The Reuben Recipe
CORNED BEEF, SWISS CHEESE, SAUERKRAUT, THOUSAND ISLAND DRESSING
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Ingredients
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Sandwich
Thousand Island Dressing
Optional finishing
Method
Thousand Island Dressing
- 1
Make the dressing
In a small bowl combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish, 1 teaspoon finely minced yellow onion, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and a dash of hot sauce if using. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir until smooth and taste; adjust salt, pepper or relish for sweetness/acidity. Refrigerate while assembling sandwiches so flavors meld.
Sandwich assembly and cooking
- 2
Prepare sauerkraut
Place 1 cup sauerkraut in a fine sieve and press or squeeze to remove excess liquid. If very acidic, rinse quickly under cold water and squeeze again, then drain well. Set aside.
- 3
Butter bread
Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each of the 8 rye bread slices. If using caraway seeds, sprinkle them lightly onto the buttered sides of the bread.
- 4
Assemble sandwiches
Place four bread slices buttered-side down on a work surface. On each slice, spread about 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of Thousand Island dressing. Top each with 3 to 4 ounces (about 1/4 lb divided among 4 sandwiches) of thinly sliced corned beef, dividing meat evenly. Add about 2 slices of Swiss cheese (or enough to cover) on top of the meat, then divide the drained sauerkraut evenly across the four sandwiches. Top each with the remaining bread slices, buttered-side up.
- 5
Grill the sandwiches
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low to medium heat. Place two assembled sandwiches in the skillet, buttered-side down. Cover the skillet with a lid or a sheet of foil to trap heat and help cheese melt. Cook 3 to 4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown. Carefully flip the sandwiches using a spatula, press gently, and cook another 3 to 4 minutes until the second side is golden and the cheese is melted. If cheese isn't fully melted, reduce heat slightly and cover for another 1–2 minutes. Repeat with remaining sandwiches.
- 6
Rest and serve
Remove sandwiches from skillet and let rest 1 minute. Cut each sandwich in half on the diagonal and serve immediately with extra Thousand Island dressing on the side if desired.