The Ultimate Reuben Sandwich Recipe: A Classic Comfort Food
The Reuben sandwich. Just the name conjures up images of gooey melted cheese, crisp sauerkraut, and savory corned beef piled high on rye bread. This isn't just a sandwich; it's a culinary experience. And this recipe will guide you to making the ultimate Reuben at home.
Ingredients for the Perfect Reuben:
This recipe makes two generously sized Reuben sandwiches.
- For the Corned Beef:
- 1 pound thinly sliced corned beef (look for good quality, flavorful slices)
- For the Sauerkraut:
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained well (don't skip draining – excess moisture is the enemy of a good Reuben!)
- For the Swiss Cheese:
- 4 slices of good quality Swiss cheese (the nutty flavor is key)
- For the Thousand Island Dressing: (Homemade is best, but store-bought works in a pinch)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- A dash of Worcestershire sauce
- A pinch of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Bread:
- 4 slices of good quality rye bread (marbled rye is traditional, but any good quality rye will do)
- For Grilling (optional):
- Butter or margarine
Instructions: Building Your Reuben Masterpiece:
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Prepare the Thousand Island Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Pro Tip: Make this ahead of time for better flavor blending.
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Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a thin layer of Thousand Island dressing on both slices of each piece of rye bread. On one slice of each bread, layer the sauerkraut, followed by the corned beef, and finally top with the Swiss cheese. Top with the other slice of bread.
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Grill (Optional but Recommended): This is where the magic happens. Lightly butter the outside of each sandwich. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Press down gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking and to help melt the cheese.
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Serve Immediately: Cut each sandwich in half (diagonally, for that classic Reuben look!) and serve immediately. The Reuben is best enjoyed while hot and the cheese is still gooey.
Tips for Reuben Sandwich Success:
- Don't Overcrowd the Sandwich: Too much filling will make it difficult to cook evenly and will result in a messy, hard-to-handle sandwich.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your Reuben relies heavily on the quality of your corned beef, Swiss cheese, and rye bread.
- Don't Skip the Grilling: Grilling adds a fantastic crispy texture to the bread and melts the cheese perfectly.
- Get Creative: While this is a classic recipe, feel free to experiment! Add caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, or different types of cheese for a unique twist.
Keywords: Reuben sandwich recipe, corned beef, swiss cheese, sauerkraut, thousand island dressing, rye bread, grilled sandwich, comfort food, easy recipe, classic recipe, homemade recipe
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