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Crispy Reuben Sandwich Recipe with Easy Homemade Zesty Russian Dressing

crispy reuben sandwich - featured image

A crispy, warm Reuben sandwich featuring homemade zesty Russian dressing, corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese grilled to perfection on rye bread. This recipe offers a perfect balance of tang, creaminess, and crunch for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 slices rye bread (preferably seeded rye)
  • 12 oz thinly sliced corned beef (high-quality deli meat like Boar’s Head)
  • 8 slices Swiss cheese (good melting Swiss like Emmental)
  • 1 cup sauerkraut, well-drained
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (recommend Hellmann’s)
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Make the Zesty Russian Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, prepared horseradish, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill while preparing the sandwich.
  2. Prepare the Sauerkraut: Place sauerkraut in a paper towel or clean kitchen cloth and press firmly to remove excess moisture.
  3. Assemble the Sandwiches: Lay out 4 slices of rye bread. Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of the homemade Russian dressing evenly on each slice. On two slices, layer 3 oz of corned beef evenly, then top with 2 slices of Swiss cheese. Add about ½ cup of pressed sauerkraut on top of the cheese. Finish each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, dressing side down.
  4. Butter the Bread: Spread softened unsalted butter on the outside of each sandwich slice evenly.
  5. Grill the Sandwiches: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place sandwiches in the pan and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula. Look for a deep golden-brown crust and melted cheese.
  6. Check Doneness: Ensure bread is crispy, cheese melted, and filling hot. Lower heat if bread browns too fast before cheese melts.
  7. Serve: Remove from skillet, let rest for a minute, cut in half diagonally, and serve with extra Russian dressing, dill pickles, or chips.

Notes

Press sauerkraut well to avoid soggy bread. Butter bread right before grilling to keep it crispy. Use medium heat to get a golden crust without burning. Let Russian dressing chill for at least 20 minutes for best flavor. For gluten-free option, use gluten-free rye or sandwich bread and adjust grilling time.

Nutrition

Keywords: Reuben sandwich, crispy sandwich, homemade Russian dressing, corned beef sandwich, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, rye bread, grilled sandwich