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 commonly served in Jewish-style delicatessens, but it is not kosher because it combines meat and cheese. The Swiss cheese used in a Reuben sandwich is typically thinly sliced, so it melts quickly.

Swiss cheese is the classic choice for a Reuben sandwich

Swiss cheese is an essential component of the Reuben sandwich. Its mild, nutty, and slightly sweet flavour complements the saltiness of the corned beef and the tanginess of the sauerkraut. Additionally, Swiss cheese melts easily, adding to the sandwich's appeal. When preparing a Reuben, it is important to thinly slice the Swiss cheese so that it melts quickly and evenly.

The Reuben sandwich has a disputed history, with some attributing its creation to New York City's Reuben's Deli, and others to Reuben Kulakofsky in Omaha, Nebraska, in the 1920s. Regardless of its origins, the Reuben has become an iconic and beloved sandwich, especially around St. Patrick's Day, due to its use of corned beef, which is associated with Irish-American cuisine.

While Swiss cheese is the classic choice, some variations of the sandwich exist, such as the "Rachel," which substitutes pastrami for corned beef and coleslaw for sauerkraut. Additionally, while Russian dressing is traditional, Thousand Island dressing is a common alternative, offering a slightly sweeter taste.

The Reuben sandwich is a delicious and comforting dish, often served with sides like potato chips, dill pickles, coleslaw, or French fries. It is a testament to the appeal of Swiss cheese that it is the classic choice for this beloved sandwich.

It's best to thinly slice the cheese so it melts quickly

A Reuben sandwich is a grilled delight, featuring corned beef, cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian or Thousand Island dressing on rye bread. The cheese used in a Reuben is typically Swiss cheese, and it's best to thinly slice it so it melts quickly and easily.

Swiss cheese is a mild, nutty, and slightly sweet variety of cheese. It is an excellent choice for a Reuben sandwich due to its smooth, creamy texture when melted. Thinly slicing the cheese ensures that it melts evenly and quickly, creating a cohesive sandwich with a delightful mouthfeel.

When preparing a Reuben, it is essential to thinly slice the Swiss cheese. This allows the cheese to melt faster and prevents it from becoming a dominant flavour or texture in the sandwich. The cheese should complement the other ingredients, such as the corned beef and sauerkraut, without overwhelming them.

By thinly slicing the Swiss cheese, you also ensure that the sandwich cooks evenly. A Reuben is typically grilled, and the thin cheese slices help achieve that crispy, golden-brown exterior without burning or overcooking the interior.

Additionally, thinly sliced Swiss cheese helps create a more aesthetically pleasing sandwich. The cheese melts and blends seamlessly with the other ingredients, creating a visually appealing, cohesive whole. This is especially important when serving the sandwich in a restaurant or deli setting, where presentation is a key component of the dining experience.

In summary, thinly slicing the Swiss cheese for a Reuben sandwich ensures quick melting, flavour balance, even cooking, and an appealing presentation. These factors all contribute to the overall enjoyment of the sandwich, making it a favourite among deli-style comfort foods.

You can use other types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella

A traditional Reuben sandwich consists of corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut on rye bread, slathered with Russian or Thousand Island dressing. The Swiss cheese is mild, nutty, and sweet, complementing the saltiness of the corned beef and the tanginess of the sauerkraut.

However, you can use other types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, to make a delicious variation of the classic Reuben. These cheeses offer a different flavour profile and texture, creating a unique and satisfying sandwich experience.

Cheddar, for example, comes in various types, from mild to sharp, and can add a more pronounced sharpness to the sandwich. Mozzarella, on the other hand, is known for its mild flavour and gooey, stretchy texture when melted. It can add a creamy, stringy element to the sandwich, creating a fun and indulgent twist on the traditional Reuben.

When substituting with cheddar or mozzarella, consider the following tips:

• For cheddar, opt for a sharper variety to stand up to the robust flavours of the other ingredients.
• If using mozzarella, look for a high-quality brand to ensure the best flavour and melting capabilities.
• As with Swiss cheese, slice the cheddar or mozzarella thinly so that it melts quickly and evenly.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese to your preference. You can use just one slice or add an extra slice for a cheesier sandwich.

By using cheddar or mozzarella, you can create a Reuben sandwich with a personalised touch that suits your taste buds. Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favourite variation of this classic sandwich.

The cheese should be placed directly on the bread so it melts as the sandwich is heated

A Reuben sandwich is a grilled sandwich that combines corned beef, cheese, and sauerkraut on rye bread. The cheese used in a Reuben sandwich is typically Swiss cheese, which is mild, nutty, and sweet, and it should be placed directly on the bread so it melts as the sandwich is heated.

To make a classic Reuben sandwich, start by spreading Russian or Thousand Island dressing on one side of each slice of bread. Then, layer on the Swiss cheese, followed by the thinly sliced corned beef and sauerkraut. Top it off with another slice of Swiss cheese and the remaining bread slice, dressing-side down.

When cooking the sandwich, butter the top and place it butter-side down on a hot skillet or griddle. Butter the other side, and flip it when the bottom slice is golden brown. Continue grilling until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is melted.

The key to a successful Reuben sandwich is to use good quality, thinly sliced Swiss cheese, which will ensure that it melts easily and quickly. By placing the cheese directly on the bread, you can guarantee that it will melt perfectly as the sandwich heats up, creating a delicious, gooey texture that contrasts the crispiness of the grilled bread.

Additionally, it is important to use bakery-style, unsliced rye bread that is sliced about one inch thick. This thicker bread will hold up to the substantial fillings and prevent the sandwich from falling apart or becoming mushy when grilled.

Russian dressing is the traditional pairing with Swiss cheese, but Thousand Island is another popular choice

A Reuben sandwich is a grilled delight, featuring corned beef, cheese, and sauerkraut on rye bread. The cheese used is typically Swiss cheese, and it is paired with either Russian dressing or Thousand Island dressing. While Russian dressing is the traditional choice, Thousand Island is also a popular option.

Russian dressing is a tangy, slightly spicy sauce that adds a nice kick to the sandwich. It is typically made with mayonnaise, ketchup, sour cream, prepared horseradish, and dill relish. On the other hand, Thousand Island dressing is slightly sweeter and often contains finely chopped ingredients like pickles, onions, and sometimes hard-boiled eggs. It is also similar to Russian dressing in that it contains mayonnaise and ketchup or chili sauce.

The choice between Russian and Thousand Island dressing ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer the spicier, more tangy flavour of Russian dressing, while others enjoy the slightly sweeter taste of Thousand Island. Both dressings pair well with Swiss cheese, which is known for its mild, nutty flavour and easy meltability.

When making a Reuben sandwich, it is important to start with good-quality, bakery-style rye bread that is sliced about one inch thick. This ensures that the bread can stand up to the substantial fillings and doesn't get soggy or fall apart during grilling. The Swiss cheese should also be thinly sliced so that it melts quickly and easily.

In addition to the cheese and dressing, a classic Reuben sandwich includes corned beef and sauerkraut. Corned beef is salt-cured beef brisket, and it pairs perfectly with the tangy sauerkraut, which is typically drained to prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy.

Frequently asked questions