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Ingredients
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Sandwich
Optional / For Serving
Method
Prepare Components
Drain and season sauerkraut
Place sauerkraut in a fine-mesh sieve and press firmly to remove excess liquid. If desired, briefly warm in a small saucepan over low heat for 2–3 minutes to take the chill off and mellow acidity; drain again. Set aside.
Portion corned beef
If corned beef slices are large, separate and trim any thick connective pieces so slices stack evenly. Divide the corned beef into 4 portions of about 4 oz (approximately 1/4 lb) per sandwich.
Assemble Sandwiches
Lay out 4 slices of rye bread on a work surface. Spread about 2 tablespoons of Thousand Island dressing evenly over each slice (use remaining dressing for second slices).
On each dressed bread slice place 2 slices of Swiss cheese, then pile one portion (≈4 oz) of corned beef evenly across the bread. Top the corned beef with about 1/4 cup of drained sauerkraut per sandwich, pressing lightly to compact.
Top each assembled open sandwich with the remaining two slices of rye bread, dressing side down so the dressing is inside the sandwich.
Grill / Pan-Fry
Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat until hot (about 3–4 minutes). Spread about 3/4 teaspoon of softened butter on the outside of each of the 8 bread slices (or 1 1/2 teaspoons per sandwich, divided between top and bottom).
Place two sandwiches in the skillet (do not overcrowd). Cook for 3–4 minutes until the bottom slice is golden brown and crisp. Carefully press down with a spatula, flip the sandwiches, and cook another 3–4 minutes until the second side is golden and the cheese is melted. If the bread is browning too quickly before cheese melts, reduce heat to medium-low and cover the pan with a lid for 1–2 minutes to help melt the cheese.
Transfer cooked sandwiches to a cutting board and let rest for 1 minute before cutting. Repeat with remaining sandwiches, adding more butter to the pan as needed.
Finish and Serve
Cut each sandwich diagonally in half. Serve immediately with dill pickles and potato chips on the side.