Reuben Sandwich

Reuben Sandwich – deli corned beef, melty cheese, sauerkraut and russian dressing between two slices of rye bread grilled to golden perfection.

Imagine biting into layers of lean corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, tart sauerkraut and creamy Russian dressing between slices of rye bread.

There’s really nothing like this classic Reuben sandwich.

It’s more than corned beef – it’s a really good sandwich ideal for St. Patrick’s Day and all year ‘long.

This homemade Reuben straight from your own kitchen is an easy recipe for a simple weeknight meal or filling lunch.

Cook in a hot skillet until toasty and warm then slice and serve with crunchy dill pickles and your favorite potato chips.

WHAT’S THE ORIGIN OF THE REUBEN?

It’s said that this popular sandwich was created at Omaha’s Blackstone Hotel during a high stakes poker game in the early 1900’s. 

Today, the Reuben has almost a cult-like following – especially on St. Patrick’s Day for good reason.

Who can resist corned beef, fresh sauerkraut, melty Swiss cheese and creamy Russisan or Thousand Island dressing?

HOT TIPS FOR THE BEST REUBEN SANDWICH:

• Drain and squeeze all the liquid from the sauerkraut before adding to your sandwich so it doesn’t get soggy.
• Cook over medium heat to medium-low heat cooking slowly so the cheese melts and the meat warms but the bread doesn’t burn. 
• Created at Omaha’s Blackstone Hotel during a high stakes poker game in the early 1900s, the Reuben has grown into an American menu staple. Imagine the first bite into a prime Reuben sandwich – the savory corned beef, fresh sauerkraut, bubbly Swiss cheese and creamy Russian (or Thousand Island) dressing.

WHAT KIND OF BREAD IS BEST FOR a REUBEN SANDWICH?

For a good Reuben I recommend rye bread.

I used a marble rye for the sandwich (a combination of light and dark rye).

Some have caraway seeds, there’s also pumpernickel rye and even Jewish rye.

Any of these will make a tasty Reuben sandwich.

HOMEMADE RUSSIAN DRESSING:

Don’t skip the dressing on this sandwich. It brings all the delicious flavors together.

One main difference between Thousand Island and Russian dressing is the pickle relish found in Thousand Island dressing.

Russian dressing is also a little spicy but either dressing is a great option and can be found in any grocery store (or see below to make your own!).

RUSSIAN DRESSING:

To make your own Russian dressing (enough for 2 sandwiches), whisk the following ingredients together:

• mayonnaise
• sour cream
• chili sauce
• onion powder
• prepared horseradish sauce
• worcestershire sauce
• salt and black pepper

THOUSAND ISLAND DRESSING:

• mayonnaise
• onion powder
• ketchup
• sweet pickle relish
• lemon juice
• paprika
• salt and black pepper

WHAT DO I NEED TO MAKE THE BEST REUBEN SANDWICH?

This recipe makes 2 sandwiches.

• slices of bread (rye recommended)
• room temp butter
• Russian or Thousand Island dressing (store bought OR homemade)
• Swiss cheese 
• thinly sliced deli corned beef
• sauerkraut drained and squeezed of any liquid

NOTE: depending upon the size of the bread you may need more cheese slices. You want to cover the bread

HOW TO MAKE A REUBEN SANDWICH:

Drain and squeeze the moisture from the sauerkraut. This is important so the sandwich doesn’t get soggy.

Add 1/2 tablespoon of butter to a skillet over low heat.

Once the butter melts, add the corned beef and warm slightly for a few seconds then remove from the skillet. 

Butter one side of each slice of bread then place butter side down on a plate.

On the non-buttered side add sliced cheese and 1-2 tablespoons of Thousand Island dressing (or Russian) – again the amount depends on the size of your bread.

Top with corned beef then about 1/4 cup of drained and squeezed sauerkraut.

Add another layer of cheese and the remaining slice of bread.

Carefully transfer the sandwich to the skillet over medium to medium-low heat.

Butter the top of the sandwich bread.

Grill 3-4 minutes or until the bread is golden then turn the sandwich over and cook until both sides are tolden brown and the cheese is melted.

Remove from the skillet, slice in half and serve right away.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH CLASSIC REUBEN SANDWICHes:

• potato chips
• dill pickles
• french fries
• potato salad

LOOKING FOR MORE IRISH RECIPES?

Below are a few more delicious recipes that are a great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!

Irish Guinness Beef Stew – tender beef, vegetables and fresh herbs in a thick, rich beef Guinness gravy loaded with layers of delicious flavor.

Bailey Brownies – turn boxed brownie mix into a triple layer decadent dessert with a Baileys buttercream frosting layer and chocolate ganache glaze..

Reuben Wontons – crispy wonton cups filled with deli corned beef or leftover corned beef, sauerkraut and thousand island dressing. Favorite party appetizer!

Irish Shepherd’s Pie – seasoned ground beef, vegetables and rich gravy topped with creamy mashed potatoes baked until golden and bubbly.

Enjoy!

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