Classic Reuben Sandwich (Printable)

Savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and creamy Russian dressing grilled between hearty rye bread slices.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bread & Cheese

01 - 4 slices rye bread
02 - 4 slices Swiss cheese

→ Meat

03 - 7 oz corned beef, thinly sliced

→ Vegetables

04 - 1 cup sauerkraut, well drained

→ Dressing

05 - 4 tbsp Russian dressing

→ For Grilling

06 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

# How-To Steps:

01 - Lay out the rye bread slices on a clean work surface. Spread 1 tablespoon of Russian dressing evenly on one side of each slice.
02 - On two of the dressed bread slices, place a slice of Swiss cheese. Distribute half the corned beef over the cheese, followed by half the drained sauerkraut. Top with another slice of Swiss cheese.
03 - Place the remaining bread slices on top, dressing side down, to complete two sandwiches. Press gently to compact the layers.
04 - Spread the softened butter evenly over the outside surface of each sandwich, coating both the top and bottom bread slices thoroughly.
05 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread turns golden brown and the cheese melts completely.
06 - Remove sandwiches from the skillet and let rest for 1 minute. Slice each sandwich in half diagonally and serve warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The way the Russian dressing gets warm and just slightly caramelized against the rye bread creates this sticky, tangy crust that you cannot replicate any other way
  • Its basically a deli counter experience in your own kitchen without needing to shout your order over glass display cases
  • The mess is totally worth it when that first cheesy, sauerkraut-filled bite hits your tongue
02 -
  • Draining your sauerkraut is not optional unless you want soggy sad bread that falls apart in your hands
  • Medium heat might feel too slow but cranking it up will burn the bread before the cheese melts
  • Pressing too hard with your spatula will squeeze everything out so use a gentle but firm hand
03 -
  • Mayo mixed with a little ketchup and pickle relish makes a perfectly acceptable emergency Russian dressing
  • If your cheese is not melting you can tent the pan with foil for thirty seconds but watch closely
  • A panini press works but you lose that rustic grilled bread texture that makes this special
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