Name: Crispy Reuben Sandwich with Sauerkraut Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 11 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 slices dark rye bread; 1 cup Swiss cheese (shredded); 4 tablespoons thousand island dressing; 1 cup sauerkraut (well drained); ½ pound corned beef or pastrami (thinly sliced); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)

If you’re craving something hearty and irresistibly crunchy, this Crispy Reuben Sandwich with Sauerkraut Recipe is your new go-to. It’s that perfect combo of melty Swiss, tangy sauerkraut, tender corned beef, and creamy dressing all hugged by dark rye bread grilled to golden perfection. Let me tell you, it never fails to satisfy!

A sandwich sliced in half vertically shows four layers. The top and bottom layers are dark brown grilled rye bread with grill marks. Inside, there are two layers of thinly sliced pinkish-purplish corned beef, each topped with a layer of white melted cheese. Between the corned beef layers is a layer of pale shredded sauerkraut. The sandwich is placed on a wooden board with some melted cheese and juice around it, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Reuben Sandwich with Sauerkraut Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Reuben Sandwich with Sauerkraut Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Reuben Sandwich with Sauerkraut Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made plenty of sandwiches in my kitchen, but this crispy Reuben stands out every time. It hits all the right notes—crispy, melty, tangy, and savory in each bite. It's an all-American classic that feels gourmet with minimal effort.

Simple and fast: Ready in just 11 minutes, perfect for a quick lunch or cozy dinner.
Perfect balance: Tangy sauerkraut and creamy dressing paired with savory corned beef create a flavor party.
Crunchy and gooey: The buttery, crispy rye crust contrasts wonderfully with the melty Swiss cheese inside.
Customizable: Switch up the cheese or meat to tailor it to your taste buds.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When gathering ingredients for this sandwich, quality makes all the difference. I always recommend choosing sturdy rye bread and well-drained sauerkraut to keep things crispy, plus thinly sliced corned beef for the best texture and flavor.

Flat lay of dark rye bread slices, shredded Swiss cheese in a small white bowl, thinly sliced corned beef arranged neatly, sauerkraut in a small white bowl, thousand island dressing in a small white bowl, softened unsalted butter in a small white bowl, whole uncracked brown eggs placed on a simple white ceramic plate, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly balanced and symmetrical arrangement, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Dark rye bread: The classic base that holds all the fillings well and crisps up beautifully.
Swiss cheese: Melts smoothly, adding creamy, nutty flavor that’s essential for that gooey interior.
Thousand island dressing: Adds a creamy, tangy touch that brightens up every bite.
Sauerkraut: Well drained to avoid sogginess, it brings that signature tang and crunch.
Corned beef or pastrami: Tender, thin slices that layer perfectly—choose corned beef for mildness or pastrami for a peppery kick.
Unsalted butter: Softened and spread outside to create that irresistible crispy, golden crust.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of a Crispy Reuben Sandwich with Sauerkraut Recipe is how easily it welcomes your own twist. Whether you’re adjusting flavors or ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs, there’s a delicious way to make it truly yours!

Pastry Twist: I've tried swapping out the classic corned beef for pastrami once, and that peppery, smoky kick was a whole new level of yum. Half corned beef, half pastrami is a fun combo I keep coming back to.
Cheese Swap: Swiss cheese is the melty magic here, but one day I used Gruyère instead—man, it added a really creamy, slightly nutty note that elevated the sandwich beautifully.
For a Veggie Version: Use grilled portobello mushrooms or smoked tempeh in place of meat, and keep those classic layers of cheesy goodness and sauerkraut for that signature tang.
Hands-off Cooking: If you prefer a fuss-free option, a panini press works wonders for nicely even grilling and crispiness.
Crunch Factor: If you want to amp up the crispiness, spreading a little mayonnaise instead of butter on the outside creates a subtle tang and extra golden crust.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Reuben Sandwich with Sauerkraut Recipe

The image shows a toasted sandwich held by a woman's hand, split in half revealing multiple layers inside. The top and bottom layers are dark brown, grilled rye bread with visible grill marks. Inside, there are several layers of pinkish sliced meat stacked thickly in the middle. Under the meat, there is a layer of creamy melted white cheese that stretches slightly from the sandwich. Below the cheese, there is a layer of thin, light-colored shredded cabbage or sauerkraut adding texture. The sandwich is placed on a wooden surface with another half resting in front. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Assemble Your Layers with Care

Start by laying out two slices of dark rye bread on your cutting board. Sprinkle about half a cup of shredded Swiss cheese on each slice—this cheese is what melts up to be that gooey, satisfying center. Next, drizzle 2 tablespoons of thousand island dressing over the cheese on each slice, adding that classic tangy creaminess. Layer on half of your thinly sliced corned beef, then top with half a cup of thoroughly drained sauerkraut to avoid any sogginess. Trust me, a good drain here keeps your sandwich perfectly crispy later.

