The Perfect Cheese For A Reuben Sandwich

The Reuben sandwich is a grilled sandwich that features corned beef and Swiss cheese on rye bread. The sandwich is a staple in Jewish-style delicatessens, but it is not kosher because it combines meat and cheese. The sandwich is served with Russian or Thousand Island dressing, and is often accompanied by a pickle, potato chips, or French fries.

Swiss cheese is the most common choice

Swiss Cheese: The Heart of a Reuben Sandwich

The Reuben sandwich is an American classic, a grilled delight featuring corned beef on rye bread. However, the star of this sandwich is undoubtedly the cheese, with Swiss cheese being the most common choice. This sandwich is not just a combination of ingredients but a symphony of flavours, and Swiss cheese plays a pivotal role in bringing everything together.

The Swiss Cheese Factor

Swiss cheese is the preferred choice for a Reuben sandwich due to its mild, creamy flavour. Its subtle taste perfectly complements the other bold ingredients without overwhelming them. The cheese melts beautifully, adding a creamy texture to the sandwich. Its mild flavour also helps balance the saltiness of the corned beef and the tanginess of the sauerkraut.

A Versatile Option

Swiss cheese is versatile, and its use is not limited to the traditional Reuben sandwich. For those who want to experiment with different cheeses, some variations include mozzarella or provolone, which also offer mild flavours that won't overpower the other ingredients. These cheeses melt well and contribute to the creamy, indulgent texture of the sandwich.

The Art of Assembly

When constructing a Reuben sandwich, the arrangement of Swiss cheese is key. The traditional approach involves layering the sandwich with a slice of Swiss cheese, followed by corned beef, sauerkraut, and then a second slice of Swiss cheese. This ensures that the cheese melts evenly and binds the sandwich together.

A Culinary Legacy

The Reuben sandwich has a rich history, with its origins claimed by both Nebraska and New York. Whether it was created by Reuben Kulakofsky, a Lithuanian-Jewish immigrant in Omaha, or Arnold Reuben, a German-Jewish immigrant in New York, one thing is certain: Swiss cheese has always been a staple ingredient.

In conclusion, Swiss cheese is the cornerstone of a Reuben sandwich, providing a mild, creamy flavour that enhances the overall taste experience. Its versatility, meltability, and subtle flavour make it the ideal choice for this American classic. So, the next time you bite into a Reuben, remember that it's the Swiss cheese that takes it from ordinary to extraordinary!

Mozzarella or provolone are mild-tasting alternatives

The Reuben is a grilled sandwich that combines corned beef, cheese, sauerkraut, Russian or Thousand Island dressing, and rye bread. It's a menu staple in Jewish-style delicatessens, but it's not kosher because it mixes meat and cheese.

The Swiss cheese typically used in a Reuben has a mild flavour, so mozzarella or provolone are good substitutes. They have a similarly mild taste and won't overpower the other ingredients.

Mozzarella is a soft, creamy cheese that's usually white, but sometimes a light yellow. It's an Italian cheese that's often used in pizzas and other baked dishes.

Provolone is another Italian cheese with a mild flavour. It's an aged pasta filata-type cheese, which means it's made by stretching the curds. It's often used in sandwiches and melts well.

When making a Reuben, it's important to drain the sauerkraut well to prevent a soggy sandwich. You can also add a moisture barrier by placing a slice of cheese between the bread and the other ingredients.

Russian dressing is the traditional choice

Russian dressing has a creamy texture and a mildly spicy taste, with a touch of sour from the horseradish and chilli sauce. It is an essential component of an authentic Reuben sandwich and is slathered on the rye bread, along with butter, to create a crispy, toasted exterior. The dressing is also spread on the inside of the sandwich, adding to the overall flavour and moisture of the sandwich.

The Russian dressing is paired with corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut, all stacked between slices of rye bread. The corned beef is typically thinly sliced, and the Swiss cheese is mild in flavour, with mozzarella and provolone offered as alternatives. The sauerkraut, or pickled cabbage, adds a salty and sour element to the sandwich, and its crunchy texture contrasts the melted cheese.

