The Ultimate Reuben Sandwich: A Classic Deli Experience at Home

Prepare yourself for a culinary journey with the ultimate Reuben Sandwich, a beloved deli classic that combines the rich flavors of melted Swiss cheese, savory corned beef, and tangy sauerkraut, all brought together by a luscious homemade Russian dressing, grilled to perfection on hearty rye bread. This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s an experience waiting to be savored, promising to become a frequent request in your kitchen.

Unveiling the Classic Reuben Sandwich: A Symphony of Flavors

More than just a quick meal, a truly great Reuben sandwich offers a complex tapestry of textures and tastes. It’s a harmonious blend of bold, contrasting flavors that elevate it far beyond your everyday lunchbox fare. Imagine biting into warm, buttery, toasted rye bread, giving way to an abundance of tender, thinly sliced corned beef, followed by the irresistible tang of sauerkraut, all enveloped in gooey, melted Swiss cheese and a generous slather of creamy Russian dressing. This isn’t a neat, prim sandwich; it’s a wonderfully messy delight that ensures every bite is packed with an explosion of flavor, making it a truly memorable culinary event.

The magic of the Reuben lies in its grilled preparation. This crucial step transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The bread achieves a golden, crispy exterior, while the butter infuses it with a rich aroma. Inside, the Swiss cheese melts into a velvety embrace, binding the robust corned beef and piquant sauerkraut together. It’s the perfect balance of savory, sour, creamy, and crunchy, creating a comforting and deeply satisfying dish that caters to all your senses.

The Intriguing History: What’s in a Name?

The origins of the Reuben sandwich are shrouded in friendly debate, with two main stories vying for recognition. One popular account attributes its invention to Arnold Reuben, a New York City restaurant and deli owner, who allegedly created the sandwich in 1914. His establishment, Reuben’s Restaurant, was a hotspot for celebrities and theatre personalities, and legend has it that the sandwich was created for a leading lady of the stage.

Another compelling narrative suggests the Reuben was conceived in the 1920s in Omaha, Nebraska, by a Lithuanian-Jewish grocer named Reuben Kulakofsky. According to this story, Kulakofsky was a regular at a weekly poker game held at the Blackstone Hotel. When he requested a sandwich with corned beef and sauerkraut, the hotel’s chef, Bernard Schimmel, ingeniously combined these ingredients with Swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing, grilling it between slices of rye bread. He named it after his poker buddy, Reuben. While the exact genesis remains a delightful mystery that sparks much discussion among food enthusiasts, one thing is universally agreed upon: the Reuben sandwich is undeniably delicious, and its rich history only adds to its charm. Whatever its true beginning, we’re all thankful for this iconic creation.

Crafting Your Own Classic: The Essential Ingredients

Setting aside the delightful historical controversies, let’s focus on what truly matters: the simple yet powerful components that come together to form this iconic sandwich. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the Reuben’s distinctive profile. You’ll need:

• Rye Bread: The foundation of any authentic Reuben. Its distinctive flavor and sturdy texture are crucial for holding the generous fillings and toasting beautifully. Dark, marbled, or light rye all work wonderfully.
• Butter: Essential for achieving that golden, crispy exterior when grilling. Softened butter ensures an even spread and a perfectly toasted crust.
• Russian Dressing: This creamy, tangy sauce is the soul of the Reuben. While you can opt for store-bought, making it from scratch offers a fresher, more vibrant flavor that truly elevates the sandwich.
• Swiss Cheese: Known for its nutty, mild flavor and excellent melting properties. A generous amount is key to achieving that desirable gooey texture that binds all the ingredients together. Feel free to add more or less according to your preference.
• Corned Beef: The star of the show. Thinly sliced corned beef, preferably from a good quality deli, provides a rich, salty, and tender meatiness that is central to the Reuben’s character. Look for it freshly sliced at your local butcher or grocery store deli.
• Sauerkraut: The tangy counterpoint to the rich corned beef and cheese. Ensure it is well-drained to prevent your sandwich from becoming soggy, preserving the ideal balance of textures. Its fermented bite is indispensable.
• Pickles and Potato Chips: Optional, but highly recommended for serving. These classic accompaniments add an extra layer of crunch and zest, completing the authentic deli experience.

The Secret Sauce: Homemade Russian Dressing Ingredients

While many reach for store-bought, crafting your own Russian dressing is surprisingly simple and yields a far superior result, bursting with fresh flavors. Here’s what you’ll need for this indispensable component:

• Mayonnaise and Sour Cream: These form the creamy, rich base of the dressing, providing a luxurious texture and mild tang.
• Ketchup and Chili Sauce: These ingredients contribute the iconic reddish hue and a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tomato-rich flavors. You can adjust the heat level by choosing a hot or sweet chili sauce, or even use all ketchup for a milder taste.
• Hot Sauce: A dash of hot sauce introduces a subtle kick, adding depth and excitement to the dressing. If you prefer a less spicy dressing, feel free to omit it.
• Shallot: Peeled and finely grated, the shallot adds a delicate oniony flavor that is milder and sweeter than a regular onion, enhancing the dressing without overpowering it.
• Horseradish: This root vegetable, related to mustard and wasabi, provides a pungent, earthy, and slightly spicy note that is characteristic of classic Russian dressing. While optional for those sensitive to spice, it significantly deepens the flavor profile.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A powerful umami enhancer, Worcestershire sauce adds a complex savory depth. A little goes a long way in enriching the overall taste of the dressing.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the other flavors, making the dressing perfectly savory.
• Paprika: Sweet paprika adds a mild, earthy warmth and a beautiful red color. For a different twist, you could experiment with hot or smoked paprika, but sweet paprika ensures a more universally appealing flavor.

