Name: Crispy Reuben Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 11 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 slices dark rye bread; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened); 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)

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.

A sandwich sliced in half vertically shows four layers. The top and bottom layers are dark brown grilled rye bread with grill marks. Inside, there are two layers of thinly sliced pinkish-purplish corned beef, each topped with a layer of white melted cheese. Between the corned beef layers is a layer of pale shredded sauerkraut. The sandwich is placed on a wooden board with some melted cheese and juice around it, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Reuben Sandwich Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Reuben Sandwich Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Reuben Sandwich Recipe

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.

Flat lay of dark rye bread slices, shredded Swiss cheese in a small white bowl, thinly sliced corned beef arranged neatly, sauerkraut in a small white bowl, thousand island dressing in a small white bowl, softened unsalted butter in a small white bowl, whole uncracked brown eggs placed on a simple white ceramic plate, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly balanced and symmetrical arrangement, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

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.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

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

The image shows a toasted sandwich held by a woman's hand, split in half revealing multiple layers inside. The top and bottom layers are dark brown, grilled rye bread with visible grill marks. Inside, there are several layers of pinkish sliced meat stacked thickly in the middle. Under the meat, there is a layer of creamy melted white cheese that stretches slightly from the sandwich. Below the cheese, there is a layer of thin, light-colored shredded cabbage or sauerkraut adding texture. The sandwich is placed on a wooden surface with another half resting in front. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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

The image shows two slices of brown bread on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture. The left side shows plain slices placed one above the other, showing a soft, porous texture with small holes. On the right side, the two slices are topped with a thick layer of shredded white cheese, covering almost the entire surface of each slice. The cheese shreds have a slightly curly texture and are piled loosely, giving a fluffy look. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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:

Can I use bread other than dark rye for my Reuben?

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.

What’s the best way to prevent my sandwich from becoming 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.

Can I substitute the corned beef?

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.

How do I reheat leftover Crispy Reuben Sandwiches without losing the crunch?

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!