Description
A classic Reuben Sandwich featuring dark rye bread, melted Swiss cheese, savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy thousand island dressing, all perfectly grilled to golden crispiness for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Bread and Butter
- 4 slices dark rye bread
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Fillings
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 4 tablespoons thousand island dressing
- 1 cup sauerkraut, well-drained
- 1/2 pound corned beef, thinly sliced (or pastrami)
Instructions
- Assemble the Sandwich: Lay out 2 slices of dark rye bread on a cutting board. Top each slice with shredded Swiss cheese. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of thousand island dressing over the cheese on each slice. Add half of the thinly sliced corned beef on top, then evenly distribute half of the well-drained sauerkraut. Cover each with the remaining slices of bread.
- Prepare for Cooking: Spread about 1 tablespoon of softened unsalted butter on the outside of the top slice of each sandwich to ensure a crispy golden crust.
- Cook the Sandwiches: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches butter-side-down onto the skillet and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt, about 3 minutes.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Spread the remaining butter on the now top side of the sandwiches. Flip them carefully and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet. Let them rest for a minute, then slice and serve warm for the best experience.
Notes
- Use sturdy dark rye bread for structural integrity; marble rye or pumpernickel are great alternatives.
- Corned beef is milder and more tender, while pastrami adds a smoky, peppery flavor. Try mixing both for a tasty twist.
- Swiss cheese provides the classic melty texture; Gruyère, Havarti, or Provolone can be substituted for variety.
- Drain sauerkraut thoroughly to avoid a soggy sandwich.
- Butter the outside of the bread generously for the perfect golden crisp. Mayonnaise can also be used for a tangy, crispy finish.
- Maintain medium heat when cooking to prevent burning the bread before the cheese melts.
- Reheat leftovers in a skillet or air fryer to preserve crispiness; avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1100 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
