Irresistibly Easy Reuben Sandwich Recipe – Crispy & Flavor-Packed

The Reuben Sandwich is a beloved deli classic that combines savory meat, tangy sauerkraut, creamy dressing, and gooey melted cheese between slices of buttery toasted rye bread. It’s bold, messy, satisfying—and totally irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly afternoon or serving it up for guests, this hearty sandwich delivers on every bite.

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What is a Reuben Sandwich?

A traditional Reuben Sandwich is a hot, grilled sandwich made with corned beef (or pastrami), Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and either Russian or Thousand Island dressing, all layered on rye bread. It’s typically pan-toasted in butter until golden and melty, making it one of the most iconic deli sandwiches in American cuisine.

Why You’ll Love It

Bold & Balanced Flavors – From the salty meat to the creamy dressing and tangy kraut, every bite is a flavor explosion.
Perfectly Toasted Texture – Crisp on the outside, melty and juicy inside.
Customizable – Easy to tweak with different meats, cheeses, or sauces.
Great for Lunch or Dinner – Serve with chips, pickles, or a cup of soup for a filling meal.

Reuben Sandwich Variations

Turkey Reuben (Rachel Sandwich): Swap the corned beef with sliced turkey for a lighter option.
Vegetarian Reuben: Use grilled tempeh or portobello mushrooms instead of meat.
Pastrami Reuben: Replace corned beef with peppery pastrami for a deeper, spicier flavor.
Cheese Lovers Reuben: Add a slice of provolone or mozzarella along with Swiss for extra creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Reuben with:

Crispy potato chips or fries
Dill pickles
A side of coleslaw
Tomato soup or a light salad

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Ingredients

(Yields 5 Servings)

For the Sandwich:

10 slices deli sliced corned beef or 1 kg / 2 lb pastrami
½ cup Russian or Thousand Island dressing
10 slices light rye bread
10 slices Swiss cheese
1 cup sauerkraut, drained
Butter, for spreading

Quick Sauerkraut:

1 tsp grapeseed oil
½ onion, thinly sliced
350g (12 oz) white cabbage, thinly shredded
1¼ cups (300ml) cider vinegar
⅓ cup (85 ml) water
1 tsp salt
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp caraway seeds (optional)

Russian Dressing:

1 tsp onion, finely minced
1 tsp dill pickle or gherkin, finely minced
¾ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream (or more mayo)
2.5 tsp sriracha, spicy ketchup, or chili sauce
3 tsp horseradish (jarred), to taste
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
¼ tsp sweet paprika

Thousand Island Dressing:

1 cup mayonnaise
¼ cup yellow onion, minced
2 tsp ketchup
2 tsp sweet pickle relish
1 tsp lemon juice
½ tsp sweet paprika
¼ tsp kosher salt

How to Make a Reuben Sandwich

Prepare the Sauerkraut:

Sauté onions in grapeseed oil until soft. Add cabbage, vinegar, water, salt, sugar, and caraway seeds. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until cabbage is tender. Let cool.

Make the Dressing:

Choose between Russian or Thousand Island. Mix all ingredients in a bowl and set aside.

Assemble the Sandwich:

Spread dressing on each slice of rye bread.
Layer with Swiss cheese, meat, sauerkraut, and another slice of cheese (optional).
Top with the second slice of bread.
Spread butter on the outside of the bread.
Grill the sandwich in a pan over medium heat until golden brown on both sides and the cheese is melted, about 3–4 minutes per side.
Cut in half and serve hot with your favorite side.

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Make Ahead & Storage Tips

Dressing: Prepare the Russian or Thousand Island dressing in advance and store it in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Sauerkraut: Homemade kraut can be made a day ahead and stored chilled.
Leftovers: If you have leftover cooked sandwiches, wrap tightly and reheat in a skillet or oven to restore crispiness (avoid microwaving—it softens the bread).

Nutrition Per Serving

Calories: 620
Protein: 35g
Fat: 37g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Cholesterol: 105mg
Sodium: 1250mg
Potassium: 430mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g

Note: Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Final Thoughts

The Reuben Sandwich is not just a sandwich—it’s a deli experience packed between slices of buttery rye. From the homemade dressing to the tangy kraut and perfectly grilled crust, this recipe lets you enjoy restaurant-quality flavor from the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether for a weekend treat or a crowd-pleasing lunch, the Reuben is sure to impress.
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