Kamil Perry
The Reuben sandwich is a deli staple, with corned beef, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing layered between slices of grilled rye bread. The cheese traditionally used in a Reuben sandwich is Swiss cheese, which is generally mild in flavour. The cheese is placed on the sandwich before grilling, and melts as the sandwich cooks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Swiss |
| Other Types of Cheese Used | Gruyere, Emmental, Mozzarella, Provolone, or "Swiss-style" cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Swiss cheese is the traditional choice
The Reuben sandwich is a classic for a reason, and its iconic combination of flavours and textures has made it one of the most beloved sandwiches in the world. While there may be some variations in the ingredients used, such as pastrami instead of corned beef or coleslaw instead of sauerkraut, Swiss cheese remains the classic choice.
The key to a great Reuben sandwich is not only in the ingredients but also in the preparation. The sandwich is typically grilled until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted, creating a warm and irresistible combination of flavours and textures. The Russian or Thousand Island dressing adds a slightly spicy and tangy element to the sandwich, while the rye bread provides a sturdy base for the generous filling.
When preparing a Reuben sandwich, it is important to layer the ingredients properly. The bread should be buttered on one side and grilled or toasted until slightly browned. The Russian or Thousand Island dressing is then spread on the bread, followed by layers of Swiss cheese, corned beef, and sauerkraut. The sandwich is then grilled or toasted until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.
While some may choose to use other types of cheese such as mozzarella or provolone, Swiss cheese is the traditional choice for a classic Reuben sandwich. Its mild, nutty flavour and smooth melting texture make it the perfect choice to balance the other bold ingredients in the sandwich. So, if you're looking to make an authentic Reuben, be sure to grab some Swiss cheese!
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Alternatives include mozzarella or provolone
A classic Reuben sandwich is made with Swiss cheese. This is because Swiss cheese has a mild, nutty flavour that pairs well with the other ingredients in the sandwich, such as corned beef, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing.
However, some people prefer their sandwiches with a more pronounced cheese flavour. Alternatives include mozzarella or provolone, two mild-tasting varieties of cheese that can add a stringy, stretchy texture to the sandwich when melted.
Mozzarella is a fresh cheese made from buffalo or cow's milk. It has a high moisture content, which makes it ideal for melting and can add a creamy texture to the sandwich. Provolone, on the other hand, is an aged semi-hard cheese with a slightly stronger flavour. It has a more robust texture than mozzarella, which makes it perfect for those who want a more pronounced cheese presence in their sandwich.
Both mozzarella and provolone can be excellent choices for a Reuben sandwich, offering a slightly different take on this classic combination of flavours and textures.
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Cheese is placed directly on bread
A Reuben sandwich is a grilled sandwich that combines corned beef or pastrami, sauerkraut, Russian dressing or Thousand Island dressing, and cheese on rye bread. The sandwich is grilled until the bread is crispy and the cheese melts.
Cheese is placed directly on the bread to create a moisture barrier between the bread and the other ingredients. This technique also helps the bread stay crispy. The cheese is typically Swiss cheese, which is mild in flavor and nutty and savory in taste. It helps to tie all the ingredients together.
Some recipes suggest placing the cheese on the bread before grilling, while others recommend grilling the sandwich and then adding the cheese afterward. In both cases, the cheese is placed directly on the bread.
The key to a successful Reuben sandwich is to ensure that the bread is toasted first so that it doesn't get soggy. The cheese is then added, and the sandwich is grilled until the cheese is melted. This creates the ideal texture and flavor combination that the Reuben sandwich is famous for.
While Swiss cheese is traditional, some variations use mozzarella, provolone, Gruyere, or Emmental cheese. These cheeses are also mild in flavor and complement the other ingredients well.
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Cheese is melted in a skillet
A classic Reuben sandwich is made with Swiss cheese, which is sweet, mild, nutty, and melts easily. Swiss cheese is a lower-moisture cheese with a melt point of 150 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hotter than higher-moisture cheeses like mozzarella and Brie.
To melt Swiss cheese in a skillet for a Reuben sandwich, start by spreading butter on one side of each slice of rye bread. Then, spread Russian dressing on the other side of each slice. Place the bread slices butter-side down on a hot skillet or griddle. Assemble the sandwiches in the skillet, adding the remaining ingredients: corned beef, sauerkraut, and another slice of cheese. Cover the skillet to trap the heat and help the cheese melt faster while the bread browns evenly. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the bottom is golden and the cheese starts to melt. Carefully flip the sandwiches and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, until the bread is golden and the cheese is fully melted. If the bread is browning too quickly, lower the heat.
Alternatively, you can place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet, cover them, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Press the sandwiches down with a spatula while they cook to help the cheese melt.
For a spin on the classic sandwich, you can adapt your Reuben with turkey instead of corned beef or kimchi in place of sauerkraut.
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Cheese is essential to the sandwich
The Reuben sandwich is a menu staple in Jewish-style delicatessens, although it is not technically kosher because it combines meat and cheese. The sandwich is grilled and served on rye bread, with Russian or Thousand Island dressing, and sauerkraut.
The cheese used in a Reuben sandwich can also be Gruyere, Emmental, "Swiss-style" cheese, mozzarella, or provolone. These cheeses are also mild in flavour and work well with the other ingredients. The sandwich can also be made without cheese, or with cream cheese, but these variations are less traditional.
The key to a good Reuben sandwich is to have all the elements work together in harmony. The cheese, therefore, must be carefully selected to complement the other ingredients. The mild flavour of Swiss cheese, for example, is not overpowering and allows the corned beef, pastrami, or sauerkraut to shine. The cheese also adds a salty element to the sandwich, which is essential to balancing the other flavours.
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Frequently asked questions
Swiss cheese is the cheese traditionally used on a Reuben sandwich.
A Reuben sandwich is a grilled sandwich made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, Russian or Thousand Island dressing, and rye bread.
Mozzarella or provolone cheese are good alternatives to Swiss cheese on a Reuben sandwich because they are also mild-tasting.
Thousand Island dressing is a good alternative to Russian dressing on a Reuben sandwich.
Some people prefer to use white bread or marbled rye bread instead of traditional rye bread when making a Reuben sandwich.
