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Crispy Reuben Sandwich Recipe with Easy Zesty Homemade Russian Dressing

crispy Reuben sandwich - featured image

A quick and easy crispy Reuben sandwich featuring rye bread, corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and a zesty homemade Russian dressing. Perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner with a golden, buttery crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 slices rye bread
  • 1 pound (450g) corned beef, thinly sliced
  • 8 slices Swiss cheese
  • 1 cup (150g) sauerkraut, drained and patted dry
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (120ml) mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon horseradish
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • A few dashes hot sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Make the Russian Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon horseradish, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, a few dashes of hot sauce, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Chill for about 10 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Sandwiches: Lay out 8 slices of rye bread. Spread about 1 tablespoon of the zesty Russian dressing evenly on one side of each slice.
  3. Assemble: On 4 of the slices (dressing side up), layer the corned beef (about ¼ pound / 115g per sandwich), followed by a generous handful of drained sauerkraut, and then 2 slices of Swiss cheese. Top with the remaining bread slices, dressing side down.
  4. Heat the Pan: Place your skillet over medium heat and add 1½ tablespoons of softened butter. Let it melt but don’t let it brown.
  5. Cook the Sandwiches: Carefully place two sandwiches in the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side until golden brown and crispy. Gently flip using a spatula, add the remaining 1½ tablespoons of butter, and cook the other side for another 4-5 minutes. Press lightly with the spatula to help everything meld together.
  6. Check for Doneness: The cheese should be melted and the bread crisp. If the cheese isn’t fully melted, lower the heat and cover the pan for a minute or two.
  7. Serve: Remove sandwiches from the skillet, let them rest for a minute, then slice in half diagonally. Serve warm with extra Russian dressing on the side if desired.

Notes

Drain and pat dry sauerkraut thoroughly to avoid soggy bread. Use unsalted butter for frying to control saltiness and achieve a golden crust. Cook on medium heat to prevent burning and ensure cheese melts properly. For dairy-free or gluten-free versions, substitute cheese and bread accordingly. The homemade Russian dressing tastes better after resting for a few hours or overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: Reuben sandwich, crispy sandwich, Russian dressing, corned beef sandwich, rye bread, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, homemade dressing, easy sandwich recipe