Discover the delight of the Turkey Reuben Sandwich, affectionately known as “The Rachel.” This beloved culinary creation offers a lighter yet equally flavorful twist on the classic Reuben, replacing traditional corned beef with tender, oven-roasted turkey breast. Picture perfectly grilled, buttery marbled rye bread embracing layers of melty Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and a generous slather of creamy homemade Thousand Island dressing. It’s a sandwich experience that promises satisfaction with every bite, a true testament to simple ingredients coming together in harmony.
While many have savored the robust flavors of a traditional Reuben, the Rachel sandwich introduces a different, yet equally compelling, taste profile. It’s an irresistible option that quickly becomes a favorite for lunch or dinner. The combination of savory turkey, sharp Swiss, bright kraut, and a signature dressing grilled to golden perfection makes it a must-try for sandwich enthusiasts and turkey lovers alike.
This Turkey Reuben Recipe is proudly sponsored by Frank’s Kraut. My long-standing admiration for their superb sauerkraut and all opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
What Exactly is a Turkey Rachel Sandwich?
The definition of a “Rachel” sandwich can vary somewhat depending on geographical location, but at its heart, a Rachel is a magnificent variant of the Reuben. Generally, it’s defined as a grilled sandwich featuring sliced turkey, Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and either Thousand Island or Russian dressing, all served on toasted marbled rye bread. This rendition is quite similar to the popular version served at establishments like McAlister’s Deli, celebrated for its balanced flavors and comforting appeal.
However, regional adaptations exist. In some areas, particularly in the Southern or Western United States, it might be dubbed a “Georgia Reuben” or a “California Reuben.” These variations often substitute coleslaw for sauerkraut, offering a different textural and flavor dynamic. Furthermore, the dressing might deviate, with some recipes calling for barbeque sauce or French dressing instead of the traditional Russian or Thousand Island dressing. Despite these differences, the core concept of a delicious, grilled turkey sandwich remains, making the Rachel a versatile and adaptable dish.
Reuben vs. Rachel: Understanding the Key Difference
The distinction between a Reuben and a Rachel sandwich is quite straightforward, primarily revolving around the choice of protein. A classic Reuben sandwich is traditionally made with savory sliced corned beef, complemented by sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island or Russian dressing, all grilled between slices of hearty rye bread. It’s a rich, intensely flavored sandwich with a strong historical presence, particularly in deli culture.
In contrast, the Rachel sandwich substitutes the corned beef with sliced turkey, often oven-roasted for a tender, moist texture. This swap results in a lighter, yet equally satisfying sandwich. While turkey is the most common substitute, some versions of the Rachel might also include pastrami, adding another layer of flavor and tradition to this popular alternative. The Rachel maintains the grilled rye, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut elements, ensuring that familiar tang and creamy dressing that makes the Reuben family of sandwiches so beloved.
The Origin Story: Why is a Turkey Reuben Called a Rachel?
The exact etymology of why a turkey Reuben is named “Rachel” isn’t definitively known, but several theories circulate. One popular anecdote suggests the name derives from a classic American folk song from 1871 titled “Reuben and Rachel,” written by Harry Birch. This charming song tells the story of two sweethearts, Reuben and Rachel, and their adventures. It’s speculated that the Rachel sandwich emerged as a natural counterpart to the Reuben, much like Rachel is to Reuben in the song, creating a delicious pairing in the culinary world.
While the origin of the Reuben itself is often debated—with claims ranging from Omaha, Nebraska, to New York City—its popularization certainly paved the way for variations. The Rachel, with its turkey alternative, offers a different character while retaining the essential components that make the original so iconic. Regardless of its precise naming origin, the Rachel has carved out its own niche, becoming a widely recognized and cherished sandwich in its own right.
Celebrate National Reuben Month and Day!
March isn’t just for St. Patrick’s Day; it’s also the perfect time to immerse yourself in the world of Reuben sandwiches, as it’s designated National Reuben Month! This month-long celebration is an ideal opportunity to experiment with both traditional Reubens and their delightful variations like the Rachel. If you find yourself with a surplus of leftover corned beef after preparing a traditional corned beef and cabbage meal, fear not! There are countless inventive ways to repurpose it into delicious Reuben-inspired dishes. In fact, consider picking up a little extra corned beef, because you’ll want to try all the possibilities.
The Reuben Sandwich, a true American classic, holds a special place in culinary history. Did you know that the Reuben pictured above was prominently featured in Nebraska Life Magazine’s March/April 2021 issue? This spotlight underscores the sandwich’s enduring popularity and its connection to American food culture.
Over my seven-year partnership with Frank’s Kraut, I’ve had the pleasure of developing and sharing a plethora of recipes featuring their exceptional sauerkraut. Many of these recipes have been fun and creative twists on the classic Reuben. I even coined the term “Reubenizing” recipes, and it has become a cherished phrase for transforming everyday dishes with the irresistible flavors of a Reuben. From casseroles to dips, the Reuben’s profile can be adapted to almost anything!
