Reuben Sandwich
Ingredients
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- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon onion – finely grated
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground
- 1 1/2 cups sauerkraut – drained and squeezed dry
- 8 slices rye bread
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – softened
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 16 ounces corned beef – thinly sliced
- dill pickle spears – for serving
Instructions
1. Make the Russian dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, prepared horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, paprika, hot sauce, finely grated onion, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth.
2. Prep the sauerkraut: Place the drained, squeezed-dry sauerkraut in a dry skillet over medium heat and cook, stirring, until steaming and excess moisture has evaporated, 3–5 minutes; transfer to a bowl.
3. Warm the corned beef: Add the thinly sliced corned beef to the same skillet over medium-low heat, cover, and warm until hot and pliable, 2–3 minutes; remove from the heat.
4. Lay out the rye bread and spread Russian dressing on one side of each slice.
5. Build the sandwiches: Place 2 slices of Swiss cheese on each of 4 dressed bread slices, then evenly pile on the warm corned beef and top with the warmed sauerkraut. Close with the remaining bread, dressing side down.
6. Butter the outsides of each sandwich with the softened butter.
7. Griddle the sandwiches in a large skillet or on a griddle over medium heat until the bread is deep golden and crisp and the cheese is melted, 3–4 minutes per side. Reduce heat if browning too quickly and press gently with a spatula for even contact.
8. Rest 1 minute, slice each sandwich in half, and serve hot with dill pickle spears.
The Reuben Sandwich is a hot, griddled deli classic that layers tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Russian dressing, and nutty Swiss cheese between rye bread. The combination hits every register: salty, sour, sweet, and savory, with crisp, buttery toast giving way to a melty interior. It’s hearty, messy in the best way, and built to be eaten fresh off the griddle.
The sandwich’s origin story is debated, with strong claims from early 20th-century American deli culture. Many credit a grocer named Reuben Kulakofsky and the Blackstone Hotel in Omaha with popularizing it in the 1920s, while others point to New York City delis as the true cradle. Either way, the Reuben became an emblematic American sandwich, bridging Jewish delicatessen traditions (corned beef, rye) with non-kosher elements (cheese) to create an enduring diner and deli staple.