The Perfect Cheese For A Reuben Sandwich

A Reuben sandwich is a grilled sandwich that originated in either Nebraska or New York. It is made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian or Thousand Island dressing on rye bread. The sandwich is grilled until the cheese melts and the bread is toasted.

Swiss cheese is the most popular choice

The mild flavour of Swiss cheese pairs perfectly with the other flavours in the sandwich. It is also a good choice because it melts quickly and easily, ensuring that the sandwich is hot and crispy when served. The key to a great Reuben is getting the cheese to melt quickly so that the other ingredients don't dry out. Swiss cheese is ideal for this.

While Swiss cheese is the most popular choice, you could also use mozzarella or provolone, which are also mild-tasting cheeses. If you want to make a vegetarian version of the sandwich, you can substitute the corned beef with zucchini, cucumbers, or mushrooms, but Swiss cheese is still a great choice to include.

The Reuben is a menu staple in Jewish-style delicatessens, but it's not technically kosher because it combines meat and cheese. However, it is a delicious and satisfying option for lunch or dinner.

Mozzarella or provolone are mild-tasting alternatives

The Reuben is a menu staple in Jewish-style delicatessens, but it's not kosher because it combines meat and cheese. The sandwich is said to have originated in the 1920s, but there are competing claims about its exact roots.

Mozzarella and provolone are suitable substitutes for Swiss cheese because they have a similarly mild flavour. If you're making a Reuben at home and can't get your hands on Swiss cheese, these two alternatives will allow you to maintain the sandwich's intended flavour profile.

While the type of cheese is important, there are other key considerations for making a great Reuben. For instance, it's important to drain the sauerkraut well to prevent a soggy sandwich. You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as light rye, dark rye, Jewish rye, or pumpernickel.

Additionally, you can customise your Reuben with different dressings. While Russian dressing is traditional, Thousand Island is a popular alternative that adds a touch of sweetness.

So, if you're crafting your own Reuben, feel free to get creative with the ingredients while keeping the core elements intact. Mozzarella or provolone are excellent options if you're seeking a mild-tasting cheese to complement the other bold flavours in this classic sandwich.

Russian dressing is the traditional choice

The Reuben sandwich is an American classic, featuring corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye bread. The combination of these ingredients creates a thick, meaty, and satisfying sandwich. The Swiss cheese, with its mild flavour, is an ideal pairing with the other components. The corned beef is typically thinly sliced, and the rye bread may be toasted to achieve a crisp texture.

When preparing a Reuben sandwich, the Russian dressing is spread on the bread, followed by a generous portion of corned beef. Sauerkraut is then piled on, and the sandwich is grilled to achieve the desired level of toast and melted cheese. The result is a warm, hearty, and flavourful sandwich.

While Russian dressing is the traditional choice, some variations of the Reuben sandwich exist. For example, the Rachel sandwich substitutes pastrami for corned beef and coleslaw for sauerkraut. Additionally, a vegetarian version can be made by substituting zucchini, cucumbers, or mushrooms for the corned beef.

Thousand Island is a sweeter alternative to Russian dressing

A Reuben sandwich is a grilled sandwich that originated in either Nebraska or New York. It is made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut on rye bread, with either Russian or Thousand Island dressing.

Russian dressing is typically made with mayonnaise, grated onion, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Thousand Island dressing, on the other hand, is a sweeter alternative. It is made with mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, dill pickle relish, lemon juice, and grated horseradish. It also tends to have a higher sugar content, which gives it its signature sweet taste.

While Russian dressing has a tangy and sharp flavour, Thousand Island is a better option for those who prefer a slightly milder taste. It is also a good choice if you are looking for a dressing that is creamy and tangy. This dressing is perfect for those who want a sweeter Reuben sandwich.

In addition to its taste, Thousand Island dressing also has a few health benefits. The relish and pickles in the dressing are good sources of vitamin C and probiotics, which can help support a healthy digestive system. So, if you're looking for a delicious and slightly healthier option for your Reuben sandwich, Thousand Island dressing is a great choice.

The sandwich can be served hot or cold

A hot Reuben is also easier to make in bulk. If you are making the sandwich in bulk, you can use the oven method. This involves assembling the sandwiches on a baking sheet and popping them in the oven until the cheese melts. However, if you are making a single sandwich, using a skillet is a better option.

To make a hot sandwich, you can preheat the corned beef and sauerkraut separately in the oven and on a skillet, respectively. This ensures that you only need to grill the sandwich long enough to melt the cheese and toast the bread.

If you are serving the sandwich cold, it is recommended to only assemble what you need and refrigerate the rest of the ingredients separately to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.

Frequently asked questions