Corned Beef or Pastrami: The Traditional Meat Debate

A common question arises regarding the meat choice for a Reuben sandwich. While you might encounter variations featuring pastrami – and indeed, a pastrami on rye is a fantastic sandwich in its own right – a traditional, authentic Reuben sandwich is always made with thinly sliced corned beef. The unique curing process of corned beef gives it a distinct flavor and texture that is quintessential to the Reuben. However, culinary preferences are personal, so if pastrami is your favorite, don’t hesitate to make the swap. Both offer a delicious experience, but for the classic taste, stick with corned beef.

Mastering the Art: How to Make an Authentic Reuben Sandwich

Creating a delicious, authentic Reuben sandwich at home is simpler than you might think, especially if you’re comfortable with grilling sandwiches like a classic grilled cheese. The process is straightforward, focusing on proper layering and even grilling to achieve that perfect melty, crispy result. Follow these steps to prepare your own deli-quality Reuben:

• Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients for the Russian dressing. Whisk them vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or other components as desired to suit your palate. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes. This crucial chilling time allows the diverse flavors to meld and deepen, creating a more cohesive and delicious sauce.

• Assemble the Sandwich: Lay out four slices of rye bread. Lightly butter one side of each slice – this will be the exterior of your sandwich that gets grilled. On the unbuttered side (the inside), spread a generous amount of your prepared Russian dressing, about 1-2 tablespoons per slice. Next, begin layering the fillings on two of the dressing-coated slices: place two slices of Swiss cheese, followed by a hearty portion of thinly sliced corned beef, then the well-drained sauerkraut, and finally, two more slices of Swiss cheese. Top these stacked slices with the remaining two slices of bread, dressing-side down, completing your raw sandwiches.

• Grill to Perfection: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. The key here is low and slow cooking to ensure the cheese melts completely without burning the bread. Carefully place the assembled sandwiches onto the heated skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid; this traps the heat and helps the cheese melt more efficiently. Allow the sandwiches to gently grill for approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side. Cook until the rye bread achieves a beautiful golden-brown and crispy texture, and the Swiss cheese inside is thoroughly melted and gooey.

Once grilled, remove the sandwiches from the skillet, slice them in half (often diagonally for a classic deli presentation), and serve immediately. The Reuben is best enjoyed hot, allowing you to experience its full spectrum of flavors and textures.

Tips for Success: Elevating Your Homemade Reuben

Eager to create your own deli-worthy Reuben at home? This recipe is designed to become a household favorite. To ensure your sandwich is nothing short of perfect, consider these helpful tips and variations:

• Explore Bread Options: While traditional rye bread is highly recommended for its authentic flavor, don’t limit yourself. If you don’t have rye on hand, or simply wish to experiment, consider using rye-pumpernickel swirl for a visually appealing and slightly sweeter flavor, plain pumpernickel bread for a denser, richer bite, or even sourdough for a delightful tang that complements the fillings beautifully.
• Caramelized Sauerkraut for Extra Flavor: For an additional layer of depth and sweetness, try lightly frying your drained sauerkraut. In a separate skillet, sauté the sauerkraut in a small amount of oil over medium heat until it begins to caramelize. This step enhances its natural sweetness and softens its texture slightly, making for a truly gourmet addition to your Reuben.
• Dressing Shortcuts: While homemade Russian dressing offers unparalleled freshness, it’s not always necessary, especially on a busy weeknight. Feel free to use a good quality bottled Russian dressing. Alternatively, Thousand Island dressing is a very similar substitute and widely available. For a quick hack, you can even whip up a simple dressing by combining mayonnaise, ketchup, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce.

What to Serve with Your Reuben Sandwich

A classic Reuben sandwich pairs wonderfully with simple, comforting sides that complement its rich flavors without overpowering them. Think of typical deli or picnic fare. Here are some excellent choices:

• Crispy Potato Chips or French Fries: The crunchy texture and salty flavor of chips or fries provide a satisfying contrast to the soft, warm sandwich, making for a perfect pairing.
• Dill Pickles: A crisp, briny pickle spear is a traditional accompaniment that cuts through the richness of the sandwich with its sharp, refreshing tang, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Garlicky Potato Wedges: Warm, savory potato wedges, especially those seasoned with garlic and herbs, offer a heartier side that is both comforting and delicious. Whether grilled or baked, they make an excellent alternative to classic fries.
• Creamy Potato Salad: For a true deli experience, a scoop of homemade potato salad is ideal. Its cool, creamy texture and tangy dressing provide a lovely counterpoint to the hot, savory Reuben. It’s also a great make-ahead option.
• Hearty Soup: There’s nothing quite like a warm cup of soup alongside a grilled sandwich. A classic like Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, with its bright, herbaceous notes, perfectly complements the cheesy goodness of a Reuben. Other hearty options like split pea soup or even a simple vegetable soup would also be fantastic.

