I’ve always found myself in a love-hate relationship with sandwiches—simple yet complex, ordinary yet capable of unexpected surprises. The Reuben, though, oh boy, it’s a whole different ball game. Imagine this:
crispy rye bread, warm corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melty Swiss cheese—each bite a nostalgic throwback to bustling New York delis. Ever have a food that transports you? This does it for me, especially on those grey, rainy afternoons when all you need is a comforting hug on a plate.
Steps
- Apply a layer of dressing to one side of each slice of rye bread.
- Layer thinly sliced corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut on the bread to assemble the sandwiches. Spread butter on the top slice of each sandwich.
- Heat a skillet or griddle and place the sandwiches butter-side down onto the hot surface.
- Spread butter on the unbuttered side of each sandwich. Flip the sandwiches once the bottom side turns golden brown.
- Continue grilling until both sides are evenly golden and crispy.
Ingredients
- Rye bread, sliced
- Corned beef, thinly sliced
- Swiss cheese slices
- Sauerkraut
- Russian or Thousand Island dressing
- Butter (or mayonnaise as an alternative for grilling)
FAQ
- What are the key ingredients of a Reuben sandwich?
- A classic Reuben sandwich includes thin slices of corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut, all placed on rye bread with Russian or Thousand Island dressing.
- How do I cook a Reuben sandwich at home?
- To make a Reuben, apply dressing on one side of the bread, assemble with the ingredients, and butter the top. Place it butter-side down on a hot skillet, butter the other side, and grill until both sides are golden brown.
- What are some good side dishes to serve with a Reuben sandwich?
- Reuben sandwiches pair well with deli-style sides such as pickles, potato chips, French fries, pasta salad, coleslaw, or tomato soup.
- Are there any tips for achieving a crispy Reuben sandwich?
- For an extra crispy sandwich, try spreading a thin layer of mayonnaise on the outside of the bread instead of butter before grilling.
- How do people rate this Reuben sandwich recipe?
- Many people find this recipe easy to make and as tasty as restaurant versions, with some noting that using mayonnaise instead of butter yields a crispier result.
Tips
- For a perfectly crispy sandwich, consider spreading a thin layer of mayonnaise on the outside of the bread instead of butter. This can enhance the texture and provide a deliciously golden crust.
- To ensure even grilling, place the sandwich butter-side down first on a hot skillet or griddle, and then butter the other side before flipping it over. This helps achieve a consistently golden brown finish on both sides.
- Enhance your Reuben experience by serving it with classic deli sides like a pickle, coleslaw, or a warm bowl of tomato soup for a satisfying meal.
- When assembling your sandwich, make sure to spread the dressing generously on one side of each slice of rye bread to ensure every bite is flavorful and well-balanced.
Equipment
- Griddle or skillet – If you don’t already have one, a good quality griddle or non-stick skillet is essential for grilling sandwiches evenly.
- Bread knife – A serrated bread knife is important for slicing rye bread without crushing it.
- Sandwich press or spatula – While not strictly necessary, a sandwich press or a heavy-duty spatula can help ensure the sandwich is pressed evenly while grilling.
