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Ingredients
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Sandwich
1000 Island Dressing
Optional (for serving)
Method
1000 Island Dressing
- 1
Make the dressing
In a small bowl combine 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp ketchup, 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish, 1 tsp prepared horseradish, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Whisk until smooth and taste; adjust salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed. Refrigerate while you assemble the sandwiches to let flavors meld (at least 15 minutes).
Sandwich Assembly & Cooking
- 2
Prepare sauerkraut
Place 1 cup drained sauerkraut in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse briefly under cold water to reduce excess tang if desired. Squeeze gently to remove excess liquid and pat dry with paper towels.
- 3
Assemble sandwiches
Lay out 8 slices rye bread. Spread a thin layer (about 1 tbsp) of the prepared 1000 Island dressing on one side of each slice. On four slices, layer about 4 oz (roughly 1/4 lb) of thinly sliced corned beef evenly across each. Divide the drained sauerkraut evenly over the corned beef (about 1/4 cup per sandwich). Top the sauerkraut with two slices of Swiss cheese per sandwich. Close each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, dressing side down.
- 4
Butter the bread
Spread the softened unsalted butter evenly on the outside faces of both slices of each sandwich (about 1/2 tbsp per outer face). This will help achieve a golden, crisp crust when grilling.
- 5
Grill the sandwiches
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat until hot. Place two sandwiches in the pan (do not overcrowd). Cook 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula or using a weighted press, until the bread is golden-brown and the cheese is melted. If the bread is browning before the cheese melts, lower the heat to medium-low and cover the pan with a lid for 1–2 minutes to help the cheese melt through. Repeat with remaining sandwiches.
- 6
Serve
Cut sandwiches in half on the diagonal, serve immediately with extra 1000 Island dressing for dipping and optional dill pickle slices. Each finished sandwich contains melted Swiss, warm corned beef, and tangy sauerkraut balanced by the creamy dressing.
