What Is a Reuben Sandwich?
A Reuben sandwich is a classic deli sandwich made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing, all grilled between two slices of rye bread. This iconic sandwich was first invented in New York City in 1914, and has since become one of the most popular deli sandwiches in the world. Reuben sandwiches are perfect for lunch or dinner, and they’re surprisingly easy to make at home.
Ingredients Needed to Make a Reuben Sandwich
To make a delicious Reuben sandwich, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Corned beef
- Swiss cheese
- Sauerkraut
- Russian dressing
- Rye bread
- Butter or margarine
Step-by-Step Guide for Making a Reuben Sandwich
Making a Reuben sandwich is fairly easy, and it only takes about 10 minutes. Here’s a step-by-step guide for making this classic deli sandwich:
- Spread the butter or margarine on one side of each slice of rye bread.
- Place one slice of rye bread butter-side down in a skillet over medium heat.
- Layer the corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on the rye bread.
- Top the sandwich with the other slice of rye bread, butter-side up.
- Cook the sandwich on one side until it’s golden brown and the cheese has melted, about 3 minutes.
- Flip the sandwich and cook it on the other side until it’s golden brown, about 2 minutes.
- Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Cut the sandwich in half and serve.
Tips for Making the Perfect Reuben Sandwich
Here are a few tips for making the perfect Reuben sandwich:
- Use freshly-cooked corned beef for the best results. Deli-style corned beef can also be used.
- Be generous with the Russian dressing. It’s what makes a Reuben sandwich unique.
- If you don’t have rye bread, you can use marble rye, pumpernickel, or sourdough.
- If you don’t have Russian dressing, you can use Thousand Island dressing instead.
- For an extra-special Reuben sandwich, add a few slices of bacon.
Other Reuben Sandwich Recipes to Try
If you’re looking for some variation on the classic Reuben sandwich recipe, here are a few ideas to try:
- Reuben Quesadilla: Swap out the rye bread for tortillas and make a quesadilla instead.
- Grilled Reuben Panini: Make a grilled panini sandwich with rye bread, corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut.
- Reuben Wrap: Wrap all the ingredients in a flour tortilla for a delicious wrap sandwich.
- Reuben Sliders: Make mini-versions of the Reuben sandwich with slider buns.
- Reuben Burger: Swap out the rye bread for a hamburger bun, and top the burger with all the classic Reuben ingredients.
Conclusion
The Reuben sandwich is a classic deli sandwich that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. All you need is some corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing, and you’ll have a delicious sandwich in no time. With a few simple tips and a few variations, you can make the perfect Reuben sandwich every time.
