Frederic Melton
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 traditional sandwich consists of thinly sliced corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut on rye bread with Russian or Thousand Island dressing. The key to a good Reuben is to use bakery-style unsliced rye bread, which is sliced about one inch thick so it stands up to the substantial fillings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Swiss Cheese |
| Alternatives | Mozzarella, Provolone, Reduced-fat Swiss or Jarlsberg Cheese |
| Amount | 2 Slices |
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What You'll Learn
- Swiss cheese is the most popular choice for a Reuben sandwich
- Mozzarella or provolone are mild-tasting alternatives to Swiss cheese
- Russian dressing is the traditional condiment for a Reuben sandwich
- Thousand Island dressing is a sweeter alternative to Russian dressing
- The sandwich can be made without cheese, or with cream cheese, for a different taste
Swiss cheese is the most popular choice for a Reuben sandwich
Swiss cheese is a popular choice for the Reuben due to its mild, nutty, and sweet flavour, which pairs perfectly with the sandwich's other ingredients. Its mild flavour and easy meltability make it an ideal cheese to complement the bold, tangy flavours of the corned beef and sauerkraut. The cheese also adds a creamy texture to the sandwich, enhancing the overall eating experience.
When making a Reuben with Swiss cheese, it is important to use good-quality cheese and slice it thinly. This ensures that the cheese melts quickly and evenly, creating a gooey, crispy, and indulgent sandwich. The key to a successful Reuben is in the balance of textures and flavours, and Swiss cheese plays a crucial role in achieving this harmony.
While Swiss cheese is the traditional and most popular choice, some variations of the sandwich exist. For instance, mozzarella or provolone cheese can be used as substitutes for Swiss cheese, offering a similar mild flavour profile. Additionally, the "Rachel" sandwich is a variation that swaps pastrami for corned beef and coleslaw for sauerkraut, offering a slightly different take on the classic Reuben.
The Reuben sandwich has an interesting history, with its origins claimed by both New York City and Omaha, Nebraska. Whether it was created by a Lithuanian-Jewish or German-Jewish immigrant, the sandwich has become an iconic part of American cuisine, often enjoyed with a side of potato chips and a dill pickle.
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Mozzarella or provolone are mild-tasting alternatives to Swiss cheese
Reuben sandwiches are a type of grilled sandwich that typically includes corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian or Thousand Island dressing on rye bread. They are a staple in Jewish-style delicatessens, though they are not technically kosher because they combine meat and cheese.
When making a Reuben sandwich, it's important to use good-quality ingredients and to drain the sauerkraut well to prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy. The corned beef and sauerkraut can also be pre-heated to ensure that the cheese melts quickly during assembly.
While Swiss cheese is the classic choice, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone, to add your own twist to this traditional sandwich.
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Russian dressing is the traditional condiment for a Reuben sandwich
Russian dressing has a unique flavour profile that enhances the overall taste of the Reuben sandwich. Its slight spiciness adds a kick to the sandwich, while its tanginess balances out the other components. The dressing is easy to make at home, but store-bought options are also available for convenience.
When preparing a Reuben sandwich, the Russian dressing is spread generously on the bread slices. The corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese are then layered on top, creating a hearty and flavourful combination. The sandwich is typically grilled or toasted, resulting in a warm and melted delight.
While Russian dressing is the traditional choice, some variations of the Reuben sandwich use Thousand Island dressing instead. Thousand Island dressing is sweeter than Russian dressing, with a slightly less sharp flavour. Ultimately, the choice of dressing comes down to personal preference, as both options can complement the sandwich's ingredients well.
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Thousand Island dressing is a sweeter alternative to Russian dressing
A Reuben sandwich is a grilled sandwich that features corned beef on rye bread. It is a menu staple in Jewish-style delicatessens, but it is not kosher because it combines meat and cheese. A traditional Reuben sandwich consists of thinly sliced corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut on rye bread, slathered with Russian or Thousand Island dressing.
While Russian dressing is the traditional choice, Thousand Island dressing is a popular alternative. Both dressings share many ingredients, including mayonnaise and ketchup or chili sauce. The main difference between the two is that Thousand Island dressing is sweeter, while Russian dressing is tangier and sharper. Russian dressing is also spicier and may include ingredients like horseradish and hot sauce.
When making a Reuben sandwich, it is important to start with a 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. For the cheese, Swiss cheese is the typical choice due to its mild flavour and easy meltability. The corned beef should be thinly sliced so that it melts quickly, and the sauerkraut should be well-drained to prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy.
To assemble a Reuben sandwich, spread Russian or Thousand Island dressing on one side of each slice of bread. Layer on the Swiss cheese, corned beef, and sauerkraut, and then top with another slice of bread. Butter the top of the sandwich and place it butter-side down on a hot skillet or griddle. Butter the other side, and then grill until both sides are golden brown.
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The sandwich can be made without cheese, or with cream cheese, for a different taste
The Reuben sandwich is a classic American deli sandwich that combines corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, Russian dressing, and rye bread. However, it can be customised according to one's preferences.
Alternatively, using cream cheese instead of Swiss cheese will give your Reuben a tangier, richer flavour. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese on the rye bread, making sure to get it all the way to the edges to create a barrier that will prevent the sandwich from getting soggy. Then, layer on the corned beef, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing.
No matter which option you choose, be sure to drain your sauerkraut well to avoid a soggy sandwich. You can also squeeze it with paper towels to remove excess liquid. If you're using cream cheese, you might want to toast the rye bread lightly before assembling the sandwich to give it a crispier texture.
For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the corned beef with zucchini, cucumbers, or mushrooms.
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Frequently asked questions
Swiss cheese is the most commonly used cheese in a Reuben sandwich due to its mild flavour and ability to melt easily.
Yes, you can use other mild-tasting cheeses such as mozzarella or provolone.
Swiss cheese is used because it melts easily and has a mild, nutty flavour that pairs well with the other ingredients.
Typically, two slices of Swiss cheese are used in a Reuben sandwich, but you can get away with just one.
Yes, you can substitute the corned beef with zucchini, cucumbers, or mushrooms to make a vegetarian-style Reuben sandwich.
