Crispy Waffle Iron Reuben Delight
Indulge in the unforgettable flavors of this Crispy Waffle Iron Reuben Delight, a creative twist on the classic Reuben sandwich perfect for lunch or a satisfying snack. Made with leftover corned beef, this sandwich features layers of flavorful ingredients including melted Swiss cheese, savory baked ham, and tangy sauerkraut, all enveloped between slices of rye bread smeared with Emeril's renowned Russian dressing. This recipe yields two massive sandwiches, making it ideal for sharing—or if you're feeling adventurous, enjoy a whole one to yourself! Adjust the ingredient quantities based on your appetite, as these hearty creations are both filling and absolutely delicious.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rye bread
4 slices (sliced)
Emeril's Russian salad dressing
to taste (for spreading)
Swiss cheese
8 ounces (thinly sliced)
Baked ham
8 ounces (thinly sliced)
Corned beef
8 ounces (thinly sliced)
Unsalted butter
1 tablespoon (softened)
Sauerkraut
1 cup (for serving)
Instructions
1
Begin by preheating your waffle iron, ensuring it reaches a good cooking temperature.
2
On a clean, flat surface, lay out 2 slices of rye bread. Generously spread Emeril's Russian dressing on one side of each slice.
3
On one slice, create a stack starting with half of the sliced Swiss cheese, followed by layers of ham and corned beef.
4
Top it off with the remaining Swiss cheese, then place the second slice of bread on top, dressing side down, and gently press it together.
5
Spread softened unsalted butter on the outer sides of the sandwich to enhance browning during cooking.
6
Carefully place the assembled sandwich in the hot waffle iron and close the lid. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sandwich turns a golden brown and the cheese has melted.
7
Once cooked, remove the sandwich from the waffle iron and cut it into quarters for easier serving.
8
Serve immediately with a side of sauerkraut for added flavor, and enjoy the delightful crunch of your Waffle Iron Reuben!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Crispy Waffle Iron Reuben Delight?
It is a creative twist on the classic Reuben sandwich that uses a waffle iron to achieve a unique crispy texture with layers of corned beef, ham, and Swiss cheese.
What are the primary ingredients for this Reuben recipe?
The main ingredients include rye bread, Emeril's Russian salad dressing, thinly sliced Swiss cheese, baked ham, corned beef, unsalted butter, and sauerkraut.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe yields 4 servings, which typically comes from two large sandwiches cut into quarters.
Which type of bread is recommended?
Rye bread is the recommended choice for this recipe to maintain the authentic Reuben flavor profile.
Do I need to preheat the waffle iron?
Yes, you should begin by preheating your waffle iron to ensure it reaches the proper cooking temperature before adding the sandwich.
How long does the sandwich take to cook in the waffle iron?
It takes approximately 5 minutes for the sandwich to turn golden brown and for the cheese to melt completely.
What kind of dressing is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for Emeril's Russian salad dressing to provide a tangy and flavorful spread.
Is the sauerkraut cooked inside the sandwich?
According to the instructions, the sauerkraut is served on the side as a condiment rather than being cooked inside the waffle iron.
How do I get the bread to brown properly?
Spread softened unsalted butter on the outer sides of the rye bread slices before placing the sandwich in the waffle iron.
Can I use leftover corned beef for this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed to be an excellent way to use up leftover corned beef.
What meat combination is used in this Reuben delight?
This recipe uses a combination of 8 ounces of thinly sliced baked ham and 8 ounces of thinly sliced corned beef.
How should the sandwich be served?
Once cooked, remove the sandwich from the waffle iron, cut it into quarters, and serve immediately with sauerkraut.
What makes the waffle iron version different from a grilled Reuben?
The waffle iron creates deep ridges that increase the surface area for extra crispiness and a unique crunch compared to a flat pan.
How much Swiss cheese is required?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of thinly sliced Swiss cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for lunch or snacks?
Yes, its hearty nature makes it ideal for a filling lunch or a satisfying shared snack.
Can I adjust the ingredient quantities?
Yes, the recipe suggests adjusting ingredient quantities based on your appetite as these sandwiches are very filling.
What is the preparation for the meats?
Both the baked ham and the corned beef should be thinly sliced for the best layering and melting results.
What is the specific order of assembly?
Layer Swiss cheese, ham, and corned beef on one slice of bread spread with dressing, then top with more Swiss cheese and the second slice of bread.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While Swiss is traditional for Reubens, you could experiment with other melting cheeses like Gruyere or Provolone if desired.
Is this sandwich filling?
Yes, the description notes that the sandwiches are massive and very hearty.
How do I ensure the cheese is melted?
Cooking for the full 5 minutes in a preheated waffle iron ensures the internal temperature is high enough to melt the 8 ounces of cheese.
Can I make this if I don't have Emeril's specific dressing?
You can use any high-quality Russian or Thousand Island dressing as a substitute.
What side dishes go well with this?
Sauerkraut is the primary suggested side, but it also pairs well with pickles or a light green salad.
Why is softened butter used instead of melted butter?
Softened butter is easier to spread evenly across the bread, providing consistent browning without making the bread soggy.
How many slices of bread are needed for the full recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 slices of rye bread to make two large sandwiches.
Is this recipe quick to prepare?
Yes, with just a few minutes of assembly and a 5-minute cook time, it is a very fast meal.
What is the texture of the finished sandwich?
The sandwich features a delightful crunch on the outside with a warm, melted, and savory interior.
Can I use turkey instead of corned beef?
Yes, substituting turkey would turn this into a variation known as a 'Rachel' sandwich.
Should I press down on the waffle iron lid?
The instructions say to gently press the bread together and close the lid; the weight of the lid usually provides enough pressure.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Absolutely, you can easily double the ingredients to make four large sandwiches instead of two.