Reuben Mania: Delicious and Creative Reuben Recipes You Need to Try

The Reuben sandwich, a classic American comfort food, boasts a perfect blend of savory, tangy, and creamy flavors. It typically features corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian or Thousand Island dressing, grilled between slices of rye bread. But the beauty of the Reuben lies in its versatility. This article explores a variety of Reuben-inspired recipes, from the traditional sandwich to innovative twists on this beloved flavor combination. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey filled with delicious and satisfying Reuben creations!

## The Classic Reuben Sandwich: A Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s start with the foundation: the classic Reuben sandwich. Mastering this iconic recipe is essential before venturing into more adventurous variations.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 slices rye bread (light or dark, your preference)
* 4-6 ounces corned beef, thinly sliced
* 2 slices Swiss cheese
* 1/4 cup sauerkraut, well-drained
* 2 tablespoons Russian or Thousand Island dressing
* 2 tablespoons butter, softened

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Ingredients:** Ensure the sauerkraut is well-drained to prevent a soggy sandwich. Thinly slice the corned beef for even distribution and optimal flavor.
2. **Spread the Dressing:** Spread Russian or Thousand Island dressing on one slice of rye bread. This adds moisture and tanginess to the sandwich.
3. **Layer the Ingredients:** On the dressed slice of bread, layer the Swiss cheese, then the corned beef, and finally the sauerkraut. The cheese acts as a barrier to prevent the bread from becoming soggy. Start with one slice of cheese, then corned beef, sauerkraut, then top with another slice of cheese to create a melting buffer.
4. **Top it Off:** Place the second slice of rye bread on top. Butter the outside of both slices of bread with softened butter. This will help the sandwich brown evenly and become crispy.
5. **Grill the Sandwich:** Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich on the hot surface and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Press down gently with a spatula while grilling to ensure even cooking and a compact sandwich.
6. **Serve Immediately:** Once the sandwich is grilled to perfection, remove it from the heat and cut it in half diagonally. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Accompany with a side of potato chips, coleslaw, or a pickle for a complete meal.

**Tips for the Perfect Classic Reuben:**

* **Quality Ingredients Matter:** Use high-quality corned beef and Swiss cheese for the best flavor. Deli-style corned beef, thinly sliced, is ideal.
* **Drain the Sauerkraut Well:** Excess moisture from the sauerkraut will make the sandwich soggy. Squeeze it dry with paper towels before adding it to the sandwich.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Sandwich:** Use a reasonable amount of each ingredient to ensure the sandwich cooks evenly and is easy to eat.
* **Grill Over Medium Heat:** Grilling over medium heat allows the cheese to melt completely and the bread to brown without burning.
* **Press Gently While Grilling:** Gently pressing down on the sandwich while grilling helps to compress the ingredients and create a more cohesive sandwich.
* **Experiment with Rye Bread:** Try different types of rye bread to find your favorite. Some prefer light rye, while others prefer dark or marbled rye.
* **Homemade Dressing:** For an extra special touch, make your own Russian or Thousand Island dressing.

## Reuben Variations: Beyond the Classic

Once you’ve mastered the classic Reuben, it’s time to explore the exciting world of Reuben variations. These recipes offer a creative twist on the original while retaining the essence of the Reuben flavor profile.

### 1. Rachel Sandwich: The Turkey Reuben

The Rachel sandwich is a popular variation that substitutes turkey for corned beef. It offers a lighter and leaner alternative to the classic Reuben, while still delivering a satisfying and flavorful experience.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 slices rye bread
* 4-6 ounces sliced turkey
* 2 slices Swiss cheese
* 1/4 cup coleslaw (instead of sauerkraut)
* 2 tablespoons Russian or Thousand Island dressing
* 2 tablespoons butter, softened

**Instructions:**

Follow the same instructions as the classic Reuben, but replace the corned beef with turkey and the sauerkraut with coleslaw. The coleslaw adds a creamy and slightly sweet element that complements the turkey beautifully.

### 2. Reuben Egg Rolls: A Fun and Festive Appetizer

Reuben egg rolls are a fun and unexpected way to enjoy the flavors of a Reuben in a crispy and portable package. They’re perfect for parties, game day gatherings, or a casual snack.

