What to Serve with Reuben Sandwiches: 12 best side dishes with a Reuben Sandwich – from chips to salads to homemade pickles – it’s all here!

what to serve with reuben sandwiches - sandwich shown with pickles

A good Reuben sandwich can’t be beat: thin slices of corned beef stacked between slices of rye bread, layered with tangy sauerkraut, thousand island dressing and a slice of Swiss cheese grilled to golden brown perfection.

Scroll on to find the ultimate side dishes to compliment this tasty sandwich.

what to serve with a reuben sandwich - sandwich shown with pickles and potato chips

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THESE RECIPES:

They ramp up the taste of the classic Reuben sandwich experience.
No special equipment is needed to make them.
Many can be made ahead of time.
These delicious side dishes will make your Reuben even more satisfying.

CLASSIC REUBEN SANDWICH INGREDIENTS:

Here’s all you’ll need to make a Reuben sandwich:

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

HOW TO MAKE A REUBEN SANDWICH (FROM DELI CORNED BEEF):

This is my favorite easy recipe for this classic sandwich and no panini press is needed.

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

Melt a little butter in a large skillet over low heat. 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 butter side add sliced cheese and 1-2 tablespoons of Thousand Island dressing (or Russian dressing).

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 golden brown and the cheese melts.

Transfer to a cutting board, slice in half (on the diagonal is the ONLY way!) and enjoy right away.

1. Crispy Potato Chips

The crunch of potato chips perfectly contrasts the melty goodness of a classic Reuben sandwich recipe. Choose classic kettle-cooked chips or try a flavored variety for an extra kick.

2. French Fries

parchment paper with pile of air fryer french fries and dipping sauces

Golden, crispy French fries (or sweet potato fries) are always a great option with a Reuben sandwich. Bake, air fry or deep fry to a crispy, golden texture.

3. Deviled Egg Potato Salad

potato salad recipe - overview view of blended potato salad garnished with dill

A creamy homemade potato salad with hard boiled eggs and crispy bacon is another great option. It balances the flavors of the Reuben sandwich with its smooth and tangy taste.

4. Coleslaw

overhead view - black bowl with 5 minute coleslaw

Just 4 simple ingredients you may already have and 5 minutes to this easy homemade coleslaw. The creamy dressing and slight tanginess make it an ideal match.

5. Green Beans

how to cook green beans - shown on white plate garnished with lemon slice.

For a lighter side, these sautéed green beans cook in just 6 minutes to tender-crisp perfection an add a tasty fresh contrast to the richness of the sandwich.

6. Pickles

overhead view refrigerator dill pickles in glass jar

In my not so humble opinion, a good crunchy dill pickle is an absolute must with a good grilled sandwich and these 5 minute homemade crunchy dill pickles don’t disappoint.

7. Applesauce

mason jars filled with slow cooker applesauce

4-ingredient slow cooker homemade applesauce. A little sweet, a little tangy and every bite delicious!

8. Muffin Tin Potato Stacks

black plate with muffin tin potato stacks garnished with fresh thyme

Buttery thinly sliced potatoes baked in a muffin tin with melty cheese and golden, crispy edges.

9. Pesto Orzo Pasta Salad

overhead view of 2 bowls of pesto orzo salad

Irresistible cold Mediterranean salad with orzo, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, chickpeas, olives and feta blended with herby basil pesto. This easy make-ahead side beautifully compliments the Reuben.

10. Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

white plate with air fryer zucchini fries and bowl of marinara for dipping

Taste indulgent but is light and healthy – air fried using almost no oil and made with fresh zucchini.

11. Deviled Eggs

close up of deviled eggs garnished with paprika and parsley

Not just for Easter – easy, creamy and perfectly seasoned. This simple 2-bite side goes great with a Reuben.

12. Sauteed Corn with Bacon

Sauteed Corn with Bacon ~ cooks in 10 minutes ~ sweet corn, crispy bacon, bell peppers and fresh basil for an easy summer side dish.

Use fresh, frozen or canned corn – blended with crispy bacon. This simple side cooks in just 10 minutes and the sweet corn adds a nice balance to the savory sandwich.

SUBS, TIPS AND VARIATIONS TO A CLASSIC REUBEN SANDWICH:

Next time switch things up with a Rachel sandwich that swaps out the corned beef for turkey.

Try different breads like dark rye bread or marble rye.

Use slices of cheese that melt well like Swiss cheese.

Cook the sandwich over medium heat so the bread turns a nice golden brown without burning.

Enjoy!