Frederic Melton
The classic Reuben sandwich is made with Swiss cheese, although some recipes suggest using mozzarella or provolone as alternatives. Swiss cheese is mild in flavor and melts well, making it a good choice for a grilled sandwich. For an even more indulgent option, some recipes recommend using Gruyere, which has a smooth, buttery texture. The sandwich is traditionally made with corned beef, sauerkraut, Russian or Thousand Island dressing, and rye bread.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Swiss, Mozzarella, Provolone, Cream Cheese |
| Number of Cheese Slices | 1-2 |
| Cheese Texture | Melted, Gooey, Creamy |
| Cheese Flavour | Mild |
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What You'll Learn
Swiss cheese is the classic choice
Swiss cheese is also a good choice for a Reuben because it melts well. One of the key steps in making a Reuben is to melt the cheese and toast the bread. Swiss cheese melts easily and quickly, so it's a good choice for a sandwich that requires melted cheese.
Another reason Swiss cheese is a popular choice for a Reuben is that it has a low melting point, which means it won't make the sandwich soggy. This is important because a Reuben is typically served hot, and the cheese needs to melt without making the bread soggy.
Finally, Swiss cheese is widely available and affordable, which makes it a convenient choice for a sandwich like the Reuben, which is typically made with other easily accessible ingredients like corned beef, sauerkraut, and rye bread.
While Swiss cheese is the classic choice, other mild-tasting cheeses can also be used, such as mozzarella or provolone.
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Mozzarella or provolone are mild alternatives
Swiss cheese is the traditional choice for a Reuben sandwich, but mozzarella or provolone are mild alternatives. These cheeses can be used to make a less intense version of the classic sandwich, which typically has a salty, sour, creamy, and crunchy flavour profile.
The Reuben is a deli sandwich that is typically made with corned beef, sauerkraut, Russian dressing or Thousand Island dressing, and Swiss cheese between slices of rye bread. It is grilled until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted. The hot meat and sauerkraut help to melt the cheese faster, ensuring there is no unmelted cheese in the centre of the sandwich.
Mozzarella and provolone are mild-tasting cheeses that can be used instead of Swiss cheese in a Reuben sandwich. They will provide a similar meltiness to the sandwich without adding a strong flavour. This can be desirable if you are looking for a more subtle cheese flavour or if you are making the sandwich for someone who does not typically enjoy Swiss cheese.
When making a Reuben sandwich, it is important to preheat the corned beef and sauerkraut so that you only need to grill the sandwich long enough to melt the cheese and toast the bread. This will help to prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy. It is also important to butter the outside of the sandwich before grilling to create a crispy texture.
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Cream cheese is a pleasing alternative
A traditional Reuben sandwich is made with Swiss cheese. However, some people prefer to use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone, which have a similarly mild flavour.
If you're looking for an alternative cheese to use in your Reuben sandwich, cream cheese is a pleasing option. Cream cheese has a rich, creamy texture and a mildly tangy flavour, which can complement the other ingredients in a Reuben sandwich. It can add a different, pleasing taste profile to the sandwich.
When using cream cheese on a Reuben sandwich, it is important to consider the texture and moisture level of the sandwich. Cream cheese is softer and more spreadable than Swiss cheese, so it may affect the overall texture and mouthfeel of the sandwich. To maintain a crisp texture, it is important to toast the bread properly and consider the order of assembly.
Additionally, cream cheese has a higher moisture content than Swiss cheese, so it can impact the overall moisture level of the sandwich. To balance this, you can adjust the amount of dressing or sauerkraut used, ensuring that the sandwich is not too wet.
When assembling a Reuben sandwich with cream cheese, you can spread a layer of cream cheese on the bread, followed by the other ingredients. Toasting the bread before adding the toppings can help create a barrier and prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy.
Using cream cheese as a substitute in a Reuben sandwich can offer a unique and tasty variation. It allows individuals to customise their sandwich to their preferences, creating a satisfying and enjoyable eating experience.
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Cheese should be placed directly on the bread
A Reuben sandwich is a delicious combination of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, Russian dressing, and rye bread. The key to a great Reuben is the order in which the ingredients are assembled, with the cheese playing a pivotal role in this regard.
The cheese also contributes to the overall taste experience. Swiss cheese, with its mild and creamy flavour, is the classic choice for a Reuben. Its subtle flavour enhances the other ingredients without overwhelming them. When melted, Swiss cheese adds a delightful gooey texture to the sandwich.
Some variations of the Reuben sandwich involve using different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone, which also offer mild flavours that complement the other ingredients. These alternatives provide a slightly different taste experience while still adhering to the principle of placing the cheese directly on the bread.
To further enhance the flavour and texture of the sandwich, the bread can be buttered before adding the cheese. This step adds a rich, buttery note to the sandwich and promotes even browning when grilled. The combination of melted cheese and buttered bread creates a unique sensory experience, making the Reuben sandwich a favourite among many.
In summary, placing the cheese directly on the bread in a Reuben sandwich serves both functional and flavourful purposes. It ensures the bread remains crisp while also providing a creamy texture and mild flavour that balances the salty, sour, and crunchy elements of the other ingredients.
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Cheese must be melted
A classic Reuben sandwich is a deli sandwich that consists of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, Russian dressing, and rye bread. The cheese used in a Reuben sandwich is typically Swiss cheese, which has a mild flavour and melts well. When melted, the Swiss cheese adds a creamy element to the sandwich.
To make a classic Reuben sandwich, you will need to start by buttering one side of each slice of rye bread. Then, spread Russian dressing on the non-buttered side of each slice. On four slices of bread, layer one slice of Swiss cheese, two slices of corned beef, a quarter cup of sauerkraut, and a second slice of Swiss cheese. Top each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, ensuring that the dressing side is facing down.
To cook the sandwich, heat a skillet over medium heat and place the sandwiches butter-side down. Grill the sandwiches until both sides are golden brown, ensuring that the cheese has melted. This should take around 3 minutes per side.
Some variations of the sandwich include using mozzarella or provolone cheese instead of Swiss cheese. Additionally, Thousand Island dressing can be used instead of Russian dressing.
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Frequently asked questions
Swiss cheese is the classic choice for a Reuben sandwich.
Swiss cheese is a good choice for a Reuben sandwich because of its mild flavor. You may also try mozzarella or provolone, which are also mild-tasting.
Yes, you can use other types of cheese such as cream cheese or cheddar cheese.
This depends on your preference. A typical Reuben sandwich uses two slices of Swiss cheese.
To ensure the cheese melts properly, grill the sandwich until both sides are golden brown. Covering the sandwich while cooking can also help trap heat and melt the cheese faster.
