Turkey Reuben Sandwich: The Ultimate Guide to Making the Perfect One

Turkey Reuben Sandwich: the ultimate post-Thanksgiving (or any-time-of-year!) upgrade to your usual sandwich routine. Are you ready to transform leftover turkey into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone begging for more? Forget dry turkey sandwiches; we’re talking about a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds.

The Reuben sandwich, traditionally made with corned beef, has a rich history rooted in the delis of early 20th-century America. While the exact origin is debated, its popularity is undeniable. Our Turkey Reuben Sandwich pays homage to this classic while offering a lighter, leaner twist. It’s a delightful way to enjoy the familiar comfort of a Reuben with a modern sensibility.

What makes this sandwich so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and creamy. The tender turkey, the sharp Swiss cheese, the tangy sauerkraut, and the creamy Russian dressing all come together in perfect harmony. The grilled rye bread adds a satisfying crunch that elevates the entire experience. People love this dish because it’s incredibly flavorful, relatively easy to make, and offers a satisfyingly hearty meal. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to repurpose leftover turkey, making it both delicious and economical. Get ready to experience the best Turkey Reuben Sandwich you’ve ever had!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound sliced deli turkey breast
• 1/2 cup sauerkraut, well drained
• 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing, plus more for serving
• 4 slices rye bread
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• Optional: Dill pickle spears, for serving

Preparing the Turkey and Sauerkraut:

1. First, let’s get the sauerkraut ready. It’s crucial to drain it really well, otherwise your sandwich will be soggy. I usually put it in a fine-mesh sieve and press down on it with a spoon to get rid of as much liquid as possible. You can even pat it dry with paper towels if you’re feeling extra diligent. Nobody wants a soggy Reuben!
2. Next, gently separate the slices of turkey. Sometimes deli turkey can stick together, and we want to make sure it heats evenly. Just a quick fluffing will do the trick. If your turkey slices are particularly thick, you might consider slicing them in half horizontally to make them easier to eat in the sandwich. This is totally optional, though!
3. Now, in a small bowl, combine the drained sauerkraut and the Thousand Island dressing. Mix it well so that every strand of sauerkraut is coated in that delicious, tangy dressing. This mixture is what gives the Reuben its signature flavor, so don’t skimp on the dressing! Taste it and adjust the amount of dressing if you prefer a tangier or sweeter flavor. Some people like a little more kick, so a dash of hot sauce wouldn’t be out of place here either!

Assembling the Sandwiches:

1. Lay out the four slices of rye bread. I like to use a good quality rye bread for Reubens – it really makes a difference. If you can find a marbled rye, even better! The bread should be sturdy enough to hold all the fillings without falling apart.
2. Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice of bread. This will help the bread get nice and golden brown when we grill it. Make sure the butter is softened so it spreads easily without tearing the bread. Don’t overdo it with the butter, just a light coating is all you need.
3. Flip two of the bread slices over so the buttered side is down. These will be the bottom slices of our sandwiches.
4. On each of these two slices, layer half of the Swiss cheese. Make sure the cheese covers the entire surface of the bread. This will help to create a barrier between the bread and the sauerkraut mixture, preventing the bread from getting too soggy.
5. Next, divide the turkey evenly between the two sandwiches, placing it on top of the cheese. Try to arrange the turkey so that it’s evenly distributed and covers the cheese completely. We want every bite to be packed with turkey goodness!
6. Now, spoon the sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing mixture evenly over the turkey. Again, make sure it’s spread evenly so that you get a consistent flavor in every bite. Don’t pile it too high, or it might spill out when you grill the sandwich.
7. Top the sauerkraut mixture with the remaining Swiss cheese. This will help to hold everything together and create a melty, cheesy layer on top.
8. Finally, place the remaining two slices of rye bread on top, buttered side up. Gently press down on the sandwiches to help them stay together.

