Bacon Rachel Recipe
Make Bacon Rachel Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Sandwich
Russian (dressing)
Method
Sandwich
Cook the bacon
Lay bacon strips in a single layer in a large cold skillet. Turn heat to medium and cook, turning occasionally, until bacon is crisp and evenly browned, about 8–12 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel–lined plate to drain. Reserve 1 teaspoon bacon fat in the skillet and discard the rest or save for another use.
Warm the sauerkraut
Place the drained sauerkraut in a small saucepan with 1 tablespoon water. Warm over low heat, stirring and pressing lightly, until just heated through, about 3–4 minutes. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.
Assemble sandwiches
Spread about 1 tablespoon of the Russian dressing on one side of each bread slice (use 8 slices total). On four of the dressed slices, layer: 2 slices Swiss cheese, 2–3 oz smoked turkey (about one-quarter of the total), then about 1/4 cup warmed sauerkraut, and 3 slices cooked bacon. Top each with another slice of Swiss cheese and the remaining dressed bread slice, dressing side in.
Grill the sandwiches
Heat the reserved skillet (or a clean skillet or griddle) over medium-low. Spread 1/2 tablespoon softened butter on the outside of each sandwich slice (both top and bottom). Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook 3–5 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted. If bread is browning before cheese melts, lower the heat and cover the pan briefly (1–2 minutes) to trap heat and finish melting.
Rest and serve
Transfer sandwiches to a cutting board and let rest 1 minute. Cut each sandwich in half on the diagonal and serve immediately with extra Russian dressing for dipping if desired.
Russian (dressing)
Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, prepared horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, hot sauce (if using), smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and homogeneous. Taste and adjust seasoning: add more horseradish for bite, more ketchup for sweetness, or a pinch more salt as needed. Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to let flavors meld before spreading on bread.