Grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwiches: A Delicious Twist on a Classic

Are you looking for a satisfying and flavorful sandwich that’s a step above the ordinary? Look no further than the Grilled Turkey Reuben. This recipe takes the classic Reuben sandwich and gives it a delicious makeover with grilled turkey, creating a smoky and savory experience that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a weekend gathering. This isn’t just another sandwich; it’s a culinary adventure that combines familiar flavors in a new and exciting way.

## Why Grilled Turkey Reuben? What Makes it Special?

The Reuben sandwich is a beloved classic for good reason. The combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing on grilled rye bread is a symphony of flavors and textures. However, the Grilled Turkey Reuben offers a lighter, yet equally satisfying alternative. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your recipe repertoire:

* **Leaner Protein:** Turkey is a leaner protein source compared to corned beef, making this sandwich a slightly healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
* **Smoky Flavor:** Grilling the turkey adds a delightful smoky char that complements the tangy sauerkraut and creamy Russian dressing.
* **Versatile:** This recipe is easily adaptable. You can experiment with different types of bread, cheeses, and dressings to create your own signature Reuben variation.
* **Impressive Yet Easy:** While the Grilled Turkey Reuben looks and tastes impressive, it’s surprisingly simple to make. It’s a great way to elevate your sandwich game without spending hours in the kitchen.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather the essential ingredients:

* **Turkey Breast:** 1 pound, sliced about 1/4 inch thick. Deli-sliced turkey works well, or you can grill or roast your own turkey breast and slice it.
* **Rye Bread:** 8 slices. Choose a good quality rye bread with a slightly tangy flavor. Marble rye is also an excellent choice.
* **Sauerkraut:** 1 cup, drained well. Look for sauerkraut that is fermented and has a good balance of sour and tangy flavors. Squeeze out any excess liquid to prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy.
* **Swiss Cheese:** 4-8 slices, depending on your preference. Swiss cheese provides a nutty and slightly sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly. Emmental Swiss is a good option.
* **Russian Dressing:** 1/2 cup. Russian dressing is a creamy and tangy sauce that is essential for a Reuben sandwich. You can buy it pre-made or make your own (recipe below).
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons, softened. Butter is used to grill the sandwiches and adds a rich, golden-brown crust.
* **Optional:**
* Pickles: Dill pickle spears or chips for serving.
* Coleslaw: A side of coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch.

## Making Your Own Russian Dressing (Optional but Recommended)

While you can certainly use store-bought Russian dressing, making your own is surprisingly easy and allows you to customize the flavor to your liking. Here’s a simple recipe:

* **Mayonnaise:** 1/2 cup
* **Ketchup:** 2 tablespoons
* **Prepared Horseradish:** 1 tablespoon
* **Sweet Pickle Relish:** 1 tablespoon
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 1 teaspoon
* **Hot Sauce:** A dash or two, to taste (optional)
* **Paprika:** 1/4 teaspoon
* **Onion Powder:** 1/4 teaspoon
* **Garlic Powder:** 1/4 teaspoon

**Instructions:**

1. In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients.
2. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more horseradish for a spicier kick, or more ketchup for a sweeter flavor.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The dressing will thicken slightly as it chills.

## Step-by-Step Instructions for Grilling the Perfect Turkey Reuben

Now that we have all our ingredients prepared, let’s get grilling!

**Step 1: Prepare the Sandwiches**

1. Lay out four slices of rye bread on a clean work surface.
2. Spread a generous amount of Russian dressing on each slice of bread.
3. On two of the slices, layer half of the Swiss cheese, followed by half of the turkey, and then half of the sauerkraut. Top with the remaining Swiss cheese.
4. Place the remaining slices of bread on top, dressing-side down, to form the sandwiches.

**Step 2: Butter the Bread**

1. Spread softened butter evenly on the outside of both the top and bottom slices of each sandwich. This will help the sandwiches brown beautifully and become crispy during grilling.