**Ingredients:**

* 12 egg roll wrappers
* 1 cup corned beef, chopped
* 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
* 1/2 cup sauerkraut, well-drained and chopped
* 1/4 cup Russian or Thousand Island dressing
* 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
* Vegetable oil, for frying

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Filling:** In a bowl, combine the chopped corned beef, shredded Swiss cheese, chopped sauerkraut, and Russian or Thousand Island dressing. Mix well.
2. **Assemble the Egg Rolls:** Place an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface. Place about 2 tablespoons of the Reuben filling in the center of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then fold in the two side corners. Roll the egg roll up tightly, sealing the final edge with a little bit of the beaten egg.
3. **Fry the Egg Rolls:** Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the egg rolls into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the fryer, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy egg rolls.
4. **Drain and Serve:** Remove the egg rolls from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with extra Russian or Thousand Island dressing for dipping.

### 3. Reuben Pizza: A Unique and Delicious Pizza Topping

Reuben pizza is a surprisingly delicious and satisfying pizza topping. It combines the classic Reuben flavors with the comforting familiarity of pizza.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pizza crust (store-bought or homemade)
* 1/2 cup Russian or Thousand Island dressing (as pizza sauce)
* 1 cup corned beef, thinly sliced
* 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
* 1/2 cup sauerkraut, well-drained
* Optional: Caraway seeds for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. **Prepare the Crust:** Place the pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
3. **Spread the Sauce:** Spread the Russian or Thousand Island dressing evenly over the pizza crust, leaving a small border for the crust.
4. **Layer the Toppings:** Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese over the dressing. Then, layer the thinly sliced corned beef and well-drained sauerkraut on top of the cheese. Sprinkle with caraway seeds, if desired.
5. **Bake the Pizza:** Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on the crust to ensure it doesn’t burn.
6. **Slice and Serve:** Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy the unique and delicious combination of Reuben flavors on a crispy pizza crust.

### 4. Reuben Dip: A Creamy and Cheesy Dip for Parties

Reuben dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for parties, game day, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with the classic Reuben flavors.

**Ingredients:**

* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup sour cream
* 1 cup corned beef, chopped
* 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
* 1/2 cup sauerkraut, well-drained and chopped
* 1/4 cup Russian or Thousand Island dressing
* 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional)
* Rye bread, for serving
* Crackers, for serving

**Instructions:**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, chopped corned beef, shredded Swiss cheese, chopped sauerkraut, Russian or Thousand Island dressing, and green onions (if using). Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Ensure the cream cheese is properly softened to avoid lumps.
2. **Bake or Microwave (Optional):** You can serve the dip cold or warm. For a warm dip, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. Alternatively, you can microwave the dip in a microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
3. **Serve:** Serve the Reuben dip warm or cold with rye bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks for dipping. Garnish with extra green onions or a sprinkle of shredded Swiss cheese, if desired. The warm dip provides a melted cheese sensation and is a great comfort food.

### 5. Reuben Soup: A Hearty and Flavorful Soup

Reuben soup is a hearty and flavorful soup that captures the essence of the Reuben sandwich in a comforting and warming bowl. It’s perfect for a cold day or a cozy night in.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 6 cups beef broth
* 1 cup corned beef, chopped
* 1 cup sauerkraut, well-drained and chopped
* 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
* 1/2 cup Russian or Thousand Island dressing
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Rye croutons, for garnish (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Sauté Vegetables:** In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This base is crucial to build flavor.
2. **Add Broth and Corned Beef:** Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Add the chopped corned beef and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. The longer simmer time allows the corned beef to tenderize and infuse its flavor into the broth.
3. **Add Sauerkraut and Cheese:** Stir in the chopped sauerkraut and shredded Swiss cheese. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauerkraut is heated through. The Swiss cheese adds a creamy and cheesy element to the soup, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
4. **Stir in Dressing:** Stir in the Russian or Thousand Island dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasonings as needed to achieve the desired flavor balance. The dressing provides a tangy and creamy element that ties the soup together.
5. **Serve:** Serve the Reuben soup hot, garnished with rye croutons, if desired. A dollop of sour cream can also be added for extra creaminess. This soup is a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a cold day.

### 6. Reuben Quesadillas: A Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal

Reuben quesadillas are a quick and easy weeknight meal that combines the flavors of a Reuben with the cheesy goodness of a quesadilla. They’re perfect for a light lunch or a simple dinner.

**Ingredients:**

* 4 large flour tortillas
* 1 cup corned beef, chopped
* 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
* 1/2 cup sauerkraut, well-drained and chopped
* 1/4 cup Russian or Thousand Island dressing
* Butter or oil, for grilling

**Instructions:**

1. **Assemble the Quesadillas:** Spread Russian or Thousand Island dressing over one side of each tortilla. On half of each tortilla, layer the chopped corned beef, shredded Swiss cheese, and chopped sauerkraut. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling.
2. **Grill the Quesadillas:** Heat a lightly oiled griddle or skillet over medium heat. Place the quesadillas on the hot surface and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Press down gently with a spatula while grilling to ensure even cooking.
3. **Serve:** Remove the quesadillas from the heat and cut them into wedges. Serve immediately with sour cream or guacamole for dipping, if desired. These quesadillas are a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of a Reuben.

### 7. Reuben Stuffed Baked Potatoes: A Comforting and Filling Meal

Reuben stuffed baked potatoes are a comforting and filling meal that combines the heartiness of a baked potato with the classic flavors of a Reuben. They’re a great way to use leftover corned beef and create a satisfying dish.

**Ingredients:**

* 4 large baking potatoes
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 cup corned beef, chopped
* 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
* 1/2 cup sauerkraut, well-drained and chopped
* 1/4 cup Russian or Thousand Island dressing
* Sour cream, for topping (optional)
* Green onions, chopped, for garnish (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Bake the Potatoes:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes and pierce them several times with a fork. Rub them with olive oil and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they are soft when pierced with a fork. Baking the potatoes until soft ensures a fluffy and enjoyable base.
2. **Prepare the Filling:** While the potatoes are baking, prepare the Reuben filling. In a bowl, combine the chopped corned beef, shredded Swiss cheese, chopped sauerkraut, and Russian or Thousand Island dressing. Mix well.
3. **Stuff the Potatoes:** Once the potatoes are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving a thin layer of potato attached to the skin. Mash the scooped-out potato flesh and mix it with the Reuben filling. The mashing ensures the filling is evenly distributed throughout the potato.
4. **Refill the Potatoes:** Spoon the Reuben-potato mixture back into the potato skins. The filling will be packed with corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese.
5. **Bake Again:** Place the stuffed potatoes back in the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This final bake ensures the filling is heated and the cheese is melted perfectly.
6. **Serve:** Serve the Reuben stuffed baked potatoes hot, topped with sour cream and chopped green onions, if desired. This is a hearty and delicious meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.

## Tips for Making the Best Reuben Recipes

* **Use Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the flavor of your Reuben recipes. Choose high-quality corned beef, Swiss cheese, and rye bread for the best results.
* **Don’t Overlook the Dressing:** Russian or Thousand Island dressing is a key component of the Reuben flavor profile. Experiment with different brands or make your own homemade dressing to find your favorite.
* **Drain the Sauerkraut:** Properly draining the sauerkraut is crucial to prevent soggy sandwiches, egg rolls, or dips. Squeeze it dry with paper towels before adding it to your recipes.
* **Adjust Seasoning to Taste:** Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Salt, pepper, and other spices can enhance the flavors of your Reuben creations.
* **Experiment with Variations:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations of the Reuben. Try different types of bread, cheeses, meats, or toppings to create your own unique Reuben masterpiece.

## Conclusion

The Reuben sandwich is a culinary classic that has inspired countless variations and adaptations. From the traditional sandwich to innovative creations like Reuben egg rolls, pizza, dip, and soup, there’s a Reuben recipe for every taste and occasion. By using quality ingredients, following these tips, and experimenting with different variations, you can create delicious and satisfying Reuben recipes that will impress your friends and family. So, embrace the Reuben mania and start cooking!