Grilled corned beef and sauerkraut on rye with Russian dressing
Classic Reuben Sandwich
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
8 min
Total Time
13 min
Servings
2
2 sandwiches
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Moderate
$$
Recipe at a Glance
A deli-style Reuben with piled-high corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing on griddled rye bread.
Cuisine: American
Category: Main
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: $$
Quick Summary
13 min total time|2 servings|Easy difficulty
A deli-style Reuben with piled-high corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing on griddled rye bread.
American
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
The Reuben is a perfect balance of salty corned beef, tangy kraut, nutty Swiss, and creamy dressing. Griddling it in butter takes it to the next level.
This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 8 oz sliced corned beef
- 4 slices rye bread
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup sauerkraut, well drained
- 3 tbsp Russian or Thousand Island dressing
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
Instructions
- 1
Spread dressing on one side of each bread slice. Layer Swiss cheese, corned beef, and sauerkraut on two slices.
- 2
Top with remaining Swiss cheese and bread (dressing side down). Butter the outsides.
- 3
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook sandwiches 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cheese melts.
- 4
Press gently with a spatula while cooking for a compact, melty sandwich.
- 5
Slice in half and serve immediately with pickles and coleslaw.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Substitutions
Corned beefPastrami
Smokier, peppery flavor
Rye breadPumpernickel
Darker, slightly sweeter
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Squeeze sauerkraut very dry to prevent soggy bread.
Warm the corned beef briefly before assembling for faster cheese melting.
Use a panini press if you have one for the crispiest exterior.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Label with the date and recipe name.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat to re-crisp the bread.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (90mg) · 2 servings
Calories580
LowModerateHigh
A hearty, energy-rich serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein30g
Carbohydrates34g
Fat36g
Fiber1200mg
Sugar3g
Sodium4g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use pastrami?
- Yes—a pastrami Reuben is called a Rachel in some regions.
- What is Russian dressing?
- Similar to Thousand Island but with horseradish. Either works.
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About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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