Grilled Reuben Sandwich with Sauerkraut and Thousand Island Dressing

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic New York deli-style Reuben sandwich featuring layers of corned beef, Swiss cheese, and tangy sauerkraut, grilled to golden perfection and dressed with creamy Thousand Island sauce. This american-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 18 minutes blends rye bread slices, corned beef deli meat, Swiss cheese slices into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 1, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves 1 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Spread 1 tbsp softened unsalted butter evenly on one side of each of the 2 rye bread slices. Place the bread butter-side-down on a cutting board.
  2. Step 2: On one slice, layer 4 oz corned beef deli meat evenly, then top with 2 slices Swiss cheese and 1/4 cup drained sauerkraut spread evenly over the cheese.
  3. Step 3: Drizzle 2 tbsp Thousand Island dressing evenly over the sauerkraut, then cover with the other bread slice, butter-side-up.
  4. Step 4: Heat a skillet over medium heat and place the sandwich in the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bread is golden brown and crispy, then carefully flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and the second side is golden.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, let rest for 1 minute, then slice in half and serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Reuben Sandwich with Sauerkraut and Thousand Island Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Reuben Sandwich with Sauerkraut and Thousand Island Dressing?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Reuben Sandwich with Sauerkraut and Thousand Island Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Reuben Sandwich with Sauerkraut and Thousand Island Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Reuben Sandwich with Sauerkraut and Thousand Island Dressing?

American sandwiches & wraps like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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