Skip to content

USA · Food

The Classic Reuben Sandwich

20 min
760 kcal
4 servings

By eatmundo · July 3, 2026

The Classic Reuben Sandwich🇺🇸Ernesto Andrade · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

1 match

This dish doesn't have a strong Mundo Match yet — but here's the closest ingredient overlap we found across the world's cuisines. The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Same technique: Sandwich & wrap42 recipes from 11 countries

A deli icon, the Reuben sandwich combines thinly sliced corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and creamy Russian dressing, all grilled between slices of toasted rye bread. It's a flavorful and satisfying masterpiece of American sandwich craft.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to The Classic Reuben Sandwich from another cuisine is Authentic Welsh Rarebit (United Kingdom): the two share 29% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

tick what you already have - the rest goes on your shopping list
Adapt this recipe:
4 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    Butter one side of each of the eight slices of rye bread generously. Set aside.

  • 2

    For each sandwich, spread 1/2 tbsp Russian dressing on the unbuttered side of each of two bread slices (1 tbsp per sandwich). On one of these slices, layer 125 g thinly sliced corned beef.

  • 3

    Top the corned beef with 100 g well-drained sauerkraut, then two slices of Swiss cheese.

  • 4

    Place the second slice of dressing-coated bread on top, with the dressing side down. Assemble four sandwiches this way.

  • 5

    Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches, buttered side down, onto the hot surface, working in two batches if they do not all fit. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and gooey.

  • 6

    Remove from heat, slice in half diagonally, and serve immediately with a pickle spear if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Reuben sandwich?

A Reuben is an American grilled sandwich composed of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian or Thousand Island dressing on rye bread. It is typically served as a hot lunch or dinner entree.

What type of beef is traditional for a Classic Reuben?

The most traditional choice for a Classic Reuben is thinly sliced corned beef. Some variations use pastrami, but corned beef delivers the authentic flavor profile.

Should I drain the sauerkraut before adding it to the sandwich?

Yes, it's crucial to thoroughly drain and even gently squeeze the sauerkraut to remove excess moisture. This prevents a soggy sandwich and ensures a better texture.

What kind of cheese should I use, and how do I know it's perfectly melted?

Swiss cheese is the traditional choice for a Reuben. It's perfectly melted when it's gooey and starts to ooze slightly from the sides of the sandwich while grilling.

What's the best way to grill the sandwich for a crispy exterior and hot interior?

Butter the outside of the rye bread generously and grill over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side. Cook until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted.

All Mundo matches

United Kingdom

Keep exploring