If you're craving a sandwich that's bursting with flavor and perfectly crispy, I’ve got just the thing. This Crispy Reuben Sandwich Recipe layers tender corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy thousand island dressing on buttery toasted dark rye bread—for a dreamy meal done in just 11 minutes.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I still remember the first time I made this Crispy Reuben Sandwich—it quickly became a favorite because it delivers that perfect balance of crispy crust and melty, savory goodness every single time.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 11 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of tangy sauerkraut and creamy dressing perfectly complements tender corned beef.
- Perfectly Crispy: Butter on the bread creates that irresistible golden, crunchy crust you want in a toasted sandwich.
- Customizable: Swap in pastrami or try different melty cheeses like Gruyère for your own twist.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic behind this sandwich lies in its ingredients—each one plays a role, so be sure to pick good-quality staples. Using sturdy dark rye bread is a must to hold up all that delicious filling without getting soggy.
- Dark rye bread: It’s traditional and sturdy, perfect for holding all the juicy layers together without falling apart.
- Unsalted butter: Softened for easy spreading, it crisps up the bread beautifully without overpowering the flavors.
- Swiss cheese: Melts like a dream and adds that mild, nutty touch that balances the sandwich perfectly.
- Thousand island dressing: Creamy with a tangy kick, it’s the classic sauce that brings everything together.
- Sauerkraut: The tangy crunch adds brightness and cuts through the richness—just be sure to drain it well to keep your sandwich crispy.
- Corned beef: Tender and flavorful, it’s the hearty star of the show. If you like, you can substitute pastrami or even mix the two.
Make It Your Way
The beauty of a Crispy Reuben Sandwich Recipe is how easily it adapts to your tastes. Whether you like it extra cheesy, prefer a tangier bite, or want to experiment with different meats, there’s a way to make this classic uniquely yours.
- Variation: I love mixing corned beef and pastrami for a peppery twist that adds a little smoky punch without losing the classic tenderness. It gives my sandwich extra depth without overpowering the Swiss cheese and sauerkraut.
- Vegetarian option: Swap the meat for hearty grilled mushrooms or smoked tempeh and keep the thousand island and Swiss cheese. It’s surprisingly satisfying and keeps the sandwich juicy and flavorful.
- Cheese swaps: Gruyère or Havarti melt beautifully and bring a nuttier flavor if you want to mix it up from the traditional Swiss cheese. Provolone is also a softer, milder cheese that works great.
- Bread choices: Dark rye is traditional and sturdy, but sometimes I go for marble rye or even a dense pumpernickel. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold all those delicious fillings without getting soggy.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Reuben Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Build Your Layers of Flavor
Start by laying out two slices of dark rye bread on your cutting board. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded Swiss cheese on each slice—this melty goodness is a must. Next, drizzle 2 tablespoons of thousand island dressing over the cheese; the tangy, creamy dressing is what makes a Reuben so irresistible. Then, pile on half of your thinly sliced corned beef, followed by a well-drained cup of sauerkraut spread evenly. Top with the remaining slices of bread to form two sandwiches ready for grilling.
Step 2: Butter Up for Crispy Perfection
Spread about 1 tablespoon of softened unsalted butter on the outside of the top slice of each sandwich. This step is the secret to achieving that irresistible golden crust. The butter helps toast the bread evenly and adds that rich, buttery crunch we all crave in a crispy Reuben.
Step 3: Sizzle Until Golden and Melty
Heat a large skillet over medium heat to get it just right—not too hot to burn the bread, but warm enough to melt the cheese beautifully. Place your sandwiches buttered side down in the skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes, until the bread turns a lovely golden brown and you start to see the cheese soften and melt inside.
Step 4: Flip, Butter, and Finish Cooking
Now carefully spread the remaining butter on the outside of the unbuttered side of each sandwich. Flip the sandwiches gently so the newly buttered side meets the skillet. Continue to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until this side is also golden brown and the Swiss cheese is fully melted and gooey.
Step 5: Slice and Serve Immediately
Once cooked to perfection, remove sandwiches from the skillet and slice in half if you like. Serve hot for the best melty, crispy, tangy Reuben experience. This Crispy Reuben Sandwich Recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or cozy dinner, ready in just 11 minutes from start to finish.
Top Tip
Mastering the Crispy Reuben Sandwich Recipe is all about balancing flavors and textures — here are my go-to tips to make your sandwich shine every time.
- Drain that sauerkraut thoroughly: I always press out as much liquid as possible to keep the sandwich from getting soggy. It really makes a difference!
- Butter the bread generously: Softened butter on the outside creates that irresistible golden crust. I’ve tried mayo too, and it gives a nice tangy crispiness that's worth experimenting with.
- Cook on medium heat: This was a game-changer for me. Too hot, and the bread burns before the cheese melts. Medium heat lets the cheese melt perfectly while the bread crisps up beautifully.
- Mix your meats: Using a half-and-half blend of corned beef and pastrami adds a wonderful depth of flavor—peppery, smoky, and tender all together.
How to Serve Crispy Reuben Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh dill pickles and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper make fantastic garnishes that complement the rich, savory layers of the Crispy Reuben. For a little extra zing, try a side of spicy mustard or horseradish sauce for dipping.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like kettle-cooked potato chips or crunchy coleslaw are perfect companions. If you're up for something heartier, creamy tomato soup or even a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balance the richness beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days while maintaining good flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled, unbuttered sandwiches by wrapping them tightly in foil and placing them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking as usual with butter on the outside.
Reheating
To reheat and keep that delicious crispiness, warm your leftover Reuben sandwiches in a skillet or an air fryer over medium heat until the cheese melts and the bread crisps up again. Avoid the microwave, which tends to leave the bread soggy and limp.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While dark rye is traditional and provides a great flavor contrast, marble rye or pumpernickel work well too. Just choose a sturdy bread to support all the fillings without getting soggy.
The key is to drain your sauerkraut thoroughly before assembling. Excess moisture can quickly make the sandwich soggy, so pressing out the liquid helps maintain that perfect crispy bite.
Yes! Pastrami is a great alternative if you want a smoky, peppery flavor. You can even do half corned beef and half pastrami for a delicious mix.
Reheat your leftovers in a skillet or air fryer over medium heat until the cheese is melty and the bread is crisp again. Avoid the microwave, as it tends to make the bread soggy.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats biting into a warm, melty Crispy Reuben Sandwich loaded with tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese nestled between butter-toasted dark rye. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, this classic recipe always delivers comforting satisfaction in just 11 minutes. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do!
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Crispy Reuben Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Reuben Sandwich recipe combines layers of tender corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy thousand island dressing between slices of buttery toasted dark rye bread for a deliciously satisfying meal ready in just 11 minutes.
Ingredients
Bread and Butter
- 4 slices dark rye bread
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
Fillings
- 1 cup Swiss cheese (shredded)
- 4 tablespoons thousand island dressing
- 1 cup sauerkraut (well drained)
- ½ pound corned beef (thinly sliced; can substitute with pastrami or half and half)
Instructions
- Assemble the sandwiches: Lay out 2 slices of dark rye bread on a cutting board. Top each slice evenly with shredded Swiss cheese, then drizzle 2 tablespoons of thousand island dressing per slice. Layer half of the corned beef evenly on top, followed by half of the well-drained sauerkraut. Place the remaining bread slices on top to form sandwiches.
- Butter the bread: Spread about 1 tablespoon of softened unsalted butter on the outside of the top slice of each sandwich to ensure a crispy golden crust when cooking.
- Heat skillet and cook the sandwiches: Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches buttered side down in the skillet. Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt, about 3 minutes.
- Flip and finish cooking: Spread the remaining butter on the outside of the other side of each sandwich, then flip them over carefully. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve hot: Remove sandwiches from the skillet, slice if desired, and serve immediately for the best melty, crispy experience.
Notes
- Bread Matters: Dark rye is traditional, but marble rye or pumpernickel can be used. Choose sturdy bread to handle the fillings well.
- Corned Beef vs Pastrami: Corned beef is mild and tender; pastrami adds a peppery smoky flavor. Mixing half-and-half also works great.
- Cheese options: Swiss is classic and melts well, but Gruyère, Havarti, or Provolone are excellent alternatives.
- Prevent sogginess: Thoroughly drain sauerkraut to avoid soggy sandwiches.
- Butter for crispiness: Using softened butter on the outside creates a perfect golden crust. Mayonnaise can be used as a tasty alternative.
- Cook on medium heat: Medium heat crisps the bread without burning it and allows the cheese to melt properly.
- Reheating tip: Reheat leftover Reubens in a skillet or air fryer for crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
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