How to Make the Perfect Reuben Sandwich at Home

Growing up in a bustling New York deli, I learned that the Reuben sandwich is more than food. It’s a tradition passed down through generations. Each bite is a story of comfort, flavor, and care.

The Reuben sandwich has layers of thinly sliced corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy dressing, and melted Swiss cheese. It’s all on perfectly toasted rye bread.

Whether you love sandwiches or are just starting to explore, making a Reuben is key. This guide will show you how to make a Reuben that’s as good as any deli’s.

Key Takeaways

• Learn the essential components of an authentic Reuben sandwich
• Discover professional techniques for preparing corned beef
• Understand the importance of quality ingredients
• Master the art of layering and grilling your sandwich
• Create restaurant-quality Reuben sandwiches in your own kitchen

Understanding the Reuben Sandwich Origins

The Reuben sandwich is a tasty piece of American history. It started in the Midwest and has won hearts with its mix of flavors and interesting story.

The History Behind This Classic Sandwich

The Reuben’s story begins in the 1920s, a lively time for American food. It’s said to have been made during a poker game at the Blackstone Hotel in Omaha, Nebraska. It quickly gained popularity, with its main ingredients being rye bread, corned beef, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing.

Regional Variations of the Reuben

Across the country, the Reuben has its own special versions:

• Midwest: Traditional with corned beef
• New York: Pastrami is often used instead
• West Coast: Some places offer turkey or vegetarian options

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

To make a real Reuben, you need certain things:

Today, March 14th is National Reuben Sandwich Day. Whether you like it the old way or with new twists, the Reuben is a treat that celebrates American food.

Selecting the Right Bread for Your Reuben

Creating the perfect grilled sandwich starts with choosing the right foundation. For a true New York deli staple like the Reuben, bread isn’t just a carrier – it’s a key flavor component. It can make or break your sandwich experience.

Best Bread Options for a Reuben

Jewish rye bread is the top choice for authentic Reuben sandwiches. Its unique flavor and sturdy texture are perfect for your favorite fillings. Look for these key characteristics when selecting your bread:

• Thick-cut slices (at least 1/2 inch)
• Robust flavor profile
• Ability to withstand substantial fillings

Sourcing Fresh Bread Locally

While store-bought bread can work, nothing beats freshly baked rye from a local bakery. Local bakeries offer bread with:

• Better texture
• More authentic flavor
• No preservatives

Tricks for Perfectly Toasted Bread

Toasting turns an ordinary sandwich into a grilled sandwich masterpiece. Use room-temperature butter for even spreading. This ensures a golden-brown, crispy exterior that complements the sandwich’s rich fillings.

Pro tip: If you can’t find fresh rye, don’t worry. A quality store-bought bread, when properly toasted, can create a delicious New York deli staple. It will satisfy your sandwich cravings.

Choosing Quality Meats for Your Sandwich

Making a great Reuben sandwich begins with picking the right meat. The meat you choose can make this comfort food truly special. Knowing the differences between meats can improve your sandwich-making.

Exploring Corned Beef vs. Pastrami

Traditional Reubens often use corned beef, but pastrami is a tasty alternative. Here’s a quick comparison:

Alternatives to Traditional Meats

Looking for something different? Several meat alternatives can change up your Reuben:

• Turkey (preferred by 30% of health-conscious eaters)
• Black Forest ham
• Vegetarian protein substitutes

Importance of Slicing Techniques

The secret to a perfect Reuben is in meat preparation. Thinly sliced meat makes each bite tender and tasty. Delis usually slice meat to about 1/8 inch, spreading flavor evenly.

Pro tip: Use a sharp knife and cut against the grain at home. This makes your deli classic taste like it was made by a pro!

The Essential Sauerkraut for Your Reuben

Sauerkraut is the tangy heart of a classic New York deli staple. It turns an ordinary sandwich into a legendary Reuben. This fermented cabbage adds a punchy flavor and a key texture that makes the sandwich better.

Finding the Best Sauerkraut

When picking sauerkraut for your Reuben, look for quality and freshness. Here are the key things to check:

• Crisp, bright flavor
• Natural fermentation
• Minimal preservatives
• Authentic German-style preparation

Making Homemade Sauerkraut

Making your own sauerkraut is simple. Start with fresh cabbage, salt, and patience. The fermentation takes 1-4 weeks. It makes flavors that store-bought versions can’t match.

Tips for Properly Draining Sauerkraut

The first step is to drain off as much liquid as you can from your sauerkraut. This helps keep your toast crispy and prevents a soggy sandwich.

Pro tip: Pat your sauerkraut dry with paper towels before adding it to your Reuben. This ensures maximum crunch and prevents excess moisture from ruining your perfect sandwich.

The Key Role of Cheese in a Reuben

When making the ultimate grilled sandwich, cheese is key. It turns the Reuben from good to amazing. Swiss cheese is the traditional choice, adding a mild, nutty taste that matches the other flavors perfectly.

