Classic Reuben sandwich layers (Printable version)

Savory layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese on hearty rye bread grilled to perfection.

# Needed ingredients:

→ Bread & Cheese

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

→ Meat

03 - 7 ounces corned beef, thinly sliced

→ Vegetables

04 - 1 cup sauerkraut, well drained

→ Dressing

05 - 4 tablespoons Russian dressing

→ For Grilling

06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# How to make it:

01 - Place rye bread slices on a clean surface and evenly spread 1 tablespoon of Russian dressing on one side of each slice.
02 - On two bread slices, layer one slice of Swiss cheese, half of the corned beef, half of the sauerkraut, and another slice of Swiss cheese.
03 - Cover each stack with the remaining bread slices, dressing side down, to form two complete sandwiches.
04 - Spread softened butter evenly over the exterior surfaces of both sides of each sandwich.
05 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place sandwiches onto the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
06 - Remove sandwiches from heat and allow to rest for 1 minute before slicing in half and serving warm.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • It's deceptively simple but tastes like you spent hours perfecting it in a commercial kitchen.
  • The contrast between crispy, buttered rye and creamy, tangy fillings is genuinely addictive.
  • You can make it in under 20 minutes and still feel like you've treated yourself to something special.
02 -
  • Don't skip draining the sauerkraut or your sandwich will be a soggy disappointment; squeeze it gently in a clean kitchen towel to remove excess liquid.
  • Medium heat is your friend here; high heat will char the bread before the cheese melts, and nobody wants that trade-off.
  • The gentle pressing with the spatula is what melds everything together and ensures even browning on both sides.
03 -
  • Softened butter spreads more evenly than cold butter, and it creates a superior golden crust without any burnt spots.
  • Pressing gently while the sandwich grills ensures even contact with the heat and helps the cheese melt uniformly throughout.
Go back