The Quintessential Reuben a New York Deli Classic Perfected

Craving a Reuben Sandwich ? Me Too!
Ever find yourself dreaming of a seriously good sandwich? I do. Honestly, my mind goes straight to a reuben sandwich .
This isn't just any old sandwich. It's a flavour explosion in every bite!
Classic Reuben Sandwich : A Bite of History
This amazing concoction is thought to have originated in New York. Or Nebraska. The debate rages on! Regardless, the Classic Reuben Sandwich combines corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Russian dressing.
All grilled on rye bread. Trust me, you want in on this.
It looks a bit intimidating, but it’s a medium level challenge. Plan for around 35 minutes. This Ruben Sandwich Recipe yields one glorious sandwich. Enough for a hearty lunch!
Why You'll Obsess Over This Ruben Sandwich Recipe
This Homemade Reuben Sandwich isn't just delicious; it's practically a vitamin bomb! Sauerkraut is a fermented food. It's awesome for gut health, you know? Plus, a Best Reuben Sandwich Recipe hits the spot every time.
It's my go-to comfort food.
Picture this: It’s a cold, rainy day and you crave something warm, comforting, and utterly satisfying. This Reuben Sandwich Recipe Easy is the answer.
This Reuben Sandwich recipe is special because it's simple and classic. We skip the fancy stuff and focus on flavour.
It's the perfect antidote to those winter blues, honestly. Now, let’s talk ingredients!
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Reuben Sandwiches Ever!
Alright, mates, let's chat ingredients! For a proper reuben sandwich , you need the right stuff. It's not just chucking anything between two slices of bread.
We're aiming for a Classic Reuben Sandwich experience, you know? A Homemade Reuben Sandwich that tastes like it came straight from a New York deli.
Main Ingredients: The Nitty Gritty
Russian Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (120 ml): Go for full fat, it makes a difference, honestly.
- 2 tablespoons chili sauce (30 ml): Heinz is a solid choice.
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (15 ml): Classic stuff.
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish (15 ml): Drain it first. It's got a kick!
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped dill pickle (15 ml): Sweet or dill, you decide.
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (2.5 ml): Don't skip this!
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (1.25 ml): Adds a lovely smokiness.
The Sandwich Itself:
- 2 slices rye bread (4-5 inches square): Marble rye is the Best Reuben Sandwich Recipe bread.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (30g): For that golden brown crunch.
- 4 ounces thinly sliced corned beef (115g): Deli style is the way to go. It's the heart of this sandwich.
- ½ cup sauerkraut, well drained (75g): Important! Squeeze out all the excess liquid, or your sandwich will be soggy.
- 2 slices Swiss cheese (about 2 oz/55g): Melty and delicious.
Seasoning Notes: Flavor Town, Population: You!
Essential spices? Well, the Russian dressing has it covered. Horseradish is key for a bit of zing! A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds umami.
Smoked paprika, if you're feeling fancy, gives it depth. You can easily sub in Thousand Island dressing if you don’t fancy making your own Russian Dressing Recipe .
Just sayin'.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
Honestly, you don't need much. A bowl, a spatula, and a griddle pan (or frying pan) are essential. A small offset spatula makes flipping easier.
That's it! I have found that using basic reuben sandwich ingredients is key to the process.
Cooking Method: The Ultimate Reuben Sandwich Grill
Alright, let's talk Reuben Sandwiches . You know, that deli delight? It's a classic for a reason. And honestly, making a Homemade Reuben Sandwich is way easier than you think.
We're going to focus on the grilling technique here. The perfect grill can be hard to achieve. Let's find out the secrets.
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place is Key
First, the mise en place . Fancy French, right? It just means getting organized. Get everything ready before you start. This includes that Russian Dressing Recipe .
It's quick to make, so don't sweat it. Measure out your Reuben Sandwich Ingredients . Oh my gosh, make sure to drain that sauerkraut.
Seriously! Soggy Corned Beef Sandwiches are nobody's friend. It can easily ruin the whole experience! Safety tip: be careful when using a hot griddle or pan.
Seriously, don't burn yourself.
step-by-step Grilling to Reuben Perfection
- Butter the bread: Spread softened butter on one side of each Marble Rye Bread Reuben slice.
- Assemble: Butter side down, dressing, corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss, more beef, more dressing, top bread (butter side up).
- Grill Time: Place the Reuben Sandwich on a preheated griddle over medium heat.
- Press It: Gently press with a spatula to ensure good contact.
- Flip It: Cook for 4- 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Don't rush it! Check for the cheese is meltes.
- Serve: Cut it in half and enjoy immediately.
Pro Tips for a Killer Reuben Sandwich
Honestly, the secret is the gentle pressure while grilling. Don't squash it flat! Another tip for the Best Reuben Sandwich Recipe : use good quality corned beef.
Seriously, it makes all the difference. Avoid overfilling the sandwich. It will be much easier to grill it without issues.
Now you are one step closer to become a pro! It also helps with even cooking.
Recipe Notes: Elevating Your Reuben Game
Alright, let's talk about the secrets to a truly amazing reuben sandwich . Honestly, it's all about the little things. Remember, even a classic Reuben Sandwich is just the sum of its parts.
Let's make each one shine!
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Presentation matters. We all eat with our eyes first, you know? Slice that Homemade Reuben Sandwich diagonally. This makes it look fancy and easier to handle.
Serve it up with some crisp dill pickles. Maybe a side of coleslaw too. Adds a nice crunch! For drinks, think about a cold beer or even a classic soda.
Bubbles cut through the richness nicely.
Storage Tips: Keeping the Dream Alive
Sadly, the Best Reuben Sandwich Recipe is best eaten fresh. The assembled sandwich doesn't keep too well. The bread gets soggy.
But, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Store the Russian Dressing Recipe in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Keep the corned beef and sauerkraut separate. When you're ready, assemble and grill. If you really need to reheat a leftover piece, try a low oven (around 300F ) to crisp it up a bit.
Variations: Mixing It Up
Want to try something different? You can use turkey instead of corned beef for a lighter reuben sandwich . It's still super tasty! Call it a "Turkey Reuben".
For vegetarians, try using grilled portobello mushrooms. Marinate them first to add flavor. Swap out the Marble Rye Bread Reuben for gluten-free rye if you need to.
Small changes make a big difference, innit?
Nutrition Basics: A Treat, Not a Treatment
The reuben sandwich is a delicious treat. Let's be real. It's not exactly a health food. It's got about 700-850 calories.
It's got a good amount of protein. But, it is high in fat and sodium. Enjoy it in moderation, yeah? A balanced diet is key.
But sometimes, you just need a Reuben Sandwich Recipe Easy , and that’s okay!
So there you have it. Some tips and tricks to make your Corned Beef Sandwiches even better. Don't be afraid to experiment.
Get in the kitchen and have some fun!. You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the big deal with the Russian dressing on a reuben sandwich? Can I use something else?
The Russian dressing is key to that tangy, creamy flavor that makes a reuben sandwich sing! It balances the richness of the corned beef and cheese. While you can substitute Thousand Island dressing (they're quite similar), it will alter the overall flavor profile slightly.
Think of it like swapping PG Tips for Earl Grey still tea, but a different experience!
My reuben sandwich always ends up soggy! What am I doing wrong?
Sogginess is the bane of a good Reuben! The main culprit is usually excess moisture from the sauerkraut. Make sure you drain it really well, squeezing out as much liquid as possible with paper towels.
Also, don't overload the sandwich with too much dressing, and be sure to cook it over medium heat so the bread toasts properly without burning before the inside warms up.
Can I make a reuben sandwich ahead of time? How do I store leftovers?
While a freshly made Reuben is always best, you can prep some components ahead of time. The Russian dressing can be made a day or two in advance. Assembling the sandwich fully and then refrigerating it isn't ideal as it will get soggy.
For leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat in a skillet or panini press, but be warned, it might not be quite as glorious as the original.
What are some good variations on the classic reuben sandwich?
The Reuben is a great base for experimentation! Try a "Rachel" using pastrami instead of corned beef. For a lighter option, swap the corned beef for sliced turkey. Veggie inclined? Marinated and grilled portobello mushrooms make a fantastic vegetarian Reuben. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is the reuben sandwich unhealthy? What's the nutritional info I should know?
Let's be honest, the Reuben isn't exactly a health food! It's high in calories, fat, and sodium, primarily due to the corned beef, cheese, and dressing. Expect a single sandwich to clock in around 700-850 calories. However, it also offers a good amount of protein.
Enjoy it as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple, and consider using leaner corned beef or lower fat dressing to lighten it up a bit.
What kind of rye bread is best for a reuben sandwich?
Marble rye is the classic choice, offering a beautiful look and slightly tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Seeded rye is another good option, providing extra texture. Ultimately, the best rye bread is the one you enjoy most!
Just make sure it's sturdy enough to hold all the fillings without falling apart like a soggy biscuit.
The Quintessential Reuben A New York Deli Classi

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 800 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 50g |
| Fiber | 6g |