**Step 3: Grill the Sandwiches**

1. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. You can also use an outdoor grill if you prefer.
2. Carefully place the sandwiches in the hot skillet or griddle, butter-side down.
3. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and gooey. Use a spatula to gently press down on the sandwiches while they are grilling to ensure even contact with the heat.
4. If the bread is browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.

**Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!**

1. Remove the Grilled Turkey Reubens from the skillet or griddle and place them on a cutting board.
2. Using a sharp knife, slice each sandwich in half diagonally.
3. Serve immediately with dill pickle spears or chips and a side of coleslaw, if desired.
4. Enjoy the delicious combination of smoky turkey, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Russian dressing, and melted Swiss cheese in every bite!

## Tips for the Best Grilled Turkey Reuben

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Grill the sandwiches in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the pan and result in soggy sandwiches.
* **Use the Right Heat:** Medium heat is ideal for grilling Reubens. Too high of heat will burn the bread before the cheese melts, while too low of heat will result in a soggy sandwich.
* **Drain the Sauerkraut Well:** Excess moisture from the sauerkraut can make the sandwich soggy. Be sure to drain it well and squeeze out any excess liquid before adding it to the sandwich.
* **Use Good Quality Ingredients:** The quality of the ingredients will directly impact the flavor of the sandwich. Choose good quality rye bread, turkey, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing.
* **Press Gently:** Pressing down on the sandwiches while they are grilling helps to ensure even contact with the heat and promotes even browning.
* **Let the Cheese Melt Completely:** Make sure the cheese is fully melted and gooey before removing the sandwiches from the grill. This is a key component of a great Reuben sandwich.
* **Experiment with Different Cheeses:** While Swiss cheese is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other cheeses such as Gruyere, Havarti, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
* **Add a Touch of Spice:** If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Russian dressing or sprinkle some on the turkey before grilling.

## Variations on the Grilled Turkey Reuben

One of the great things about the Grilled Turkey Reuben is its versatility. Here are a few variations to try:

* **Spicy Reuben:** Add a tablespoon of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to the Russian dressing for a spicy kick.
* **Turkey Rachel:** Substitute coleslaw for the sauerkraut. This variation is known as a Rachel sandwich.
* **Vegetarian Reuben:** Substitute tempeh or seitan for the turkey. Make sure to marinate the tempeh or seitan in a smoky marinade before grilling.
* **Open-Faced Reuben:** Grill the bread open-faced and top with the ingredients. This is a great option if you want to reduce the amount of bread.
* **Reuben Roll-Ups:** Spread the Russian dressing on a tortilla, layer with the turkey, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese, and roll up tightly. Slice into bite-sized pieces and serve as an appetizer.

## Serving Suggestions

The Grilled Turkey Reuben is a satisfying meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to complete the experience:

* **Pickles:** Dill pickle spears or chips are a classic accompaniment to a Reuben sandwich.
* **Coleslaw:** A refreshing side of coleslaw adds a nice crunch and contrast to the rich flavors of the sandwich.
* **French Fries:** Crispy French fries are always a welcome addition to any sandwich meal.
* **Potato Salad:** Creamy potato salad is another great side dish option.
* **Soup:** A cup of tomato soup or creamy vegetable soup pairs well with the Grilled Turkey Reuben.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can help to balance out the richness of the sandwich.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

* **Calories:** Approximately 600-800 per sandwich
* **Protein:** 30-40 grams
* **Fat:** 30-40 grams
* **Carbohydrates:** 40-50 grams

## Conclusion

The Grilled Turkey Reuben is a delicious and satisfying sandwich that’s perfect for any occasion. With its smoky flavor, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Russian dressing, and melted Swiss cheese, it’s sure to become a new favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to enjoy a truly memorable sandwich experience! This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with thoughtful preparation, can create something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, the Grilled Turkey Reuben is an accessible and rewarding recipe that will impress your family and friends. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and find your own perfect Reuben creation. Happy grilling!