The Reuben sandwich. Just the name conjures images of melty cheese, savory corned beef, and tangy sauerkraut all nestled between slices of grilled rye bread. It's a classic for a reason! This guide will walk you through creating the perfect Reuben, ensuring your sandwich is worthy of its legendary status.
Gathering Your Ingredients: The Foundation of a Great Reuben
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Quality ingredients make all the difference!
- Corned Beef: Aim for thinly sliced, high-quality corned beef. The better the corned beef, the better the Reuben.
- Swiss Cheese: Sharp Swiss cheese is traditional, but you can experiment with other cheeses if you like. Look for slices that are relatively thin and will melt easily.
- Sauerkraut: Use good quality sauerkraut, preferably the kind that's not overly sweet or sour.
- Thousand Island Dressing: This is a crucial component. While you can make your own, many readily available brands offer a great flavor.
- Rye Bread: Thick-cut, hearty rye bread is essential for the perfect Reuben. Look for marbled rye for extra flavor.
- Butter: For grilling the bread – unsalted is best.
Preparing Your Ingredients: Precision is Key
Now that you've gathered your ingredients, let's prep them for assembly:
- Corned Beef: Ensure your corned beef slices are not overly thick. If necessary, you can gently pound them thinner with a meat mallet.
- Swiss Cheese: Separate the cheese slices.
- Sauerkraut: Drain any excess liquid from your sauerkraut. This prevents a soggy sandwich.
Assembling Your Reuben: A Layered Masterpiece
The order of assembly matters! Follow these steps for a perfect Reuben:
- Butter the Bread: Spread butter evenly on one side of each slice of rye bread.
- Layer the Ingredients: On one slice of bread, spread a generous layer of Thousand Island dressing. Top with sauerkraut, then the corned beef slices. Finally, top with the Swiss cheese.
- Top with Bread: Carefully place the other slice of bread on top, buttered-side out.
Grilling Your Reuben: Achieving That Perfect Crisp
This is where the magic happens! Grilling your Reuben gives it that signature crispy exterior and melty interior.
- Medium-High Heat: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
- Grill the Sandwich: Place the assembled sandwich in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Use a spatula to gently press down on the sandwich to ensure even cooking and melting.
- Check for Doneness: The cheese should be gooey and the bread should have a nice crust.
Serving Your Reuben: The Grand Finale
Once your Reuben is perfectly grilled, carefully remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a minute or two before cutting it in half. Serve immediately and enjoy the deliciousness!
Tips for the Perfect Reuben Sandwich
- Don't overfill: Too much filling can make your sandwich difficult to eat and prevent even cooking.
- Experiment with variations: While this recipe is for a classic Reuben, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or add other ingredients.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the sandwich ahead of time and grill it just before serving.
With these steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating the Reuben sandwich of your dreams. Enjoy!
