
Table of Contents
Introduction:
The Reuben sandwich is a delicious classic American recipe that is a favorite of sandwich lovers everywhere. You can serve it as your lunch, and it’s also a perfect recipe for your kids’ school or office tiffin.
With just a few ingredients and a little grilling, you’ll soon be savoring one of America’s most beloved sandwiches. So fire up the pan and follow our recipe to make this piping hot and flavorful sandwich in 25-30 minutes.
Ingredients:
For One Classic Reuben Sandwich-
- 2 slices of rye bread
(Spread softened butter or mayo on one side of each slice of marbled or seeded rye bread)
- 4 to 6 slices of corned beef
(Bake your cornbread in a loaf pan with a little less sugar and extra eggs, and let it cool completely. Then cut into ¾ inch thick slices.)
- 2 slices of Swiss cheese
(Use sliced Swiss cheese)
- 1⁄4 cup sauerkraut
(Place sauerkraut in a strainer drained well and press gently with a spoon or paper towel to remove excess brine)
- 2 tablespoons Russian dressing or Thousand Island dressing.
(For a tangy, sharp, slightly spicy taste, use Russian dressing for a traditional Reuben Sandwich, and if you want a creamy, slightly sweet, milder taste, then use Thousand Island dressing for a modern alternative.)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (softened)
How to Make a Reuben Sandwich:
Step 1: Assemble the Sandwich:

- Take a slice of rye bread and place it buttered side down and clean side up.
- Spread a generous layer of Russian or Thousand Island dressing on the side without butter, so that you can enjoy its taste with every bite.
- Next, add a slice of Swiss cheese on the dressing.
- Arrange the corned beef slices one after the other in an even layer on top of the rye bread.
- Spread the drained sauerkraut well.
- Top it off with another slice of Swiss cheese.
- Spread some dressing on the unbuttered side of the second slice of bread and place it on top, butter-side up.

Step 2: Grill to Perfection:
- Heat a griddle over medium heat.
- Carefully place the sandwich in the pan so as not to break it or spill the fillings. Then grill for 3 to 4 minutes until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
- Gently flip the sandwich over, taking care not to burn your hands and to keep the sandwich intact. Now grill the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes. Press down lightly with a spatula to help melt the cheese and crisp up the bread.
- After both sides are golden and the cheese is perfectly melted, take the sandwich out of the skillet.
Serving Suggestions:
- Cut the Reuben sandwich in half diagonally to make it look classic and traditional.
- You can serve it with a variety of pickles, crunchy potato chips, coleslaw, or a zesty dill pickle spear.
- Add a side of mustard for dipping or some extra dressing so anyone can add more flavor if they want.

Tips for the best Reuben Sandwich:
- Choose fresh, high-quality rye bread for the best texture and flavor.
- Gently squeeze the sandwich while grilling to help the cheese melt properly.
- Avoid overstuffing—it is very important to maintain the right amount to get the perfect taste.
- Serve it hot and crisp right away for the ultimate experience.
Variations:
- Rachel Sandwich: You can give it a different flavor by using turkey instead of corned beef and coleslaw instead of sauerkraut, and make it even more delicious.
- Vegetarian Reuben: If you’re vegetarian, try grilled tempeh or seitan with dairy-free cheese and a vegetarian dressing.
- Reuben Sliders: Create mini versions using slider buns—perfect for parties or game day.
- Open-Faced Reuben: You can also serve it as an open sandwich. Just use a slice of rye bread and bake it until everything is melted and delicious.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving):
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Protein: 35 grams
- Fat: 35 grams
- Carbohydrates: 45 grams
- Sodium: 1300 milligrams

How to Store and Reheat:
- Storing: If you want to store your sandwich, wrap it in foil and refrigerate it. It will keep for 2 days.
- Reheating: To serve it with a delicious crunch, heat it in a pan over low heat or in a toaster oven. Avoid the microwave as it will make the bread soggy.
The History of the Reuben Sandwich:
The origins of the Reuben sandwich are somewhat mysterious. When we try to trace its roots, two stories come in front of us. The first one is a story about a grocer in Omaha, Nebraska, who made a sandwich while playing late-night poker at the Blackstone Hotel and liked it so much that the hotel’s chef, Bernard Schimmel, added it to the menu.
The grocer’s name was Reuben Kulakofsky. The other story gives credit to Arnold Reuben, the owner of Reuben’s Delicatessen in New York City, where a version of the sandwich was served in the early 1900s. More important than where it was first invented is the sandwich’s creamy, slightly sour, and salty taste, which quickly became so popular that March 14th is celebrated as National Reuben Sandwich Day.

Conclusion:
The Reuben sandwich is truly a deli classic, blending flavor, texture, and tradition into one amazing meal. Grilled corned beef, swishy cheese, and a sauerkraut dressing are sandwiched between buttery rye bread, and every bite of this sandwich offers a burst of bold flavors and gooey textures in every bite.
The Reuben sandwich is a popular choice for both diners and delis due to its readily available ingredients and easy preparation. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or even as a satisfying snack, this warm sandwich is perfect for anyone who craves classic flavors that are both bold and balanced.
Also, I wrote an article about Tuna casserole. In learn this article, you will learn how to cook homemade Tuna casserole.