Classic Reuben Melt Recipe

Make dressing

In a medium bowl combine 1 cup mayonnaise, 3 tbsp ketchup, 1 tsp prepared horseradish, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Whisk until smooth and taste; adjust salt, pepper or horseradish to preference. Refrigerate while assembling sandwiches; makes enough for 8 sandwiches (reserve any extra).

If you prefer milder, warmed sauerkraut: heat 1 tsp butter or olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup finely chopped onion and sauté 2–3 minutes until translucent. Add 1 cup well-drained sauerkraut and 1/4 tsp caraway seeds; cook 3–4 minutes until heated through and some liquid evaporates. Taste and drain off excess liquid in a fine-mesh sieve. Keep warm until assembly.

Prepare four sandwiches: lay out 8 slices of marbled rye. Spread about 1½ tbsp Russian dressing evenly on the interior side of each slice (total about 3 tbsp per sandwich for both sides).

Top the bottom slice of each sandwich with about 4 oz (roughly 1/4 lb) corned beef folded or piled evenly (total 1 lb divided among 4 sandwiches). Distribute 1/4 cup sauerkraut over the corned beef on each sandwich (if you warmed it, spoon drained warm sauerkraut).

Place two slices of Swiss cheese (or enough to cover) over the sauerkraut, then close with the top slice of rye, dressing side down.

Butter the outer faces of each sandwich: spread about 1 tbsp softened butter on the top slice outside and 1 tbsp on the bottom outside (total 2 tbsp per sandwich; uses the 4 tbsp listed).

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low to medium heat. Place sandwiches in the pan (work in two batches if necessary). Cook 3–5 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden-brown and cheese is melted. If bread browns too quickly before cheese melts, lower heat and cover pan for 1–2 minutes to trap heat.

Remove sandwiches, let rest 1 minute, then slice each sandwich in half on the diagonal. Serve immediately with extra Russian dressing on the side if desired.