If you’re a fan of hearty sandwiches with tons of flavor, there’s nothing quite like a classic Reuben sandwich. It’s the perfect combination of salty corned beef, sweet thousand island dressing, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese, all piled high on toasted rye bread. The best part? It’s actually quite easy to make at home, so you can enjoy it any time you want without having to go to a deli or restaurant.

To start, you’ll need a few key ingredients: corned beef (either fresh or leftover), sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, thousand island dressing, and rye bread. If you don’t have any of these on hand, a quick trip to the grocery store should do the trick. Once you have everything you need, it’s time to get started! Here’s a simple and straightforward recipe for how to make a delicious Reuben sandwich in no time.

Section: How to Make a Classic Reuben Sandwich

Ingredients

To make a classic Reuben sandwich, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 8-10 slices of corned beef
  • 4 slices of Swiss cheese
  • 1/2 cup of sauerkraut
  • 4 slices of rye bread
  • 1/4 cup of Thousand Island dressing
  • Butter, softened

Preparation

Here, we will outline the step-by-step process to make a perfect Reuben sandwich.

Step 1: Preheat Your Pan

The first step to making a Reuben sandwich is to preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.

Step 2: Butter the Bread

Spread softened butter over one side of each slice of rye bread.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich

Place the bread butter-side down on the heated skillet or griddle. Add a slice of Swiss cheese to each slice of bread, followed by 4-5 slices of corned beef. Top the corned beef with sauerkraut and a generous dollop of Thousand Island dressing.

Step 4: Grill the Sandwich

Carefully place one slice of bread over the other to assemble the sandwich. Grill the sandwich until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Step 5: Serve Hot

Remove the sandwich from the heat and cut in half. Serve hot and enjoy!

Variations

While a classic Reuben sandwich is tasty, there are also many variations you can try, such as:

  • Replace corned beef with pastrami or turkey for a different flavor.
  • Use a different type of bread such as wheat or sourdough for a different taste and texture.
  • Replace Swiss cheese with cheddar for a more bold flavor.
  • Use coleslaw instead of sauerkraut for a different twist.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a Reuben sandwich is a simple yet delicious sandwich that can be made easily in the comfort of your own home. With a few simple ingredients and a little love, you can make a sandwich that will satisfy everyone’s taste buds. So go ahead, give it a try and enjoy!

How to Make a Reuben Sandwich: Part 2

Now that you’ve gathered all of your ingredients and prepared your corned beef, it’s time to assemble your delicious Reuben sandwich. In this section, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to create the perfect Reuben.

1. Preparing the Rye Bread: The key to a good Reuben sandwich is having the perfect bread. Traditional Reuben sandwiches are made with rye bread, but any bread will do. You can toast the bread to add a bit of crispiness to the sandwich.

2. Spreading Thousand Island Dressing: Next, spread Thousand Island dressing on one side of the rye bread. This zesty dressing is what gives the Reuben sandwich its signature flavor.

3. Adding Swiss Cheese: Add a slice of Swiss cheese on top of the Thousand Island dressing on one side of the bread. The cheese will melt and combine with the dressing to create a delicious sauce.

4. Adding Corned Beef: Add a generous amount of corned beef to the sandwich. The corned beef should be thinly sliced and stacked high.

5. Adding Sauerkraut: Once the corned beef is in place, add a layer of sauerkraut. The sauerkraut adds a tangy, acidic flavor that compliments the other ingredients.

6. Adding More Thousand Island Dressing: Add another layer of Thousand Island dressing on top of the sauerkraut. This will give the sandwich more flavor and help hold all of the ingredients together.

7. Adding More Swiss Cheese: Add another slice of Swiss cheese on top of the Thousand Island dressing. The cheese will melt and fuse with the dressing to create a rich, delicious flavor.

8. Topping with Second Slice of Rye Bread: Finally, top the sandwich with the second slice of rye bread. Press the top of the bread down gently to ensure that all of the ingredients stay in place.

9. Grilling the Reuben Sandwich: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and lightly grease it with butter. Place the Reuben sandwich on the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted.

10. Serve and Enjoy: Once the Reuben sandwich is done cooking, transfer it to a serving plate. Slice the sandwich in half and serve it with a side of pickles and potato chips. Enjoy your delicious Reuben sandwich!

Choosing the Right Ingredients

When it comes to making a great Reuben sandwich, choosing the right ingredients is key. Here are some tips for selecting the best ingredients for your sandwich:

Bread

The bread is the foundation of a good sandwich, and for a Reuben sandwich, you want to choose a bread that is hearty and has a good crust. Traditional rye bread is the most common choice, but you can also use pumpernickel or sourdough bread. Make sure the bread is fresh and not too soft or too hard.

Corned Beef

Corned beef is the star of the Reuben sandwich and selecting the right cut of meat is important. Look for a brisket cut that is well-marbled and has a good balance of fat and meat. You can buy corned beef pre-cooked or cook it yourself at home. If you’re cooking it yourself, be sure to season it with spices like coriander, peppercorns, and mustard seed for an authentic flavor.

Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut is a key ingredient in a Reuben sandwich, providing a tangy, salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the corned beef. Look for sauerkraut that is not too sour and has a nice crunch. You can buy pre-made sauerkraut or make it yourself at home by fermenting shredded cabbage with salt and water.

Swiss Cheese

Swiss cheese is the perfect cheese for a Reuben sandwich, with its nutty and slightly sweet flavor. Look for a good-quality Swiss cheese that is sliced thin for easy melting. You can also use other types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, but Swiss cheese is the most traditional choice.

Thousand Island Dressing

Thousand Island dressing is a classic condiment for a Reuben sandwich, providing a creamy and tangy flavor that complements the corned beef and sauerkraut. Look for a high-quality Thousand Island dressing that is not too sweet or too tangy. You can also make your own dressing at home by mixing mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, and spices.

Ingredients Amount
Rye Bread 2 slices
Corned Beef 4 oz
Sauerkraut 1/2 cup
Swiss Cheese 2 slices
Thousand Island Dressing 2 tbsp

By choosing the right bread, corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, you can ensure that your Reuben sandwich is delicious and authentic. In the next section, we will go over the steps to assemble and cook your Reuben sandwich to perfection.

That’s the Ruben Sandwich, Folks!

Thanks for tuning in and trying out this iconic sandwich recipe! With its corned beef, sauerkraut, and gooey cheese on rye bread, it’s a perfect way to indulge in a classic pub fare. Next time you’re feeling hungry, remember to make yourself a Ruben Sandwich and savour every delicious bite. Stay tuned for more easy-to-follow recipes, and don’t forget to visit us again soon. Happy cooking!