Turkey Rachel Sandwich on Rye
A delicious twist on the classic Reuben, this deli favorite features tender sliced turkey, creamy coleslaw, and melted Swiss cheese piled high on grilled rye bread. Finished with a tangy Russian dressing, it's the ultimate grilled sandwich experience.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Prepare the Russian dressing
- a.In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, prepared horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
- 2
Assemble the sandwiches
- a.Lay out all 8 slices of rye bread on a clean work surface. Spread a generous layer of the Russian dressing on one side of each slice. On 4 of the slices, layer the ingredients in this order: 2 slices of Swiss cheese, 1/4 lb of sliced turkey, and about 1/3 cup of well-drained coleslaw.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Close the sandwiches by placing the remaining 4 slices of bread on top, dressing-side down. Spread the softened butter evenly on the outside of the top and bottom slices of each sandwich, covering them from edge to edge.
- 4
Grill the sandwiches
- a.Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Carefully place the sandwiches on the hot skillet, working in batches if necessary. Grill for 4-5 minutes on each side, pressing down gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the Swiss cheese is completely melted and gooey.
- 5
Serve immediately
- a.Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them rest for one minute before slicing in half diagonally. This helps the sandwich hold together. Serve hot with a side of dill pickles and potato chips.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a less soggy sandwich, ensure your coleslaw is very well-drained. You can gently press it in a fine-mesh sieve or pat it with paper towels to remove excess liquid.
- 2Cooking on medium heat is crucial. High heat will burn the bread before the cheese has a chance to melt properly.
- 3Spreading butter from edge to edge on the bread ensures a uniformly golden and crispy crust.
- 4For an extra decadent sandwich, you can use mayonnaise instead of butter on the outside of the bread before grilling. It creates a wonderfully crisp, golden-brown crust.
- 5The Russian dressing can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld and deepen over time.
Adapt it for your goals.
Bread Swap
Try using pumpernickel, sourdough, or a marble rye for a different flavor profile and texture.
Cheese PleaseCheese Please
Substitute Swiss with Provolone, Muenster, or even a sharp cheddar for a different kind of cheesy pull.
California RachelCalifornia Rachel
Add a few slices of creamy avocado and replace the coleslaw with crisp lettuce and tomato for a West Coast twist.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Russian dressing for some extra heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Turkey is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Source of Calcium
The Swiss cheese in this sandwich provides a good amount of calcium, a mineral vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as proper nerve and muscle function.
Frequently asked questions
A typical Turkey Rachel sandwich contains approximately 850-950 calories, depending on the specific brands of ingredients used, the thickness of the bread, and the amount of dressing and butter.