Pastrami Reuben Sandwich
Warm, thinly sliced pastrami piled high on toasted rye bread with tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and creamy Russian dressing. A classic New York deli sandwich that's hearty, satisfying, and easy to make at home.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Russian Dressing
- b.In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, prepared horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, grated onion, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined and smooth.
- c.Cover and set aside. This can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Assemble the Sandwiches
- b.Lay out the 8 slices of rye bread on a clean work surface.
- c.Spread a generous layer of the prepared Russian dressing on one side of each slice of bread.
- d.On 4 of the slices (dressing-side up), layer the ingredients in this order: one slice of Swiss cheese, one-quarter of the pastrami (about 4 oz), and 1/4 cup of the thoroughly drained sauerkraut.
- e.Place the second slice of Swiss cheese on top of the sauerkraut. This helps create a moisture barrier to prevent soggy bread.
- f.Top with the remaining 4 slices of bread, dressing-side down.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Grill the Sandwiches
- b.Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium heat. You can also use a panini press.
- c.Generously spread the softened butter on the outer top and bottom slices of each assembled sandwich.
- d.Carefully place 2 sandwiches in the hot skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is completely melted.
- e.Press down gently with a spatula while cooking to help the ingredients meld together.
- f.Repeat with the remaining 2 sandwiches.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Transfer the grilled sandwiches to a cutting board and let them rest for 1-2 minutes. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making for a cleaner cut.
- c.Slice each sandwich in half diagonally with a sharp knife.
- d.Serve immediately, traditionally accompanied by a crisp dill pickle.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The key to a non-soggy Reuben is extremely dry sauerkraut. Squeeze it out with your hands or press it in a fine-mesh sieve.
- 2Use high-quality, thick-sliced rye bread. A sturdy bread is essential to hold the substantial fillings without falling apart.
- 3Cook on medium heat. If the heat is too high, the bread will burn before the cheese has a chance to melt all the way through.
- 4For an extra-melty, deli-style experience, you can briefly warm the pastrami in the skillet before adding it to the sandwich.
- 5A panini press is an excellent alternative to a skillet for this recipe, as it provides even heat and pressure.
Adapt it for your goals.
Classic Reuben
Substitute the pastrami with an equal amount of thinly sliced corned beef for the traditional Reuben experience.
Rachel SandwichRachel Sandwich
Replace the pastrami with sliced turkey and the sauerkraut with coleslaw for a slightly sweeter, milder sandwich.
Thousand Island DressingThousand Island Dressing
If you prefer, you can use Thousand Island dressing instead of Russian dressing. It's a common and delicious substitution.
Different CheeseDifferent Cheese
While Swiss is classic, you can experiment with other good melting cheeses like Gruyère, Provolone, or even a sharp white cheddar.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Pastrami and Swiss cheese provide high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and overall body function.
Probiotic Boost
Sauerkraut is a fermented food rich in beneficial probiotics. These live microorganisms can help support a healthy gut microbiome, which is linked to improved digestion and a stronger immune system.
Source of Calcium
Swiss cheese is a good source of calcium, a mineral vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as for proper nerve transmission and muscle function.
Frequently asked questions
A Pastrami Reuben is a delicious indulgence rather than a health food. It is typically high in calories, sodium, and saturated fat. However, it does provide a good amount of protein from the meat and cheese, and the sauerkraut offers probiotic benefits for gut health.