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Ultimate Juicy Reuben Sandwich Recipe with Easy Homemade Russian Dressing

ultimate juicy Reuben sandwich - featured image

A juicy, flavorful Reuben sandwich featuring thinly sliced corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and a creamy homemade Russian dressing, all grilled to perfection on rye bread.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces thinly sliced corned beef
  • 4 slices rye bread
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese (about 4 ounces)
  • 1 cup sauerkraut, drained well
  • 2 tablespoons softened butter
  • For the homemade Russian dressing:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of salt and black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Russian dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning if needed and set aside.
  2. Drain the sauerkraut thoroughly using a fine-mesh sieve to remove excess liquid.
  3. Assemble the sandwich: Lay out 2 slices of rye bread. Spread a generous tablespoon of Russian dressing on each slice. On one slice, layer 4 ounces sliced corned beef evenly. Top with about 1/2 cup drained sauerkraut. Add 2 slices Swiss cheese over the sauerkraut, then top with the second slice of bread, dressing side down.
  4. Butter the outsides of both bread slices evenly.
  5. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula. Flip carefully when the bottom is golden brown. Adjust heat if bread browns too fast. Cheese should be melted and bread crisp.
  6. Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it rest for 1-2 minutes before slicing in half.
  7. Serve immediately with extra Russian dressing on the side. Optionally add dill pickle spears or kettle chips.

Notes

Drain sauerkraut well to prevent soggy bread. Use medium heat to avoid burning bread before cheese melts. Press sandwich gently while grilling. Rest sandwich before slicing to keep filling intact. For lactose-free or gluten-free versions, substitute mayo, cheese, and bread accordingly. Adding pickle juice to dressing adds extra tang.

Nutrition

Keywords: Reuben sandwich, homemade Russian dressing, corned beef sandwich, rye bread sandwich, comfort food, deli sandwich