Savor Ina Garten’s Reuben Sandwich Recipe: A Fresh Classic

When hunger strikes with a classic deli-style craving, this Ina Garten reuben sandwich blends tangy, savory flavors that dance across your taste buds.

Layers of tender corned beef nestle between perfectly toasted rye bread, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Melted swiss cheese and zesty homemade Russian dressing add depth to every delectable bite.

The combination of crisp sauerkraut and rich meat promises a sandwich experience that transcends ordinary lunch fare.

Generous portions and bold flavors make this recipe a standout choice for any meal.

Bring the delicatessen magic right to your kitchen and savor every incredible moment of culinary delight.

Tools to Craft the Best Reuben with Ina’s Tips

• Large griddle or skillet: Essential for grilling sandwiches evenly and achieving that perfect golden-brown crust.
• Butter knife: Perfect for spreading Thousand Island dressing and softened butter smoothly across bread slices.
• Spatula: Helps flip sandwiches carefully without losing ingredients and ensures even cooking.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for assembling sandwich layers and preparing ingredients.
• Measuring cup: Ensures consistent sauerkraut portions for each sandwich.

Grill Up Ina’s Reuben Sandwich at Home

• Griddle Prep

Warm up a spacious cooking surface over medium heat to create the perfect golden-brown canvas for your sandwich adventure.

• Flavor Foundation

Generously coat each bread slice with tangy Thousand Island dressing, ensuring every bite bursts with zesty goodness.

• Sandwich Assembly

Layer Swiss cheese, succulent corned beef, and crisp sauerkraut between bread slices, creating a mouthwatering stack of deliciousness.

• Butter Magic

Lovingly spread softened butter on the outer sides of your sandwich, promising a crispy, rich exterior.

• Grilling Perfection

Carefully place the sandwich on the heated surface, allowing it to transform into a golden-brown masterpiece. Flip gently after about 5 minutes, cooking until each side reaches a beautiful caramel color and the cheese melts into gooey bliss.

Flavor Twists for a Reuben Sandwich Delight

• Gourmet Reuben Mastery
• Choose high-quality Swiss cheese with excellent melting properties for maximum creaminess and rich flavor.
• Swap corned beef with pastrami or smoked turkey for unique protein alternatives that maintain classic sandwich structure.
• Drain sauerkraut thoroughly to prevent soggy sandwich bottoms and enhance crispy bread texture.
• Use room temperature butter for smoother spreading and more even golden-brown grilling results.

How to Serve a Reuben the Ina Garten Way

• Pair with Crisp Pickles: Serve alongside crunchy dill pickles to add a tangy and refreshing contrast to the rich, savory sandwich.
• Create a Deli-Style Platter: Arrange the Reuben sandwiches on a wooden board with extra sauerkraut, pickles, and a small dish of additional Thousand Island dressing for dipping.
• Complement with Hearty Sides: Add classic deli companions like potato chips, coleslaw, or a light potato salad to complete the meal and provide different textures and flavors.
• Serve Warm and Fresh: Slice the sandwiches diagonally and plate immediately to ensure the cheese is melty and the bread remains crispy and golden.

Reuben Sandwich Storage and Reheating Tips

• Quick Batch Prep: Assemble multiple sandwiches ahead of time and wrap tightly in plastic wrap for easy grab-and-go lunch options during busy weeks.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store uncooked assembled sandwiches in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling, keeping ingredients fresh and flavor intact.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual sandwiches in foil and freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw in refrigerator overnight and grill when ready to enjoy a tasty meal.
• Leftover Love: Keep grilled Reuben sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to maintain crispy bread texture and warm filling.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 4

Items for a Classic Ina Garten Reuben Sandwich

• Rye Bread: Hearty base with authentic deli-style flavor, choose a sturdy, fresh loaf that can hold hefty fillings.
• Thousand Island Dressing: Creamy, tangy condiment that adds zesty moisture and classic Reuben character.

• Corned Beef: Rich, salty meat with robust flavor, select high-quality, thinly sliced deli-cut beef for optimal texture.
• Swiss Cheese: Smooth, mild cheese that melts beautifully and complements the intense corned beef profile.

• Sauerkraut: Fermented cabbage delivering sharp, acidic punch that cuts through rich meat and cheese, opt for well-drained, crisp variety.
• Butter: Golden, rich ingredient for creating crispy, golden-brown sandwich exterior with deep, nutty undertones.

Authentic Ina Garten Reuben Sandwich Recipe

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• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Reuben sandwiches featuring classic ingredients blend Ina Garten’s signature culinary expertise with traditional New York deli flavors. Crisp rye bread, melted swiss cheese, and tangy Russian dressing make this sandwich a delightful comfort meal you’ll savor with enthusiasm.

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Ingredients

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• 8 slices corned beef (deli sliced)
• 8 slices Swiss cheese
• 8 slices rye bread
• 1 cup sauerkraut (drained)
• ½ cup Thousand Island dressing
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) butter (softened)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat griddle or skillet to medium heat (350°F/175°C) for optimal sandwich toasting.
2. Dressing Application: Spread Thousand Island dressing generously on one side of each bread slice, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
3. Sandwich Assembly: Layer Swiss cheese, corned beef, sauerkraut, and additional Swiss cheese on four bread slices, then top with remaining bread slices, positioning dressing-coated side downward.
4. Butter Coating: Softly spread butter across the exterior surface of each assembled sandwich, creating a foundation for crisp, golden browning.
5. Grilling Process: Place sandwiches butter-side down on the heated surface, brushing exposed bread with remaining butter to enhance color and flavor. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, rotating once, until cheese melts completely and bread achieves a rich, golden-brown appearance.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is softened but not melted for even, crisp sandwich exterior.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Use medium heat to guarantee complete cheese melting without burning bread.
• Sauerkraut Drainage: Pat sauerkraut dry to prevent soggy sandwich and maintain crisp texture.
• Griddle Positioning: Spread sandwiches evenly on griddle, allowing consistent heat distribution for perfect golden-brown finish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1500 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg