Classic Reuben Rye Corned Beef (Griddled Deli Sandwich)

A griddled deli classic with tangy sauerkraut — melting Swiss and warm corned beef pressed between crisp, buttery seeded rye is the whole appeal of a great Reuben. This is that sandwich, built to griddle up crisp and non-soggy at home.

It’s one of the roughly 20 recipes inside our Sandwich & Wrap Cookbook, and we’re sharing the Classic Reuben Rye Corned Beef in full so you can taste the standard before you buy the book. It comes together in under 20 minutes, most of it on the griddle.

Why this recipe works

The secret is dry sauerkraut and a hot griddle: steaming the corned beef keeps it pliable, squeezing the kraut bone-dry stops the bread going soggy, and buttering the outer faces before pressing gives you that even, golden crust while the Swiss melts through.

Ingredients

Sandwich

• 4 slices seeded rye bread
• 8 oz thinly sliced corned beef
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 1 cup drained sauerkraut

Spread

• 1/4 cup Russian dressing
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp prepared horseradish

Optional garnish

• Dill pickle spear on the side

Serves 2 · Prep 10 min · Cook 8 min · 720 kcal per serving

Instructions

1. Warm the beef. Steam the corned beef in a covered skillet with 2 tbsp water for 2 minutes until hot and pliable, then set aside.
2. Build the stacks. Spread Russian dressing on all four rye slices. Layer Swiss, warm corned beef, squeezed-dry sauerkraut, another slice of Swiss, and top with rye.
3. Butter and griddle. Butter the outer faces of each sandwich. Griddle in a skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula.
4. Rest and slice. Let the sandwiches rest 1 minute so the cheese sets, then slice diagonally and serve hot with a pickle spear.

Chef’s tip

Squeeze the sauerkraut firmly in a clean towel before layering. Dry kraut is the secret to a crisp, non-soggy Reuben.

Get the full Sandwich & Wrap Cookbook

Loved this one? It’s a single recipe from a collection of deli sandwiches and wraps built the same way — clear ingredients, exact timings, no guesswork. Grab the full Sandwich & Wrap Cookbook below.