Corned Beef Reuben Sandwich

Crispy, melty, tangy, and utterly satisfying—the Corned Beef Reuben Sandwich is an iconic deli classic that brings bold flavor to every bite. Stacked high with tender corned beef, melty Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Russian dressing on perfectly toasted rye bread, it’s the ultimate comfort sandwich. Whether for lunch, dinner, or game day grub, this sandwich never disappoints.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Classic Deli Flavor – Just like your favorite sandwich shop
Quick & Easy – Ready in 15 minutes or less
Perfectly Balanced – Savory, tangy, creamy, and crunchy
Comfort Food at Its Best – A hearty sandwich that truly satisfies
Customizable – Swap ingredients or go lighter with turkey or vegetarian options

Ingredients You’ll Need
8 slices rye bread (marble or seeded rye works great)
¾ lb sliced corned beef (or more, to taste)
1 cup sauerkraut, well-drained
8 slices Swiss cheese
4 tbsp butter (softened)
½ cup Russian dressing or Thousand Island dressing

Optional Add-ins
Sliced pickles (for extra tang)
Caramelized onions (for sweetness)
Grainy mustard (for a punchy kick)

Tools You’ll Need
Skillet or griddle
Spatula
Butter knife
Cutting board
Paper towels (for drying sauerkraut)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Pat the sauerkraut dry with paper towels to avoid a soggy sandwich.
Butter one side of each slice of bread evenly.
Lay out the slices and spread Russian dressing on the unbuttered sides.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches
On the dressing side of four bread slices, layer Swiss cheese, corned beef, and sauerkraut.
Top with another slice of cheese and then a second slice of bread, buttered side facing out.

Step 3: Grill Until Golden & Melty
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Place the sandwiches in the skillet (you may need to do this in batches).
Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing down lightly with a spatula, until the bread is golden and the cheese is fully melted.

Step 4: Slice & Serve
Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for a minute.
Slice diagonally and serve warm with chips, pickles, or coleslaw.

Tips for the Perfect Reuben Sandwich
Dry the Sauerkraut – Keeps the sandwich from getting soggy
Low and Slow – Grill over medium heat to melt the cheese without burning the bread
Use Good Bread – Fresh rye with a firm crust gives the best texture
Double the Cheese – A slice on both sides helps “glue” the sandwich together
Customize It – Try with pastrami, turkey, or even a veggie version with roasted mushrooms

Serving Suggestions
With Dill Pickles – Classic and crunchy
Potato Chips or Fries – For a diner-style combo
Creamy Coleslaw – Tangy and refreshing
Tomato Soup – Great for dipping
Cold Beer or Iced Tea – To wash it all down

How to Store & Reheat
Store: Wrap leftover sandwiches tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days
Reheat: Warm in a skillet or oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and crisp again
Avoid microwaving—it makes the bread soggy

Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a Reuben and a Rachel sandwich? A Rachel uses turkey or pastrami and coleslaw instead of corned beef and sauerkraut
Can I make it vegetarian? Yes! Use plant-based corned beef or mushrooms, and dairy-free cheese
Is Russian dressing the same as Thousand Island? They’re similar—Russian dressing is spicier, while Thousand Island is sweeter and creamier
Can I use a panini press? Absolutely—it gives a great crispy crust

Final Thoughts
The Corned Beef Reuben Sandwich is a nostalgic, mouthwatering meal that delivers in every bite. It’s bold, cheesy, and comforting—the kind of sandwich that hits the spot whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just yourself. It’s a deli classic that’s surprisingly simple to recreate at home.

Make one today, and don’t forget to share your delicious Reuben creations online—tag your sandwich for all to drool over!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Cuisine: American Deli / Comfort Food

Nutritional Information (Per Sandwich – makes 4):
Calories: 620 | Protein: 28g | Carbs: 32g | Fat: 40g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 1280mg

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