Introduction
If you’re craving a hearty, comforting lunch that delivers bold deli-style flavor, this Classic Grilled Reuben Sandwich is the answer. Crispy rye bread, melty Swiss cheese, savory corned beef, and tangy sauerkraut come together with a creamy homemade dressing to create a sandwich that feels indulgent yet totally doable at home.
Why You’ll Love This Classic Grilled Reuben Sandwich
This sandwich is a favorite for good reason. It’s rich, satisfying, and packed with layers of flavor.
- Quick and easy to make on the stovetop
- Perfect use for leftover corned beef
- Crispy, buttery bread with a gooey cheese center
- Balanced flavors from tangy, smoky, and savory ingredients
- A diner-style lunch you can make anytime

Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Sandwich
- 8 slices rye bread
- ½ lb corned beef
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 cup sauerkraut, well drained
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Russian-Style Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
How to Make Classic Grilled Reuben Sandwich (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika until smooth. Set aside.
Step 2: Prep the Sauerkraut
Drain the sauerkraut thoroughly and season lightly with black pepper. This helps prevent soggy sandwiches.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
Lay out four slices of rye bread. Add one slice of Swiss cheese to each, followed by corned beef, sauerkraut, and a generous spoonful of dressing. Top with remaining bread slices.
Step 4: Butter and Grill
Butter the outside of each sandwich. Heat a skillet over medium heat and grill sandwiches until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula.
Step 5: Serve
Once the cheese is melted and bread is crisp, remove from the skillet. Slice in half and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Extra crispy bread: Grill slowly over medium-low heat
- Milder flavor: Swap horseradish for Dijon mustard
- Different protein: Use deli turkey or roast beef
- Cheese swap: Try provolone or mild white cheddar
- Less tangy: Rinse sauerkraut briefly and drain well

Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve this classic grilled Reuben sandwich with:
- Potato chips or oven fries
- A crisp green salad
- Pickle spears or coleslaw
These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the dressing up to 3 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~520 |
| Protein | ~26g |
| Carbohydrates | ~32g |
| Fat | ~32g |
| Fiber | ~4g |
| Sodium | ~980mg |
Final Thoughts
This Easy Classic Grilled Reuben Sandwich brings diner-style comfort straight to your kitchen. With crispy rye, melty Swiss, and that signature tangy filling, it’s a timeless lunch you’ll want to make again and again. Perfect for busy weekdays or a cozy weekend treat.
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Easy Classic Grilled Reuben Sandwich at Home
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Description
Classic Grilled Reuben Sandwich is the king of grilled cheese: buttery, crisp rye stuffed with savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melty Swiss, and a creamy homemade Russian-style dressing. A hearty, deli-style lunch (or easy dinner) you can make at home—perfect for using up leftover corned beef.
Ingredients
8 slices rye bread
1/2 lb corned beef, sliced
4 slices Swiss cheese
1 cup sauerkraut, drained well
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
1 tsp prepared horseradish
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Butter, for grilling (about 2–3 tbsp)
Instructions
1. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika until smooth.
2. Drain the sauerkraut very well (press out extra liquid) and season lightly with black pepper.
3. Assemble 4 sandwiches: Lay out 4 slices of rye. Add 1 slice Swiss to each, then corned beef, sauerkraut, and 1–2 tbsp dressing. Top with remaining bread.
4. Butter the outside of each sandwich (both top and bottom).
5. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook sandwiches 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden and crisp and cheese is fully melted.
6. Rest 1 minute, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
For extra-crispy sandwiches, cook over medium-low heat so the cheese melts before the bread over-browns.
Swap corned beef with roast beef or turkey if needed.
Provolone or mild white cheddar work if you don’t have Swiss.
Make-ahead: dressing keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed container.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Grilling / Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg