Reuben Sandwich ingredients: Are you making the most popular North American go-to meal the Grilled Sandwich “Reuben Sandwich”? But you know there are some key ingredients in a Reuben Sandwich that must have to be called a Reuben Sandwich?
Well, today you’re here, which means you need that ingredient to make the perfect Reuben. So, here the the Main Key ingredients that make a traditional Reuben sandwich recipe.
Main Ingredients in a Reuben sandwich: Corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, rye bread, Thousand Island dressing or Russian dressing
Reuben sandwich
A Reuben sandwich is a traditional American grilled sandwich made of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian or Thousand Island dressing served between slices of rye bread.
After that, the sandwich is grilled until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted. It’s a popular choice in delis and restaurants because of its salty and tangy flavor profile.
The Reuben sandwich’s origins are unknown, however, one famous myth places it in the early twentieth century at Reuben’s Restaurant in New York City. According to legend, the sandwich was created for a hungry actress named Annette Seelos and quickly became famous.
Main Ingredients In A Reuben Sandwich
The key components of a Reuben sandwich are:
Corned Beef
Thinly sliced corned beef is a key ingredient in a Reuben Sandwich. Corned beef is beef brisket that has been cured and seasoned, often associated with Irish and Jewish cuisines.
It adds a savory, slightly salty flavor to the Reuben sandwich.
Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese is melted over the corned beef, adding a creamy and nutty flavor.
Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut, fermented cabbage, provides a tangy and crunchy element to the sandwich. It’s often squeezed to remove excess liquid before being added to the sandwich.
It gives the Reuben sandwich a particular flavor character, balancing the richness of the meat and cheese.
Rye Bread
Rye bread is a dense, flavorful bread made with a combination of rye flour and wheat flour. It’s the traditional choice for a Reuben, offering a robust and slightly tangy base for the sandwich but variations use other types of breads.
Russian or Thousand Island Dressing
A flavorful dressing, Russian dressing, sometimes known as Thousand Island dressing, is a creamy and acidic condiment created with a base of mayonnaise and ketchup and often flavored with pickles, onions, and spices. It gives the Reuben sandwich a tangy kick.
You Need This: Best Sides for Reuben sandwiches | 8 Effortless Idea
Now, you have an idea about Reuben Sandwich’s main ingredients but if you don’t have any of them right now in your hand. You must use the most handy grandma substitution.
Substitute for Reuben Sandwich ingredients
Here is the list that I used when I didn’t have any of them, trust me none of them don’t change the flavor of the Traditional Reuben Sandwich. Let’s check…
Best Corned Beef alternative for Reuben Sandwich:
Here are three alternatives to traditional corned beef for a Reuben sandwich, along with instructions on how to use them for one sandwich:
Pastrami, Turkey, and Veggies For vegetarians or vegans.
1. Pastrami Reuben- most Preferable Substitute for Corned Beef in Reuben Sandwich
Ingredients:
- Pastrami slices
- Swiss cheese
- Sauerkraut
- Rye bread
- Russian or Thousand Island dressing
Instructions:
- Layering: Place a generous amount of pastrami on one side of the rye bread.
- Cheese: Add Swiss cheese on top of the pastrami.
- Sauerkraut: Pile sauerkraut on the other side of the bread.
- Dressing: Spread Russian or Thousand Island dressing on one or both sides of the bread.
- Assembling: Press the two halves together, dressing side in, and grill until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
Quantity for one sandwich:
- About 4-6 slices of pastrami
- 2 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup of sauerkraut
- 2 tablespoons of dressing
2. Turkey Reuben: Beef Free substitute for Corned Beef in Reuben Sandwich
Ingredients:
- Sliced turkey (smoked or roasted)
- Swiss cheese
- Sauerkraut
- Rye bread
- Russian or Thousand Island dressing
Instructions:
- Layering: Arrange slices of turkey on one side of the rye bread.
- Cheese: Add Swiss cheese on top of the turkey.
- Sauerkraut: Pile sauerkraut on the other side of the bread.
- Dressing: Spread Russian or Thousand Island dressing on one or both sides of the bread.
- Assembling: Press the two halves together, dressing side in, and grill until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
Quantity for one sandwich:
- About 6-8 slices of turkey
- 2 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup of sauerkraut
- 2 tablespoons of dressing
3. Veggie Reuben: Vegetarian option for Corned Beef
Ingredients:
- Grilled or roasted portobello mushrooms
- Swiss cheese
- Sauerkraut
- Rye bread
- Russian or Thousand Island dressing
Instructions:
- Mushrooms: Grill or roast portobello mushrooms until tender.
- Cheese: Place Swiss cheese on one side of the rye bread.
- Sauerkraut: Pile sauerkraut on the other side of the bread.
- Dressing: Spread Russian or Thousand Island dressing on one or both sides of the bread.
- Assembling: Put the portobello mushrooms on one side of the bread and press the two halves together, dressing side in. Grill until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
Quantity for one sandwich:
- 1-2 portobello mushrooms
- 2 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup of sauerkraut
- 2 tablespoons of dressing
Swiss Cheese Alternative to Reuben Sandwich
Here are three alternatives to traditional Swiss cheese for a Reuben sandwich, along with instructions on how to use them for one sandwich:
1. Gouda Reuben:- Best substitute for Swiss cheese for a Reuben sandwich
Ingredients:
- Gouda cheese, sliced
- Pastrami or corned beef
- Sauerkraut
- Rye bread
- Russian or Thousand Island dressing
Instructions:
- Layering: Place slices of Gouda cheese on one side of the rye bread.
- Meat: Add pastrami or corned beef on top of the Gouda.
- Sauerkraut: Pile sauerkraut on the other side of the bread.
- Dressing: Spread Russian or Thousand Island dressing on one or both sides of the bread.
- Assembling: Press the two halves together, dressing side in, and grill until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
Quantity for one sandwich:
- About 2-3 slices of Gouda cheese
- 4-6 ounces of pastrami or corned beef
- 1/2 cup of sauerkraut
- 2 tablespoons of dressing
2. Havarti Reuben:- Handy Swiss cheese substitute for Reuben sandwich
Ingredients:
- Havarti cheese, sliced
- Corned beef or turkey
- Sauerkraut
- Rye bread
- Russian or Thousand Island dressing
Instructions:
- Layering: Place slices of Havarti cheese on one side of the rye bread.
- Meat: Add corned beef or turkey on top of the Havarti.
- Sauerkraut: Pile sauerkraut on the other side of the bread.
- Dressing: Spread Russian or Thousand Island dressing on one or both sides of the bread.
- Assembling: Press the two halves together, dressing side in, and grill until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
Quantity for one sandwich:
- About 2-3 slices of Havarti cheese
- 4-6 ounces of corned beef or turkey
- 1/2 cup of sauerkraut
- 2 tablespoons of dressing
3. Smoked Gruyère Reuben: Absolute substitute for Swiss cheese In a Reuben sandwich
Ingredients:
- Smoked Gruyère cheese, sliced
- Pastrami or roast beef
- Sauerkraut
- Rye bread
- Russian or Thousand Island dressing
Instructions:
- Layering: Place slices of Smoked Gruyère cheese on one side of the rye bread.
- Meat: Add pastrami or roast beef on top of the Gruyère.
- Sauerkraut: Pile sauerkraut on the other side of the bread.
- Dressing: Spread Russian or Thousand Island dressing on one or both sides of the bread.
- Assembling: Press the two halves together, dressing side in, and grill until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
Quantity for one sandwich:
- About 2-3 slices of Smoked Gruyère cheese
- 4-6 ounces of pastrami or roast beef
- 1/2 cup of sauerkraut
- 2 tablespoons of dressing
Sauerkraut Alternative for Reuben sandwich
Here are three alternatives to traditional sauerkraut for a Reuben sandwich, along with instructions on how to use them for one sandwich:
1. Coleslaw Reuben:
Ingredients:
- Coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots)
- Swiss cheese
- Corned beef or pastrami
- Rye bread
- Russian or Thousand Island dressing
Instructions:
- Coleslaw Base: Use coleslaw mix as a crunchy and tangy alternative. If the coleslaw mix is not pre-dressed, you can toss it with a bit of mayonnaise, vinegar, and mustard for flavor.
- Cheese: Place Swiss cheese on one side of the rye bread.
- Meat: Add corned beef or pastrami on top of the cheese.
- Dressing: Spread Russian or Thousand Island dressing on one or both sides of the bread.
- Coleslaw Layer: Pile the coleslaw on the other side of the bread.
- Assembling: Press the two halves together, dressing side in, and grill until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
Quantity for one sandwich:
- About 1 cup of coleslaw mix
- 2 slices of Swiss cheese
- 4-6 ounces of corned beef or pastrami
- 2 tablespoons of dressing
2. Pickled Cucumbers Reuben:
Ingredients:
- Pickled cucumber slices
- Swiss cheese
- Turkey or roast beef
- Rye bread
- Russian or Thousand Island dressing
Instructions:
- Cucumber Base: Use pickled cucumber slices for a crisp and tangy alternative.
- Cheese: Place Swiss cheese on one side of the rye bread.
- Meat: Add turkey or roast beef on top of the cheese.
- Dressing: Spread Russian or Thousand Island dressing on one or both sides of the bread.
- Cucumber Layer: Arrange pickled cucumber slices on the other side of the bread.
- Assembling: Press the two halves together, dressing side in, and grill until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
Quantity for one sandwich:
- About 1/2 cup of pickled cucumber slices
- 2 slices of Swiss cheese
- 4-6 ounces of turkey or roast beef
- 2 tablespoons of dressing
3. Apple Slaw Reuben:
Ingredients:
- Shredded apple
- Swiss cheese
- Corned beef or pastrami
- Rye bread
- Russian or Thousand Island dressing
Instructions:
- Apple Slaw Base: Use shredded apple for a sweet and crisp alternative.
- Cheese: Place Swiss cheese on one side of the rye bread.
- Meat: Add corned beef or pastrami on top of the cheese.
- Dressing: Spread Russian or Thousand Island dressing on one or both sides of the bread.
- Apple Slaw Layer: Pile the shredded apple on the other side of the bread.
- Assembling: Press the two halves together, dressing side in, and grill until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
Quantity for one sandwich:
- About 1 cup of shredded apple
- 2 slices of Swiss cheese
- 4-6 ounces of corned beef or pastrami
- 2 tablespoons of dressing
rye bread substitute for Reuben Sandwich
Here are three alternatives to traditional rye bread for a Reuben sandwich, along with instructions on how to use them for one sandwich:
1. Pumpernickel Bread Reuben:
Ingredients:
- Pumpernickel bread slices
- Swiss cheese
- Corned beef or pastrami
- Sauerkraut
- Russian or Thousand Island dressing
Instructions:
- Pumpernickel Base: Use pumpernickel bread slices for a dark and hearty alternative.
- Cheese: Place Swiss cheese on one side of the pumpernickel bread.
- Meat: Add corned beef or pastrami on top of the cheese.
- Sauerkraut: Pile sauerkraut on the other side of the bread.
- Dressing: Spread Russian or Thousand Island dressing on one or both sides of the bread.
- Assembling: Press the two halves together, dressing side in, and grill until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
Quantity for one sandwich:
- 2 slices of pumpernickel bread
- 2 slices of Swiss cheese
- 4-6 ounces of corned beef or pastrami
- 1/2 cup of sauerkraut
- 2 tablespoons of dressing
2. Sourdough Bread Reuben:
Ingredients:
- Sourdough bread slices
- Swiss cheese
- Turkey or roast beef
- Sauerkraut
- Russian or Thousand Island dressing
Instructions:
- Sourdough Base: Use sourdough bread slices for a tangy and chewy alternative.
- Cheese: Place Swiss cheese on one side of the sourdough bread.
- Meat: Add turkey or roast beef on top of the cheese.
- Sauerkraut: Pile sauerkraut on the other side of the bread.
- Dressing: Spread Russian or Thousand Island dressing on one or both sides of the bread.
- Assembling: Press the two halves together, dressing side in, and grill until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
Quantity for one sandwich:
- 2 slices of sourdough bread
- 2 slices of Swiss cheese
- 4-6 ounces of turkey or roast beef
- 1/2 cup of sauerkraut
- 2 tablespoons of dressing
3. Whole Wheat Bread Reuben:
Ingredients:
- Whole wheat bread slices
- Swiss cheese
- Pastrami or corned beef
- Sauerkraut
- Russian or Thousand Island dressing
Instructions:
- Whole Wheat Base: Use whole wheat bread slices for a healthier alternative.
- Cheese: Place Swiss cheese on one side of the whole wheat bread.
- Meat: Add pastrami or corned beef on top of the cheese.
- Sauerkraut: Pile sauerkraut on the other side of the bread.
- Dressing: Spread Russian or Thousand Island dressing on one or both sides of the bread.
