Name: Johnny D’s Waffles, Myrtle Beachs Grilled Rueben Recipe
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 1 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz thin-sliced house corned beef; 2 slices Swiss cheese slices; 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and lightly squeezed; 3 tbsp Thousand Island dressing; 2 slices rye bread slices; 1 tbsp unsalted butter (softened); 0.25 tsp caraway seeds (optional); 10 oz frozen or hand-cut French fries; 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying or air-frying as needed); 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 each dill pickle spear; 0.5 cup coleslaw (prepared); 0.125 tsp fresh ground black pepper; 1 tbsp extra Thousand Island for serving

Method

Sandwich

1
Prepare sauerkraut
Place the sauerkraut in a fine mesh sieve or clean kitchen towel and press to remove excess liquid until it's moist but not watery (about 1–2 minutes). If using caraway seeds, toss them into the sauerkraut now.
2
Assemble sandwich
Spread 1 tablespoon Thousand Island dressing evenly on one slice of rye bread. On the other slice, spread the softened butter thinly on the outside surface that will contact the skillet (this ensures even browning). On the dressing-coated slice, layer the Swiss cheese so it will be between the corned beef and bread, then pile the 8 oz thin-sliced corned beef evenly over the cheese. Top the corned beef with the drained sauerkraut, spreading it into an even layer. If desired, add a light grind of black pepper. Close the sandwich with the buttered rye slice, buttered side facing out.
3
Grill the sandwich
Heat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium heat until hot (about 2–3 minutes). Place the sandwich in the skillet and press gently with a spatula or a second pan. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt. Carefully flip the sandwich and press again; cook another 3–4 minutes until the second side is golden and the cheese is fully melted. If the bread is browning too quickly before the cheese melts, reduce heat to medium-low, cover loosely with a lid for 1–2 minutes to help melt the cheese, then finish uncovered.
4
Slice and finish
Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let rest 1 minute. Cut the sandwich in half diagonally. Serve with an extra tablespoon of Thousand Island dressing on the plate or on the side for dipping.

Sides

5
Cook fries (deep fry method)
If deep-frying: heat oil in a heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the fries in batches until golden and crisp, about 3–5 minutes per batch depending on thickness. Drain on paper towels and season with kosher salt immediately.
6
Cook fries (oven/air-fryer method)
If using oven: preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss fries with 1 tablespoon oil, spread in a single layer on a baking sheet, and bake 20–30 minutes, turning once, until golden and crisp. Season with kosher salt. If using an air fryer: preheat to 400°F (200°C) and air-fry fries in a single layer for 10–15 minutes, shaking halfway, until crisp; season with salt.
7
Plate sides
Place the grilled Reuben on the plate with the fries to one side. Add the dill pickle spear and 1/2 cup prepared coleslaw. Optionally garnish with extra Thousand Island dressing for dipping and a light crack of black pepper over the slaw.

Grilled Rueben Recipe

Ingredients

Sandwich

Sides

Optional garnish / finishes

Method

Sandwich

Prepare sauerkraut

Assemble sandwich

Grill the sandwich

Slice and finish

Sides

Cook fries (deep fry method)

Cook fries (oven/air-fryer method)

Plate sides

More from Johnny D’s Waffles, Myrtle Beach