Grilled Reuben Sandwich with Sauerkraut and Thousand Island Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · 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.

Equipment for this recipe

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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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