- Assembling: Press the two halves together, dressing side in, and grill until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
Quantity for one sandwich:
- 2 slices of whole wheat bread
- 2 slices of Swiss cheese
- 4-6 ounces of pastrami or corned beef
- 1/2 cup of sauerkraut
- 2 tablespoons of dressing
substitute for Thousand Island dressing on a Reuben sandwich
Here are three alternatives to traditional Russian dressing for a Reuben sandwich, along with instructions on how to use them for one sandwich:
1. Spicy Mustard Mayo:
Ingredients:
- Spicy mustard
- Mayonnaise
- Horseradish (optional for extra kick)
- Paprika (optional for color and flavor)
Instructions:
- Mixing: In a bowl, combine equal parts spicy mustard and mayonnaise. Add a teaspoon of horseradish if you want a bit of heat.
- Optional: Stir in a pinch of paprika for color and additional flavor.
- Spread: Use the spicy mustard mayo as a spread on one or both sides of the bread.
Quantity for one sandwich:
- 1 tablespoon spicy mustard
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon horseradish (optional)
- Pinch of paprika (optional)
2. Sriracha Thousand Island:
Ingredients:
- Thousand Island dressing
- Sriracha sauce
- Pickle relish
Instructions:
- Mixing: In a bowl, combine Thousand Island dressing with Sriracha sauce to taste. Add pickle relish for a sweet and tangy crunch.
- Adjust: Adjust the Sriracha and pickle relish quantities to achieve your desired level of spiciness and sweetness.
- Spread: Use the Sriracha Thousand Island as a spread on one or both sides of the bread.
Quantity for one sandwich:
- 2 tablespoons Thousand Island dressing
- 1-2 teaspoons Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish
3. Chipotle Mayo:
Ingredients:
- Mayonnaise
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (blended into a paste)
Instructions:
- Blending: In a blender or food processor, blend chipotle peppers in adobo sauce until it forms a paste.
- Mixing: Combine the chipotle paste with mayonnaise. Adjust the quantity to achieve your desired level of smokiness and spiciness.
- Spread: Use the chipotle mayo as a spread on one or both sides of the bread.
Quantity for one sandwich:
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (blended into a paste)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
If you’re using any of these options you get the best Reuben sandwich variations on your own.
Is a Reuben still a Reuben without sauerkraut?
Yes, A Reuben will still be a Reuben without sauerkraut. A classic Reuben consists of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian or Thousand Island dressing, all sandwiched between slices of rye bread.
While changes and personal tastes are prevalent in the culinary world, omitting sauerkraut from a Reuben will result in a great sandwich, but it will not be a typical Reuben.
The absence of sauerkraut may alter the overall flavor and texture, and some may argue that it is an essential component of the traditional Reuben experience.
What is a dirty Reuben sandwich?
A “Dirty Reuben” is a reel on the standard Reuben sandwich that often includes some additional or unorthodox components.
In this sense, the phrase “dirty” implies that the sandwich has been tweaked or “messed with” to create a new and unusual flavor profile.
Specific variations may exist, but here are a few examples of what a Dirty Reuben may entail:
Additional Ingredients: To add new flavors and textures, a Dirty Reuben could contain bacon, avocado, or fried eggs.
Different Dressing: Instead of the traditional Russian or Thousand Island dressing, a Dirty Reuben may include a spicy aioli, chipotle mayo, or a unique handmade sauce.
Cheese Variations: While Swiss cheese is the traditional choice for a Reuben, a Dirty Reuben may include pepper jack or a delicious aged cheddar.
Bread Varieties: In addition to the classic rye bread, variations such as sourdough, pumpernickel, or even a different type of artisanal bread may be available.
Pickled Vegetables: A Dirty Reuben may use pickled vegetables in addition to or instead of sauerkraut. pickled vegetables like cucumbers, onions, or jalapeños for added tang and crunch.
Is pastrami beef or pork?
Pastrami is usually composed of meat. It is a highly seasoned and smoked meat product from Eastern Europe.
The brisket is the most commonly used beef cut for pastrami, though other cuts may be used as well.
The beef is brined or cured with salt, sugar, and other spices before being air-dried or smoked.
Final Words for Reuben Sandwich Ingredients
As you can see there are numerous ways to make a Reuben Sandwich but the traditional way gives you a real kick. The key ingredients are easy to available and they create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
The cornerstone of this renowned sandwich is the classic blend of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian or Thousand Island dressing, all nestled between slices of rye bread.
While there are modifications and inventive adaptations, the original Reuben’s distinct salty, sour, and creamy ingredients contribute to its continuing popularity and make it a culinary classic appreciated by people all over the world.
