I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel here - Reubens have been around for a long time - I'm just sharing how I make it. For those of you out there who have never had a Reuben, this is your sign to try one!
I've included a recipe for a homemade Russian-style spread, but you can use 1,000 Island or Russian dressing.
Reuben Sandwich
Ingredients
marbled rye bread
Swiss cheese
sauerkraut, well-drained
corned beef
Russian or 1,000 Island dressing - or recipe below
Russian spread
1/2 cup mayo
2 Tbsp ketchup
1 Tbsp prepared horseradish
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp hot sauce (or vinegar)
2 Tbsp finely chopped onion
Butter or margarine for toasting
Directions
Make Russian spread - whisk together mayo, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, hot sauce (vinegar), and onion.
Assemble sandwich - Place two slices of the marble rye on a flat surface. Spread a generous amount of dressing/spread on each slice of bread.
Place a slice of Swiss cheese on each slice of bread.
Pile corned beef on one slice of the bread.
Top with a generous amount of well-drained sauerkraut.
Close up the sandwich.
NOTE - you can fill the Reuben as full as you like it. Stuff it with more corned beef, more sauerkraut, or more cheese. It's up to you how much you put in there!
Preheat a skillet over medium heat.
Spread butter on the top of the sandwich and then place that side down in the skillet.
Spread a little more butter on top of the sandwiches.
Cover the pan with a lid and let cook for about 3 - 4 minutes. Watch that your heat isn't too high or the bread will burn before the cheese has time to get melty.
After 3 - 4 minutes, carefully flip the Reuben over and continue cooking until cheese is melty and sandwich is heated through. (Note - this will take longer if you have a ton of meat and sauerkraut inside. You can lower the heat and let it sit a bit longer)
When it reaches your desired level of doneness (I like mine a golden brown and the cheese melted). You can remove them from the pan, cut in half, and serve hot.
I am not a big sauerkraut fan, but I love the tanginess it adds to this sandwich.
I did not include measurements as the amount of filling you want to put into the Reuben is completely up to you. Some people like to pile it mile-high; others just a pinch of sauerkraut.
You can make a dirty Reuben by adding pickles, onions, a fried egg, or tons of extra sauce.
Traditionally, a Reuben is made with rye bread, but ciabatta is a good substitute as well.
Let us know what other delicious sandwiches we should make!
Need an amazing electric skillet like the one pictured here?
Try this one - Elite Gourmet Skillet - LINK HERE
We are members of the Amazon Affiliate Program and, as such, may receive a small payment if you order using our link. Thank you for your support.
