Meta Description: Learn how to build the perfect classic Reuben sandwich from scratch. This guide covers everything from the essential ingredients to pro tips, ensuring you get a hot, savory, and perfectly toasted sandwich every time.
I have a very specific food memory that instantly transports me back to my college days. My friends and I would spend our weekends frequenting a small, unassuming diner a few blocks from our campus. It was a place with mismatched mugs and vinyl booths, where the coffee was always hot and the staff knew your order by heart. My go-to was always the same: a classic Reuben sandwich. I’d watch the short-order cook expertly pile the hot corned beef, melt the Swiss cheese, and grill the rye bread to a perfect, golden-brown. It was more than just a sandwich; it was a ritual. The combination of the salty meat, the tangy sauerkraut, the creamy dressing, and the crisp, buttery bread was a symphony of flavors and textures that felt like pure comfort in every bite. It was a dish that was so simple, yet so incredibly satisfying, that it became a benchmark for all future sandwiches.
That memory is exactly what inspired this recipe. It’s a tribute to that humble diner and a testament to the idea that a great meal doesn’t have to be complicated to be a huge hit. This recipe for a classic Reuben sandwich is the perfect solution for anyone who wants a quick, delicious, and deeply satisfying lunch or dinner. It’s a dish that feels like a special treat but is so easy and quick to prepare that you can enjoy it on any given day. This guide proves that with a little bit of care and a few simple, high-quality ingredients, you can create a truly memorable meal right in your own kitchen.
✅ Ingredients for the Perfect Reuben
The secret to a great Reuben lies in the balance of a few key ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, so don’t be tempted to skip any of them! The combination of tangy, salty, creamy, and crunchy is what makes this sandwich a classic.
- 4 slices of marble rye bread: The foundation of the sandwich. Rye bread is a must for its slightly sour, hearty flavor.
- 1/2 pound thinly sliced corned beef: You can find this at the deli counter. Look for a good quality brand for the best flavor.
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese: Swiss cheese melts beautifully and has a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the corned beef.
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained well: The tangy, fermented cabbage is what gives a Reuben its signature flavor.1
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: For toasting the bread to a perfect, golden-brown crisp.2
- 1/4 cup Thousand Island or Russian dressing: This creamy dressing is what brings everything together.
🍳 Step-by-Step Assembly Guide
Making a classic Reuben is a straightforward process, but a few simple techniques will take it from a good sandwich to a great one. The key is to toast the bread to perfection and heat the filling just right.
- Prep the sauerkraut. The most important step for a non-soggy sandwich is to drain the sauerkraut well.3 Use a colander and press down on it with the back of a spoon to get all the excess liquid out. If you don’t, your sandwich will be a mushy mess.
- Heat the corned beef. Place the thinly sliced corned beef in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat.4 Cook the meat for about 1-2 minutes, stirring it around, until it’s warmed through. You don’t want to cook it until it’s crispy; just warm enough to melt the cheese.
- Butter the bread. While the corned beef is warming, generously butter one side of each slice of the rye bread.5
- Assemble the sandwich. On two of the un-buttered bread slices, layer a slice of Swiss cheese, then half of the warm corned beef, followed by half of the drained sauerkraut. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the Thousand Island or Russian dressing on each of the remaining two un-buttered bread slices.6 Place the dressing-side down on top of the corned beef.7
- Grill the sandwich. Place the assembled sandwiches in the same skillet you used for the corned beef. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden-brown and crispy and the cheese is completely melted.8 Press down gently on the sandwich with a spatula as it cooks.
- Slice and serve. Once the sandwich is perfectly toasted, remove it from the pan. Slice it in half and serve it warm with your favorite side.
Total preparation and cooking time: Approximately 15 minutes.9
🌟 Pro Tips and Creative Variations
Making a great sandwich is all about a little bit of extra care. These tips will ensure your Reuben sandwich is a total hit.
🌟 Don’t Overstuff Your Sandwich
It can be tempting to pile on the corned beef and sauerkraut, but an overstuffed sandwich is hard to grill and even harder to eat. A good Reuben has a perfect balance of all the ingredients, so be sure not to overload it.
🌟 Making It Your Own
This deli sandwich recipe is a blank canvas. You can easily make a Rachel sandwich, which swaps the corned beef for pastrami and the sauerkraut for a creamy coleslaw. You can also make a vegetarian version by swapping the corned beef for a thick slice of roasted portobello mushroom or some sautéed tempeh.10 The possibilities are endless!
🌟 The Secret to a Perfect Grill
Make sure your skillet is hot enough before you put the sandwich in. You want to hear a sizzle when the buttered bread hits the pan. If the pan is not hot enough, the bread will absorb the butter and become greasy instead of getting that perfect, crispy crust.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my sandwich soggy?
The number one reason for a soggy Reuben is undrained sauerkraut. You have to squeeze out as much liquid as possible! A few minutes in a colander is just not enough; you need to physically press down on it to get all the moisture out. Another reason could be that you used too much dressing, which can also make the bread soggy.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While Swiss cheese is the classic choice for a Reuben, you can certainly use other cheeses.11 Provolone or Gruyère would also be delicious and would melt beautifully. However, the nutty flavor of Swiss cheese is what gives a Reuben its classic taste, so I recommend sticking to it if you can.
What’s the difference between Russian and Thousand Island dressing?
They are very similar, but Russian dressing is typically a little spicier, with a hint of horseradish and chili sauce, while Thousand Island is usually sweeter and has a creamier texture.12 You can use either one for this recipe; it’s a matter of personal preference.
🍽️ Serving and Pairing Suggestions
A classic Reuben sandwich is a complete meal on its own, but a few simple additions can make it even better.
- Classic Pairings: A side of crispy potato chips, a dill pickle spear, or a simple side of coleslaw are the perfect classic pairings.
- Side Salad: A light, peppery arugula salad with a simple vinaigrette would be a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory sandwich.
- The Perfect Drink: A cold beer, a simple glass of iced tea, or a Dr. Brown’s Cream Soda are classic pairings that go perfectly with a Reuben.
Nutritional Information (Estimated per Serving)
| Component | Amount |
| Calories | 750 kcal |
| Protein | 35g |
| Fat | 45g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 1200mg |
Please note: These values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. The figures are for a single serving from a recipe that yields 2 sandwiches.
❤️ My Final Thoughts
There is a certain magic in a dish that can transport you back to a specific moment in time. This recipe for a classic Reuben sandwich is exactly that for me. It’s a reminder of a simpler time, a tribute to a humble diner, and a testament to the idea that some of the best foods are the ones that are simple, classic, and made with a little bit of care. The combination of the warm, crispy bread, the savory corned beef, the tangy sauerkraut, and the creamy dressing is pure comfort in every single bite.
This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, and I love how it brings a little bit of that diner magic to my own dinner table. It’s a great reminder that simple food is often the best food, and it’s a dish that will impress everyone you serve it to.
Now, go ahead and give this amazing recipe a try. I can’t wait to hear how it turned out for you! Share your experience and your favorite pairings in the comments. Happy cooking!
