Ah, the Pastrami Reuben Sandwich! Let me tell you, this is one of those recipes that makes my heart skip a beat every time I think about it. I remember the first time I took a big bite of a Reuben — it was at this little deli tucked away in the city, and I couldn’t get enough of that warm, melty cheese paired with the tangy sauerkraut and rich pastrami. It was a culinary hug from the inside out! Whenever I crave comfort food, this classic sandwich always makes it onto my lunch menu.
What I adore about the Pastrami Reuben is its delightful layers of flavor and texture — the crispy rye bread, gooey Swiss cheese, and the perfect balance of savory and tangy all come together to create a sandwich experience that feels indulgent yet surprisingly easy to make at home. So, let’s dive into what you’ll need to whip up this delicious treat!
What’s in a Pastrami Reuben Sandwich?
Rye Bread: The backbone of this sandwich! I always go for a good quality, freshly baked rye. It adds a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
Pastrami: This is where the magic happens! You want about a pound of sliced pastrami, which is packed with flavor and makes the sandwich hearty and filling. A deli-style pastrami works wonders here.
Sauerkraut: This tangy fermented cabbage is key for that authentic Reuben taste. Make sure to drain and squeeze it dry to avoid soggy bread!
Swiss Cheese: I’m a big fan of Swiss cheese; its nutty flavor really complements everything else. Plus, it melts like a dream!
Russian or Thousand Island Dressing: This creamy dressing brings both flavor and moisture to the sandwich. I usually have Thousand Island on hand, but you can’t go wrong with either.
Butter: For that crispy, golden crust, butter is your best friend. It’s worth it, trust me!
Pickles: These tangy delights are essential for serving on the side. They add a pop of flavor that you definitely need.
Is a Pastrami Reuben Sandwich Good for You?
Now, let’s get real for a second. While this sandwich is absolutely delicious, it’s best enjoyed in moderation.
Pastrami: This meat can be quite high in sodium, so if you’re watching your salt intake, you might want to enjoy this treat occasionally.
Sauerkraut: On the bright side, sauerkraut is rich in probiotics, which are great for gut health! Just remember to keep portions reasonable if you’re sensitive to its tanginess.
Butter: While it creates that lovely crispiness, using too much butter can increase the calorie count. I find that a little goes a long way!
The key here is balance. Enjoy this delicious sandwich as part of a varied diet, and you’ll be just fine!
Ingredients for Pastrami Reuben Sandwich
– 8 slices rye bread
– 1 pound pastrami, sliced
– 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
– 8 slices Swiss cheese
– 1/2 cup Russian or Thousand Island dressing
– 2 tablespoons butter, softened
– Pickles (for serving)
This recipe serves about 4 very hungry sandwich lovers—perfect for a cozy lunch with friends!
How to Make a Pastrami Reuben Sandwich?
1. Preheat your large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice of rye bread. Just enough to get that dreamy golden crunch!
3. To assemble, place a slice of bread on the skillet, buttered side down. Start layering: add a slice of Swiss cheese, half of the pastrami, half of the sauerkraut, and another slice of Swiss cheese. Drizzle some dressing on top, then cap it with another slice of bread, buttered side up.
4. Cook until the bread turns golden brown and crispy (about 4-5 minutes). Using a spatula, carefully flip the sandwich over to cook the other side until it’s also golden and the cheese is melting (another 4-5 minutes).
5. Remove from the skillet, slice the sandwich in half, and serve it up with pickles on the side. Take a moment to appreciate your culinary masterpiece—then dig in!
Sandwich Savvy: Tips and Variations
If you’re itching to switch things up a bit, here are a few ideas! Instead of rye bread, you could try marble rye for a twist of flavor and color. And if you really want to knock it out of the park, throw in some caramelized onions for added sweetness. You could also experiment with different dressings — a tangy aioli or a spicy mustard can bring a whole new vibe!
Lastly, feel free to grill two sandwiches at once if you’re cooking for a crowd. Just make sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t burn — it’s so easy to get distracted by the delicious smells!
I can’t wait for you to make this Pastrami Reuben Sandwich! I know you’re going to love it just as much as I do. Give it a try and let me know what you think; I’m always thrilled to hear about your adventures in the kitchen!
