Reuben Sandwich
In short: Grilled rye bread layered with sliced corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and a creamy pink dressing, crisp outside and melted inside. It takes about 35 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Total
- 35 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 750 kcal
A Reuben is a deli classic: salty corned beef, sharp sauerkraut and melted Swiss cheese between slices of buttered rye, grilled until golden. A creamy dressing of mayonnaise, ketchup and pickle relish ties it together. Good bread and well-drained sauerkraut are the difference between a crisp sandwich and a soggy one. Cook it slowly over medium heat so the cheese melts before the bread burns.
Instructions
- Stir the mayonnaise, ketchup, relish and horseradish (if using) together and set aside.
- Butter one side of each slice of bread. Turn the slices over and spread the dressing on the plain sides.
- On 4 slices, buttered side down, layer a slice of Swiss cheese, the corned beef, the sauerkraut and a second slice of cheese. Top with the remaining bread, buttered side out.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Cook 2 sandwiches at a time, covered, for 4 to 5 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is deep golden and the cheese has melted.
- Rest the sandwiches for 1 minute, then cut in half diagonally and serve hot.
Tips
- Squeeze the sauerkraut dry in a clean kitchen towel. Wet sauerkraut makes the bread soggy.
- Swap pastrami or turkey for the corned beef, or coleslaw for the sauerkraut, for a different version of the sandwich.
Questions and answers
What is the difference between Russian and Thousand Island dressing?
Both are creamy and ketchup-based. Russian dressing is usually spicier, often with horseradish, while Thousand Island has pickle relish and sometimes chopped egg.
Can I make Reubens in the oven?
Yes. Assemble the sandwiches, butter the outsides and bake on a sheet at 205°C (400°F) for about 10 minutes per side, pressing them flat with a second pan.
What bread is best for a Reuben?
Rye bread, with or without caraway seeds, sliced about 1 cm (1/2 in) thick, holds up well. Pumpernickel also works.
How long does it take to make Reuben Sandwich?
About 35 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 20 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Reuben Sandwich?
About 750 kcal per serving, with 37 g of protein, 38 g of carbohydrates and 50 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 750 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 37 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 50 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 2000 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
