Skillet Reuben Recipe

Sink your teeth into the perfect comfort food with this Skillet Reuben. Imagine crisp, buttery rye bread hugging a gooey blanket of Swiss cheese, tender slices of corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Thousand Island dressing, all toasted to golden perfection in a single skillet. There’s something magical about how these simple ingredients come together — each bite is layered, melty, and packed with bold, satisfying flavors. If you love classic deli sandwiches but want something easy enough for a weeknight, the Skillet Reuben will become your new favorite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything in this recipe plays a starring role, and you’ll be amazed at how a handful of familiar ingredients come together to create that irresistible Skillet Reuben flavor. These ingredients are easy to find but each one is crucial for the texture, taste, and classic look that makes this sandwich stand out.

• Rye bread: The hearty, robust base with its signature tang and chew, rye bread is what sets a Reuben apart from other grilled sandwiches.
• Unsalted butter: Softened butter ensures your bread gets that mouthwatering, golden crust without overpowering the other flavors.
• Corned beef: The star protein! Thinly sliced and super savory, it delivers the classic deli flavor that’s at the heart of every Skillet Reuben.
• Sauerkraut: Squeezed dry for the perfect tang and crunch, sauerkraut adds a pop of brightness that cuts through the richness.
• Swiss cheese: Melty, mild, and slightly nutty, Swiss cheese creates the ultimate gooey, stretchy sandwich experience.
• Thousand Island dressing: Creamy, sweet, and just a bit tangy, it pulls all the flavors together into one harmonious bite.
• Olive oil: Used to sauté and brown the sauerkraut, olive oil brings extra depth and a touch of crispness.

How to Make Skillet Reuben

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by gathering everything you need and laying out your workspace. Butter one side of each slice of rye bread generously — this will make sure every bite is crisp and golden. If you haven’t already, drain and squeeze the sauerkraut dry so your sandwich doesn’t get soggy. Thinly slice your corned beef if it isn’t pre-sliced, and be sure your Swiss cheese is ready to go.

Step 2: Sauté the Sauerkraut

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the sauerkraut and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s lightly browned and any excess moisture has evaporated. This step deepens the flavor and keeps your Skillet Reuben from getting messy. Once it’s perfectly golden, transfer the sauerkraut to a bowl and give the skillet a quick wipe with a paper towel.

Step 3: Build the Sandwiches

With the skillet back on medium heat, lay 4 slices of bread, buttered side down, in the pan. On each slice, start with a foundation of Swiss cheese. Layer a generous helping of corned beef, a spoonful of the warm sauerkraut, a tablespoon of Thousand Island dressing, and another slice of Swiss cheese. Crown each stack with another slice of bread, butter side out.

Step 4: Toast to Perfection

Cook the sandwiches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula. You’re aiming for bread that’s golden and crisp — not burnt — and cheese that’s fully melted and gooey. If you like your Skillet Reuben extra melty and crunchy, try cooking on medium-low heat for an extra minute or two. Patience here rewards you with a sandwich that’s absolutely luscious.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Once you’ve achieved sandwich nirvana, transfer the Skillet Reuben to a cutting board and let it rest for a moment — this helps keep all the cheesy goodness inside when you cut. Slice each sandwich in half and serve them hot, ready to impress anyone lucky enough to be at your table.

How to Serve Skillet Reuben

Garnishes

A classic Skillet Reuben can be dressed up with simple but thoughtful touches. Sprinkle with a bit of chopped fresh parsley for color, or tuck in some extra pickles on the side for crunch and zip. A smattering of caraway seeds on the bread before toasting gives you that old-school deli vibe.

Side Dishes

Pair your Skillet Reuben with tangy coleslaw, crispy potato chips, or a chilled dill pickle for the ultimate deli-style meal. For something heartier, a bowl of creamy tomato soup or a light mixed greens salad rounds things out without stealing the spotlight from the sandwich.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting your Skillet Reuben into smaller triangles or bite-sized squares for a crowd-pleasing appetizer platter, perfect for game day or casual get-togethers. Stack them high on a rustic wooden board or slide a skewer through each half for easy pick-up and a fun bistro feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Skillet Reuben sandwiches (a rare but happy problem!), let the sandwiches cool completely before wrapping them tightly in foil or storing them in an airtight container. This helps preserve the bread’s texture and keeps the fillings from drying out in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooled sandwiches individually, wrapped in foil and placed in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to a month. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-from-the-skillet crunch, unwrap your Skillet Reuben and reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat or on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you can — the bread gets soggy, and nobody wants that!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While rye bread is traditional for the Skillet Reuben, you can experiment with sourdough or whole wheat if that’s what you have on hand. Just note that the flavor and texture will be a little different, but still delicious.

Is there a good vegetarian alternative for corned beef?

Definitely. Swap the corned beef for thick slices of roasted or grilled mushrooms, or your favorite plant-based deli slices. You’ll still get all the flavor and satisfaction of a classic Skillet Reuben.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes! You can sauté the sauerkraut and slice your cheese and meat a day or two in advance. This prep makes assembling the Skillet Reuben a breeze and is perfect for busy weeknights.

What’s the best way to keep the bread from burning?

Cook your sandwich over medium or even medium-low heat and keep an eye on the bread. Slow and steady is the secret to golden, crispy perfection and melted cheese without burning the bread before the inside is hot.

Can I use pastrami instead of corned beef?

Absolutely — pastrami is a popular variation and will give your Skillet Reuben a smoky, peppery kick. Follow the same method and enjoy a delicious twist on the classic!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something warm, satisfying, and just a little bit nostalgic, give this Skillet Reuben a try. It’s foolproof, loads of fun to make, and always a hit at the table. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it again and again!

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