Grilling the Sandwiches:

1. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. You want the skillet to be hot enough to brown the bread, but not so hot that it burns before the cheese melts. A good way to test the temperature is to sprinkle a few drops of water on the skillet – if they sizzle and evaporate quickly, it’s ready.
2. Carefully place the sandwiches in the hot skillet. Don’t overcrowd the skillet – if you can’t fit both sandwiches comfortably, cook them one at a time.
3. Press down on the sandwiches with a spatula. This will help them to cook evenly and ensure that the cheese melts properly. You can use a panini press if you have one, but a spatula works just as well.
4. Cook for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Keep an eye on the sandwiches and adjust the heat if necessary to prevent them from burning. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the bread and the temperature of your skillet.
5. Once the sandwiches are golden brown and the cheese is melted, carefully remove them from the skillet and place them on a cutting board.
6. Let the sandwiches cool for a minute or two before cutting them in half diagonally. This will help the cheese to set slightly and prevent it from oozing out everywhere.

Serving and Enjoying:

1. Serve the Turkey Reubens immediately while they’re still hot and melty. I like to serve them with dill pickle spears on the side for a little extra tang.
2. You can also serve them with extra Thousand Island dressing for dipping, if you like. Some people also enjoy them with a side of coleslaw or potato salad.
3. These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To reheat them, you can either microwave them (although the bread might get a little soggy) or grill them in a skillet until heated through.

Tips and Variations:

• For a spicier Reuben, add a dash of hot sauce to the sauerkraut mixture or use a spicy Thousand Island dressing.
• If you don’t have rye bread, you can use sourdough or another sturdy bread.
• For a vegetarian Reuben, substitute the turkey with tempeh or portobello mushrooms.
• To make a Reuben casserole, layer the ingredients in a baking dish and bake until bubbly and golden brown.
• Experiment with different cheeses. While Swiss is traditional, Gruyere or provolone can also be delicious.
• Toast the bread lightly before assembling. This can help prevent the sandwich from becoming too soggy, especially if your sauerkraut is particularly juicy.
• Use a cast iron skillet for the best browning. Cast iron distributes heat evenly and gives the bread a beautiful, crispy crust.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ratios of ingredients. If you prefer more sauerkraut, add more! If you like a cheesier sandwich, add more cheese! The beauty of cooking is that you can customize it to your own taste.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Turkey Reuben sandwich! I hope you found this recipe easy to follow and that you enjoy making it as much as I do. It’s a classic sandwich for a reason, and I think you’ll agree that it’s well worth the effort. Bon appétit!

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another sandwich; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The Turkey Reuben Sandwich is a must-try because it elevates the classic Reuben to a whole new level of deliciousness. The lean turkey breast offers a lighter, healthier alternative to corned beef, while still delivering that satisfyingly savory experience. The tangy sauerkraut, creamy Swiss cheese, and zesty Russian dressing all come together in perfect harmony, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. Trust me, once you’ve tried this, you might never go back to the original!

But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile! While I’ve outlined my favorite way to assemble this masterpiece, feel free to experiment and make it your own. For a spicier kick, try adding a dash of hot sauce to the Russian dressing or using pepper jack cheese instead of Swiss. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you could easily substitute the turkey with grilled portobello mushrooms for a similarly hearty and flavorful experience.

Serving suggestions are endless! This Turkey Reuben Sandwich is fantastic on its own for a quick and satisfying lunch. However, it also pairs beautifully with a side of crispy potato chips, a refreshing coleslaw, or a warm bowl of tomato soup. For a more elegant presentation, cut the sandwich into smaller portions and serve as appetizers at your next gathering. Imagine the delight on your guests’ faces as they bite into these miniature Reuben delights!

And don’t be afraid to get creative with the bread! While rye bread is the traditional choice, you could also try using sourdough, pumpernickel, or even a pretzel roll for a unique twist. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold all those delicious fillings!

I truly believe this Turkey Reuben Sandwich will become a new favorite in your household. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey, or simply to treat yourself to a delicious and comforting meal any day of the week.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your griddle, and get ready to experience the ultimate Reuben transformation! I’m confident you’ll love this recipe as much as I do.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve had a chance to make it, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear about any variations you tried, what you served it with, and most importantly, what you thought of the taste! Did you add any special ingredients? Did you find a new favorite bread to use? Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear from you! Don’t forget to rate the recipe too!