Looking for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner recipe? Give your grilled cheese sandwich a break. The classic Reuben Sandwich brings deli quality flavor straight to your kitchen! It’s crunchy, cheesy, savory, and just something you’ll want to eat. It won the hearts of the whole family and became a regular part of our meals!
Picky eater? Keep reading for some of our favorite kid-friendly variations.
Why this is the best Reuben sandwich:
This classic deli favorite is easy to whip up for a weeknight lunch, but impressive enough to serve to guests when you want an unforgettable taste. If this is your first time making Reubens at home or you really want to make them. new york deli As long as it tastes good, this recipe always works.
- Perfect balance of flavor: Salty, tangy, creamy and rich taste
- Crispy on the outside, melty on the inside Thanks to the buttered rye bread
- customized You can easily swap out meats, cheeses, and dressings.
- Ready in less than 20 minutes
Perfectly toasted rye bread, layers of delicious corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melty Swiss cheese, and creamy homemade Russian dressing, all baked until golden for an irresistible treat. This classic deli favorite is easy to whip up for a weeknight lunch, but impressive enough to serve to guests when you want an unforgettable taste.
Pro Tips for the Ultimate Reuben:
- Dry the sauerkraut very well. To avoid soggy sandwiches
- Use medium heat Allow the cheese to melt before the bread gets too brown.
- Layer cheese on both sides To act as a moisture barrier
- Please fold the corned beef. Instead of laying it flat for better texture.
Easy replacement:
- Is there any rye bread? Use sourdough or marbled rye.
- Swiss Cheese Substitutes: Gruyere or Provolone
- Is there any Russian dressing? Use Thousand Islands
- Dairy-Free Options: Vegan butter, dairy-free Swiss style cheese
Kid-friendly Reuben variations:
1. Turkey & Cheese ‘Mini Reubens’
Swap the corned beef for sliced turkey and skip the sauerkraut. Choose an option using Swiss or mild provolone that is easy to bake and serve on slider bread or small bread slices.
Why kids love it: Familiar Deli Turkey + Melty Cheese
tip: Cut into triangles or squares for dunking.
2. Baked Ham & Swiss Cuisine (Leuven Style)
Top white or wheat bread with sliced ham, Swiss cheese, and a light spread of Thousand Island dressing.
Why kids love it: Bonus grilled cheese flavor
Optional additional features: Very finely chopped pickles instead of sauerkraut
3. Reuben Grilled Cheese
Skip the meat entirely. Drizzle Thousand Island dressing inside a classic grilled cheese made with Swiss Jack or Colby Jack.
Why kids love it: Grilled Cheese > Everything
bonus: An easy gateway to new flavors
4. The dismantled Reuben plate
Serve with corned beef or turkey, cheese cubes, grilled bread fingers, pickles, and dressing for dipping.
Why kids love it: DIY + Soaking
Perfect for: infants and young children
5. Crescent Roll Ruben Weitz
Turkey or ham, Swiss cheese, and a little dressing are wrapped in crescent-shaped rolls and baked until golden brown.
Why kids love it: portable and soft
Ideas provided: Serve with ketchup or light dressing on the side.
6. Reuben Quesadilla
Top with flour tortillas, mild cheese, turkey or ham, and drizzle with dressing. Bake until crispy and cut into wedges.
Why kids love it: Quesadilla Format = Instant Yes
tip: Serve sauerkraut on the side for your parents.
7. Sweet Roll Sliders
Top a Hawaiian roll with turkey, Swiss cheese, and a light dressing. Cover and bake until melted, then lightly cover the top and bake until crispy.
Why kids love it: Slightly sweet + cheese flavor
Suitable for: Party, lunch box, meal preparation in advance
8. Pickle Free “Reuben” Melt
All flavors except sauerkraut or pickles are just meat, cheese, and dressing on toasted bread.
Why kids love it: There are no sharp surprises
Parent Wins: Still feels classic
More dinner sandwich recipe ideas:
Classic Reuben Sandwich
This classic Reuben sandwich brings deli-quality flavor straight to your kitchen with simple ingredients and simple steps. It’s crunchy, cheesy, savory, and a sandwich you’ll want to eat. This is a sandwich that has a permanent place in your dining routine.
Serving Size: 4
- 8 piece Rye bread or marbled bread
- 1 pound thinly sliced corned beef
- 8 piece swiss cheese
- 1 cup sauerkraut Drained the water and squeezed it dry.
- 1/2 cup Russian Dressing (recipe below)
- 4 tablespoon butter, softened
Homemade Russian Dressing
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Prepare the dressing: Combine all dressing ingredients in a small bowl. For best flavor, let cool while you prepare the sandwich.
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Butter your bread: Butter one side of a slice of rye bread. Place butter side down on a clean surface.
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Sandwich assembly: On the non-buttered side, top with a slice of Swiss cheese, corned beef (folded rather than flat), sauerkraut, a generous drizzle of Russian dressing, another slice of Swiss cheese, and the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
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Grill perfectly: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook sandwiches, pressing lightly, until bread is golden brown and cheese is completely melted, 3 to 4 minutes per side.
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Break and Slice: Let the sandwich sit for 1-2 minutes, then cut in half and serve warm.
