Ultimate Corned Beef Reuben Melt
Indulge in the savory goodness of our Ultimate Corned Beef Reuben Melt, a delightful take on a classic sandwich that promises to satisfy your cravings. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this sandwich combines tender, lean corned beef with layers of melted Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and the rich creaminess of Thousand Island dressing, all nestled between buttery, toasted rye bread. Each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it a go-to recipe for those days when you want an effortless yet delicious meal. Enjoy it with a crisp dill pickle and a side of your favorite chips to round out the experience!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean thinly sliced deli corned beef
4 ounces (leaving at room temperature)
Swiss cheese
2 slices (1 ounce each) (leaving at room temperature)
rye bread
2 slices (none)
sauerkraut
1/3 cup (well drained and warmed)
Thousand Island dressing
1.5-2 tablespoons (to taste)
butter
2 tablespoons (softened)
crushed juniper berries or caraway seeds
1 pinch (optional)
Instructions
1
Begin by allowing the corned beef and Swiss cheese to come to room temperature, enhancing their flavors.
2
Meanwhile, gently heat the sauerkraut in a small saucepan or microwave until warmed through, reaching a temperature between 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit.
3
Take one slice of rye bread and butter one side with 1 tablespoon of the softened butter. Place this slice, butter side down, into a small skillet over medium-low heat.
4
Layer the sandwich by placing one slice of Swiss cheese on the bread in the skillet. Add the 4 ounces of corned beef, followed by 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of Thousand Island dressing to your taste.
5
Next, add the warmed sauerkraut, and if desired, a pinch of crushed juniper berries or caraway seeds for that extra flavor kick. Finish with the second slice of Swiss cheese.
6
Top off the sandwich with the second slice of rye bread, carefully spreading the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter on the outside.
7
Cook the sandwich in the skillet, pressing down slightly, until the bottom is golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Carefully flip the sandwich using a spatula to brown the other side for another 3-4 minutes.
8
Once both sides are crispy and golden brown, remove the sandwich from the skillet, allowing it to rest for a minute. Slice the sandwich in half to reveal the delicious layers inside.
9
Serve immediately with a dill spear and your favorite chips to complete the meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Ultimate Corned Beef Reuben Melt?
It is a savory sandwich that combines tender corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Thousand Island dressing on toasted rye bread.
What type of meat is used in this Reuben recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of lean thinly sliced deli corned beef.
What kind of cheese is best for a Reuben melt?
Swiss cheese is used, specifically 2 slices weighing 1 ounce each.
What type of bread is required?
This sandwich is prepared using 2 slices of rye bread.
How should the sauerkraut be prepared?
The sauerkraut should be well drained and warmed through before assembly.
What dressing is used in an Ultimate Reuben?
Thousand Island dressing is the rich creaminess used to flavor the sandwich.
How much Thousand Island dressing should I add?
You should use between 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of dressing based on your personal taste.
What is the purpose of letting meat and cheese reach room temperature?
Allowing these ingredients to come to room temperature helps to enhance their natural flavors.
At what temperature should the sauerkraut be heated?
The sauerkraut should reach a temperature between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
What optional spices can be added for extra flavor?
A pinch of crushed juniper berries or caraway seeds can be added to the sauerkraut for an extra flavor kick.
How much butter is needed for the sandwich?
A total of 2 tablespoons of softened butter is used to toast the bread slices.
What is the first step in assembling the sandwich in a skillet?
Butter one side of a rye bread slice and place it butter side down into a small skillet over medium-low heat.
What is the order of layering the ingredients?
The layers are Swiss cheese, corned beef, dressing, warmed sauerkraut, optional spices, and a second slice of Swiss cheese.
How do you prepare the second slice of bread?
Place it on top of the sandwich and spread the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter on the outside.
What heat setting should be used for cooking?
The sandwich should be cooked over medium-low heat.
How long should each side of the sandwich cook?
Each side should cook for about 3-4 minutes until it reaches a golden brown color.
Should the sandwich be pressed during cooking?
Yes, you should press down slightly while cooking in the skillet.
How do you flip the sandwich?
Carefully use a spatula to flip the sandwich to brown the other side.
How long should the sandwich rest after cooking?
It should rest for one minute after being removed from the skillet.
How should the Reuben be sliced for serving?
The sandwich should be sliced in half to reveal the delicious internal layers.
What are the recommended sides for this meal?
It is recommended to serve the sandwich with a crisp dill pickle spear and your favorite chips.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick lunch?
Yes, it is described as a perfect recipe for a quick lunch or a light dinner.
How many ingredients are in the Ultimate Corned Beef Reuben Melt?
There are 7 ingredients including the optional spices.
What describes the overall flavor profile of this sandwich?
It is a harmonious blend of savory, tangy, and creamy flavors with a buttery, toasted texture.
Can I heat the sauerkraut in a microwave?
Yes, the instructions state you can use either a small saucepan or a microwave to warm the sauerkraut.
What preparation is needed for the butter?
The butter should be softened to make it easier to spread on the bread.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a quick meal.
How much sauerkraut is used per sandwich?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of sauerkraut.
Is this recipe intended for one or multiple servings?
Based on the ingredient amounts like 2 slices of bread, this recipe is portioned for one sandwich.
Is this sandwich considered comfort food?
Yes, it is specifically tagged and described as a go-to comfort food recipe.