Reuben Sandwich Recipe

I’m a big fan of crockpot corned beef, but honestly? I love the leftovers even more. Because that means it’s time for a corned beef hash, or Reuben sandwiches.

This classic deli favorite is layered with corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and my homemade Russian dressing, all piled between slices of buttery, toasted rye. It’s crispy on the outside, melty and creamy on the inside, and packed with bold flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Reuben Sandwich

• The best way to use up leftover corned beef. This sandwich takes those leftovers and turns them into something you’ll actually look forward to.
• That homemade Russian dressing. Creamy, tangy, and just a little spicy. It’s the secret sauce that makes this sandwich sing.
• Buttery, crispy rye bread. Toasted until golden and crunchy on the outside, but still soft in the middle.
• All the classic Reuben flavors. Melty Swiss, briny sauerkraut, and corned beef in every bite. What’s not to love?

Ingredient Notes

When a sandwich starts with rye bread and corned beef, you know it’s going to be good! Here’s everything you need to build the ultimate Reuben sandwich recipe, packed with bold flavors and melty, cheesy goodness.

For The Sandwich

• Rye Bread – The classic choice for a Reuben, with its slightly tangy and earthy flavor. You can substitute with sourdough or pumpernickel.
• Butter – For toasting the bread. Olive oil or mayonnaise can be used for a similar crisp effect.
• Homemade Russian Dressing – The key to a flavorful Reuben! You can also use Thousand Island dressing.
• Thinly Sliced Corned Beef – Pastrami can be used for a smokier flavor.
• Sauerkraut – Adds a tangy, slightly crunchy contrast. Coleslaw is a good alternative, but sauerkraut is classic.
• Swiss Cheese – Melts well, but you can swap it for provolone or Gruyère.

For The Dressing

• Mayonnaise – Try to stick with mayo for the creamy base of the Russian dressing. You can substitute with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter option, but it won’t be the same.
• Sour Cream – Adds a slight tang, but if you don’t have sour cream, plain yogurt works well.
• Ketchup – You can swap it for tomato paste mixed with a bit of vinegar and sugar.
• Pickle Juice – Brings in a tangy, briny kick, but apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can be used as a substitute.
• Fresh Lemon Juice – Adds bright acidity to round out the flavors.
• Hot Sauce – This is optional but recommended – it gives the dressing a subtle heat and a bit of a kick.
• Grated Horseradish – Adds a signature spicy bite. If you don’t have it, Dijon mustard can add a similar punch.
• Salt & Black Pepper – Enhances the flavors; adjust to taste.

How To Make The Dressing

First, make the Russian dressing. Once you have all your ingredients together, just follow these steps:

• Combine. In a small jar or bowl, combine all the ingredients for the Russian Dressing. Whisk them until they are well combined.
• Refrigerate. Use it right away, or cover and refrigerate the dressing for up to 2 weeks. Use it on sandwiches, and salads, too.

How to Make a Reuben Sandwich Step-by-Step

Once your dressing is done, it’s time to make the sandwich. Here’s how to do it:

• Prep. Preheat your oven broiler to HIGH. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
• Toast. Place your bread, buttered side up, on a baking sheet and toast under the broiler until golden brown. Remove from the oven; flip over the bread slices and spread the remaining butter over each slice. Set under the broiler and toast until golden brown.
• Make the sandwiches. Remove your bread from the oven and spread the prepared Russian dressing on each slice. Add sauerkraut on two slices of bread. Add sliced corned beef to the other two slices of bread. Add Swiss cheese on top of each slice.
• Melt the cheese. Set your baking sheet back under the broiler for a couple of minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
• Serve. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and close the Reuben sandwiches together. Cut them in half and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

If you’re a Reuben traditionalist, you’re going to find the following to be complete blasphemy. But, if you’re open to the idea of making some culinarily exciting modifications to the classic Reuben sandwich recipe… this is for you!

I’ve found that pickles go so well with Reubens, sometimes, I’ll add pickle slices in the middle of my sandwich right before I close them. Another idea is using your favorite coleslaw on the sandwich in place of the Russian dressing and sauerkraut. We all know bacon makes everything better – so throw two slices of my air fryer bacon on your sandwich for some extra flavor.

I also love to have crispy kettle cooked chips or these homemade air fryer potato chips on the side. Of course, I love a good French fries recipe, too, or even potato wedges. You can’t go wrong with potato salad, either.

More Sandwich Recipes

• Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich
• Pinwheel Sandwiches
• Pambazos
• Turkey Salad Sandwiches
• BLT with Egg Grilled Cheese Sandwich