A Reuben sandwich is one of my family’s go-to quick meals. It’s delicious and simple to make. I love serving it with hot bowls of vegetable soup and a side of dill pickles for a perfect meal.
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What Is a Reuben Sandwich?
A Reuben is a toasted sandwich featuring corned beef on rye bread, usually accompanied by Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing. While it is a staple in Jewish-style delis, it isn’t considered kosher since it combines meat and dairy products.
Why is it called a Reuben?
According to local Omaha legend, the Reuben Sandwich was created in 1925 at the Blackstone Hotel by Reuben Kulakofsky, a grocer from the area. Kulakofsky made the sandwich to satisfy a group of late-night poker players. Charles Schimmel, one of the poker players and the hotel’s owner, loved it so much that he added it to the menu at The Plush Horse, the hotel’s restaurant. The Reuben quickly became a popular favorite, becoming a staple in delis nationwide.
How to Make a Reuben
- Spread dressing on one side of each bread slice.
- Layer the corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut to assemble the sandwich, buttering the top.
- Place the sandwich butter-side down on a hot skillet.
- Butter the other side, then flip once the bottom is golden brown.
- Cook until both sides are crispy and golden brown.
Are Reuben sandwiches from Germany?
The Reuben is a distinctly American sandwich from the early 20th century, with roots in the Midwest. Ironically, it’s a Jewish-inspired creation that isn’t kosher, combining meat and cheese. The sandwich was crafted by an assimilated Eastern European immigrant whose family had settled in the U.S. several generations prior, having left Russia, Poland, and Germany long before World War II. This blend of cultural influences helped shape the Reuben into the beloved American deli staple it is today.
Is Reuben’s sandwich healthy?
Reubens are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for lunch or dinner. While I love the savory combination of corned beef and rye bread, the downside is the high-calorie count! A typical deli Reuben can pack over 600 calories, not to mention the extra greasy fat and sodium that often come with it. It’s a delicious indulgence, but one to enjoy in moderation if you’re watching your intake.
Eliarecipes Community Tips and Praise
“This recipe was amazing,” shares Harper J. “My family adored it, and I’ll certainly be making it again! It was so quick and easy!”
“Here’s a grilling tip: Instead of butter, try spreading a thin layer of mayonnaise on the outside of the bread,” suggests one community member. “It adds a crispy texture to the sandwich, and no one will even realize it’s mayo!”
“These sandwiches were so easy to make,” says Ava H. “They tasted just as good, if not better, than what you’d get at a restaurant.”
Do you eat a Reuben hot or cold?
While a Reuben can be served cold, it truly shines when served hot, as the recipe suggests. The warmth melts the cheese, blending the flavors of corned beef, sauerkraut, and dressing into a deliciously gooey, satisfying sandwich. The result is a messy yet irresistible experience.
Should a Reuben be pressed or toasted?
The Ultimate Guide to Crafting Reuben Sandwiches at Home
At Eliarecipes, we believe in a straightforward approach to grilled cheese: toast both sides of each bread slice for optimal crunch, which beautifully balances the gooey, melted cheese within.
What’s the difference between a Reuben and a pastrami sandwich?
The primary distinctions between a Reuben and a pastrami sandwich lie in their ingredients and preparation methods. A Reuben is typically grilled or toasted, which helps the cheese melt and perfectly melds the flavors of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and either Thousand Island or Russian dressing. On the other hand, a pastrami sandwich usually focuses on the meat, often paired with mustard and simpler toppings like pickles. Although both sandwiches may use rye bread, the Reuben boasts more decadent ingredients, whereas the pastrami sandwich focuses primarily on the meat.
Ingredients
Eight slices of rye bread
½ cup of Thousand Island dressing
Eight slices of Swiss cheese
Eight slices of deli-style corned beef
1 cup of drained sauerkraut
Two tablespoons of softened butter
Directions
Step 1:
Gather all your ingredients and preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Step 2:
Evenly spread Thousand Island dressing on one side of each slice of bread.
Step 3:
On four slices of bread, layer one slice of Swiss cheese, two slices of corned beef, 1/4 cup sauerkraut, and then top with another slice of Swiss cheese.. Place the remaining bread slices on top, ensuring the dressing side faces down. Butter the top of each sandwich.
Step 4:
Place the sandwiches in the preheated skillet, buttered side down. Butter the top of each sandwich, then grill for about 5 minutes per side or until both sides are golden brown.
Step 5:
Serve hot, and enjoy your delicious Reuben sandwiches!
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 657 kcal |
| Fat | 40 g |
| Carbohydrates | 44 g |
| Protein | 32 g |
Conclusion: Reuben Sandwich
The Reuben sandwich is a classic favorite, delivering a perfect mix of rich, savory, and tangy flavors with every bite. The Reuben’s blend of thinly sliced corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Thousand Island or Russian dressing on rye bread has earned it a spot as a favorite in many kitchens. Delis and homes alike. Grilled to golden perfection, the crispy exterior pairs wonderfully with the soft, melty interior, offering a satisfying bite for any sandwich enthusiast.
What sets the Reuben apart is its unique mix of textures and bold flavors—each ingredient contributes something special, from the creamy dressing and subtle tang to the sharpness of the Swiss cheese—the crunch of the sauerkraut. Whether paired with pickles, chips, or a warm bowl of soup, the Reuben provides a hearty and comforting meal that always satisfies.
This sandwich is a timeless favorite for lunch or dinner, appreciated for its simplicity and flavor-packed nature. Whether making one at home or enjoying it from a deli, the Reuben sandwich will always stand as a quintessential example of how a few well-chosen ingredients can create something extraordinary.