Duck Reuben Recipe
House 1000 island, Swiss, marble rye
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Ingredients
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Sandwich
House 1000 Island Dressing
Optional garnish / serving
Method
House 1000 Island Dressing
Make dressing
In a medium bowl combine 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon ketchup and 3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish. Add 1 tablespoon finely minced shallot, 1 teaspoon chopped capers, 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon hot sauce, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and uniform in color. Taste and adjust balance of sweetness, acidity or salt if needed. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld (can be made up to 24 hours ahead).
Sandwich assembly & cooking
Prepare bread and cheese
Lay out 8 slices of marble rye. Butter one side of each slice evenly with the softened unsalted butter (about 4 tbs total). On the unbuttered side of four slices, place a slice of Swiss cheese so the cheese will be inside the sandwich. Reserve remaining cheese slices for the other sandwiches.
Dress bread
Spread a generous tablespoon (or to taste) of the chilled House 1000 Island dressing on the unbuttered side of the remaining four bread slices (these will be the top slices).
Assemble sandwiches
On each cheese-topped bread slice, layer 3 oz (about 1/4 of the 12 oz) of thinly sliced smoked duck breast in an even layer. Top the duck with the remaining Swiss cheese slice, then place the dressing-spread slice butter-side-up on top to create a sandwich. Repeat for all four sandwiches.
Grill sandwiches
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low to medium heat. Place the sandwiches butter-side-down in the pan. Cook slowly 3–4 minutes until the bottom is deep golden brown and the cheese begins to melt. Press gently with a spatula or a sandwich press; flip and cook the other side 3–4 minutes until the bread is crisp and the cheese is fully melted. If the bread is browning too quickly before the cheese melts, reduce heat to low and cover the pan briefly (1–2 minutes) to help cheese melt through radiant heat.
Rest and slice
Transfer sandwiches to a cutting board and let rest 1 minute. Slice each sandwich in half on the diagonal. Serve immediately with dill pickle spears and chips or fries if desired.