The Ultimate Reuben Sandwich

This Epic Reuben Sandwich is a masterpiece of flavors and textures, featuring generously layered tender, brined corned beef, complemented by tangy, caramelized sauerkraut, sharp yet creamy Fontina cheese, and a homemade zesty Russian (Thousand Island) dressing, all grilled to perfection between slices of robust, seeded rye bread. Prepare to discover the ultimate Reuben Sandwich recipe – the only one you’ll ever truly need!

For those who appreciate hearty Irish-inspired cuisine, you might also enjoy our irresistible Shepherd’s Pie Poutine, a delightful fusion that’s sure to satisfy!

Contents

Elevate Your Lunch: Unveiling the Epic Reuben Sandwich

For many, the Reuben sandwich is already a culinary delight, a symphony of savory and tangy notes. But what if we told you there’s a way to transcend that deliciousness? Welcome to the realm of the Epic Reuben Sandwich, a creation designed to redefine your expectations and elevate this classic to an unforgettable experience.

What sets this sandwich apart, making it truly “epic”? It all begins with the heart of the sandwich: the corned beef. Unlike standard preparations, our recipe emphasizes a meticulous 10-day brining process for the beef. This extended brining is not merely a step; it’s a commitment to flavor, ensuring that every fiber of the meat is infused with a deep, complex seasoning that results in unparalleled tenderness and taste. This foundational step is what builds the rich, savory base that permeates every bite of this extraordinary sandwich.

Beyond the beef, we’ve introduced a subtle yet impactful twist to the traditional cheese choice. While Swiss cheese is the conventional pairing, we’ve opted for Fontina. This change is deliberate, designed to elevate the sandwich with Fontina’s superior melting properties and its distinctive nutty, buttery notes. The result is a richer, creamier texture that perfectly complements the robust flavors of the corned beef and tangy sauerkraut, undeniably pushing this Reuben far beyond a “classic” to truly “epic” status.

The Heart of the Reuben: Perfecting Your Corned Beef

It’s a common sentiment among many, myself included, that corned beef is a dish often reserved for specific occasions, primarily St. Patrick’s Day or perhaps a special family gathering. This limited consumption means we often miss out on its incredible versatility and flavor throughout the year. But with a recipe this good, you’ll want to incorporate it into your cooking much more frequently!

Over the years, I’ve experimented with numerous methods for preparing corned beef, each with its own merits. While my Slow Cooker Corned Beef with Cabbage and Potatoes offers a fantastic, no-brine-time solution that’s convenient and delicious, I must admit, the true magic, the undeniable proof of superior flavor, lies in the brining process. The depth of taste and tenderness achieved through a proper brine is simply unmatched.

Both my father and I have found immense success with different brining approaches. He often turns to Alton Brown’s renowned recipe, celebrated for its scientific precision and fantastic results. I, on the other hand, discovered a wonderful recipe from Better Homes and Gardens that has become my go-to. Regardless of the specific recipe you choose, the principle remains: investing time in brining your corned beef is the secret ingredient that truly earns this sandwich its “Epic” designation. This process transforms a simple cut of beef into a succulent, richly flavored centerpiece that makes all the difference in your Reuben.

More Than Just a Sandwich: Creative Uses for Leftover Corned Beef

One of the best things about making a large batch of perfectly brined and cooked corned beef is the potential for incredible leftovers! If you’re fortunate enough to have any remaining after indulging in these Epic Reuben Sandwiches, a whole world of culinary possibilities opens up. Don’t let a single delicious shred go to waste; repurpose it into another fantastic meal.

Beyond simply enjoying a second Reuben, consider these delightful transformations:

Classic Corned Beef Hash: A breakfast or brunch staple! Dice your leftover corned beef and sauté it with potatoes, onions, and bell peppers until crispy. Top with a fried egg for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Quick Corned Beef Quesadillas: A fast and flavorful lunch or dinner option. Shred the corned beef, combine with some shredded cheese, and grill between tortillas until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or extra Thousand Island dressing.
Reuben-Inspired Poutine: For a truly decadent treat, replace the traditional beef in our Shepherd’s Pie Poutine with your leftover corned beef. The savory beef, cheese curds, and gravy create an explosion of flavor.
Reuben-Topped Irish Nachos: A brilliant appetizer or party snack! I’m particularly fond of these Reuben-Topped Irish Nachos from Two Healthy Kitchens. They offer a unique twist on the classic, perfect for sharing.
Corned Beef Sliders: For entertaining, chop the corned beef finely and serve on slider buns with a small amount of sauerkraut, cheese, and dressing.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Mix corned beef with rice, a little dressing, and seasonings, then stuff into bell peppers and bake until tender.
Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup: A comforting and warming soup, perfect for cooler weather, using the beef, broth, and any leftover cabbage or potatoes.

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, I highly recommend making these Epic Reuben Sandwiches (again!) or exploring other delicious options.

3 votes

Epic Reuben Sandwich

Prep 5 mins

Cook 5 mins

Total 10 mins

Author Megan | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen

Yield 6 servings

This Epic Reuben Sandwich features layers of tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, sharp and creamy fontina and Russian dressing, grilled between slices of seeded rye bread. The only Reuben Sandwich recipe you’ll ever need!

Ingredients

Sauerkraut recipe

1 1/2 cups sauerkraut
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

Epic Reuben Sandwich

12 slices Rye bread (I used Seeded Hearty Rye)
Thousand Island Dressing (recipe below)
6 slices fontina cheese
Sauerkraut (recipe above)
1- 3 1/2 lb corned beef, brined and cooked in slow cooker for 10 hours, on low (recipe here Corned Beef)
butter or margarine, softened

Thousand Island Dressing

3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup ketchup
3 tablespoons pickle relish
1 tablespoons prepared horseradish
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
salt and fresh cracker pepper

Instructions

Into a small saucepot, set over medium low heat, add sauerkraut, brown sugar and apple cider vinegar. Simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauerkraut to caramelize slightly.
In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine all ingredients for the Thousand Island dressing until smooth.
To assemble each sandwich, spread about 1 tablespoon of Thousand Island dressing onto one side of each rye bread slice. Layer one slice of Fontina cheese, followed by approximately 1/4 cup of the prepared sauerkraut, and finally 1/4 cup of the sliced or shredded corned beef. Top with the remaining bread slice to form 6 sandwiches.
Preheat a grill pan or large skillet to medium-high heat. Lightly butter the outer sides of each sandwich.
Place sandwiches, butter-side down, into the preheated pan. Grill for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bread achieves a beautiful golden-brown crisp and the Fontina cheese is thoroughly melted and gooey. Serve immediately and enjoy the epic flavors!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 6 servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 721
% Daily Value
Total Fat 42 g		65%
	Saturated Fat 16 g	80%
Cholesterol 20 mg		7%
Sodium 1180 mg		49%
Total Carbohydrates 44 g		15%
	Dietary Fiber 5 g	20%
	Sugars 13 g
Protein 38 g		76%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Embracing Corned Beef Beyond the Holidays

How do you typically celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? For many, it’s an annual tradition that includes savoring corned beef. But the question remains: do you find yourself cooking corned beef more often than just once a year? It’s a sentiment I share often – I make a fervent vow each year to incorporate this delicious meat into my cooking more frequently, only to find myself back in March, preparing it for the first time since the previous year.

Perhaps it’s time to elevate this intention to a New Year’s resolution and truly commit to it. After all, a dish as flavorful and versatile as corned beef deserves to be enjoyed far more often than just a couple of times a year. Its rich, savory profile and tender texture make it a fantastic base for a myriad of meals, from hearty breakfasts to comforting dinners. The effort put into brining and cooking it is rewarded with such incredible taste that it’s a shame to let an entire year pass without experiencing it. Only time will tell if this year, the resolution sticks and we all indulge in the joys of corned beef more regularly!