When you think of a classic Reuben sandwich, it's easy to imagine the comforting layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese nestled between slices of rye. But have you considered how many delicious variations exist? From a zesty twist featuring jalapeños to a vegetarian version that doesn't skimp on flavor, there's a Reuben for everyone's taste. And if you're looking for something a bit different, you might want to investigate the groundbreaking wraps and burgers that incorporate these same beloved elements. Let's break down these five standout recipes that could redefine your sandwich experience.
Classic Reuben Sandwich
The classic Reuben sandwich is a delicious, hearty meal that combines layers of flavors and textures, making it a favorite among deli-goers. This iconic sandwich is composed of juicy corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Swiss cheese, and sharp Russian or Thousand Island dressing, all grilled between two slices of rye bread until golden brown and crispy.
Perfect for lunch or a quick dinner, the Reuben isn't only satisfying but also easy to make at home.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of rye bread
- 4 ounces of corned beef, sliced
- 1/4 cup of sauerkraut, drained
- 2 slices of Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons of Russian or Thousand Island dressing
- Butter, for grilling
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by spreading butter on one side of each slice of rye bread. On the unbuttered side of one slice, layer the corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and dressing.
Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side facing out. Heat a skillet over medium heat and place the sandwich in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt.
Carefully flip the sandwich and grill the other side for another 4-5 minutes. Remove from the heat, slice in half, and serve warm.
Extra Tips:
For an added depth of flavor, consider using marble rye bread for a visual and taste twist.
Make sure to thoroughly drain the sauerkraut to prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy. If you prefer a bit of crunch, you can toast the bread lightly before assembling the sandwich.
Additionally, feel free to experiment with the dressing; homemade variations can enhance the dish even further. Enjoy your Reuben with a side of pickles or coleslaw for a classic deli experience!
Spicy Reuben Variation
If you're looking to add a little heat to the classic Reuben sandwich, this spicy variation is just what you need. With a kick from spicy mustard and pepper jack cheese, combined with the traditional elements of corned beef, sauerkraut, and rye bread, you'll find that this version brings new life to the beloved sandwich.
Perfect for a lunch treat or a hearty dinner, this spicy Reuben is sure to satisfy your cravings and tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of rye bread
- 4 ounces of corned beef, sliced
- 1/4 cup sauerkraut, drained
- 2 slices of pepper jack cheese
- 1 tablespoon spicy mustard (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Optional: sliced jalapeños for extra heat
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat. Spread the spicy mustard on one side of each slice of rye bread.
Lay one slice mustard-side up on the skillet, then layer on the corned beef, sauerkraut, and pepper jack cheese. If you like it extra spicy, add some sliced jalapeños at this stage.
Place the second slice of bread on top, mustard-side down. Butter the outside of the sandwich generously, then grill it for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, make sure the skillet is hot enough before you place the sandwich on it. This will help achieve a crispy exterior while ensuring the cheese melts perfectly.
If you want to make the sandwich even more flavorful, consider toasting the rye bread slightly before assembling the sandwich.
You can also experiment with different types of cheese or add more toppings like pickles or hot sauce to personalize your spicy Reuben to your liking. Enjoy!
Vegetarian Reuben Option
If you're craving a classic Reuben sandwich but want to keep it vegetarian, this delicious Vegetarian Reuben Option is perfect for you! This recipe uses hearty ingredients like marinated tempeh, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy vegan dressing to create a satisfying and flavorful sandwich that even meat lovers will enjoy.
With the crunch of toasted rye bread and the melty goodness of plant-based cheese, this vegetarian twist on the traditional Reuben is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
- 8 slices of rye bread
- 1 package of tempeh, sliced thinly
- 1 cup of sauerkraut, drained
- 1 cup of vegan cheese (shredded)
- 1/4 cup of vegan mayo
- 2 tablespoons of ketchup
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Start by marinating the sliced tempeh in a mixture of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper for about 15 minutes.
While the tempeh is marinating, mix together the vegan mayo, ketchup, and Dijon mustard to create a tangy dressing.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the marinated tempeh for around 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Assemble the sandwiches by spreading the dressing on one side of each slice of rye bread.
Layer the cooked tempeh, sauerkraut, and vegan cheese between two slices of bread, then grill the sandwiches in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes on each side until the bread is toasted and the cheese melts.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider adding sliced pickles or avocado to your sandwich.
If you want to amplify the smoky flavor, you can use smoked tempeh instead of the regular variety.
Don't skip the marinating step, as it really helps to infuse the tempeh with flavor.
Additionally, feel free to experiment with different types of bread or cheese alternatives to suit your taste preferences.
Enjoy your delicious Vegetarian Reuben with a side of chips or a light salad for a complete meal!
Reuben Wrap Recipe
The Reuben Wrap is a delicious twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, perfect for a quick lunch or a fun dinner. This recipe combines the savory flavors of corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy dressing, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla.
It's not only easy to prepare but also packs a satisfying punch of flavor, making it a favorite for both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 8 ounces corned beef, thinly sliced
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup thousand island dressing
- 1 tablespoon butter (for grilling)
Instructions:
To prepare the Reuben Wraps, start by laying out the flour tortillas on a clean surface.
Spread a couple of tablespoons of thousand island dressing on each tortilla, making sure to cover most of the surface. Layer the sliced corned beef evenly on top, followed by the sauerkraut and shredded Swiss cheese.
Roll each tortilla tightly, tucking in the sides as you go to create a secure wrap. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter.
Place the wraps seam-side down in the skillet and grill for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they're golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Remove from the skillet and slice in half before serving.
Extra Tips:
When preparing your Reuben Wraps, feel free to customize the ingredients to suit your taste.
For an extra kick, add a few slices of pickles or a dash of hot sauce inside the wrap. If you don't have Swiss cheese, you can substitute it with provolone or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Additionally, consider serving the wraps with extra thousand island dressing on the side for dipping, enhancing the complete experience.
Enjoy your delicious, portable Reuben anytime!
Reuben Burger Twist
A Reuben Burger Twist combines the classic flavors of a traditional Reuben sandwich with the juicy goodness of a burger. This delicious twist features a seasoned beef patty, topped with Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and a zesty thousand island dressing, all sandwiched between two slices of rye bread.
Perfect for a hearty meal, this recipe is easy to follow and will surely impress your friends and family.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
- 1/2 cup thousand island dressing
- 4 slices rye bread
- Butter for grilling
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, then form the mixture into four equally sized patties.
Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat and cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired doneness. During the final minute of cooking, place a slice of Swiss cheese on each patty to melt.
While the burgers are cooking, assemble the sandwiches by spreading thousand island dressing on one side of each slice of rye bread.
Once the burgers are done, layer the sauerkraut on top of the cheese, place the patty on the sauerkraut, and top with another slice of rye bread.
Melt some butter in the skillet and grill the assembled sandwiches for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
Extra Tips:
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the ground beef mixture before forming the patties.
You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone or pepper jack, for a unique twist.
If you're a fan of spice, try adding sliced jalapeños to the sauerkraut for a kick.
Ultimately, serve your Reuben Burger Twist with a side of crispy fries or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!