Zesty Grilled Reuben Toastie Recipe: A Tangy Comfort Classic

Tucking into a classic reuben toastie always sparks memories of deli counters and comfort food nostalgia.

Layers of tender corned beef nestle between crisp, buttery bread slices waiting to be transformed.

Melted swiss cheese drips invitingly alongside tangy sauerkraut and rich russian dressing.

Sophisticated yet simple, this sandwich promises a delightful culinary adventure that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Crisp edges and molten interior guarantee a sensory experience that connects you with traditional American diner cuisine.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of robust flavors and textures.

You won’t want to miss this mouthwatering creation that turns an ordinary lunch into an extraordinary moment.

Ingredients for Grilled Reuben Toastie

• Rye Bread: A classic bread that provides a sturdy base and distinctive tangy flavor for the Reuben toastie.

• Swiss Cheese: A mild, slightly nutty cheese that melts beautifully and adds creamy texture to the sandwich.
• Butter: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior when grilling the sandwich.

• Corned Beef: A traditional meat that brings rich, savory flavor to the classic Reuben sandwich.
• Sauerkraut: Fermented cabbage that adds a tangy, acidic element to balance the rich meat and cheese.
• Dressing: A creamy condiment that enhances the overall flavor profile of the sandwich.

How to Cook Grilled Reuben Toastie

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Surface

Heat a skillet over medium heat to create the perfect toasty environment for your Reuben sandwich.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

Grab your rye bread slices and generously spread butter on one side of each piece. This will create a golden, crispy exterior.

Step 3: Layer the Flavor Foundation

• Swiss cheese slice
• Tender corned beef
• Tangy sauerkraut

Step 4: Complete the Sandwich Stack

Top the fillings with another slice of Swiss cheese and cover with the second piece of bread, buttered side facing out.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Carefully place the assembled sandwich into the heated skillet, buttered side down. Let it sizzle and transform into a crispy golden delight.

Step 6: First Side Cooking

Grill the sandwich for 4-5 minutes, watching the bread turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 7: Flip and Repeat

Carefully flip the sandwich using a spatula. Cook the other side for another 4-5 minutes until equally crispy and golden.

Step 8: Check for Melty Goodness

Ensure the cheese is completely melted and the bread is perfectly crisp on both sides.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the Reuben from the skillet, slice diagonally, and serve immediately. Add extra dressing on the side for an extra flavor kick.

Tips to Nail Grilled Reuben Toastie

• Choose high-quality corned beef for rich, authentic flavor and better texture.
• Drain sauerkraut thoroughly to prevent soggy sandwich and maintain crispy bread.
• Press sandwich gently with a spatula while grilling to ensure even browning and cheese melting.
• Use room temperature butter for smoother, more even bread coating and golden-brown crust.
• Consider using a cast-iron skillet for superior heat distribution and crispier sandwich edges.

Variations on Grilled Reuben Toastie to Explore

• Spicy Southwest Reuben: Replace traditional dressing with chipotle mayo, add sliced jalapeños, and swap corned beef with spicy pulled chicken for a zesty kick.
• Vegetarian Mediterranean: Substitute corned beef with grilled eggplant, use feta cheese instead of Swiss, add roasted red peppers, and spread tzatziki sauce for a plant-based version.
• Open-Faced Russian Style: Skip the top bread slice, layer ingredients more generously, bake in oven at 375°F for 10 minutes until cheese bubbles and edges crisp.
• Pastrami Smokehouse: Use pastrami instead of corned beef, add smoked Gouda cheese, include caramelized onions, and brush bread with garlic-infused olive oil for deeper flavor profile.

Ideal Pairings for Grilled Reuben Toastie

• Elevate Flavor with Beer Pairing: Complement the rich, tangy Reuben toastie with a crisp German-style lager or a robust amber ale that cuts through the sandwich's bold flavors.
• Pickle Power Side Kick: Serve with classic dill pickles or a zesty pickle spear to add a refreshing crunch that balances the sandwich's hearty and salty profile.
• Comfort Soup Companion: Pair with a creamy tomato soup or a light potato soup to create a classic comfort food combination that warms and satisfies.
• Crisp Salad Contrast: Add a light, vinegar-based coleslaw or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to provide a fresh counterpoint to the dense, rich toastie.

