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Savory Reuben Sandwich with Easy Homemade Thousand Island Dressing

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This classic deli-style Reuben sandwich features buttery rye bread, juicy corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melty Swiss cheese, and a creamy homemade Thousand Island dressing. Quick to prepare and irresistibly comforting, it’s perfect for family lunches, game nights, or whenever you crave a hearty meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 slices rye bread (about 12 oz)
  • 1 lb corned beef, thinly sliced
  • 8 slices Swiss cheese (about 6 oz)
  • 1 cup sauerkraut, well-drained
  • 3 tbsp butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tbsp ketchup
  • 2 tbsp sour cream
  • 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped onion
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Make the Thousand Island Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, sour cream, sweet pickle relish, chopped onion, white vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate.
  2. Prep the Sauerkraut: Place sauerkraut in a small colander or wrap in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
  3. Assemble the Sandwiches: Lay out rye bread slices. Butter one side of each slice. Flip four slices so the buttered side is down. Spread a generous tablespoon of Thousand Island dressing on each. Layer Swiss cheese, corned beef (about 4 oz per sandwich), sauerkraut, a little more dressing, and another slice of Swiss cheese. Top with remaining bread, buttered side up.
  4. Cook the Sandwiches: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place sandwiches onto the skillet. Cook 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melting. If bread browns before cheese melts, lower heat and cover pan briefly.
  5. Slice and Serve: Cut sandwiches in half diagonally. Serve hot with extra Thousand Island dressing on the side for dipping.

Notes

For best results, use bakery-fresh rye bread and drain sauerkraut thoroughly to prevent sogginess. Layer cheese on both sides of the filling to help hold the sandwich together. Thousand Island dressing can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Variations include using pastrami, turkey, or vegetarian substitutes. For gluten-free or dairy-free options, swap bread and cheese accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: Reuben sandwich, Thousand Island dressing, deli sandwich, comfort food, corned beef, Swiss cheese, rye bread, sauerkraut, homemade dressing, easy lunch

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/savory-reuben-sandwich-recipe-easy-homemade-thousand-island-dressing/