4.7 from 39 votes
Reuben Sandwich
This Reuben Sandwich is the ultimate crispy, melty, deli-style classic made right at home! Buttery grilled rye bread, gooey Swiss cheese, juicy corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy thousand island dressing come together in one ridiculously satisfying sandwich—ready in just 11 minutes!
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
11 mins
Servings: 2
Calories: 938 kcal
Course:
Lunch
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 4 lices Dark rye bread
- 1 cup Swiss cheese shredded
- 4 tablespoons Thousand Island dressing
- 1 cup Sauerkraut
- ½ pound corned beef or pastrami, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons butter unsalted, softened
Instructions
- Lay out 2 slices of bread on a cutting board. Top each with Swiss cheese, either shredded or sliced. Drizzle some thousand island dressing on each slice, then top with half of the corned beef on each. Finish with half of the sauerkraut on each slice then top each with another slice of bread. Spread about 1 tbsp of butter on the outside of the top slice.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place both sandwiches with the buttered bread down in the skillet and cook until golden, about 3 minutes. Spread the remaining butter on the outside of the top slice of bread, flip the sandwich and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes or until golden.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Bread Matters – Dark rye is the classic choice, but marble rye or pumpernickel works too. Just use a sturdy bread so it holds up to the fillings.
- Corned Beef vs. Pastrami – Corned beef is mild and tender, while pastrami is peppery and smoky. You can even do half-and-half for a flavor boost!
- Swiss Cheese = The Melty Magic – It’s classic for a reason, but Gruyère, Havarti, or Provolone also work if you want to switch things up.
- Soggy Sandwich Prevention – Always drain the sauerkraut well.
- Butter for Crispiness – Spread softened butter on the outside for that perfect golden crunch. Or try mayo instead—it toasts up just as crispy with a subtle tang!
- Cook on Medium Heat – Too hot, and the bread burns before the cheese melts. Too low, and it won’t crisp properly. Medium is the sweet spot.
- Make-Ahead Tip – Reubens are best fresh, but you can reheat in a skillet or air fryer for a crispy finish. Avoid the microwave—no one wants a soggy sandwich!
Nutrition Information
Serving
1sandwich
Calories
938kcal
(47%)
Carbohydrates
40g
(13%)
Protein
38g
(76%)
Fat
70g
(108%)
Saturated Fat
32g
(160%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
8g
Monounsaturated Fat
21g
Trans Fat
1g
Cholesterol
180mg
(60%)
Sodium
2646mg
(110%)
Potassium
643mg
(18%)
Fiber
6g
(24%)
Sugar
9g
(18%)
Vitamin A
1233IU
(25%)
Vitamin C
41mg
(46%)
Calcium
569mg
(57%)
Iron
5mg
(28%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 2Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 938
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1sandwich | |
| Calories | 938kcal | 47% |
| Carbohydrates | 40g | 13% |
| Protein | 38g | 76% |
| Fat | 70g | 108% |
| Saturated Fat | 32g | 160% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8g | 47% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 21g | 105% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 180mg | 60% |
| Sodium | 2646mg | 110% |
| Potassium | 643mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 1233IU | 25% |
| Vitamin C | 41mg | 46% |
| Calcium | 569mg | 57% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.