Storage Advice for Grilled Reuben Toastie

• Wrap the Reuben toastie tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, store in an airtight container, and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Unwrap the sandwich, place in a preheated skillet over medium-low heat, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until warmed through and crispy.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, wrap the toastie in foil, and heat for 10-12 minutes to maintain its crispy texture and melted cheese.
• Place the sandwich on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 30-45 seconds to prevent sogginess.

FAQs for Grilled Reuben Toastie

• What is a Reuben Toastie?

A classic sandwich originating from New York, featuring corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing grilled between rye bread slices until crispy and golden.

• Can I use different types of bread?

While rye bread is traditional, you can substitute with sourdough, whole wheat, or white bread depending on your preference.

• How do I prevent the sandwich from burning?

Use medium heat and watch carefully, flipping when the bottom turns golden brown to ensure even grilling and prevent burning.

• Is a Reuben Toastie suitable for vegetarians?

No, the traditional recipe contains corned beef. Vegetarians would need to replace the meat with a plant-based alternative like mushrooms or tempeh.

Why Grilled Reuben Toastie Is a Classic Comfort Food

• Elevate Classic Comfort: Transform a traditional Reuben sandwich into a mouthwatering grilled toastie that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen.
• Master Quick Gourmet Cooking: Learn an easy technique to create a perfectly crispy, golden-brown sandwich with melted cheese and tender corned beef in just minutes.
• Crowd-Pleasing Meal Solution: Impress family and friends with a delicious sandwich that combines tangy sauerkraut, rich Swiss cheese, and savory corned beef in one satisfying bite.
• Versatile Anytime Dish: Enjoy this hearty sandwich for lunch, dinner, or as a delightful weekend treat that works for casual gatherings or solo meal moments.

Grilled Reuben Toastie Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 13-15 minutes
• Yield: 1 1x

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Description

Reuben lovers rejoice as this grilled toastie elevates classic sandwich flavors with crispy, golden-brown bread and melted swiss cheese. Layers of corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and zesty Russian dressing create a mouthwatering experience you won’t soon forget.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 slices corned beef

Bread and Cheese:

• 2 slices rye bread
• 2 slices Swiss cheese

Condiments and Extras:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sauerkraut
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) Russian or Thousand Island dressing
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare a medium-heat skillet for toasting the sandwich.
2. Generously coat one surface of each rye bread slice with butter for crispy exterior.
3. Apply dressing evenly across the unbuttered interior of bread slices.
4. Create sandwich layers by first placing Swiss cheese on bread base.
5. Add tender corned beef slices directly over the cheese layer.
6. Distribute sauerkraut uniformly across the meat to ensure balanced flavor distribution.
7. Top sauerkraut with another slice of Swiss cheese for melting potential.
8. Complete sandwich assembly by placing second bread slice, buttered side facing outward.
9. Carefully position sandwich in preheated skillet, buttered side contacting cooking surface.
10. Grill for 4-5 minutes until bottom achieves golden-brown crispness, watching carefully to prevent burning.
11. Delicately rotate sandwich using spatula to cook opposite side for additional 4-5 minutes.
12. Confirm sandwich is ready when both sides turn crispy golden and cheese melts completely.
13. Transfer toastie to cutting board and slice diagonally for elegant presentation.
14. Serve immediately while warm, accompanying with extra dressing for optional dipping.

Notes

• Ensure butter is at room temperature for even spreading and crispy golden-brown exterior.
• Select high-quality corned beef from a deli counter for richer, more authentic flavor profile.
• Use caraway-seeded rye bread to enhance traditional Reuben sandwich complexity and depth.
• Lower heat slightly if bread browns too quickly to guarantee perfectly melted cheese without burning.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 690 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1300 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 1.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg