The Ultimate Ina Garten Reuben Sandwich Recipe You’ll Love

Reuben sandwiches represent a beloved culinary classic that transforms simple ingredients into something spectacular.

This iconic deli creation marries robust flavor profiles with satisfying textures and hearty comfort.

Salty, tangy components blend seamlessly within crisp layers of carefully selected bread.

Each bite promises a rich sensory experience that transports you straight to a traditional delicatessen.

Bold ingredients like tender meat, melted cheese, and zesty condiments dance together in perfect harmony.

Precise layering techniques elevate this sandwich from ordinary to extraordinary.

Why Ina’s Reuben Sandwich is a Must-Try

• Savor Classic Comfort: This Reuben sandwich transforms ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that brings nostalgic deli flavors right to your kitchen.
• Master Quick Gourmet Cooking: With just a few simple steps, you can create a restaurant-quality sandwich that impresses family and friends without requiring professional culinary skills.
• Enjoy Texture-Rich Deliciousness: The crispy, buttery grilled bread perfectly complements the tender corned beef, melty Swiss cheese, and tangy sauerkraut, creating a symphony of contrasting textures in every single bite.
• Whip Up Fast Weekday Lunch: This sandwich comes together in less than 15 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy professionals or hungry home cooks craving a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for the Ultimate Reuben

• Sourdough Bread: Sturdy and tangy base that provides great structure for the sandwich, preferably thick-cut slices.
• Swiss Cheese: Mild, melty cheese that adds creamy texture and complements the meat's richness.

• Corned Beef: Tender, seasoned beef that is the classic protein for a traditional Reuben sandwich, best when thinly sliced.
• Sauerkraut: Fermented cabbage that adds a tangy, acidic element to balance the rich meat and cheese.
• Thousand Island Dressing: Creamy, slightly sweet sauce that enhances the sandwich's flavor profile, classic Reuben condiment.

• Unsalted Butter: Used for grilling the sandwich, creates a golden, crispy exterior with rich flavor.

How to Build a Reuben Ina Would Love

Step 1: Prepare the Cooking Surface

Heat a large griddle or skillet over medium heat to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Spread the Tangy Sauce

Generously coat one side of each bread slice with Thousand Island dressing for a zesty flavor.

Step 3: Build the Sandwich Layers

• Swiss cheese slice
• Corned beef slices
• Sauerkraut
• Another Swiss cheese slice

Step 4: Complete the Sandwich Structure

Top each stack with the remaining bread slices, positioning the dressing-side down.

Step 5: Butter the Exterior

Softly spread butter on the top of each sandwich, creating a golden opportunity for crispy perfection.

Step 6: Initial Grilling

Place the sandwiches butter-side down on the preheated cooking surface.

Step 7: Final Butter Application

Brush the exposed bread side with the remaining butter for extra richness.

Step 8: Achieve Golden Perfection

Grill the sandwiches until both sides transform into a beautiful golden brown color, approximately 5 minutes per side. Watch carefully to prevent burning and ensure a crispy, melted masterpiece.

Key Reuben Sandwich Tips

• Select Premium Meats: Choose thick-cut, tender corned beef from a reputable deli for maximum flavor and texture.
• Master Sauerkraut Technique: Squeeze excess moisture from sauerkraut using a clean kitchen towel to keep the sandwich crisp and prevent sogginess.
• Perfect Bread Toasting: Butter the outside of rye bread and toast until golden brown for a delightful crunch and rich, caramelized exterior.
• Balance Dressing Ratio: Spread Thousand Island dressing generously but carefully to ensure every bite has the right tangy kick without overwhelming the other ingredients.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Warm the Swiss cheese slightly before assembling to help it melt smoothly and create a creamy, luxurious texture.

