Classic Reuben Sandwich Recipe

CATEGORY: Lunch | Dinner
PREP TIME: 10 minutes
COOK TIME: 8 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 18 minutes
SERVINGS: 1 sandwich

Why You'll Love This Classic Reuben Sandwich

• Crispy and cheesy: Buttery rye bread grills to golden perfection while the Swiss cheese melts around the warm corned beef.

• Classic deli flavors: Corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing create the perfect combination of savory and tangy flavors.

• Quick and easy: Ready in less than 20 minutes with just a handful of ingredients.

• Easy to customize: Use your favorite rye bread, adjust the amount of sauerkraut, or substitute Russian dressing.

• Perfect for lunch or dinner: A hearty, satisfying sandwich that's easy to make at home without a trip to the deli.

Ingredients

• 2 slices rye bread (marbled rye works especially well)

• 3–4 ounces thinly sliced corned beef

• 2 slices Swiss cheese

• 2–3 tablespoons sauerkraut, well drained

• 1–2 tablespoons Thousand Island dressing

• 1 tablespoon softened butter

How to Make a Classic Reuben Sandwich

1. Prepare the sauerkraut.

Place the sauerkraut in a fine-mesh strainer and allow any excess liquid to drain. Gently squeeze the sauerkraut with a paper towel to remove additional moisture.

Kitchen Tip: Don't skip this step! This helps prevent the bread from becoming soggy while the sandwich cooks. Well-drained sauerkraut is one of the easiest ways to make a crispy, delicious Reuben sandwich.

2. Butter the rye bread.

Spread the softened butter evenly over one side of each slice of rye bread. These buttered sides will face outward when grilling the sandwich.

3. Assemble the sandwich.

Place one slice of rye bread on a cutting board with the buttered side facing down.Layer the ingredients in the following order:

1. One slice of Swiss cheese

2. Thinly sliced corned beef

3. Well-drained sauerkraut

4. Russian dressing

5. Second slice of Swiss cheese

Place the remaining slice of rye bread on top, buttered side facing up.

Kitchen Tip: Placing Swiss cheese on both sides of the filling helps hold the sandwich together as the cheese melts.

4. Grill the sandwich.

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Carefully place the assembled sandwich in the skillet. Cook for approximately 3–4 minutes, or until the bottom slice of bread is golden brown and crispy. Using a spatula, carefully flip the sandwich. Continue cooking for another 3–4 minutes, gently pressing down with the spatula to help the ingredients warm through. The sandwich is ready when both sides are golden brown, the corned beef is heated through, and the Swiss cheese is fully melted.

5. Let the sandwich rest.

Transfer the cooked Reuben sandwich to a cutting board. Allow it to rest for approximately 1 minute before slicing. This gives the melted cheese a moment to settle and helps keep the sandwich from falling apart.

6. Slice and serve!

Using a sharp knife, cut the sandwich diagonally into two halves. Serve immediately while the bread is crispy and the cheese is warm and melted.

A Few Tips for the Best Reuben Sandwich

Use good-quality corned beef. Thinly sliced deli corned beef works well and heats quickly. Leftover homemade corned beef is another delicious option.

Choose a sturdy rye bread. Traditional rye or marbled rye adds flavor and holds up well to the hearty fillings.

Grill over medium-low heat. Cooking slowly gives the Swiss cheese time to melt while the rye bread becomes golden and crispy.

Don't overload the sandwich. Adding too much corned beef or sauerkraut can make the sandwich difficult to flip and eat.

Try mayonnaise instead of butter. For an alternative crispy crust, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the outside of the rye bread before grilling.

What to Serve with a Reuben Sandwich

A homemade Reuben sandwich is hearty enough to enjoy on its own, but it also pairs well with several easy sides.

• Dill Pickles: The tangy crunch of a dill pickle complements the rich corned beef and melted Swiss cheese.

• Potato Chips: Classic kettle-cooked chips add a delicious crunch alongside the warm sandwich.

• French Fries: Serve with crispy oven-baked or air-fried French fries for a satisfying deli-style meal.

• Tomato Soup: A warm bowl of creamy tomato soup makes a comforting lunch or dinner.

• Coleslaw: A cool, crunchy coleslaw balances the rich flavors of the sandwich.

• Fresh Fruit: Serve with sliced apples, grapes, or strawberries for a simple, refreshing side.

From My Kitchen to Yours

A classic Reuben sandwich is a simple, satisfying meal that's easy to make at home. With crispy rye bread, warm corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, and tangy sauerkraut, it's a delicious option for lunch or dinner.

Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a comforting, deli-style sandwich without leaving your kitchen.