How to Make a Delicious Reuben Sandwich at Home

Are you craving a delicious sandwich? Why not try making a Reuben at home? This classic sandwich is packed with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, all nestled between two slices of rye bread. But don’t worry, making a Reuben is easy and can be done in the comfort of your own kitchen.

To start, gather all the necessary ingredients – rye bread, corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing. If you can’t find rye bread, substitute with pumpernickel or another dark bread. Heat up a skillet over medium heat and add butter or cooking spray. Toast the bread slices until lightly browned. Then, add a few slices of corned beef on one slice of bread, followed by a layer of sauerkraut and Swiss cheese. Spread Thousand Island dressing on the other slice of bread, then put the two slices together to create your Reuben sandwich. Repeat this process until you have made enough sandwiches to satisfy your hunger.

Section: How to Make the Perfect Reuben Sandwich

1. Gather the Right Ingredients

To make the perfect Reuben sandwich, you’ll need corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, rye bread, Thousand Island dressing, and butter. You can buy the corned beef fresh or from a can. However, if you want to make it completely from scratch, follow a corned beef recipe. For the rye bread, you can purchase it from a bakery or make it yourself.

2. Prepare the Ingredients

After gathering the ingredients, it’s time to prepare them. Begin by slicing the corned beef and Swiss cheese thinly. Drain the sauerkraut and set it aside. To make Thousand Island dressing, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, and finely chopped onion.

3. Preheat the Grill or Pan

Preheat your grill or pan over medium heat. Meanwhile, butter the slices of rye bread on one side only.

4. Assemble the Sandwich

Lay a slice of bread on a plate, butter side down. Add a layer of corned beef, followed by a mound of sauerkraut. Pour a generous amount of Thousand Island dressing over the sauerkraut and add a slice of Swiss cheese on top. Cover with the second slice of bread, butter side up.

5. Grill the Sandwich

Place the sandwich on the grill or pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. If using a pan, place a heavy object on top of the sandwich to press it down and create a crispy exterior.

6. Check the Sandwich

Check the sandwich regularly to ensure it doesn’t burn. The cheese should be melted, and the bread should be golden brown and crispy.

7. Remove the Sandwich from the Grill or Pan

Once the sandwich is cooked, remove it from the heat source and place it on a cutting board.

8. Cut and Serve the Sandwich

Using a sharp knife, cut the sandwich in half diagonally and serve immediately. Reuben sandwiches are best enjoyed hot and fresh.

9. Customize Your Reuben Sandwich

Feel free to customize your Reuben sandwich to your liking. You can swap out Swiss cheese for another type of cheese or use marbled rye bread. You can also add or remove ingredients as you please.

10. Enjoy Your Delicious Reuben Sandwich

Following these easy steps is the key to making the perfect Reuben sandwich. Now that you know how to make it, enjoy your delicious creation! Whether it’s for lunch, dinner, or a midnight snack, a Reuben sandwich is always a satisfying option.

Section 2: Ingredients and Preparation

Gathering the Ingredients

The first step in making a great Reuben sandwich is to gather all the necessary ingredients. Luckily, Reubens are not too complex, and most of the ingredients are easily accessible. You’ll need corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, rye bread, Thousand Island dressing, butter, and pickles.

Preparing the Corned Beef

Corned beef is the essential foundation of a good Reuben sandwich. You can find corned beef in most grocery stores, but be sure to get a good cut with a lot of marbling. Start cooking your corned beef by placing it in a large pot and covering it with water. Add some pickling spice and let it simmer for about 3 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.

Preparing the Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut is another essential element of a Reuben sandwich. Rinse your sauerkraut in cold water and drain it well. In a small saucepan, sauté some sliced onions in butter and add the drained sauerkraut, a bit of sugar, and caraway seeds. Let it cook for about 20 minutes until the flavors meld together, then set it aside.

