The Reuben sandwich is a classic American dish that has been a staple in delis and restaurants for decades. This mouth-watering sandwich consists of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, all grilled to perfection between slices of rye bread. In this article, we will take you through the step-by-step process of making a grilled Reuben sandwich that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
History of the Reuben Sandwich
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a brief look at the history of the Reuben sandwich. The origins of this sandwich are disputed, but the most widely accepted story is that it was created by Arnold Reuben, a German-American restaurateur who owned a deli in New York City in the early 20th century. According to legend, Reuben created the sandwich in the 1920s as a way to serve his customers a hearty and flavorful meal that was easy to eat on the go.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To make a grilled Reuben sandwich, you will need the following ingredients and equipment:
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of rye bread
- 8 oz corned beef, thinly sliced
- 1 cup of sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons of Thousand Island dressing
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
- 2 slices of Swiss cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment:
- Grill or grill pan
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Cheese slicer (optional)
- Spatula
- Tongs or slotted spoon
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you start assembling the sandwich, you need to prepare the ingredients. Here’s how:
Slicing the Corned Beef:
- Place the corned beef on a cutting board and slice it thinly against the grain.
- You want the slices to be thin so that they cook evenly and quickly.
Draining and Rinsing the Sauerkraut:
- Place the sauerkraut in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold running water.
- Squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the sauerkraut using a cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel.
Slicing the Swiss Cheese:
- Place the Swiss cheese on a cutting board and slice it thinly using a cheese slicer or a sharp knife.
- You want the slices to be thin so that they melt evenly and quickly.
Assembling the Sandwich
Now that the ingredients are prepared, it’s time to assemble the sandwich. Here’s how:
Buttering the Bread:
- Place two slices of rye bread on a flat surface and butter one side of each slice using the softened butter.
- Make sure to butter the bread evenly so that it grills evenly.
Assembling the Sandwich:
- Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, on a flat surface.
- Add two slices of corned beef on top of the bread.
- Add a layer of sauerkraut on top of the corned beef.
- Add two slices of Swiss cheese on top of the sauerkraut.
- Spread a layer of Thousand Island dressing on top of the cheese.
- Place the second slice of bread, butter-side up, on top of the sandwich.
Grilling the Sandwich
Now that the sandwich is assembled, it’s time to grill it. Here’s how:
Grilling the Sandwich:
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Place the sandwich on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Carefully flip the sandwich over and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the other side is also golden brown.
- Use a spatula to carefully lift the sandwich and check if it’s cooked to your liking.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you make the perfect grilled Reuben sandwich:
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of the ingredients will make a big difference in the taste and texture of the sandwich. Use fresh bread, high-quality corned beef, and real Swiss cheese.
- Don’t overfill the sandwich: Make sure to leave a little room between the ingredients so that the sandwich cooks evenly and doesn’t fall apart.
- Use the right type of bread: Rye bread is traditional for Reuben sandwiches, but you can also use other types of bread such as sourdough or ciabatta.
Variations:
- Add some spice: Add some sliced jalapeños or hot sauce to the sandwich for an extra kick.
- Use different types of cheese: You can use other types of cheese such as cheddar or provolone instead of Swiss cheese.
- Add some caramelized onions: Caramelize some onions and add them to the sandwich for a sweet and savory flavor.
Conclusion
Making a grilled Reuben sandwich is a simple process that requires just a few ingredients and some basic cooking skills. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a delicious and authentic Reuben sandwich that will impress your friends and family. Whether you’re a fan of classic deli sandwiches or just looking for a new recipe to try, the grilled Reuben sandwich is a must-try. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the ooey-gooey cheesy goodness of this iconic sandwich!
What is a Reuben Sandwich?
A Reuben sandwich is a type of sandwich that consists of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, grilled between slices of rye bread. The combination of flavors and textures in a Reuben sandwich makes it a popular choice for many people.
The origins of the Reuben sandwich are unclear, but it is often attributed to Arnold Reuben, a German-American restaurateur who allegedly created the sandwich in the early 20th century. Regardless of its origins, the Reuben sandwich has become a beloved classic in many parts of the world.
What type of bread is best for a Reuben Sandwich?
The best type of bread for a Reuben sandwich is rye bread. Rye bread has a distinctive flavor and texture that complements the other ingredients in the sandwich. It is also a traditional choice for Reuben sandwiches, and many people associate the flavor of rye bread with the classic Reuben.
When choosing a rye bread for your Reuben sandwich, look for a dense, dark bread with a slightly sweet flavor. You can also use a lighter rye bread if you prefer, but the denser bread will hold up better to the filling and the grilling process.
How do I grill a Reuben Sandwich?
To grill a Reuben sandwich, start by preheating a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Butter one side of two slices of rye bread, then place one slice, butter-side down, on the grill. Top with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, then place the second slice of bread, butter-side up, on top of the filling.
Grill the sandwich for about 4-5 minutes on the first side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Carefully flip the sandwich over and grill for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the other side is also golden brown. Remove the sandwich from the grill and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Can I use different types of cheese in a Reuben Sandwich?
While Swiss cheese is the traditional choice for Reuben sandwiches, you can use other types of cheese if you prefer. Some popular alternatives to Swiss cheese include cheddar, provolone, and Gruyère. Each of these cheeses will give your Reuben sandwich a slightly different flavor, so feel free to experiment and find the combination that you like best.
Keep in mind that the cheese you choose should melt well and have a strong flavor that can stand up to the other ingredients in the sandwich. Avoid using soft cheeses like brie or feta, as they may not melt well and can make the sandwich difficult to handle.
How do I make Thousand Island dressing from scratch?
To make Thousand Island dressing from scratch, start by combining mayonnaise, ketchup, and sweet pickle relish in a bowl. Stir in some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed.
You can also add other ingredients to your Thousand Island dressing to give it more flavor. Some popular additions include grated onion, minced garlic, and chopped hard-boiled egg. Experiment with different combinations of ingredients to find the flavor that you like best.
Can I make a vegetarian version of a Reuben Sandwich?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of a Reuben sandwich by substituting the corned beef with a vegetarian alternative. Some popular options include grilled portobello mushrooms, sautéed spinach, and sliced tempeh. You can also use a vegetarian corned beef substitute, such as seitan or textured vegetable protein.
When making a vegetarian Reuben sandwich, be sure to choose ingredients that have a strong flavor and texture that can stand up to the other ingredients in the sandwich. You may also want to add additional ingredients, such as sliced avocado or grilled bell peppers, to give the sandwich more flavor and texture.
How do I store leftover Reuben Sandwiches?
To store leftover Reuben sandwiches, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze the sandwiches for up to 2 months, then thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
When reheating leftover Reuben sandwiches, grill them in a pan or toaster oven until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy. You can also microwave the sandwiches for a few seconds, but be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the cheese to melt unevenly and the bread to become soggy.