Homemade Barefoot Contessa Reuben Sandwich Recipe Magic

Reuben sandwiches burst with robust flavors that transform ordinary lunch into a culinary celebration.

These legendary stacked delicacies combine salty, tangy, and creamy elements in one spectacular bite.

Corned beef nestles between crispy rye bread, waiting to unleash its mouthwatering potential.

Swiss cheese melts seductively, creating a velvety backdrop for zesty sauerkraut and rich thousand island dressing.

Generations of food enthusiasts have cherished this classic sandwich’s complex flavor profile.

Every ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting a symphony of taste that dances across your palate.

Check out this epic sandwich experience and watch your lunch transform from mundane to magnificent.

How to Serve Reuben Sandwich Like a Pro

• Serve with Tangy Sides: Complement the Reuben sandwich with zesty dill pickles or crisp coleslaw to enhance the meal's bold flavors.
• Create a Hearty Meal: Pair with golden potato chips or warm french fries for a satisfying lunch or dinner option that adds delightful crunch.
• Elevate with Beverage Pairing: Enjoy alongside a cold beer or sparkling apple cider to balance the rich, savory notes of the corned beef and melted cheese.
• Add Fresh Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and subtle herbal freshness that brightens the entire dish.

Keep Reuben Sandwich Fresh for Later

• Maximize Meal Prep: Plan ahead by assembling sandwiches early in the day, wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap to preserve freshness and flavor intensity.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store prepared sandwiches in an airtight container for up to 2 days, keeping ingredients separate to prevent sogginess and maintain optimal texture.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap individual sandwiches in freezer-safe packaging, preserving them for up to one month – perfect for quick meal solutions during busy weeks.
• Revive Refrigerated Sandwiches: Restore crispiness by reheating in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, bringing back the delightful golden-brown crunch and melty cheese appeal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 635 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients List for Barefoot Contessa Reuben Sandwich

• Thousand Island Dressing: Choose a tangy, creamy version with a vibrant mix of sweet and zesty notes.
• Rye Bread: Select a hearty, dense bread with a robust flavor that can stand up to strong fillings.

• Corned Beef, Swiss Cheese: Look for thinly sliced, high-quality corned beef with marbled texture and Swiss cheese with smooth, mild nutty undertones.

• Sauerkraut: Pick fresh, crisp sauerkraut with a sharp, acidic punch that provides a perfect balance to the rich meat.

• Butter: Use unsalted, creamy butter at room temperature for smooth, even spreading and golden-brown crispiness.

Kitchen Gear for Making a Reuben Sandwich

• Skillet: Heavy-bottomed pan for achieving golden, crispy grilled sandwich.
• Spatula: Essential for flipping sandwich and ensuring even cooking.
• Butter knife: Perfect for spreading thousand island dressing and softened butter evenly.
• Cutting board: Clean surface for preparing and layering sandwich ingredients.
• Knife: Sharp tool for slicing corned beef into thin, delicate pieces.

Directions to Assemble a Reuben Sandwich

• Slather Zesty Sauce

Grab a slice of rye bread and spread a generous layer of tangy thousand island dressing, making sure every inch gets some love for an explosion of flavor.

• Build Your Flavor Tower

Stack your sandwich with mouthwatering layers of tender corned beef, melty Swiss cheese, and a hearty scoop of sauerkraut that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Transform into Golden Masterpiece

Softly brush the outside of your sandwich with creamy butter, then place it on a sizzling skillet. Let it cook until the bottom turns a gorgeous golden-brown, releasing an irresistible aroma that’ll have everyone in the kitchen curious.

• Crisp and Complete

Butter the top side, then flip your sandwich with confidence. Grill for a few more minutes until both sides are perfectly crispy and the cheese is melted into gooey perfection. Slide onto a plate and get ready to enjoy a classic deli-style sandwich that’ll transport you straight to flavor heaven.

Creative Reuben Sandwich Variations

Explore exciting variations and pro tips to elevate your reuben sandwich experience.

Replace Swiss cheese with sharp cheddar or provolone for a bold flavor twist that transforms the classic sandwich’s taste profile.

Experiment with pastrami, turkey, or roasted chicken as delicious alternatives to traditional corned beef, keeping the sandwich’s core essence intact.

Transform the recipe by using lettuce wraps instead of rye bread for a lighter, gluten-free option that maintains the sandwich’s incredible flavor combinations.

Use a cast-iron skillet or panini press to achieve extra crispy edges and ensure even, golden-brown toasting that locks in maximum deliciousness.

Ultimate Barefoot Contessa Reuben Sandwich Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Classic Barefoot Contessa Reuben sandwich combines corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on toasted rye bread. Ina Garten’s signature recipe promises a delicious twist on the traditional deli favorite you will savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 slices rye bread
• 8 slices Swiss cheese
• 8 slices deli sliced corned beef
• 1 cup / 240 ml sauerkraut (drained)
• ½ cup / 120 ml thousand island dressing
• 2 tbsps / 30 ml butter (softened)

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Instructions

1. Dressing Preparation: Generously coat one rye bread slice with thousand island dressing, ensuring complete edge-to-edge coverage.
2. Meat and Cheese Layer: Arrange corned beef in overlapping folds, then distribute shredded Swiss cheese evenly, allowing cheese to melt and blend with meat during grilling.
3. Sauerkraut Integration: Spread tangy sauerkraut uniformly across the cheese layer, creating a robust flavor foundation.
4. Butter Application: Softly spread room temperature butter on both exterior bread surfaces using a silicone spatula.
5. Grilling Process: Position sandwich butter-side down in a preheated cast-iron skillet or non-stick griddle at medium heat (350°F/175°C), gently pressing with a spatula to ensure consistent contact and promote even browning.
6. First Side Cooking: Grill for 3-4 minutes until bread turns golden-brown and crispy, with cheese beginning to melt, then carefully flip the sandwich.
7. Final Grilling: Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the second side achieves similar golden-brown coloration and internal ingredients are thoroughly heated.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Use room temperature butter for smooth, even spreading that ensures a perfectly crispy, golden-brown exterior without tearing the bread.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Sprinkle Swiss cheese evenly to guarantee complete melting and maximum flavor integration with the corned beef.
• Heat Control is Critical: Maintain medium heat (350°F/175°C) to achieve ideal browning without burning the bread or overcooking the sandwich ingredients.
• Press for Perfection: Gently press the sandwich during grilling to create uniform contact, promoting even heating and a crisp, golden crust.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 635
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 1500 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg