BEST GRILLED REUBEN SANDWICH EVER

The satisfying crunch of buttered rye bread giving way to warm, savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese – that’s the magic of a truly great Reuben. Craving that perfect balance of flavors and textures? I’m going to walk you through crafting the ultimate Grilled Reuben Sandwich that will have you saying “Wow!” after every single bite.

The Star Players: Gathering Your Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to build this masterpiece. Don’t skimp on quality – it makes a huge difference!

For the Sandwich:

• Rye Bread: 8 slices of good-quality rye bread, preferably marbled
• Corned Beef: 1 pound thinly sliced corned beef
• Sauerkraut: 1 cup sauerkraut, well-drained
• Swiss Cheese: 8 slices Swiss cheese
• Russian Dressing: ½ cup Russian dressing (or Thousand Island, if you prefer – but trust me, Russian is better!)
• Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Russian Dressing: (If making from scratch)

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
• 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

My Secret Weapon: The Perfect Prep

Before we even think about grilling, let’s get everything prepped and ready to go. This makes the whole process smoother and ensures a perfectly balanced Reuben.

Draining the Sauerkraut:

• This is *crucial*! Excess moisture will make your sandwich soggy. Place the sauerkraut in a fine-mesh sieve and press out as much liquid as possible. You can even use paper towels to gently pat it dry.

Making the Russian Dressing (Optional, but Recommended):

• If you’re going the homemade route (and I highly encourage it!), simply whisk together all the Russian dressing ingredients in a small bowl until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You can make this ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Softening the Butter:

• Softened butter is essential for evenly browning the rye bread. Make sure it’s nice and pliable, but not melted.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Assembling Your Masterpiece

Okay, friend, time to build the best Grilled Reuben Sandwich you’ve ever tasted! I promise, following these steps will lead to sandwich perfection.

Step 1: Dressing the Bread

1. Spread Russian dressing evenly on one side of each slice of rye bread. This will act as a moisture barrier and add tons of flavor.

Step 2: Layering the Ingredients

1. On four slices of rye bread (dressing-side up), layer half of the Swiss cheese, then the corned beef, followed by the sauerkraut, and finally the remaining Swiss cheese.
2. Top with the remaining four slices of rye bread, dressing-side down.

Step 3: Grilling to Golden Perfection

1. Spread softened butter evenly on the outside of both the top and bottom slices of each sandwich.
2. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. You might need to gently press down on the sandwiches with a spatula to ensure even browning.
3. If the bread is browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly. The goal is to get the bread perfectly toasted without burning it before the cheese melts.

Step 4: The Grand Finale – Serving!

1. Remove the Grilled Reuben Sandwiches from the skillet and let them rest for a minute or two before slicing in half. This allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents it from oozing everywhere.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy every single, delicious bite!

Troubleshooting: My Tips and Tricks

Even the best recipes can sometimes be a little tricky. Here are a few common problems and how to solve them:

Soggy Sandwich:

• The most likely culprit is too much moisture in the sauerkraut. Make sure you drain it *really* well. You can even squeeze it dry with paper towels.
• Also, don’t overdo the Russian dressing. A thin, even layer is all you need.

Burnt Bread, Unmelted Cheese:

• The heat is too high! Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the sandwiches slower. You can also cover the skillet with a lid for the last minute or two of cooking to help melt the cheese.

Unevenly Cooked Sandwich:

• Make sure your skillet is evenly heated. If you’re using a gas stove, you might need to rotate the sandwiches occasionally to ensure even browning.
• Pressing down on the sandwiches with a spatula helps ensure even contact with the skillet surface.

Variations: Remixing the Reuben

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ways to customize your Grilled Reuben Sandwich:

Turkey Reuben:

• Substitute sliced turkey for the corned beef. This is a lighter, leaner option that’s still incredibly delicious.

Vegetarian Reuben:

• Use marinated tempeh or seitan in place of the corned beef. Look for vegetarian-friendly Russian dressing (or make your own!).

Spicy Reuben:

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Russian dressing, or use a spicy sauerkraut.

Reuben with Coleslaw:

• Skip the sauerkraut and use a creamy coleslaw instead. It adds a cool, crunchy element to the sandwich.

Serving Suggestions: Completing the Meal

A Grilled Reuben Sandwich is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with the right accompaniments.

Classic Sides:

• Pickles (especially dill pickles)
• Potato Salad
• Coleslaw
• French Fries

Soup Companions:

• Tomato Soup
• Creamy Potato Soup
• Reuben Soup Recipe (of course!)

More Delicious Sandwich Ideas:

If you’re a sandwich fanatic like me, you’ll love these other recipes:

• For another flavor-packed sandwich adventure, try a Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich.
• Looking for a crowd-pleasing meal? Sloppy Joes are always a hit!
• Need something for a potluck? The Baked Italian Sub Sandwich is the way to go!
• Want to try an untraditional but tasty grilled sandwich? Check out the Grilled Cheese Burrito.

The Final Bite

There you have it – everything you need to create the ultimate Grilled Reuben Sandwich. It may seem like a simple sandwich, but the key is in the details: quality ingredients, careful preparation, and a little bit of love. So, go ahead, grab your ingredients, and get grilling. I know you’re going to love it!