This incredible Reuben Sandwich is stuffed to the brim on rye bread with layers of thinly sliced corned beef, plenty of Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and dressing. Broiled until the cheese is melty and everything is warm and flavorful, this is one epic sandwich!
Sandwiches are the best because there are so many varieties, they’re easy to make and they taste amazing. Warm, cold, pressed, or so tall you can barely take a bite, we love them all! Level up your lunch game with these other great sandwich recipes: this irresistible Patty Melt, these Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteaks, and this classic Monte Cristo Sandwich.
Reuben Sandwich Recipe
There is not much better than a drool-worthy reuben sandwich piled high with all the goods! Sandwiches don’t have to be ordinary or boring! There are so many combinations to customize your own creation and easily enjoy a wide variety of wonderful flavors.
These reuben sandwiches are an explosion of flavor, and they are really quick to make! Briny sliced corned beef is layered with melted Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut and topped off with creamy Russian dressing and toasted dark rye bread for the perfect bite every time. Make this a complete meal and serve it with French fries, creamy cucumber salad, or French potato salad.
Ingredients Needed
Super simple, yet so flavorful! This reuben sandwich recipe only requires 6 ingredients. You can definitely switch things up and use whatever you want, but listed here are the classics for the ultimate reuben. Exact measurements are listed below in the recipe card.
- Dark Rye Bread: This type of bread has a slightly sweet and tangy flavor that is a delicious contrast to the salty meat.
- Salted Butter: For toasting the slices of bread.
- Meat: Use layers upon layers of sliced corned beef or pastrami.
- Swiss Cheese: The classic choice for a reuben, and it melts perfectly in this sandwich.
- Sauerkraut: Adds a flavorful kick of tang with acidic and salty notes.
- Russian Dressing: Finish with Russian dressing, or use thousand island dressing.
How to Make a Reuben Sandwich
This is one of my favorite sandwich recipes because it is so easy and tastes SO good. We love to enjoy our sandwiches with a side of potato salad or some potato chips. You are sure to fall in love with this recipe, too! Here’s how it comes together:
- Toast Bread: Butter the outsides of the bread and toast lightly in a skillet over medium-high heat, about 3 minutes.
- Assemble: Spread a generous amount of Russian dressing on both untoasted sides of the bread. Layer 7 ounces of meat, sauerkraut, and swiss cheese. Keep the top off and broil the stacked half of sandwich until the cheese is melty, about 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
- Serve: Top with the second pieces of bread and slice in half. Enjoy warm!
Tips and Variations
We’re teaching you how to make a classic reuben sandwich. However, there are many ways to change up the traditional recipe and make this your own. Get creative and have fun! Here are some tasty options:
- Customize: Make this sandwich according to your preferences! You can use more or less of any of the ingredients and leave them out if you don’t want them. The recipe is written for two meat-heavy sandwiches, both stacked with plenty of sauerkraut. Scale it to meet your needs and preferences.
- Dressing Option: If you don’t have Russian dressing or you don’t want to make it, Thousand Island is a perfect substitute! To add the kick of Russian dressing, add some horseradish or hot sauce to spice things up.
- Meat Option: Thinly sliced corned beef is traditional on a Reuben, but feel free to use shredded corned beef roast or sliced pastrami if that is easier.
- Bread: Rye bread is typically used for Reubens, but it’s not for everyone. You could use a marbled rye, Jewish rye, pumpernickel, or you could go for a lighter bread like sourdough or wheat.
- Use Mayo: Try using a thin layer of mayonnaise on the outside of the bread instead of butter for a delicious diner-style twist.
- Cooking the Bread: You can toast the bread in a toaster or in a toaster oven. You can even put it in a panini press for a super yummy Reuben panini.
- Cheese: Use shredded or sliced cheese–it doesn’t have to be Swiss if you don’t like it. Try provolone or gruyere for a tasty alternative.
Storing Leftovers
You can save leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day, but it will get soggy the longer it sits. It’s best made and eaten fresh!
More Sandwich Recipes
A delicious sandwich filled with meat, cheese and a tasty sauce always hits the spot! Whether for lunch, dinner or sliders for an appetizer, they are a popular option with pretty much everyone! Here are some more delicious ones that you MUST try!
Sandwiches
Shrimp Po Boy
40 mins
Dinner
Easy Cuban Sandwich Recipe
1 hr
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Corned Beef Sandwich
10 mins
Dinner
Meatloaf Sandwich
20 mins
Reuben Sandwich
Ingredients
- dark rye bread, sliced
- salted butter
- 14 ounces sliced corned beef or pastrami
- Swiss cheese, sliced
- ⅔-1 cup sauerkraut, drained
- Russian dressing, or thousand island
Instructions
-
Butter the outsides of the bread and toast lightly in a skillet over medium-high heat, about 3 minutes.
-
Spread a generous amount of Russian dressing on both untoasted sides of the bread. Layer 7 ounces of meat, sauerkraut, and swiss cheese. Keep the top off and broil the stacked half of sandwich until the cheese is melty, about 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
-
Top with the second pieces of bread and slice in half. Enjoy warm!