Preparing the Bread

Traditional Reuben sandwiches are made with rye bread, but you can use any bread that you like. Be sure to get a good quality bread that can hold the filling without falling apart. Butter both sides of the bread and toast them on a griddle or in a pan until they are golden brown and crispy.

Assembling the Sandwich

Now that you have all of your ingredients prepped, it’s time to assemble the sandwich. Begin by spreading Thousand Island dressing on each slice of the bread. Layer on a generous portion of corned beef, followed by sauerkraut, and then Swiss cheese. Top the sandwich with the other slice of bread, and give it a good press with a spatula to meld all the flavors together.

Grilling the Sandwich

Grilling the sandwich is essential to achieving the perfect texture and flavor of a Reuben sandwich. Heat up a griddle or pan over medium heat and place the sandwich on it. Grill each side for about five minutes, or until it’s golden brown and crispy. To keep the cheese from oozing out, you can cover the sandwich with a lid as it cooks.

Adding Extra Flavor

If you want to add an extra kick of flavor to your Reuben sandwich, try adding some sliced pickles or mustard to the sandwich. Irish mustard is a great choice for those who like a bit more heat.

Serving Suggestions

Reuben sandwiches are the perfect comfort food and can be served any time of day. Serve it with some crispy fries, sweet potato fries, or coleslaw for a complete meal.

Leftovers

If you have any leftover ingredients, you can use them to make a Reuben casserole. Layer cooked noodles, sauerkraut, corned beef, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing in a baking dish, then bake it in the oven for about 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Final Thoughts

Making a Reuben sandwich is a simple and enjoyable process, and the end result is a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy. Experiment with different ingredients and find the perfect combination that suits your taste buds. Whether you’re making it for lunch, dinner, or a midnight snack, a Reuben sandwich is always a good idea.

Ingredients for Making a Delicious Reuben Sandwich

If you want to know how to make a delicious Reuben sandwich, you need to start with the right ingredients. Here are the must-haves for a classic Reuben:

The Meat

The meat is the foundation of a delicious Reuben sandwich, so choose wisely. Corned beef is the traditional meat of choice. It’s a salt-cured beef brisket that’s typically sold already cooked. Look for a well-marbled cut to ensure that the meat stays juicy and flavorful. You can also use pastrami if you prefer a smokier flavor.

The Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut adds a tangy and sour note to the sandwich, cutting through the richness of the meat and cheese. It’s made by fermenting cabbage in salt and water. Look for a high-quality sauerkraut that has been aged for several weeks to develop a deep, complex flavor.

The Cheese

Swiss cheese is the classic cheese for a Reuben sandwich. It’s a mild, nutty cheese with a smooth texture that melts beautifully. You can also use a more flavorful cheese like Gruyere or Emmental.

The Thousand Island Dressing

Thousand Island dressing is the finishing touch that adds moisture and a tangy, sweet flavor to the sandwich. It’s a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, and spices. You can make it from scratch or use a store-bought version.

The Bread and Butter

Rye bread is the traditional bread for a Reuben sandwich. It’s a dense, chewy bread with a distinctive flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients. Make sure to use high-quality rye bread that’s sturdy enough to hold up to the filling.

To add a crispy texture and a slightly nutty flavor, butter the bread and grill it until golden brown before assembling the sandwich. This step takes a little extra time, but it’s worth it for the added crunch and richness.

Now that you know the ingredients, it’s time to assemble your Reuben sandwich. In the next section, we’ll go over the step-by-step process of making this classic deli sandwich.

Time to Dig In!

Congrats, you’ve made it to the end! You now have all the knowledge and skills needed to whip up a classic Reuben sandwich at home – and I’m sure it’s going to taste amazing! I hope you enjoyed reading this guide as much as I enjoyed writing it, and if you have any feedback or questions, don’t hesitate to let me know in the comments. Also, make sure to check back soon for more delicious recipes and cooking tips that will help you take your home cooking to the next level. Thanks for stopping by, and see ya in the next article!