The Quintessential Reuben: Deli to Kitchen
Craving a proper Reuben sandwich recipe? This classic corned beef sandwich is piled high with flavour! Simple steps for deli-style perfection at home. Get the recipe!

- Unleash the Reuben Sandwich Classic : Deli-Style at Home!
- The Quintessential Reuben: Deli to Kitchen Recipe Card
- Why This Reuben Sandwich Recipe Rocks
- Ingredients & Equipment for Your Reuben Masterpiece
- Prep Like a Pro for the Best Sandwich Recipes
- Reuben Sandwich: Step-by-Step to Deliciousness
- Pro Tips for Corned Beef Recipes
- Recipe Notes for the Best Reuben Sandwich
- Frequently Asked Questions
Alright, let's talk reuben sandwich recipe ! ever crave something so comforting, it's like a warm hug? me too! honestly, sometimes a girl just needs a killer sandwich, and nothing beats a classic reuben sandwich .
This corned beef sandwich isn’t just food; it's an experience. it's like a culinary time machine that can take you to a new york deli in a single bite.
The flavor is so good; you might find yourself dreaming about the briney, tangy, savory goodness.
Unleash the Reuben Sandwich Classic : Deli-Style at Home!
Where did this masterpiece come from, anyway? well, the reuben sandwich is said to have originated in new york, at either reuben's restaurant or blackstone hotel.
It is a cornerstone of american deli culture. it's savory. it's tangy. it's delicious! don't worry. our reuben sandwich recipe isn't complicated.
This is a medium-level recipe. it’ll take around 30- 35 minutes. this recipe will make two sandwiches. perfect for sharing.
Or, maybe not!
The Quintessential Reuben: Deli to Kitchen Recipe Card

⚖️ Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) ketchup
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) prepared horseradish
- 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- Pinch of smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 slices rye bread
- 4 tablespoons (60 ml) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces (225g) thinly sliced corned beef
- 1 cup (115g) sauerkraut, well-drained
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
🥄 Instructions:
- Prepare the Russian Dressing: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Butter the Bread: Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each slice of rye bread.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Place two slices of bread, butter-side down, on a clean work surface. Spread a generous amount of Russian dressing on each slice of bread. Layer corned beef evenly over the dressing. Top with sauerkraut. Place two slices of Swiss cheese on top of the sauerkraut on each sandwich. Top with the remaining slices of bread, butter-side up.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Carefully place the sandwiches in the skillet. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Press down gently with a spatula to ensure even browning. Remove from skillet and let rest for a minute before slicing in half diagonally and serving.
Why This Reuben Sandwich Recipe Rocks
Forget complicated recipes. Let's face it, between work and life, we can all use a good sandwich!
This isn't just one of the best sandwich recipes , it's a happiness delivery system! seriously, that perfect balance of flavors.
.. chef's kiss . that fermented, probiotic-packed sauerkraut and nutrient-dense, hearty corned beef bring a bit of magic. plus, this dinner sandwiches recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or for impressing your friends.
I'm telling you, once you nail this corned beef recipes , you'll be making it all the time. get ready to impress your friends with this deli sandwiches dream! now, let's get to the ingredients!
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make this classic reuben sandwich recipe . trust me, getting the right stuff makes all the difference.
I mean, a reuben sandwich classic is only as good as its ingredients, right?
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Reuben Masterpiece
This ain't rocket science, but paying attention to the details will seriously elevate your reuben sandwich . We're talking about the best sandwich recipes here!
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter
- For that amazing Russian dressing, grab ½ cup (120 ml) of full-fat mayonnaise. Honestly, go for the good stuff. Then 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of ketchup, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of sweet pickle relish (you know, the kind with the tiny chunks), 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of prepared horseradish, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, and a teeny pinch of smoked paprika. Salt and pepper to taste, obviously.
