This Classic Reuben Sandwich is meaty, cheesy, and full of flavor. It 100% lives up to the famed local deli classic you’d find in New York City, without having to leave home!
Made of marbled rye bread, tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Thousand Island dressing, and gooey Swiss cheese, this sandwich is perfect for when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying.
I could personally eat a sandwich every day of the week. They are so versatile, and you can put just about anything between two slices of bread and call it a meal. But there’s something special about a classic Reuben sandwich. It just hits that spot every single time!
The only labor involved is making the dressing, which is honestly super simple and totally worth it. You could even turn this into a grilled cheese sandwich by spreading on some butter and heating it over a skillet. Delicious.
What’s In Our Classic Reuben Sandwich
Our homemade Thousand Island dressing is what really sets these Reuben sandwiches apart. Mayonnaise is the base, which makes the dressing super rich and creamy.
It is then mixed with ketchup to add a tangy sweetness, along with minced yellow onion and minced pickles for added flavor and texture. A little sugar is added as well to deliver just the right amount of sweetness!
Then you got everything else you love about a traditional Reuben sandwich: slices of rye bread, corned beef, swiss cheese, and sauerkraut. All these elements add up to make one darn good sandwich.
Variations and Substitutions
Just because we kept it classic doesn’t mean you have to! There are also ways to maintain that classic flavor if you need to sub out some ingredients due to diet restrictions. Here are some ideas:
Thousand Island dressing: You’re welcome to use store-bought Thousand Island dressing to save time, but we highly encourage you to make your own. Trust us, it’s worth the extra effort.
Marbled rye bread: If you can’t find marbled rye, regular dark rye bread works just fine. You could also use a hearty sourdough or any choice of bread you prefer.
Corned beef: If you don’t eat meat, you can substitute with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. For a vegan option, try using marinated and grilled portobello mushrooms in place of the corned beef.
Swiss cheese: Any type of cheese that melts well will work in this beef sandwich. Try cheddar, pepper jack, or even a plant-based cheese for a dairy-free option.
Sauerkraut: If you don’t like sauerkraut, you can substitute it with coleslaw for added crunch and tanginess. You could also try pickle relish for a different flavor profile.
Top Tips for Classic Reuben Sandwich Recipe
- To make it into a grilled cheese, spread 1 tablespoon of butter on the top and bottom of the sandwich. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side.
- If you’re serving a crowd, consider making these into mini sandwiches by using slider buns and adjusting the ingredient amounts accordingly. Perfect for game day or parties!
- Be generous with the dressing. It adds amazing flavor to the sandwich and makes it extra creamy.
- Toast the bread before assembling the sandwich to give it a good crunch and prevent it from getting soggy.
Storage + Freezer Directions
Place any leftovers of your classic sandwich in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for 1 to 2 days. We recommend storing the sandwich ingredients pre-assembled for maximum freshness.
Want to make these sandwiches ahead of time? Prepare them as directed, then wrap them in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, simply thaw in the fridge and heat it up in a skillet or microwave.
What to Serve with this Classic Reuben Sandwich
This iconic sandwich should be the starring act of your meal, but there are some tasty sides that would pair well with it. Here are a few suggestions:
- Potato Salad: Of course, you can’t go wrong with a classic potato salad! This Dill Potato Salad with Blue Cheese is creamy, tangy, and perfect for summer picnics.
- French Fries: Keep it simple and serve up some Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries on the side. It’s a classic combination that can’t go wrong.
Soup: If you’re like me and LOVE dunking your sandwiches in a warm bowl of soup, you should definitely try this Cheesy Potato Soup, Creamy Tomato Soup, or our Go-To French Onion Soup!
Classic Reuben Sandwich
Ingredients
Thousand Island Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ yellow onion minced
- ⅓ cup pickles minced
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
Reuben Sandwich
- 8 slices marble rye bread toasted
- 1 lb. sliced corned beef
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 cup sauerkraut
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened (optional)
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients for the dressing into a bowl and stir to combine. Set aside.
- Reuben Sandwich
- To assemble the sandwich, lay 4 slices of bread onto a cutting board. Pile ¼ lb. of corned beef on top of each slice, ¼ cup of sauerkraut, and 2 slices of Swiss cheese. Spread ¼ cup of the Thousand Island dressing onto each of the remaining slices of bread. Place the slices on top of each sandwich.
- Serve immediately or wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate.
Tips & Notes
- To make it into a grilled cheese Reuben, spread 1 tablespoon of butter on the top and bottom of the sandwich. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side.
