Andy Montoya
The Reuben sandwich is a deli sandwich that consists of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing between slices of rye bread. The type of cheese used in a Reuben sandwich is a topic of debate, but Swiss cheese is the most traditional and classic choice due to its mild flavor. However, some variations use mozzarella, provolone, or cream cheese. The sandwich is grilled until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Swiss cheese, Mozzarella, Provolone, Gruyere |
| Texture | Melted, gooey, crispy |
| Flavour | Mild, tangy |
| Quantity | 2 slices |
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What You'll Learn
Swiss cheese is the classic choice
Swiss cheese is also a good choice because of its melting properties. When grilled, the cheese becomes gooey and melts into the sandwich, creating a cohesive whole. This is an important textural element of the Reuben, which is meant to be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Swiss cheese is also a practical choice for a Reuben sandwich. It has a relatively low melting point, which means it melts quickly and easily when grilled, helping to ensure that the bread does not burn. Its mild flavour also means that it does not overwhelm the other ingredients, allowing the corned beef, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing to shine.
While Swiss cheese is the classic choice, other mild-tasting cheeses can also be used, such as mozzarella or provolone. These cheeses have similar melting properties to Swiss cheese and will not overpower the other ingredients. However, using a different type of cheese will alter the classic flavour profile of the Reuben, so it is important to choose a mild cheese that complements the other ingredients.
Ultimately, Swiss cheese is the best choice for a classic Reuben sandwich. Its mild flavour, melting properties, and practicality make it the perfect cheese to complement the other ingredients and create a delicious, cohesive sandwich.
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Mozzarella or provolone are mild alternatives
While Swiss cheese is the classic choice for a Reuben sandwich, mozzarella or provolone are mild alternatives that can be used instead. The Reuben is a deli sandwich that typically consists of corned beef, sauerkraut, Russian dressing, and Swiss cheese grilled between slices of rye bread. The sandwich is served hot, with the cheese melted and the dressing penetrating the sauerkraut to create an irresistible combination.
The classic combination of corned beef and Swiss cheese gives the sandwich its signature heartiness and flavor. Swiss cheese is generally used because of its mild flavor, which helps to tie all the ingredients together. However, mozzarella and provolone are two other mild-tasting kinds of cheese that can be used as substitutes.
The Reuben sandwich is easy to make and can be grilled in a skillet or on a griddle. The bread can be buttered and toasted before adding the remaining ingredients, and then grilled until both sides are golden brown. The sandwich can also be cooked in an oven, which is useful when making sandwiches in bulk.
Some variations of the classic Reuben sandwich include using pastrami or fish instead of corned beef, or coleslaw instead of sauerkraut. For those who don't eat meat, the sandwich can be made vegetarian by substituting the corned beef with zucchini, cucumbers, or mushrooms.
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Cream cheese adds a different taste profile
The Reuben sandwich is a classic deli sandwich with a signature taste and texture. The traditional sandwich consists of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, Russian or Thousand Island dressing, and rye bread. The corned beef provides the sandwich's savoury, seasoned flavour, while the sauerkraut adds a tangy crunch. The Swiss cheese, with its mild flavour, helps to tie all the ingredients together.
While Swiss cheese is the classic choice, some variations of the sandwich use other types of cheese. For instance, mozzarella or provolone are two other mild-tasting kinds of cheese that can be used.
Cream cheese is another alternative. Using cream cheese adds a different taste profile to the sandwich. It provides a tanginess that pairs well with the other ingredients, creating a unique and pleasing flavour combination. The cream cheese also melts well, ensuring the sandwich retains its signature gooey texture.
For those who want to experiment further, other cheeses can be substituted for the classic Swiss cheese. Gruyere cheese, for example, can be used in a Reuben, paired with a honey mustard blend. This substitution adds a sweet and savoury element to the sandwich, creating a unique flavour profile.
Ultimately, the choice of cheese depends on personal preference and the desired taste profile. While Swiss cheese is traditional, alternatives like cream cheese can offer a different but equally enjoyable eating experience.
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Gruyere cheese with honey mustard is an option
While Swiss cheese is the classic choice for a Reuben sandwich, you can experiment with different types of cheese to add your own twist to this deli classic. Gruyere cheese with honey mustard is an option that you can consider.
The key to a great Reuben is the combination of salty, tangy, melty, and crisp flavours and textures. The saltiness usually comes from the corned beef, while the tanginess is provided by the sauerkraut and Russian or Thousand Island dressing. The cheese is responsible for the melty element, and the bread is toasted until crisp.
Gruyere is a type of Swiss cheese that has a slightly sweet and nutty flavour. It is often used in grilled cheese sandwiches and can be a good option for a Reuben if you want to add a bit of sweetness to the sandwich. Combining Gruyere with honey mustard can enhance this sweet flavour profile.
To make a Reuben with Gruyere and honey mustard, you can follow the same steps as the classic recipe. Start by spreading the honey mustard on one side of each slice of rye bread. Then, layer the corned beef, sauerkraut, and another slice of Gruyere cheese. Top it off with the remaining bread slices, dressing-side down. Butter the top of each sandwich and place them butter-side down on a preheated griddle. Grill the sandwiches until both sides are golden brown.
Feel free to adjust the quantities and cooking times to your preference. You can also try toasting both sides of each slice of bread to maximise the crunch, or stick to single-side toasting for a slightly steamed and tender texture. Enjoy your customised Reuben sandwich!
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No cheese at all for a kosher version
The Reuben sandwich is a North American grilled sandwich that combines corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing or Thousand Island dressing, grilled between slices of rye bread. However, it is not kosher due to the combination of meat and cheese.
For a kosher version, you can simply omit the cheese. Many kosher delis serve the sandwich without cheese, and some have created their own variations. For example, Citron and Rose in Philadelphia offers an open-faced lamb Reuben without cheese.
If you want to add a cheese-like element to your kosher Reuben, you could try a vegan cheese substitute like Daiya. Another option is to make a vegetarian version, replacing the corned beef with vegetarian ingredients such as zucchini, cucumbers, wheat meat, or mushrooms.
When making a kosher Reuben, it's important to remember that kosher laws forbid mixing meat and milk products. This means that, in addition to cheese, you should avoid any milk-based ingredients or toppings.
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Frequently asked questions
Swiss cheese is the classic choice for a reuben sandwich. Its mild flavor and gooey meltability make it a perfect pairing with the sandwich's other ingredients.
Mozzarella or provolone are good alternatives as they are also mild-tasting and melt well. Some people also like to use cream cheese, Gruyère, or a blend of cheeses.
Swiss cheese has a mild flavor that complements the other ingredients in the sandwich without overwhelming them. It also melts well, creating a gooey texture that is characteristic of a good reuben.
This depends on how cheesy you like your sandwich! A classic reuben has one slice of cheese on each piece of bread, with some people adding a second slice in the middle.
A traditional reuben is made with rye bread, but you can also use marbled rye or German onion rye. The bread should be toasted on at least one side to create a crispy texture that contrasts with the melted cheese.
