The Best Deli-Style Grilled Reuben Sandwich (2024)

The Reuben sandwich was purportedly created in 1914 by Arnold Reuben, the owner of Reuben's Restaurant in New York City. Another claim states that it was first made in 1922 byReuben Kolakofsky,a grocer from Omaha, Nebraska.Whichever story is correct, there's no denying the sandwich was a success.

The sandwich is traditionally made with sliced corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese on rye bread. It is usually fried like a grilled cheese sandwich and served hot, but it may be served cold. Reuben sandwiches are usually made with corned beef, but pastrami is an excellent alternative.

These classic Reuben sandwiches are a fabulous combination of flavors and a great way to use leftover corned beef. Make this version with Thousand Island or Russian dressing. Thousand Island dressing contains chopped sweet pickles and ketchup, while the spicier (and less sweet) Russian dressing includes horseradish and chili sauce.

Use big slices of seeded rye bread for these sandwiches. This easy homemade no-knead beer rye bread is excellent if you like to make your own bread.

Ingredients

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Spread both slices of rye bread lightly with Thousand Island dressing.

  3. Place a layer of sauerkraut over one slice, then top with the corned beef then Swiss cheese. Top with the second slice of bread, dressing side down.

  4. Butter the outside of the Reuben sandwich lightly with softened butter (or margarine) and fry the sandwich on a hot griddle or grill over medium heat, turning to brown both sides evenly.

What to Serve With Reuben Sandwiches

  • Serve Reuben sandwiches with dill pickles and crispy potato chips, French fries, potato salad, or a cup or bowl of soup. Matzo ball soup or a cream-based soup pairs well with the sandwiches, or serve them with tomato soup.

Tips

  • Use big slices of seeded rye bread for these sandwiches. This easy homemade no-knead beer rye bread is excellent if you like to make your own bread.
  • Scale the recipe for the number of family or guests you are feeding. Serve the sandwiches with chips, fries, soup, or salad.
  • A Reuben sandwich is big and hearty, so you might want to save half for later. If you have a leftover half sandwich, it's easy to reheat it. Wrap the sandwich in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Heat it in a preheated 325 F oven for about 15 minutes.

Recipe Variations

  • To make this an open-faced sandwich, omit the top slice of bread. Either toast the bottom slice of bread first or assemble the sandwich and toast the bottom on a griddle. Place the assembled sandwich on a foil-lined baking pan and place it under the broiler at 500F until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Swiss is the traditional cheese for the sandwiches, but sliced or shredded Muenster, Havarti, or Gruyere may be substituted.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
653Calories
45g Fat
37g Carbs
25g Protein

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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories653
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 45g57%
Saturated Fat 18g91%
Cholesterol 125mg42%
Sodium 1680mg73%
Total Carbohydrate 37g14%
Dietary Fiber 5g18%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 25g
Vitamin C 5mg27%
Calcium 357mg27%
Iron 4mg21%
Potassium 309mg7%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

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I am a culinary enthusiast with a deep understanding of various cuisines, culinary techniques, and the historical origins of iconic dishes. My passion for food extends beyond casual appreciation, as I have hands-on experience in creating and experimenting with recipes. This expertise allows me to provide insights into the world of gastronomy, offering not just information but a genuine appreciation for the art and science of cooking.

Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about the Reuben sandwich:

  1. Origin of the Reuben Sandwich: The Reuben sandwich has two claimed origins—Arnold Reuben of Reuben's Restaurant in New York City in 1914 and Reuben Kolakofsky, a grocer from Omaha, Nebraska, in 1922. Despite the debate, both stories highlight the undeniable success of this classic sandwich.

  2. Traditional Ingredients: The classic Reuben sandwich is traditionally made with sliced corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese on rye bread. It can be served hot or cold, with the option of using pastrami as an excellent alternative to corned beef.

  3. Dressings: Two popular dressings mentioned are Thousand Island and Russian dressing. Thousand Island dressing contains chopped sweet pickles and ketchup, while Russian dressing is spicier and less sweet, with ingredients like horseradish and chili sauce.

  4. Bread Selection: The article recommends using big slices of seeded rye bread for the Reuben sandwiches. Additionally, it suggests an easy homemade no-knead beer rye bread recipe for those who enjoy making their own bread.

  5. Preparation Steps: The steps involve spreading the bread with dressing, layering sauerkraut, corned beef, and Swiss cheese, and frying the sandwich on a griddle or grill with butter. This results in a delicious and hearty Reuben sandwich.

  6. Recipe Variations: The article suggests variations such as making an open-faced sandwich by omitting the top slice of bread or using different cheeses like Muenster, Havarti, or Gruyere. It also provides tips on serving and reheating leftover sandwiches.

  7. Nutrition Facts: The nutritional information per serving is provided, detailing the calorie count, fat, carbs, protein, and other nutrients. This adds a practical aspect to the culinary exploration of the Reuben sandwich.

  8. Recipe Tags and Serving Suggestions: The article includes tags like "sandwich," "lunch," and "American," and offers serving suggestions such as pairing the Reuben sandwiches with dill pickles, crispy potato chips, French fries, potato salad, or soups like matzo ball soup or tomato soup.

In summary, the Reuben sandwich is not just a culinary delight; it's a historical journey with debates over its origin and a canvas for creative variations, showcasing the richness of American cuisine.

The Best Deli-Style Grilled Reuben Sandwich (2024)
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