Name: Reuben Sandwich
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp butter.; 2 slices of deli rye swirl bread.; 3 tbsp Thousand Island dressing.; 6 oz corned beef, sliced thinly.; 2 slices Swiss cheese.; 1/4 cup sauerkraut, liquid squeezed out.

A close-up of a toasted sandwich filled with melted cheese, corned beef, and sauerkraut on a decorative plate. | cookingwithcasey.com

Let me share my perfect Reuben Sandwich recipe that combines tender corned beef Swiss cheese tangy sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing on toasty rye bread. Years of making this deli classic have taught me the secrets to getting it just right.

Rich History

Classic deli origins disputed claims. Delicious creation beloved nationwide today.

Key Ingredients

Corned Beef: Fresh sliced deli quality
Sauerkraut: Well drained tangy zip
Swiss Cheese: Perfect melting choice
Rye Bread: Traditional caraway flavored
Thousand Island: Creamy dressing finish

Easy Steps

Start Right: Spread dressing generously both slices
Layer Perfect: Stack sauerkraut cheese meat evenly
Get Golden: Toast buttered pan medium heat
Finish Well: Press gently ensure melted cheese

Best Meat Choice

Quality corned beef essential success. Fresh sliced deli preferred homemade.

A close-up of a stacked sandwich featuring layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese between toasted bread on a black plate. | cookingwithcasey.com

Proper Prep

Drain sauerkraut thoroughly prevents soggy. Room temperature cheese melts better.

Perfect Temperature

Medium low heat ensures golden crust. Allows cheese melt meat warm through.

Make Ahead

Prepare ingredients store separately. Assemble toast just before serving.

Serving Tips

Cut diagonal showcase layers. Serve immediately maximum enjoyment.

Perfect Sides

Crispy pickle deli style chips. Light coleslaw balances rich sandwich.

A grilled sandwich featuring layers of corned beef, melted cheese, and sauerkraut, served on toasted bread. | cookingwithcasey.com

Variations Try

Turkey pastrami alternative meats. Different cheese types experiment flavors.

Bread Choices

Dark rye marble rye traditional. Must sturdy enough hold fillings.

Extra Touch

Butter outside bread evenly. Creates perfect golden brown crust.

Watch Heat

Low slow better than high quick. Ensures even melting proper warming.

Layer Order

Cheese next bread prevents soggy. Meat sauerkraut between perfect balance.

A close-up of a grilled sandwich filled with layers of corned beef, melted cheese, and sauerkraut on toasted bread, served on a decorative plate. | cookingwithcasey.com

Press Right

Gentle pressure while cooking. Too much squeezes filling out.

Easy Cleanup

Line counter parchment paper. Catches drips keeps workspace clean.

Make Multiple

Use griddle cook several once. Perfect feeding crowd quick serving.

Leftover Tips

Store components separately fresh. Assemble toast when ready eat.

Classic Done Right

Perfect balance flavors textures. True deli experience home kitchen.

A toasted sandwich filled with layers of corned beef and melted cheese on rustic bread. | cookingwithcasey.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why squeeze the sauerkraut?: Removing excess liquid prevents the sandwich from becoming soggy and helps achieve better grilling results.
→ Can I use different meat?: Yes, you can substitute pastrami or turkey, though this will change the classic Reuben flavor profile.
→ What's the best corned beef to use?: Fresh-sliced deli corned beef provides the best results. Homemade corned beef is even better if available.
→ Can I skip the sauerkraut?: While traditional, you can substitute coleslaw or shredded lettuce if you don't like sauerkraut.
→ Why cook on medium-low heat?: This allows the cheese to melt and ingredients to warm while achieving perfectly golden bread without burning.

Conclusion

This classic deli sandwich combines warm corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing between crispy grilled rye bread.

Classic Deli Reuben