The Perfect Cheese For A Reuben Sandwich

The Reuben sandwich is a deli classic, but what type of cheese does it contain? The answer is Swiss cheese, which is generally used due to its mild flavour. However, some variations use mozzarella or provolone, which are also mild-tasting cheeses. The sandwich is made up of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Russian or Thousand Island dressing on rye bread, and is grilled in butter.

Swiss cheese is the most popular choice

A Reuben sandwich is a grilled sandwich that originated in the US. It is made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, Russian or Thousand Island dressing, and rye bread. The bread is usually buttered and toasted, and the sandwich is grilled until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.

The Reuben sandwich is a popular menu item in Jewish-style delicatessens, but it is not technically kosher because it combines meat and cheese. Despite this, it is a beloved and well-known sandwich, with many variations and substitutions available.

Some people prefer to use marble rye bread, which is a combination of light and dark rye bread. Others may use light rye, dark rye, Jewish rye, or pumpernickel bread. The type of dressing used can also vary, with some people preferring the sweeter Thousand Island dressing, while others opt for the tangier and sharper Russian dressing.

The corned beef in a Reuben sandwich is typically thinly sliced, and it can be purchased from a deli or made at home. The sauerkraut, which is shredded cabbage that has been fermented, adds a tangy and crunchy texture to the sandwich.

Overall, the Swiss cheese in a Reuben sandwich is an important component that contributes to the overall taste and texture of this classic American dish.

Mozzarella or provolone are also options

Mozzarella or Provolone for a Reuben?

A Reuben is a grilled sandwich that is a menu staple in Jewish-style delicatessens. It is made with corned beef, a type of cheese, and sauerkraut on rye bread, slathered with Russian or Thousand Island dressing. The sandwich is grilled until the cheese melts and the bread is toasted.

Swiss cheese is the traditional choice for a Reuben sandwich because of its mild flavour. However, some people may prefer to use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone, which also have a mild taste. These cheeses would add a creamy, tangy flavour to the sandwich and are a good option for those who want to try something different.

When making a Reuben sandwich, it is important to preheat the corned beef and sauerkraut so that the cheese melts quickly. The bread should be toasted on one side to create a crisp outer texture while leaving the interior tender. This allows the cheese to melt and creates a fusion of flavours and textures.

Some variations of the Reuben sandwich include using pastrami instead of corned beef or coleslaw instead of sauerkraut. The sandwich can also be made vegetarian-style by substituting the corned beef with zucchini, cucumbers, or mushrooms.

Russian dressing is the traditional spread

Russian dressing has a sharper and tangier taste compared to Thousand Island dressing, which is another popular choice for a Reuben sandwich. While Thousand Island is on the sweeter side, Russian dressing offers a bit more kick. The latter is sometimes referred to as the "spicier, sassier relative" of Thousand Island.

Russian dressing is typically made with mayonnaise, grated onion, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. It can be easily prepared at home by combining these ingredients and whisking them well.

When making a Reuben sandwich, the Russian dressing is generously spread on the rye bread, creating a flavourful base for the other ingredients. The corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese are then piled on, and more Russian dressing is added before topping the sandwich with another slice of bread.

The combination of Russian dressing, corned beef, and sauerkraut in a Reuben sandwich can be attributed to either Reuben Kulakofsky, a Lithuanian-Jewish immigrant in Nebraska, or Arnold Reuben, a German-Jewish immigrant in New York City. Both men claimed to have invented the sandwich, and their names seem fitting for this delicious creation.

Thousand Island is a sweeter alternative

A Reuben sandwich is a timeless classic, but what kind of cheese does it contain?

The traditional cheese used in a Reuben sandwich is Swiss cheese. This is because Swiss cheese has a mild flavour that pairs perfectly with the other components of the sandwich. The corned beef is piled high on marble rye bread, topped with crunchy, tangy sauerkraut, and zippy Russian dressing, then griddled to perfection until the cheese melts and the bread is toasted.

However, if you are looking for a sweeter alternative, Thousand Island dressing is a popular substitute for Russian dressing. Thousand Island is a slightly sweeter option that still has a tangy flavour. It is made with mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, and mustard, providing a creamy base with a crunchy texture and a sharp, vinegary flavour.

The Reuben sandwich is a satisfying and filling meal, and the choice of dressing can be tailored to your preference. Whether you choose the traditional Russian dressing or the sweeter Thousand Island option, the sandwich is sure to be delicious!

Some people also like to experiment with different types of cheese in their Reuben sandwiches. Mozzarella or provolone cheese, for example, are mild-tasting alternatives to Swiss cheese that can be used to create a unique flavour profile.

So, if you're looking to mix up your next Reuben sandwich, why not try using Thousand Island dressing with a different type of cheese? It might just become your new favourite combination!

It's grilled in butter

A Reuben sandwich is a type of grilled sandwich that is typically made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, Russian or Thousand Island dressing, and rye bread. It is grilled in butter to achieve a crispy, toasted exterior and a warm, melted cheese interior.

The key to achieving the perfect grilled Reuben sandwich is to grill it in butter until both sides are golden brown. This ensures that the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted. The butter also adds a rich, buttery flavour to the sandwich.

To grill a Reuben sandwich, start by spreading the dressing on one side of each slice of bread. Then, layer the corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese on top. Close the sandwich with another slice of bread, spread with dressing. Grill the sandwich in a skillet or on a griddle, buttering the top of the sandwich first. Once the bottom slice is golden brown, flip the sandwich and grill the other side until both sides are golden brown.

The combination of grilled bread, melted cheese, and warm fillings makes the Reuben sandwich a delicious and indulgent meal. The butter used in grilling adds to the overall flavour and texture of the sandwich.

Some variations to the traditional Reuben sandwich include using pastrami or turkey pastrami instead of corned beef, or using mozzarella or provolone cheese instead of Swiss cheese.

Frequently asked questions