Best Storage Methods for Leftovers

• Vacuum Sealing: Preserve freshness by using a vacuum sealer to remove air and prevent freezer burn. Place individual sandwich portions in vacuum-seal bags, press out excess air, and seal completely to maintain optimal taste and texture for up to 3 months.
• Deconstructed Storage: Separate wet and dry ingredients before refrigerating to prevent sogginess. Store corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese in individual airtight containers, keeping bread wrapped separately to maintain crispness for maximum 2 days.
• Freezer Layering: Wrap each sandwich carefully in parchment paper before placing in freezer-safe bags. Stack sandwiches horizontally to prevent crushing, labeling each package with the date and contents for easy tracking and quick future meals.

Reuben Sandwich Upgrades

• Mediterranean Reuben: Swap corned beef with grilled lamb, replace Thousand Island dressing with tzatziki sauce, and use feta cheese instead of Swiss. Add roasted red peppers for extra Mediterranean flair.
• Veggie Reuben Delight: Substitute corned beef with grilled portobello mushrooms, keep sauerkraut, use plant-based Swiss-style cheese, and spread vegan Thousand Island dressing for a hearty vegetarian option.
• Spicy Southwest Reuben: Replace corned beef with pulled chicken, add pepper jack cheese, mix chipotle into Thousand Island dressing, and sprinkle jalapeños for a zesty kick.
• Seafood Reuben Remix: Use smoked salmon instead of corned beef, add dill pickles, switch to Gruyère cheese, and drizzle homemade remoulade sauce for an elegant coastal-inspired sandwich.

Sandwich Wrap-Up

Classic Reuben sandwiches from Ina Garten’s kitchen provide mouthwatering comfort with rich layers of corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese.

Her signature Thousand Island dressing adds creamy complexity to this iconic deli-style meal.

Crisp, golden-brown bread creates perfect textural contrast against tender meat and melted cheese.

Garten’s precise technique ensures each sandwich reaches maximum flavor potential through careful grilling and strategic ingredient placement.

Culinary enthusiasts will appreciate her balanced approach to crafting this beloved sandwich.

Original yet traditional, this recipe invites kitchen adventurers to elevate their sandwich game – so grab those ingredients, channel your inner chef, and let deliciousness reign.

Scroll down, share this masterpiece with sandwich-loving friends, drop a comment about your Reuben experience, and spread sandwich joy across your network!

Ina Garten Reuben Sandwich Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s Reuben sandwich brings classic New York deli flavors to home kitchens with professional-level technique. Layers of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and homemade Russian dressing create a perfect balance between tangy, rich, and savory profiles that satisfy serious sandwich enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 8 slices deli sliced corned beef
• 8 slices Swiss cheese

Bread and Base:

• 8 slices rye bread
• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
• ½ cup Thousand Island dressing

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter, softened

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious griddle or skillet, heating it to a medium temperature (350°F/175°C).
2. Generously coat one side of each bread slice with Thousand Island dressing, ensuring complete and even coverage.
3. Arrange the sandwich components on four bread slices, starting with a layer of Swiss cheese, followed by two slices of corned beef, a generous quarter cup of tangy sauerkraut, and topped with another slice of Swiss cheese.
4. Complete each sandwich by placing the remaining bread slices on top, positioning the dressing-coated side facing downward.
5. Apply a thin, even layer of softened butter across the exterior surface of each sandwich.
6. Carefully transfer the sandwiches to the preheated griddle, positioning them butter-side down to create a crisp, golden exterior.
7. Brush the exposed bread surface with the remaining butter, promoting uniform browning and adding rich flavor.
8. Grill the sandwiches, rotating once, until both sides develop a deep golden-brown color and the cheese melts completely, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.

Notes

• Select premium, well-marbled corned beef from a trusted deli for maximum tenderness and rich flavor.
• Press and toast bread until golden brown, creating a crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft, melted cheese.
• Squeeze excess liquid from sauerkraut using a clean kitchen towel to maintain the perfect sandwich texture.
• Layer ingredients strategically, starting with a thin spread of Thousand Island dressing to create a moisture barrier and enhance overall taste.
• Allow sandwich to rest for 1-2 minutes after grilling, helping cheese melt completely and flavors meld together seamlessly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 670 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1,400 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg