Reuben Sandwich Recipe

The Reuben has been an American lunchtime favorite since the mid-twentieth century. Some say it was created as a poker night snack on a long-ago Nebraska evening. Others insist that it must have evolved in New York City delicatessens. While we may never be sure of its origin, one thing we absolutely do know — it’s delicious. That toasty buttered rye bread and gooey melted Swiss intertwined with the sauerkraut all make the corned beef sing. Add in the creamy sweet kick from the dressing and you have a culinary masterpiece. Corned beef is the standard star of the Reuben but pastrami and turkey are legitimate variations. No matter how you like them, making a Reuben at home is deceptively easy. Follow the recipe below and see that one bite of this decadent flavor combination will leave your family begging for seconds.

Reuben Sandwich Recipe

Ingredients
2 teaspoons butter, divided, at room temperature
2 slices of marbled rye bread
1-2 slices Swiss cheese
6-8 ounces corned beef
1/2 cup of sauerkraut, drained
2 tablespoons Thousand Island or Russian dressing

Equipment
*Skillet
*Sandwich weight (like a cast iron grill press or a brick wrapped in aluminum foil)
*Spatula
*Lid large enough to enclose the sandwich while in the skillet

Instructions
*Put the sauerkraut in cheesecloth and wring out as much liquid as possible. Set aside.
*Lightly butter each slice of bread on one side.
*Heat a skillet to low-medium.
*Add remaining butter to the skillet.
*When the butter is melted, place one slice of bread, butter side down, in the skillet.
*With a spoon, spread dressing on the bread.
*Add the cheese on top of the bread.
*Add the sauerkraut on top of the cheese.
*Add the corned beef on top of the sauerkraut.
*Top with another slice of bread, butter side out.
*Using either a grill press or a brick wrapped in aluminum foil, gently press the sandwich down into the skillet.
*After three minutes, remove the weight and gently flip the sandwich over with the spatula.
*Put the lid over the sandwich so that the steam will melt the cheese.
*Cook for about three minutes.
*Remove the lid and flip the sandwich back over. The bottom should be golden brown. If the cheese is not melted, put the lid back on.
*Continue flipping the sandwich until the bread is golden brown on both sides and the cheese is melted.
*Let stand on serving plate for two minutes before cutting it in half.

Where to Get Your Reuben Sandwich Ingredients

Attention sandwich makers in Southern Oregon! The Butcher Shop is a one-stop destination for the highest quality meats and cheeses for all of your sandwich needs. They also have a wide variety of locally sourced produce to choose from, so you might as well stock up while you’re there.