Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsBernie's DinerReuben Recipe

Reuben Recipe

Inspired by Bernie's Diner
Time3h
Serves4

braised corned beef, tangy bacon kraut, swiss cheese, 1000 island, toasted rye bread

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Ingredients

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Corned Beef

Bacon Kraut

Sandwich Assembly

Method

Corned Beef Preparation

  1. 1

    Braised Corned Beef

    In a large pot, place the corned beef brisket. Add water and pickling spice. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 3 hours or until the beef is tender, flipping halfway through.

  2. 2

    Shred the Corned Beef

    Once the corned beef is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it rest for 10 minutes. Slice or shred the meat using two forks.

Bacon Kraut Preparation

  1. 3

    Cook the Bacon

    In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and let it drain on paper towels, then chop into small pieces.

  2. 4

    Prepare the Sauerkraut

    In the same skillet, add sauerkraut, apple cider vinegar, caraway seeds, black pepper, and the chopped bacon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Sandwich Assembly

  1. 5

    Assemble the Sandwich

    Spread thousand island dressing on one side of each slice of rye bread. Layer the shredded corned beef, bacon kraut, and Swiss cheese on four slices of the bread. Top with the remaining slices, dressing side down.

  2. 6

    Toast the Sandwich

    Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the sandwiches and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.

  3. 7

    Serve

    Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, cut in half, and serve warm with additional thousand island dressing on the side.

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