Print

Crispy Corned Beef Reuben Sandwich

crispy corned beef Reuben sandwich - featured image

This classic Reuben sandwich features crispy, golden rye bread filled with juicy corned beef, melty Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and homemade Russian dressing. It’s quick, comforting, and perfect for lunch or brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 slices rye bread (preferably seeded, thick-cut)
  • 12 oz deli-sliced corned beef
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese (about 4 oz)
  • 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and patted dry
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp prepared horseradish
  • 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp sweet pickle relish (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, sweet pickle relish, and a pinch of salt and black pepper to make Russian dressing. Stir until smooth and set aside.
  2. Place sauerkraut on paper towels and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
  3. Spread about 1/2 tbsp softened butter on one side of each rye bread slice.
  4. Lay out 4 bread slices, butter side down. Spread 1 tbsp Russian dressing on each.
  5. Layer each with about 3 oz corned beef, a generous spoonful of sauerkraut, and a slice of Swiss cheese.
  6. Top with remaining bread slices, butter side up.
  7. Preheat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium heat for about 3 minutes.
  8. Place sandwiches in the pan (work in batches if needed). Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula, until golden brown and crispy.
  9. If bread browns before cheese melts, lower heat and cover pan for 1-2 minutes to help cheese melt.
  10. Remove sandwiches from pan, let rest for a minute, then slice in half and serve hot.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free rye or multigrain bread. For vegetarian, substitute corned beef with grilled portobello mushrooms or tempeh. Thousand Island dressing can be used instead of Russian. Drain sauerkraut well to avoid soggy bread. Butter both sides of bread for extra crispiness. If cheese isn’t melting, cover pan briefly. Sandwich is best served hot and fresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: Reuben sandwich, corned beef, crispy sandwich, lunch, rye bread, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, Russian dressing, comfort food, deli sandwich