Delicious and Easy-to-Make Turkey Reuben Sandwich Recipe

Ingredients

8 slices of rye bread
8 slices of Swiss cheese
1 pound of sliced cooked turkey
1 cup of sauerkraut, drained
1/2 cup of Thousand Island dressing
2 tablespoons of butter

Steps and instructions

Preheat a large skillet or griddle on medium heat.
Spread Thousand Island dressing on one side of each slice of bread. Layer with a slice of cheese, several slices of turkey, and a scoop of sauerkraut. Top with another slice of cheese and another slice of bread, dressing-side in.
Melt a tablespoon of butter in the preheated skillet. Place the sandwiches in the skillet, and grill until lightly browned, about 4 to 5 minutes.
Spread butter on the ungrilled side of the sandwiches, then flip them over to grill until the other side is brown and the cheese is melted, another 4 to 5 minutes.
When done, remove sandwiches from skillet and let them cool for a minute. Slice in half and serve warm.

Tools for making

Large skillet or griddle - This will be used to grill the sandwiches.
Butter knife - Used for spreading butter and Thousand Island dressing.
Spatula - Helps to flip and remove the sandwiches from the skillet.
Knife - Used to slice the sandwiches in half before serving.

Recipe variations

Use marble rye bread instead of traditional rye bread.
Replace Swiss cheese with Gruyere or cheddar cheese.
Try using pastrami or corned beef instead of turkey.
Add some sliced pickles or pickled jalapenos for extra flavor.
For a vegetarian option, substitute the turkey with grilled portobello mushrooms.
Experiment with different dressings like Russian dressing or spicy mustard.
Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free bread or wraps.
Add some avocado slices or bacon for a twist on the classic Reuben.

Recipe overview

Enjoy a classic deli sandwich right at home with this easy to make Turkey Reuben recipe. This hearty sandwich is filled with succulent turkey, tangy sauerkraut and melted Swiss cheese, all sandwiched between slices of flavorful rye bread. Slathered with creamy Thousand Island dressing and grilled to perfection, the Turkey Reuben is a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner. This recipe makes four sandwiches and takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. So, grab your skillet and let's get cooking. Enjoy your homemade Turkey Reuben with a pickle on the side or some chips for a truly delicious meal.

Common questions

Can I use a different type of bread? Yes, you can use a different type of bread if you prefer. However, rye bread is traditionally used in a Turkey Reuben for its distinct flavor.
Can I substitute the Swiss cheese? Certainly! If you're not a fan of Swiss cheese, you can substitute it with another type of cheese such as cheddar, provolone, or even mozzarella.
Can I use deli-sliced turkey instead of cooked turkey? Absolutely! You can use deli-sliced turkey in this recipe if you don't have cooked turkey on hand. Just make sure to warm it up in the skillet before assembling the sandwich.
Is it necessary to drain the sauerkraut? Yes, it's important to drain the sauerkraut before using it in the sandwich. This helps prevent the sandwich from becoming too soggy.
Can I make this sandwich ahead of time? While it's best to enjoy the Turkey Reuben immediately after grilling, you can assemble the sandwiches ahead of time and refrigerate them until you're ready to grill and serve. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before grilling.

Serving dishes and utensils

Skillet or griddle - A large skillet or griddle is needed to cook the sandwiches.
Spatula - Use a spatula to flip the sandwiches while grilling.
Butter knife - A butter knife is handy for spreading the butter and Thousand Island dressing.
Cutting board - Use a cutting board to slice the sandwiches in half before serving.
Sharp knife - A sharp knife is needed to slice the sandwiches.

Origin stories

The Reuben sandwich, a savory stack of rye bread, Swiss cheese, corned beef, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing, has a somewhat disputed history. Two different stories claim its creation, one attributing it to Reuben Kulakofsky, a grocer from Omaha, Nebraska, who supposedly invented it for his weekly poker game held at the Blackstone Hotel in the 1920s. The other credits Arnold Reuben, the German owner of the once-famous, now-closed Reuben's Delicatessen in New York City, who claimed to have created the "Reuben Special" around 1914. Whichever tale you lean towards, the Turkey Reuben is a delicious variation on the original, replacing the traditional corned beef with lean, succulent turkey. The result? A slightly lighter, but no less satisfying, rendition of a beloved classic.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.