This Grilled Reuben Sandwich takes everything you love about the classic deli sandwich—corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing—and presses it between buttery rye bread for a crispy, melty sandwich ready in just 10 minutes.
My husband loves a good corned beef sandwich, and so does my son! So when I have leftover corned beef in the refrigerator (especially after St. Patrick’s Day), one of the first things I make is a Reuben sandwich. It’s the perfect way to transform leftovers into something that feels completely new and just as exciting as the original meal.
Instead of making a traditional skillet Reuben, I love pressing mine in a panini press. The buttery rye bread gets perfectly crisp while the Swiss cheese melts into the corned beef, homemade Russian sauce, and tangy sauerkraut. The result is a warm, melty sandwich that tastes like it came straight from your favorite deli. Except instead it only takes minutes to make at home.
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Why This Recipe Works
Crispy buttery rye bread – Spreading butter on the outside of the bread ensures the sandwich presses into a golden, crunchy crust.
Perfect balance of flavors – Savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Swiss cheese, and zesty Russian dressing create the classic Reuben flavor combination.
Quick and easy to make – With just a few ingredients and about 5 minutes in the panini press, this sandwich is perfect for lunch or a quick dinner.
Reuben Sandwich Ingredients
- Rye Bread – Traditional Reuben sandwiches are made with rye bread, which adds a slightly earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the corned beef.
- Butter – Softened butter spread on the outside of the bread helps create that crispy golden crust when pressed.
- Russian Dressing – A creamy, tangy dressing that adds the signature flavor to a classic Reuben.
- Corned Beef – Thinly sliced corned beef is the star of the sandwich. Leftover corned beef works perfectly here.
- Sauerkraut – Drained sauerkraut adds brightness and tang that balances the richness of the meat and cheese.
- Swiss Cheese – Swiss cheese melts beautifully and adds a mild nutty flavor.
- Pickle – A crunchy dill pickle on the side is the classic deli pairing.
Directions
Preheat the panini press to high heat.
Prepare the bread by spreading the softened butter on the outside of each slice of rye bread. Spread 1 tablespoon of Russian dressing on the inside of each slice.
Assemble the sandwich by layering the corned beef on one slice of bread. Top with the drained sauerkraut and Swiss cheese.
Place the second slice of bread on top with the dressing side facing the sandwich and the buttered side facing outward.
Place the sandwich on the hot panini press and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted
Serve warm with a dill pickle and extra Russian dressing for dipping if desired.
FAQs
Technically a Reuben sandwich is not Irish, but because of the corned beef many people feel that it is.
A Reuben sandwich consist of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and a smear of Russian dressing between slices of rye bread.
A classic Reuben sandwich has Rye bread; however, some will use sourdough if they don’t like or have Rye on hand.
A typical Irish sandwich consist of toasted and sliced-sourdough or rye bread with shredded corned beef, mustard, and shredded cabbage that is tossed in a light vinaigrette dressing.
Tips & Tricks
- Corned Beef – You can use leftover corned beef for this recipe or simply purchase sliced pre-cooked corned beef from the deli.
- Alternate for Panini Press – If you don’t have a panini press you can simply heat a frying pan and cook on medium heat. Place another pan on top of the sandwich to “press” it.
- Sauerkraut – make sure to drain it well to prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy.
- Corned Beef – Use thinly sliced corned beef so it heats evenly and melts into the cheese.
- Make it even – Don’t overload the sandwich or it may not press evenly.
- Warm the meat – Warm the corned beef slightly before assembling if it’s very thick or cold.
If you make this Reuben recipe, I would be honored and love for you to take the time to leave a star rating and comment! I spend hours developing and testing these recipes, and always love to hear feedback and user experience!
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Grilled Reuben Sandwich
Equipment
- Measuring Spoons
- 1 Panini Press
Ingredients
- 2 slices Rye bread
- 1 tablespoon butter softened
- 2 tablespoons Russian sauce
- 2 ounces Corned Beef
- ¼ cup drained sauerkraut
- 2 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 pickle
Instructions
- Preheat panini press to high heat.
- Spread 1 tablespoon butter on the outside on the 2 slices Rye bread. Spread 1 tablespoon of the 2 tablespoons Russian sauce on the inside of each slice.
- Layer the 2 ounces Corned Beef on one slice of bread. Top with the drained ¼ cup drained sauerkraut and 2 slices Swiss cheese.
- Place the second slice of bread on top with the dressing side facing the sandwich and the buttered side facing outward.
- Place the sandwich on the hot panini press and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
- Serve warm with 1 pickle and extra Russian dressing for dipping if desired.
Notes
- Corned Beef – You can use leftover corned beef for this recipe or simply purchase sliced pre-cooked corned beef from the deli.
- Alternate for Panini Press – If you don’t have a panini press you can simply heat a frying pan and cook on medium heat. Place another pan on top of the sandwich to “press” it.
Rachael {Simply Fresh Cooking} says
Dying. I want this! I’m a fan of any corned beef sandwich with a yummy sauce. Yours looks absolutely amazing and the photos are making me drool. I need to get me a panini press! Btw – I’m working on a little corned beef sandwich post today myself. Ah, St. Patty’s Day is the best! 🙂
Katie says
Awe thanks for the kind words, Rachael.
Dipti Joshi says
Your pics of sandwiches are so inviting..Vegetarians will change their minds..
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. says
I love a good reuben! Even better making it a panini!
Danelle says
I love a Reuben sandwich–especially a toasty one!
Ashley says
I love a reuben! And all hot and gooey – omg, it’s too much!
addie | culicurious says
oh yum!! 🙂 I love Reubens!! and this one looks fantastic!
Aggie says
Reubens make me happy! One of my favorites 🙂
This looks amazing!