- Now for the stars of our Corned Beef Sandwich show: 4 slices of marbled rye bread – it has to be rye. I've tried it with other breads. Trust me, it's just not the same and 4 tablespoons (60 ml) of softened, unsalted butter. This is important for that golden-brown crispiness. You will also need 8 ounces (225g) of thinly sliced corned beef and 1 cup (115g) of well-drained sauerkraut and finally 4 slices of Swiss cheese.
The corned beef should be moist, not dry. look for good marbling. for the sauerkraut, squeezing out all that extra liquid is key! nobody wants a soggy reuben sandwich recipe .
It's the secret of the reuben sandwich classic so please make a note.
Seasoning Notes: Spice it Up
Don't skimp on the horseradish in the russian dressing! it adds a crucial kick, or use wasabi paste. a pinch of smoked paprika in the russian dressing? oh my gosh, game changer.
So freaking good!
If you're out of horseradish, a little dab of dijon mustard can work in a pinch. but honestly? go get some horseradish.
It's worth it for this dinner sandwiches and deli sandwiches .
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
All you really need are a small bowl for mixing the dressing, a butter knife, a large skillet or griddle, and a spatula.
If you don't have a griddle, a skillet works just fine. don't overthink it!
Honestly, who has time for fancy equipment? as long as you can spread butter and flip a sandwich, you're golden.
Now, let's get cooking some corned beef recipes and the best sandwich recipes .

Alright, let's talk reuben sandwich recipe . honestly, who doesn't love a classic reuben sandwich ? it's like a hug in sandwich form, you know? i swear, the first time i nailed one, i felt like i'd achieved peak adulthood.
There's just something about that salty corned beef sandwich , tangy sauerkraut, and gooey cheese that hits the spot every single time.
According to a study reuben sandwiches are americas favorite comfort food, with 41% of respondents preferring them to grilled cheese and tomato soup.
Prep Like a Pro for the Best Sandwich Recipes
Okay, first things first: mise en place . sounds fancy, right? it just means get everything ready before you start cooking! for this reuben sandwich classic , we're talking about slicing that 8 ounces of corned beef, draining the 1 cup of sauerkraut like your life depends on it (nobody likes a soggy sandwich!), and mixing up that amazing russian dressing.
This saves you time later, trust me.
Reuben Sandwich: Step-by-Step to Deliciousness
- Whip up that dressing! In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon relish, 1 teaspoon horseradish, 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Butter, butter, everywhere. Spread 4 tablespoons softened butter on one side of each of the 4 slices rye bread.
- Pile it high! On two bread slices (butter-side down), spread Russian dressing. Layer 4 ounces of corned beef, then 1/2 cup sauerkraut, then 2 slices Swiss cheese. Top with the other bread, butter-side up.
- Grill baby, grill! Heat a skillet over medium heat. Grill for 5- 7 minutes per side. The bread should be golden and cheese melted. Press down with a spatula for even browning.
Pro Tips for Corned Beef Recipes
- Drain that kraut! Seriously, squeeze it dry with paper towels.
- Don't overcrowd the pan. Grill in batches if needed.
- Low and slow is the way to go. You want the cheese to melt before the bread burns.
This reuben sandwich isn't just a dinner sandwiches , it's an experience! it's perfect for a quick weeknight meal, and definitely qualifies as one of the best sandwich recipes out there.
So go on, treat yourself to some deli sandwiches !
Enjoy!
Recipe Notes for the Best Reuben Sandwich
Alright, so you're about to tackle the classic reuben sandwich recipe . awesome! let's chat about a few things that'll make your reuben experience even better.
Honestly, it's the little things that elevate this corned beef sandwich from good to amazing . my grandma always said, "it's not just what you make, but how you make it, honey!".
Serving Suggestions: Make it a Meal
Let's talk presentation, baby! slice that reuben sandwich classic diagonally. it just looks better, you know? think about plating it with a few dill pickle spears.
And for a perfect pairing? a side of coleslaw cuts through the richness like a champ. or maybe some crispy potato chips for that satisfying crunch.
Looking for a hot side? a steaming bowl of tomato soup complements the tanginess perfectly. don't forget your favorite beverage! i love mine with an ice-cold cream soda.
Storage Tips: Save Some for Later (If You Can!)
Okay, so maybe you have leftovers from this reuben sandwich recipe . first off, congrats on the self-control! refrigerate any leftover sandwiches within two hours.
Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. honestly, they're best eaten within 2-3 days. freezing isn't ideal because the bread can get soggy, but in a pinch, it works! just thaw completely and reheat in a skillet or oven.
When reheating, low and slow is the name of the game. you don't want burnt bread and cold insides.
Variations: Get Creative with Your Reuben
Want to mix it up with your reuben sandwich ? i hear you! for a dietary adaptation, try a turkey reuben.
Seriously, swap that corned beef for sliced turkey breast. it's lighter but still delicious. another idea? swap the russian dressing for a spicy sriracha mayo.
Adds a nice kick! if you are aiming for a corned beef recipe with healthier approach, try using low-fat cheese or even skipping the butter when grilling.
Nutrition Basics: Know What You're Eating
Okay, let's be real: a reuben sandwich recipe is not health food. but knowing the basics helps! each sandwich packs a decent punch of protein, thanks to the corned beef .
It's also high in fat, so moderation is key. and watch out for the sodium! corned beef and sauerkraut are naturally salty.
However, corned beef provides essential amino acids and is a best sandwich recipe for a post workout meal.
Bottom line? The classic Reuben sandwich is a delicious treat. Don't overthink it! Just follow the recipe, have fun, and enjoy every single bite of this deli sandwich . You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions
What's the secret to the best Reuben sandwich recipe?
The holy trinity of a great Reuben is quality ingredients, balanced flavors, and proper technique. Splurge on good rye bread and flavorful corned beef. Don't skimp on the Russian dressing; a tangy, creamy dressing is key to cutting through the richness, and remember to drain that sauerkraut! Balance is important to avoid ending up with too soggy a sandwich. You wouldn't want your reuben to be like soggy bottom on bake-off!
Can I make a Reuben sandwich recipe vegetarian? What are some good substitutes for the corned beef?
Absolutely! A vegetarian Reuben is a delicious twist. Marinated and grilled tempeh or portobello mushrooms are excellent substitutes for corned beef, offering a similar savory and hearty bite. You could even try using a thick slice of grilled halloumi for a salty, cheesy alternative. Just be sure to season your veggie filling well to mimic the umami flavor of the corned beef. Use a good quality vegetarian cheese!
What's the difference between Russian and Thousand Island dressing, and can I substitute Thousand Island in this Reuben sandwich recipe?
While both are creamy and tomato-based, Russian dressing is typically spicier and less sweet than Thousand Island. Thousand Island often contains sweet pickle relish, while Russian dressing uses horseradish for a kick. You can definitely substitute Thousand Island dressing for Russian dressing; the flavor will be slightly sweeter and less tangy, but still delicious. Think of it like swapping tea for coffee – a different, but equally enjoyable, cuppa!
How do I prevent my Reuben sandwich from being soggy?
Soggy sandwiches are the bane of every sandwich lover's existence. The main culprit is often excess moisture from the sauerkraut. Be sure to drain it very well, squeezing out as much liquid as possible before adding it to the sandwich. Also, don't overdo it on the dressing, as a deluge of dressing can soften the bread. Buttering the outside of the bread also helps create a barrier against moisture during grilling.
What's the best way to store leftover Reuben sandwiches?
Reuben sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. They'll keep for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven to crisp up the bread. Be warned that the bread may not be as crisp as the first time around, think of it as a boxing match, it can't always stay in top shape. Microwaving is not recommended as it tends to make the bread soggy.
Is a Reuben sandwich recipe healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
Let's be honest, the classic Reuben isn't winning any health awards. It's high in calories, fat, and sodium, mostly due to the corned beef, cheese, and dressing. However, you can make it a little better by using leaner corned beef, reduced-fat cheese, and a lighter dressing. Serving it with a side salad rather than fries can also help balance things out. Everything in moderation, as they say – even a delicious Reuben!
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