Let’s look at the cheese options that can make your Reuben a delicious treat:

Selecting the Perfect Cheese

• Swiss cheese: The classic choice with its distinctive smooth melting properties
• Aged Gouda: Offers a sharper, more intense flavor profile
• Gruyère: Provides a rich, complex taste similar to traditional Swiss cheese
• Provolone: A creamy alternative with mild tang

Mastering Melting Techniques

To get the cheese just right, you need to be precise. Place a slice of Swiss cheese on each rye bread piece halfway through toasting. Use medium-low heat to melt the cheese evenly without burning the bread. You want a gooey, stringy texture that holds the sandwich’s flavors together.

Pro tip: Cover the sandwich briefly with a lid to help the Swiss cheese melt more evenly. This creates that creamy texture that makes a Reuben so irresistible.

Mastering the Sauce: Dressing Your Reuben

The secret to a great Reuben sandwich is its sauce. Thousand Island dressing makes it special. It adds a creamy, tangy touch that makes every bite better.

Crafting the Perfect Thousand Island Dressing

Making your own Thousand Island dressing is easy. Here’s a simple recipe to add real flavor to your Reuben:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup minced yellow onion
• ⅓ cup minced pickles
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

Alternative Sauce Options

While Thousand Island dressing is classic, you can try new sauces:

1. Spicy mustard sauce
2. Horseradish cream
3. Smoky chipotle spread
4. Garlic aioli

Balancing Flavor Profiles

The secret to a great Reuben is the right amount of sauce. Use 2 tablespoons of Thousand Island dressing. This way, each bite has just the right balance of flavors.

The best Reuben sauce enhances the flavors of corned beef and sauerkraut. It shouldn’t overpower them.

Assembling Your Perfect Reuben Sandwich

Making a great Reuben sandwich is an art. It needs precision and care. Every bite should be full of flavor and texture.

Getting the layering right is key. The order of ingredients can make or break your sandwich.

Layering Techniques for Flavor and Texture

Here’s how to make the perfect Reuben sandwich:

1. Start with high-quality rye bread
2. Place a slice of Swiss cheese on each bread piece
3. Add sliced corned beef on one bread slice
4. Spread well-drained sauerkraut over the corned beef
5. Drizzle Thousand Island dressing on the other bread slice
6. Close the sandwich carefully

Size Considerations When Making a Reuben

Your Reuben should be big enough to fill you up but small enough to handle. It should be thick enough to hold lots of filling.

Pressing vs. Non-Pressing Techniques

Pressing and non-pressing both have their benefits. Pressing makes the outside crispy and blends flavors. Non-pressing keeps it soft.

Try both to see what you like best. You want a crispy outside and melted cheese that shows off the sandwich’s rich taste.

Cooking Your Reuben Sandwich to Perfection

Making the ultimate grilled sandwich needs precision and care. The Reuben, a favorite comfort food, requires special attention. It turns simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

Stovetop: The Preferred Cooking Method

A cast-iron skillet is the best for making your perfect Reuben. Cooking your sandwich nice and slow is key. Professional chefs suggest:

• Using medium-low heat
• Applying butter evenly to bread surfaces
• Pressing gently with a spatula

Timing and Temperature Secrets

Mastering the Reuben’s cooking process means knowing exact timing. Each side needs 3-4 minutes of grilling. This creates a golden-brown exterior and heats the inside perfectly.

Achieving the Perfect Crunch

The ultimate Reuben sandwich needs a crispy outside and a soft, melted inside. To ensure success, use these professional techniques:

1. Use room temperature butter
2. Drain sauerkraut thoroughly
3. Cover briefly with a lid to melt cheese

Your homemade Reuben will become a restaurant-quality grilled sandwich by following these expert techniques. Enjoy your perfectly crafted comfort food!

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Your Reuben sandwich is a classic New York deli favorite. It’s best enjoyed with some great sides. Crispy potato chips are a traditional choice that pairs well with the sandwich’s rich flavors. You can also add a tangy pickle spear or a small side salad for a nice contrast.

Choosing the right drink can make your Reuben even better. A light lager or amber ale can help balance the sandwich’s flavors. If you prefer not to drink alcohol, try a dill pickle-infused soda or sparkling water with lemon. These options refresh your palate between bites.

How you present your Reuben can make it even more special. Serve it on a wooden cutting board with Thousand Island dressing on the side. Add some fresh herbs or paprika for extra flavor and a nice look. This turns your Reuben into a memorable meal.

Best Sides to Serve with a Reuben

Classic sides include crispy potato chips, coleslaw, or a cucumber salad. These options are light and refreshing, contrasting well with the Reuben’s richness. For a heartier meal, add hand-cut french fries or warm tomato soup.

Beverage Pairings for a Perfect Meal

Beer, wine, or even iced tea can enhance your Reuben’s flavors. Light to medium-bodied beers and crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc are good choices. Sparkling water or homemade lemonade are also great non-alcoholic options.

Creative Presentation Ideas for Your Reuben

To make your Reuben look amazing, cut it diagonally and stack the halves slightly. Use a vintage plate or rustic wooden board for serving. A small garnish of fresh herbs or a light dusting of paprika can make your sandwich stand out. It becomes as appealing to the eye as it is to the taste buds.