.

To prepare the Rueben sandwich:

  • Move the oven rack to the second highest position. Preheat oven broiler to high.
  • Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place the bread, butter side up, on a baking sheet. Toast the bread under the broiler until golden brown. Remove from the oven.
  • Flip the bread slices over and carefully butter the non-toasted side. Broil until golden brown. Remove from the oven.
  • Spread 1 tablespoon Russian dressing on each of the four toasted slices of bread. Divide the sauerkraut on two slices of bread. Divide the corned beef on the remaining two slices of bread. Top each a slice of Swiss cheese. Place the sandwiches under the broiler and heat until the cheese is melted. Press two sandwiches together, cut in half and serve immediately.
  • Serve with chips and pickles

Recipe Notes

  • Russian dressing recipe adapted from Epicurious, July 2013
  • Assembled Rueben sandwiches can also be cooked on the stove top in a hot skillet, like grilled cheese, or pressed on a Panini grill.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.

Nutrition

Calories: 1251kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 117g | Saturated Fat: 26g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 54g | Monounsaturated Fat: 31g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 141mg | Sodium: 3281mg | Potassium: 673mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 635IU | Vitamin C: 46mg | Calcium: 335mg | Iron: 3mg

Finally, here are a few more of our favorite classic sandwiches you might enjoy:

 

A Cuban sandwich with pickles, mustard and cheese

The Cuban Sandwich Recipe

 

 

A grilled chicken sandwich with red onions, lettuce and tomato with BBQ sauce

Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwich

 

 

Greek Salad Hummus Sandwich on a plate with olives

Greek Salad Hummus Sandwich

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14 Comments

  1. 2sistersrecipes says

    February 26, 2020 at 12:48 pm

    We love a great sandwich, and thissounds so delicious! Thanks for a great recipe!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      February 28, 2020 at 7:09 am

      Thank you Anna!

      reply to this comment >
  2. Pam says

    February 25, 2020 at 8:45 pm

    One of our sons loves Rubens and I will tell him about this, it looks delicious, Tricia. A few years ago with friends, we ordered Reuben’s at a restaurant on St. Patrick’s Day. They were at least 4″ thick with meat and pretty disgusting. I need to try them again, as in make my own! Thanks for your recipe!

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      February 26, 2020 at 11:18 am

      Thanks for sharing with your son Pam! I bet he will love it and I hope you do too. Thanks so much

      reply to this comment >
  3. Mimi says

    February 25, 2020 at 8:46 am

    Mmmmm. And this is why I don’t make sandwiches at home. I could eat my weight in Reubens. I wish I was kidding. It really looks fabulous. I like that you make your own dressing, too.

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      February 25, 2020 at 12:12 pm

      I hear you and understand Mimi – I could hurt myself on these as well. The dressing is phenomenal so be sure to have extra!!

      reply to this comment >
  4. Mary says

    February 25, 2020 at 2:35 am

    This sandwich looks absolutely scrumptious! Why do we always love a good sandwich? All of your sandwiches look so good. Thankyou! ?

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      February 25, 2020 at 12:11 pm

      Nothing like a filling and delicious sandwich – with all the trimmings of course! Thank you 😉

      reply to this comment >
  5. [email protected] says

    February 24, 2020 at 10:24 am

    I love a good Reuben and yours looks delicious.

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      February 25, 2020 at 12:09 pm

      Thanks Gerlinde!

      reply to this comment >
  6. Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says

    February 24, 2020 at 8:54 am

    5 stars
    I love a great reuben sandwich and this one looks great, for sure! A great use for leftover corned beef and perfect for St. Pat’s Day 🙂

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      February 25, 2020 at 12:09 pm

      Thanks Jennifer! Leftover corned beef is king at our house 🙂

      reply to this comment >
  7. Larry says

    February 23, 2020 at 3:24 pm

    Looks perfect Tricia and just the right amount of meat. The ones they make on TV have a ridiculous amount of meat on them.

    reply to this comment >
    • Tricia Buice says

      February 24, 2020 at 7:27 am

      Thanks Larry – it has to be small enough to get in my mouth – haha. LOVE this sandwich. Hope you are doing well.

      reply to this comment >

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