Step 2: Close and Butter for the Golden Crust

Place the remaining two slices of rye bread on top to close each sandwich. Now comes the secret weapon: spread about 1 tablespoon of softened unsalted butter on the outside of the top slice of each sandwich. This step ensures that beautiful, crispy, golden crust that makes this Reuben so irresistible.

Step 3: Heat Your Skillet Just Right

Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Medium is key here—it’s hot enough to crisp the bread evenly without burning it before the cheese has a chance to melt. This balance is what keeps your sandwich perfect.

Step 4: Cook Both Sides Until Golden Perfection

Carefully place the sandwiches in the skillet with the buttered sides facing down. Cook for about 3 minutes until the bread is a gorgeous golden brown and crisp. Then, spread the remaining butter on the outside of the now top slice of each sandwich. Flip each sandwich gently and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. The other side should be equally golden and the cheese melted deliciously.

Step 5: Serve and Savor Immediately

Remove your sandwiches from the skillet and let them rest for just a minute—enough so you don’t burn your mouth but not enough for that melty cheese to cool down. Slice them up, serve fresh, and enjoy that perfect blend of tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy dressing, and crisp buttery bread. Your Crispy Reuben Sandwich with Sauerkraut Recipe is ready to delight!

Top Tip

Mastering the Crispy Reuben Sandwich with Sauerkraut Recipe is all about precision, patience, and choosing the right ingredients. These tips come from countless sandwiches grilled to perfection in my kitchen, so you can skip the trial and error and dive straight into deliciousness!

Bread Selection: Stick to sturdy breads like dark rye or pumpernickel. I’ve found that flimsy or overly soft breads just can't hold up against all that juicy corned beef and sauerkraut without turning soggy.
Cheese Melting Magic: Using shredded Swiss cheese rather than slices helps it melt evenly and bind all the flavors together beautifully. Trust me, it makes a difference you can taste.
Butter for Browning: Always use softened unsalted butter on the outside of the bread before grilling. It creates that irresistible crispy and golden crust that makes every bite sing.
Medium Heat Rule: Cooking on medium heat ensures the bread crisps up slowly so the cheese melts thoroughly. Cooking too hot? You’ll burn the bread and have unmelted cheese. Been there, ruined sandwiches too!

How to Serve Crispy Reuben Sandwich with Sauerkraut Recipe

The image shows two slices of brown bread on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture. The left side shows plain slices placed one above the other, showing a soft, porous texture with small holes. On the right side, the two slices are topped with a thick layer of shredded white cheese, covering almost the entire surface of each slice. The cheese shreds have a slightly curly texture and are piled loosely, giving a fluffy look. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Keep it simple by pairing your Crispy Reuben Sandwich with tangy pickle spears or a few crisp dill pickles on the side. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a lovely burst of color and fresh herb aroma. For a bit of extra zing, a smear of extra thousand island dressing or spicy mustard makes a brilliant dipping sauce.

Side Dishes

Classic choices like kettle-cooked potato chips or crisp French fries play nicely alongside this sandwich. If you want something lighter, a refreshing coleslaw or a simple green salad with vinaigrette helps balance the richness. And for a heartier meal, cup of tomato soup or creamy baked beans are perfect, cozy companions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover sandwiches should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator. Properly stored, they will stay good for up to 2 days. Just remember, freshness is key to keeping that perfect crispy texture and melty cheese.

Freezing

You can freeze your assembled but ungrilled Crispy Reuben Sandwiches by wrapping each sandwich tightly in foil and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking to ensure even warming and crispiness.

Reheating

To revive leftovers with that fresh-from-the-griddle crunch, reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in an air fryer until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted—around 3 to 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the bread soggy and the sandwich less enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute pastrami for corned beef in this recipe?

Absolutely! Pastrami brings a smoky, peppery twist to the sandwich. You can even combine half corned beef and half pastrami for a flavorful depth.

Why is it important to drain sauerkraut well?

Draining sauerkraut thoroughly prevents extra moisture from making your sandwich soggy, which helps keep that crispy texture we all love in a Reuben.

Can I use mayonnaise instead of butter on the bread?

Yes! Spread mayo on the outside of the bread for a tangy alternative that also toasts up beautifully crispy and golden brown.

How long does it take to cook the sandwiches?

Cook each sandwich over medium heat for about 3 minutes on the first side and then 2 to 3 minutes after carefully flipping, for a total of approximately 6 minutes, ensuring a golden crust and melted cheese.

Final Thoughts

Crafting a Crispy Reuben Sandwich with Sauerkraut Recipe is one of those kitchen joys—simple ingredients blended into a symphony of textures and flavors. Whether you're making a quick lunch or impressing guests with a classic American delight, these tips and tricks will set you up for success. Remember, the magic is in the crispy bread, melty cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and that luscious thousand island dressing. So, fire up your skillet, savor every bite, and enjoy the delicious comfort of this timeless sandwich!