Best Irish Reuben Sandwich – deli corned beef, melty Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut and Russian dressing between two slices of rye bread grilled to golden perfection.
No need to wait for St. Patrick’s Day to bite into layers of lean corned beef, melty Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut and creamy Russian dressing between slices of grilled bread.
Classic Reuben sandwich – more than just corned beef – this simple recipe can be whipped up anytime – all year.
Why I love this recipe:
- Easy homemade Irish Reuben sandwich using lean, deli corned beef.
- Fast enough for a simple weeknight meal or filling lunch.
- Make one or several – buy as much deli corned beef as you need.
What ingredients do I need to make an Irish Reuben Sandwich?
This recipe makes 2 sandwiches.
- sliced bread (rye recommended)
- room temp butter
- Russian or Thousand Island dressing (store bought OR homemade)
- Sliced Swiss cheese
- thinly sliced deli corned beef
- sauerkraut drain well and squeeze out as much liquid as possible
NOTE: depending upon the size of the bread you may need more cheese slices. You want the cheese to cover the bread
Tips for the best Irish Reuben Sandwich:
- Drain and squeeze all the liquid from the sauerkraut so your sandwich isn’t soggy.
- Cook over medium heat to medium-low heat – slowly so the cheese melts and the meat warms but the bread doesn’t burn.
What kind of bread is best for a Reuben?
For a good Reuben I recommend rye bread or marble rye (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.
What’s the difference between Russian and Thousand Island dressing?
First – 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!).
How to make homemade Russian Dressing:
To make your own Russian dressing (enough for 2 sandwiches), whisk the following ingredients together in a small bowl. Full details and amounts in the printable recipe card below.
- mayonnaise
- sour cream
- sweet chili sauce
- onion powder
- prepared horseradish sauce (drained)
- Worcestershire sauce
- salt and black pepper
Taste and adjust – add more horseradish for a tangier taste, more chili sauce for sweeter and a little more mayo for extra creaminess.
How to make Homemade Thousand Island Dressing:
Amount listed in the printable recipe card below.
- mayonnaise
- onion powder
- ketchup
- sweet pickle relish
- lemon juice
- paprika
- salt and black pepper
How to make an Irish Reuben Sandwich:
Drain and squeeze as much moisture as you can from the sauerkraut. This is important so the sandwich doesn’t get soggy
Melt 1/2 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over low heat. Add corned beef directly into the skillet to warm slightly (just a few seconds per side 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 or Russian Dressing (how much depends on the size of your bread.
Top with corned beef and about 1/4 cup of drained sauerkraut.
Add another layer of cheese and the remaining slice of bread then transfer the sandwich to the skillet over medium heat. Butter the top of the sandwich bread.
Grill 3-4 minutes per side or until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
Remove from the skillet, slice in half and serve right away.
Best sides with a classic Reuben Sandwich:
- potato chips
- dill pickles
- french fries
- potato salad
More easy St. Patrick’s Day recipes:
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.
Printable recipe card below. Enjoy!
Best Reuben Sandwich
Equipment
- large skillet OR griddle
Ingredients
REUBEN SANDWICH (makes 2)
- 4 slices fresh rye bread
- 2 tablespoons butter softened to room temp
- 1/4 cup Russian OR Thousand Island dressing (NOT both) store bought OR home - recipe below
- 4 slices Swiss cheese may need more if bread slices are large
- 8 ounces thinly sliced deli corned beef
- 1/2 cup sauerkraut well drained and squeezed of any liquid
RUSSIAN DRESSING
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespooon chili sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
- 1/2 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
- salt and black pepper or to taste
THOUSAND ISLAND DRESSING
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 1/2 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
RUSSIAN or THOUSAND ISLAND DRESSING
- Add ingredients to a bowl. Whisk to combine.
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. Add 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 dressing of choice (again the amount depends on the size of your bread).
- Top with corned beef then 1/4 cup of well drained 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.