Storing and Reheating Your Reuben

While the Reuben sandwich is undoubtedly best enjoyed fresh off the grill, sometimes you might have leftovers or wish to prepare components in advance. Knowing how to store and reheat properly ensures you can still enjoy its delicious flavors.

• Russian Dressing: Your homemade Russian dressing is quite versatile and stores well. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will remain fresh and flavorful for up to a week. This makes it a perfect component to prepare ahead of time, saving you effort on sandwich-making day.
• Assembled Sandwiches: I generally don’t recommend refrigerating assembled Reuben sandwiches for more than a day or so. The moisture from the sauerkraut and dressing can quickly lead to soggy bread, diminishing the delightful crispy texture that defines a great grilled sandwich. It’s always best to enjoy them fresh for the optimal experience.

Can I Freeze This Sandwich?

• Surprisingly, yes, you can actually freeze Reuben sandwiches! This is a fantastic option for meal prepping and having a quick, satisfying dinner ready when you need it. To freeze, assemble the sandwiches as directed but do not grill them. Once assembled, allow them to cool to room temperature if any components were warmed. Wrap each sandwich tightly in a layer of plastic wrap, then place them into freezer-safe bags. Press out as much air as possible from the bags before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
• Frozen Reuben sandwiches can be stored for up to one month. To serve, unwrap the frozen sandwiches and place them directly on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 20 to 30 minutes, or until they are thoroughly heated through, the cheese is melted, and the bread is nicely toasted. Freezing and baking offers a convenient way to enjoy this hearty meal with minimal fuss.

Reuben Sandwich Recipe

Author: Katerina | Easy Weeknight Recipes

If you like a good sandwich, you’ll love this hearty Reuben Sandwich made with melted Swiss cheese, corned beef, and tangy sauerkraut.

Preparation & Cooking Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 2

Ingredients for the Russian Dressing

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 3 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 teaspoon chili sauce
• ¼ teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 shallot, grated
• 1 tablespoon horseradish
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon sweet paprika

Ingredients for the Sandwich

• 4 slices rye bread
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 4 tablespoons Russian dressing
• 8 slices Swiss cheese, or more, to taste
• 3 to 4 ounces corned beef, thinly sliced
• ½ cup sauerkraut, drained
• Potato chips or French fries, for serving (optional)
• Pickles, for serving (optional)

Instructions for Russian Dressing

1. In a bowl, whisk together all ingredients for the dressing until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Use as desired. The dressing will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Instructions for Reuben Sandwich

1. Lightly butter one side of each slice of bread. Place the bread, buttered side down, on a plate.
2. Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of Russian dressing on each unbuttered slice of bread.
3. Layer the sandwich in the following order: 2 slices Swiss cheese, corned beef, sauerkraut, and the remaining 2 slices of cheese.
4. Top with the second slice of bread, dressing-side down.
5. Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Place the sandwich on the skillet and cook covered for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Grill the sandwich until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted.
6. Serve immediately with potato chips or French fries and pickles on the side.

Recipe Notes

• Refrigerating: The Russian dressing will keep for up to a week in your fridge, but I don’t recommend refrigerating the actual sandwich for more than a day or so. Sandwiches like this can become very soggy if they aren’t enjoyed fresh.
• Freezing: Freeze the Reuben sandwiches (ungrilled) for up to one month. To serve, unwrap the sandwiches and bake in a 400°F oven until heated through – about 20 – 30 minutes.
• Bread Options: If you don’t have rye, or just want to change things up a bit, try serving this sandwich on rye-pumpernickel swirl, plain pumpernickel bread, or sourdough.
• Fry the Sauerkraut: If you want to be a little extra, get out a second skillet and lightly fry the drained sauerkraut in oil for a caramelized addition to the sandwich.
• Russian Dressing: It’s not totally necessary to make the dressing from scratch. Use bottled Russian dressing, Thousand Island dressing, or just a mix of mayo, ketchup, and Worcestershire.

Nutrition Estimate

Calories: 746kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 52g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 125mg | Sodium: 1662mg | Potassium: 379mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 993IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 674mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional information is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed information.

More Savory Sandwich Recipes to Explore

If you enjoyed crafting this classic Reuben, you’re sure to love exploring other delicious sandwich creations. Here are a few more savory sandwich recipes that are perfect for satisfying those comfort food cravings:

• Baked Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
• Classic Patty Melts
• Homemade Sloppy Joes Recipe