The Reuben sandwich is grilled or toasted, creating a warm, flavourful, and hearty meal. The combination of the Russian dressing, corned beef, cheese, and sauerkraut results in a sandwich with a unique blend of textures and flavours. The dressing's tanginess and spice complement the saltiness of the corned beef and the mildness of the cheese, while the sauerkraut adds a crunchy, tangy element.

The Russian dressing is a key factor in the overall taste and authenticity of a Reuben sandwich. Its distinct flavour and texture enhance the other ingredients, making it the traditional choice for this classic sandwich.

Thousand Island dressing is a sweeter alternative

The Reuben sandwich is an American classic, and while it is not difficult to make, it is a favourite for many. The tangy, vinegary sauerkraut complements the bold flavour of the corned beef, and the creamy dressing brings everything together with the melted cheese.

The classic sandwich is thought to have originated in either Nebraska or New York. It was either created by Lithuanian-Jewish immigrant Reuben Kulakofsky in Omaha, Nebraska, in the 1920s, or by German-Jewish immigrant Arnold Reuben in New York City.

While Russian dressing is the traditional choice, Thousand Island dressing is a popular alternative. It is slightly sweeter and less tangy than Russian dressing, but it still works well with the other ingredients in the sandwich.

To make a Reuben sandwich, you will need corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, rye bread, and Thousand Island dressing. You can also add butter to the bread to grill the sandwich. Layer the ingredients on the bread and grill until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.

The Reuben sandwich is a hearty and delicious combination of flavours and textures. It is a favourite for many and can be easily made at home.

Rye bread is the usual choice

Rye Bread: The Hearty Base of a Reuben Sandwich

When it comes to the classic Reuben sandwich, rye bread is the usual choice. This sandwich, with its distinctive flavour and texture, is an American staple, and the bread plays a crucial role in its overall appeal. Here's why rye bread is the preferred option and how it enhances the Reuben sandwich experience.

The Distinctive Flavour of Rye Bread

Rye bread, the foundation of a Reuben sandwich, is known for its robust and slightly sour flavour. This unique taste comes from the rye grain, which has a more intense and earthy character than traditional wheat bread. The rye grain contributes a depth of flavour that pairs exceptionally well with the other ingredients in a Reuben sandwich.

Hearty Texture

Rye bread stands out not only for its flavour but also for its dense and chewy texture. This bread has a more compact crumb structure than wheat bread, resulting in a heartier bite. The texture of rye bread provides a satisfying contrast to the tenderness of the corned beef and the creaminess of the cheese in a Reuben sandwich.

Marble Rye: A Popular Choice

While any type of rye bread can be used, marble rye is a popular option for a Reuben sandwich. Marble rye gets its name from the swirl pattern created by combining light and dark rye doughs. This combination of doughs not only creates a visually appealing bread but also offers a more complex flavour profile, blending the slightly sweeter light rye with the more robust dark rye.

Rye Bread: A Traditional Choice

The choice of rye bread for a Reuben sandwich is deeply rooted in tradition. The sandwich is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, and rye bread was a common variety available at the time. By using rye bread, the sandwich pays homage to its historical roots and the culinary traditions of the past.

Enhancing the Reuben Experience

The rye bread not only serves as a vessel for the sandwich's fillings but also enhances the overall taste experience. The slightly sour flavour of the rye complements the saltiness of the corned beef and the tanginess of the sauerkraut. Additionally, the dense texture of the bread holds up well to the generous fillings, ensuring the sandwich stays intact and easy to eat.

In conclusion, while a Reuben sandwich can be made with other types of bread, rye bread is the traditional and preferred choice. Its distinctive flavour, hearty texture, and historical significance all contribute to the unique character of this iconic sandwich. When crafting a classic Reuben, rye bread is the key to capturing the authentic taste and spirit of this beloved American dish.

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