Savor the taste of a classic deli-style Reuben sandwich, featuring layers of tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melty Swiss cheese, and creamy Thousand Island dressing. Grilled to perfection on buttery rye bread, this sandwich is a timeless favorite that’s packed with flavor and perfect for lunch or dinner.
Key Information:
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Number of Servings: 4 sandwiches
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 680
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 1750mg
Ingredients List:
For the Thousand Island Dressing:
- 120ml (1/2 cup) mayonnaise
- 30ml (2 tablespoons) ketchup
- 15ml (1 tablespoon) sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sandwiches:
- 8 slices rye bread (light or dark, your preference)
- 4 tablespoons (60g) butter, softened
- 300g (10 oz) corned beef, thinly sliced
- 200g (7 oz) sauerkraut, drained well
- 8 slices Swiss cheese (about 200g / 7 oz)
Detailed Method of Preparation:
Prepare the Thousand Island Dressing:
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, vinegar, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste, and set aside.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Spread butter on one side of each slice of rye bread. Place four slices, butter-side down, on a clean surface.
- Spread a generous layer of Thousand Island dressing on the unbuttered side of the bread.
- Layer with a slice of Swiss cheese, followed by the corned beef, an even layer of sauerkraut, and another slice of Swiss cheese. Top each sandwich with the remaining slices of bread, butter-side up.
Cook the Sandwiches:
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, pressing down gently with a spatula. The bread should be golden brown and crispy, and the cheese should be fully melted.
Serve Hot:
- Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, slice in half, and serve immediately. Optionally, serve with extra Thousand Island dressing for dipping.
Tips for Culinary Success:
- Drain the Sauerkraut Well: To avoid making the sandwich soggy, be sure to drain the sauerkraut thoroughly and even pat it dry with a paper towel.
- Use Freshly Sliced Corned Beef: Opt for corned beef freshly sliced from the deli for the best flavor and texture. Thick-cut slices may be difficult to bite into, so thin to medium thickness works best.
- Butter the Bread Generously: This ensures the bread crisps up nicely and develops a beautiful golden-brown color. You can also use mayo on the outside of the bread for an extra crispy finish.
- Cook on Medium Heat: Don’t rush the process by cranking up the heat. Medium heat allows the cheese to melt evenly while the bread becomes perfectly crispy.
- Try a Rye-Pumpernickel Swirl Bread for Extra Flavor: If you want a bit of extra character in your sandwich, look for rye bread with a pumpernickel swirl.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use pastrami instead of corned beef? Yes, pastrami can be used as a substitute for corned beef if you prefer. It will still give you a delicious, deli-style sandwich with a slightly different flavor.
- What if I don’t like sauerkraut? If you’re not a fan of sauerkraut, you can try substituting coleslaw for a different texture and a bit of sweetness.
- Can I make the dressing ahead of time? Absolutely! The Thousand Island dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- What’s the difference between Russian and Thousand Island dressing? While both are creamy dressings, Russian dressing is typically spicier and less sweet than Thousand Island. You can substitute one for the other if you prefer.
- Can I use a panini press to make these sandwiches? Yes, a panini press works great for Reuben sandwiches. It will give an even crispiness and help melt the cheese thoroughly.
Nothing beats a classic Reuben sandwich when it comes to satisfying comfort food. With its layers of tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, gooey melted cheese, and creamy Thousand Island dressing, this sandwich is a true crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and bring the taste of a traditional deli into your own kitchen.