Transform your leftover corned beef into an extraordinary culinary experience with this incredibly easy and utterly delicious Grilled Reuben Sandwich. Featuring crisp, quick-pickled red onions, perfectly melted Swiss cheese, and a luscious homemade Thousand Island dressing, this sandwich elevates simple ingredients into a gourmet meal. Whether you’re looking for a delightful way to utilize post-holiday corned beef or simply craving a classic American comfort food, this recipe promises satisfaction with every savory bite.
The Reuben sandwich holds a revered place in American deli culture, typically celebrated for its harmonious blend of corned beef, Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Russian dressing, all grilled between slices of rye bread. While the classic rendition is undeniably iconic, our version introduces a delightful twist that enhances the flavor profile and texture, making it uniquely appealing. Instead of sauerkraut, which some might find overly pungent or difficult to source, we opt for vibrant quick-pickled red onions. These onions provide a similar tangy zest and a delightful crunch, cutting through the richness of the beef and cheese beautifully. For those who remain staunch traditionalists, rest assured that sauerkraut can easily be swapped back into this recipe to create the time-honored classic.
This recipe focuses on crafting the ultimate Grilled Reuben Sandwich by assembling layers of thinly sliced, tender corned beef, rich Swiss cheese, a generous dollop of our scratch-made Thousand Island dressing, and those bright, tangy quick-pickled onions. All of these fantastic components are lovingly nestled between slices of hearty multigrain sourdough rye bread, then grilled to golden-brown perfection. The grilling process is key, creating a wonderfully crisp exterior and a warm, gooey interior where the cheese melts just right, infusing every mouthful with irresistible flavor and texture. It’s an ideal meal for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack, proving that the best sandwiches are often those made with love and a little creativity.
Crafting the Perfect Grilled Reuben Sandwich: Key Ingredients and Thoughtful Substitutions
Understanding your ingredients is the first step to mastering this incredible sandwich. Here’s a closer look at the core components and how to choose or adapt them for the best results:
The Foundation: Your Bread Choice
Nice bread is paramount for an exceptional Reuben. While traditional rye bread is the undisputed champion for its distinct flavor and sturdy texture that stands up to grilling, don’t hesitate to explore delicious variations. Multigrain rye or marble rye offer excellent alternatives, providing additional depth and visual appeal. The key is to choose a bread that can crisp up beautifully on the outside while remaining soft on the inside, without becoming soggy under the layers of filling. Sourdough rye adds an extra layer of fermented flavor that complements the corned beef wonderfully. Consider the thickness of your slices; aim for medium-thick cuts that can hold their own and create a satisfying bite. The right bread is not just a carrier; it’s an integral part of the flavor and texture experience of a great Reuben sandwich.
The Star: Cooked Corned Beef
Leftover cooked and sliced corned beef is truly the ideal choice for this sandwich. After St. Patrick’s Day or any occasion where you’ve prepared a delicious corned beef brisket, those tender, savory slices are practically begging to be transformed. Their rich, salty, and slightly spiced flavor is the heart of the Reuben. When using leftovers, ensure the corned beef is thinly sliced, as this makes for easier layering and a more pleasant texture when eaten. If you don’t have leftovers on hand, high-quality deli-bought corned beef slices are an excellent substitute. Look for thinly sliced, flavorful corned beef from a reputable deli. The richness and slightly salty notes of the corned beef are what give the Reuben sandwich its distinctive character, so choose wisely and don’t be afraid to pile it high!
The Melty Magic: Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese is the quintessential choice for a Reuben, prized for its nutty flavor and superb melting capabilities. Its characteristic holes (eyes) and mild, buttery taste perfectly complement the other robust flavors in the sandwich, providing a creamy, unctuous layer when heated. If you can’t find Swiss or simply prefer an alternative, sliced Emmental cheese is an excellent stand-in, offering a very similar flavor profile and melting quality. Provolone or even a mild cheddar could work in a pinch for a different twist, but for that authentic Grilled Reuben Sandwich experience, Swiss is the way to go. Ensure your slices are thick enough to provide a substantial, gooey layer when melted, binding all the components together.
The Tangy Kick: Mustard
A good mustard adds an essential layer of flavor and a touch of piquant acidity, cutting through the richness of the meat and cheese. Whether you prefer a classic prepared yellow mustard for its familiar bite, the sophisticated sharpness of Dijon, or the textural intrigue and robust flavor of a grainy mustard (my personal favorite!), don’t skip this ingredient. It provides a crucial counterpoint to the richness of the beef and cheese, brightening the entire sandwich and adding a pleasant zing. Feel free to use your preferred variety; the goal is to add that complementary tang and subtle warmth. A thin, even layer on one side of the bread is all you need for a noticeable impact on your corned beef sandwich.
The Zesty Twist: Quick Pickled Onions
Our quick pickled red onions are a game-changer, offering a vibrant tang and delightful crunch that beautifully balances the sandwich. Making them from scratch is incredibly simple and takes minimal effort, yet yields superior results compared to store-bought options. You’ll need just a few basic ingredients: thinly sliced red onion, water, cider vinegar, sugar, and a touch of mustard seed for an extra layer of subtle spice. The quick pickling process mellows the onion’s raw sharpness while infusing it with a bright, vinegary zing. This fresh, tangy element is what distinguishes our Reuben sandwich and keeps it from feeling too heavy. They also add a pop of beautiful color and a refreshing textural contrast that makes each bite exciting.
The Creamy Embrace: Homemade Thousand Island Dressing
While store-bought Thousand Island or Russian dressing can certainly work, crafting your own homemade version elevates this sandwich to new heights. The fresh ingredients and balanced flavors make all the difference, providing a superior depth of taste. Our recipe calls for mayonnaise as the creamy base, ketchup for sweetness and color, white vinegar for essential acidity, a touch of white sugar to balance the tang, and sweet pickle relish for texture and a complex sweet-sour note. Seasoning with salt and freshly ground pepper is crucial to bring out the best in all these ingredients. A homemade dressing allows you to control the sweetness and tang, ensuring it perfectly complements the rich corned beef and Swiss cheese, making this homemade Thousand Island dressing a highlight of the dish.
A Nod to Tradition: Optional Sauerkraut
For those who crave the truly classic Reuben experience, replacing the quick pickled onions with sauerkraut is a simple and delicious option. Sauerkraut, fermented cabbage, provides a more pronounced sour and pungent flavor, along with a distinct texture that many associate with traditional deli sandwiches. If you go this route, ensure you drain the sauerkraut very well to prevent your sandwich from becoming soggy and to avoid excess moisture, which can hinder the grilling process. This choice brings the Reuben sandwich back to its traditional roots and is perfect for enthusiasts of that particular flavor profile, offering a different but equally delightful tang.
Expert Tips for Grilling Your Reuben to Perfection
- Make Ahead Magic: This sandwich, or at least its components, holds up surprisingly well when prepared in advance! You can prepare the quick pickled onions and the homemade Thousand Island dressing a day or two ahead and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This significantly cuts down on prep time when you’re ready to eat, making this an ideal option for easy lunches or quick dinners. Simply assemble and grill just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
- The Right Grill: For achieving that enviable golden, crispy crust, the choice of cooking surface matters. While a flat-top griddle is often preferred by professionals for its even heat distribution, a regular non-stick skillet or a heavy-bottomed cast-iron pan will work beautifully in your home kitchen. The key is to ensure your pan is preheated over medium heat before you introduce the sandwich. Too high a heat, and the bread will burn before the cheese melts and the filling warms through. Too low, and you won’t achieve that desirable crispiness.
- Butter for Golden Perfection: Never underestimate the power of butter when grilling a sandwich! Spreading a generous, even amount of softened butter on the outside of each slice of bread is absolutely crucial for achieving that irresistible golden-brown, crispy exterior that is the hallmark of a perfect grilled sandwich. The butter not only aids in crisping but also imparts a rich, savory flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
- Melty Cheese Strategy: To guarantee your Swiss cheese is perfectly melted and gloriously gooey throughout the sandwich, try this trick: after placing the first side of the sandwich down in the skillet, briefly cover the skillet with a lid. This traps heat efficiently, creating a steamy environment that helps the cheese melt more quickly and evenly without over-browning or burning the bread. Remove the lid before flipping to maintain crispiness.
- Classic vs. Contemporary: If you’re aiming for a more traditional classic Reuben sandwich, remember you can easily swap the quick pickled onions for well-drained sauerkraut. For an even more authentic touch, consider using Russian dressing instead of Thousand Island. If you prefer a cold, piled-high deli-style sandwich, you can skip the grilling entirely. However, the grilled version offers a unique warmth, crispiness, and melted goodness that many find utterly irresistible and is a fantastic way to enjoy corned beef.
- Even Slicing for Even Cooking: For the best results and a harmonious eating experience, ensure your corned beef and cheese slices are of a relatively uniform thickness. This attention to detail allows for even heating and melting throughout the sandwich, preventing cold spots or unevenly cooked areas that can detract from the overall enjoyment. Thinly sliced corned beef also ensures maximum tenderness.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Reuben Sandwich
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Ingredients
For the Quick Pickled Onions:
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced for optimal pickling and texture
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar, adds a crisp, fruity tang
- 1 Tablespoon sugar, to balance the acidity
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seed, for an added layer of subtle spice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Homemade Thousand Island Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise, full-fat for richness
- 2 Tablespoons ketchup, for color and a hint of sweetness
- 1 Tablespoon white vinegar, to brighten the flavors
- 2 teaspoons white sugar, adjust to your sweetness preference
- 2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish, adds texture and a sweet-sour punch
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Assembling the Delicious Reuben Sandwich (Yields 2 sandwiches):
- 4 slices rye bread, or any sturdy, delicious bread you enjoy, such as multigrain or marble rye, for the perfect base of your corned beef sandwich
- 4 slices Swiss cheese, or Emmental for excellent melting and nutty flavor
- 8 slices cooked corned beef, thinly sliced, whether leftover from a brisket or fresh from the deli counter, for a rich and savory filling
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon or grainy mustard, for spreading on the bread’s inside for an extra layer of flavor
- 3 Tablespoons butter, softened to room temperature for easy spreading and perfect grilling to achieve a golden, crispy crust
Instructions
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Prepare the Quick Pickled Onions: Begin by thinly slicing your red onion, ensuring the slices are uniform for optimal pickling and texture. In a medium-sized, microwave-safe bowl (or a small saucepan on the stovetop), combine the water, cider vinegar, sugar, and mustard seed. Heat this mixture until it reaches a rolling boil, which typically takes 2 to 2 ½ minutes in the microwave or a few minutes on the stovetop. Once boiling, carefully add the thinly sliced red onion to the hot liquid. Season generously with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything together to ensure the onions are fully submerged in the pickling liquid. Allow the onions to steep for at least 1 hour at room temperature. This crucial step allows them to soften slightly and absorb the vibrant pickling flavors. Before using in your Grilled Reuben Sandwich, drain off the excess liquid. Any leftover quick pickled onions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, perfect for salads, tacos, or other sandwiches.
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Whip Up the Homemade Thousand Island Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, ketchup, white vinegar, white sugar, and sweet pickle relish. Stir vigorously with a spoon or whisk until all components are thoroughly combined and the dressing is smooth and creamy. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground pepper as needed to achieve your desired balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate the dressing until you are ready to assemble your sandwiches. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste and making your homemade Thousand Island dressing truly stand out.
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Assemble Your Reuben Masterpieces: Lay out four slices of your chosen rye bread on a clean work surface. For the bottom halves of your two sandwiches (two slices of bread total), spread a generous amount of your freshly made Thousand Island dressing. On top of the dressing, evenly layer your cooked corned beef slices, ensuring they cover the bread without too much overhang. Follow this with two slices of Swiss cheese per sandwich, overlapping them slightly to ensure full coverage and maximum meltiness. Now, add a substantial and even layer of your vibrant quick-pickled red onions over the cheese, providing that essential tangy crunch. For the top halves of your sandwiches (the remaining two slices of bread), spread the inside with Dijon or grainy mustard. Carefully place these mustard-side down onto the onion layer, completing the sandwich assembly.
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Grill to Golden Perfection: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat until it’s consistently hot. While the pan is heating, take your softened butter and generously spread it on the top outer surface of each assembled sandwich, ensuring complete coverage for that desirable golden crust. Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the sandwiches into the pan, butter-side down. Grill for approximately 3-5 minutes, or until the bottom bread is beautifully golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has started to melt and soften. Before flipping, spread the remaining softened butter on the exposed top piece of bread. Then, carefully flip each sandwich and grill the second side for another 3-5 minutes, or until it’s also golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and wonderfully gooey. Remove the finished Grilled Reuben Sandwiches from the skillet, slice them in half for easy eating, and serve immediately with extra pickles or a crisp side salad for a truly satisfying and memorable meal.