The Classic Reuben Sandwich is a favorite! Homemade corned beef, sauerkraut, Russian dressing, and Swiss cheese are combined in this delicious sandwich!
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The Reuben Sandwich
Tender corned beef, tangy and tart sauerkraut, sweet Russian dressing, and funky Swiss cheese: these are the things that make up a delicious Reuben Sandwich! It’s all combined between two slices of Rye bread and grilled to perfection. Read on to learn more about this super tasty sandwich!
Ingredients for Reuben Sandwiches
The method for making a Reuben Sandwich is just as easy as any other sandwich: a collection of ingredients are sandwiched between two slices of bread. The Reuben being a hot sandwich, it’s then lightly grilled in an oiled pan, until the bread is crispy and the interior is warmed through and melted.
Here’s what you need to make them:
- Corned Beef. Historically being a person who would pick up Corned Beef from their local Deli, it wasn’t until I tried making my own Corned Beef that I really experienced a Reuben for real. I walk you through how to do it in this post! (Note that Deli Corned Beef is just fine too, although you’ll want it sliced a little thicker ideally!).
- Sauerkraut. That distinct tang of this classic sandwich comes from fermented cabbage. The sour condiment adds the funky layer of flavor that a reuben isn’t complete without.
- Russian dressing. The light pink hued sauce is a combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, pickles, and other ingredients. It’s similar to Thousand Island dressing, and adds that saucy component that every sandwich needs.
- Swiss cheese. The glue that keeps everything together in this sandwich, Swiss cheeses’ nuttiness stands up to the other savory flavors.
- Rye bread. This sturdy bread is dense yet soft, serving as the perfect option to hold all the ingredients together.
How To Make Reuben Sandwiches
- Arrange slices of bread on a cutting board. Spread Russian dressing on each slice.
- Divide sauerkraut amongst 4 slices. Top with shredded Swiss cheese. Add corned beef slices and top with remaining slices of bread.
- In a large skillet, melt 1-2 tablespoons of butter. Carefully place sandwiches in the skillet, allowing the bread to crisp up and brown. Using a large spatula, slip each sandwich.
- Cover the pan, which will help the cheese melt. Once the other side of the sandwich is browned and the cheese is melted through, remove sandwiches to a cutting board to cool slightly. Use a sharp knife to cut each sandwich in half. Serve warm.
Tools To Make Reuben Sandwiches
- Mesh Strainer (to strain the sauerkraut)
- Cast Iron Skillet Griddle or Skillet Pan
- Cheese Grater
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Classic Reuben Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 8 slices Rye Bread
- 1/2 cup Russian dressing
- 8-10 large slices homemade corned beef, recipe linked below
- 15 oz can sauerkraut, drained
- 8 oz Swiss cheese, shredded
- 2 Tbsp butter
Instructions
- Arrange slices of bread on a cutting board. Spread Russian dressing on each slice.
- Divide sauerkraut amongst 4 slices. Top with shredded Swiss cheese. Add corned beef slices and top with remaining slices of bread.
- In a large skillet, melt 1-2 tablespoons of butter. Carefully place sandwiches in the skillet, allowing the bread to crisp up and brown. Using a large spatula, slip each sandwich.
- Cover the pan, which will help the cheese melt. Once the other side of the sandwich is browned and the cheese is melted through, remove sandwiches to a cutting board to cool slightly. Use a sharp knife to cut each sandwich in half. Serve warm.
Today, I am so excited to start making your Classic Home made Corned Beef recipe. I have everything for it except, have NO idea what ‘pink curing salt’ is (Prague Powder #1). I have not come across that. Lexa tells me it is Sodium Nitrate used in curing jerky and ham. And informed, Aldi and Festival Foods may carry it. Do I Need to go get Pink Curing Salt?
Hi Adam! Yes, you will need the pink curing salt – this is what will cure the meat. This won’t be a step or ingredient to skip! You can find this at many butcher shops and I’ve even found it on Amazon. I hope you enjoy!