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Turkey Reuben Sandwich
Crafting the ultimate Turkey Reuben begins with selecting high-quality ingredients that complement each other harmoniously. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delectable sandwich:
- Marbled Rye Bread: While any good quality rye bread will work, the marbled variety adds a beautiful visual appeal and a slightly milder flavor profile. Pumpernickel bread is another excellent choice, offering a deeper, richer taste that pairs wonderfully with the other components. Choose slices that are sturdy enough to hold the generous fillings.
- Oven-Roasted Turkey: Opt for high-quality, freshly sliced oven-roasted turkey from your deli. Requesting thicker slices will ensure the turkey stands up to the grilling process and provides a satisfying texture. This recipe is also perfect for utilizing Thanksgiving turkey leftovers or any leftover turkey you might have on hand.
- Swiss Cheese: Classic Swiss cheese is a must for its nutty flavor and excellent melting properties. You can use regular Swiss or opt for baby Swiss, which has a slightly milder taste. Thick-cut slices are preferable for a substantial melt. Feel free to tear or fold the cheese to fit your bread perfectly.
- Frank’s Kraut: The sauerkraut is a star ingredient, providing that essential tangy bite. I highly recommend using Frank’s Mustard Kraut for an extra layer of flavor from the dill pickle relish and mustard notes. However, their Original Frank’s Kraut will also yield an outstanding sandwich.
- Caraway Seeds: These are entirely optional but highly recommended for those who appreciate their distinctive earthy and slightly licorice-like flavor. Sprinkling them over the sauerkraut before grilling enhances the traditional rye bread notes and elevates the overall taste of the Turkey Reuben.
- Butter: Softened butter is key for achieving that perfectly golden, crispy exterior on your grilled sandwich. Spread generously on the outside of the bread, it helps create a rich, savory crust.
- Homemade Thousand Island Dressing: While store-bought dressing can be used in a pinch, my Homemade Thousand Island Dressing recipe is truly fantastic and takes this sandwich to an unparalleled level. Made from fresh ingredients in your own kitchen, it offers a vibrant, balanced flavor that elevates the entire dish. Some argue for Russian dressing as the preferred choice for a Reuben, but it’s worth noting that the original Reuben, famously created right here in Omaha, Nebraska, traditionally features Thousand Island. This homemade version is simple to prepare and makes all the difference.
You will find exact measurements and detailed cooking times at the bottom of this post within the comprehensive recipe section.
For everything you could ever want to know about the Reuben and how to “Reuben-ize” any dish, explore The Ultimate Guide to the Reuben!
How to Make “The Rachel”: Your Delicious Turkey Reuben Sandwich
Skip the search for “Turkey Reuben Sandwich near me” and instead, create these simple yet supremely scrumptious sandwiches right in your own kitchen. With just a few easy steps, you can enjoy a fresh, hot Rachel sandwich whenever the craving strikes.
Prepare Your Bread and First Layers:
Begin by generously slathering your homemade Thousand Island Dressing on the inside of both slices of marbled rye bread. On one slice, lay down two pieces of Swiss cheese, ensuring good coverage. The dressing acts as a flavor anchor, while the cheese will become deliciously melted.
Assemble the Main Fillings:
On the other slice of bread (or directly on top of the cheese), arrange the oven-roasted turkey slices. Ensure an even layer for consistent flavor. Next, add a generous helping of sauerkraut over the turkey. If desired, sprinkle caraway seeds over the sauerkraut for an added aromatic touch that complements the rye bread beautifully.
Butter and Grill to Perfection:
Carefully bring the two halves of your sandwich together. Now, generously butter the outsides of both slices of bread. Place the assembled sandwich into a hot skillet or on a griddle preheated over medium-high heat. Grill each side for about 3-5 minutes, or until both sides are a rich golden brown and the Swiss cheese inside has completely melted, creating a gooey, irresistible center.
Final Grill and Serving:
Once flipped, continue grilling until the second side is equally golden and the cheese is fully molten. The goal is a perfectly crispy exterior and a warm, flavorful interior.
Serve your hot, freshly grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwich immediately. It pairs wonderfully with your favorite soup, a side of crispy homemade double-fried French fries, or crunchy homemade baked potato chips. For an extra treat, serve it with an additional helping of Frank’s Kraut and a side of Thousand Island dressing for dipping – pure sandwich perfection!
Love this recipe? Pin it for later!
Don’t let this fantastic Turkey Reuben Sandwich recipe get lost! Be sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board so you can easily find it whenever you’re ready to whip up this delicious meal.
National Reuben Sandwich Day: March 14th
While National Reuben Month spans all of March, here in Omaha, Nebraska – the proud birthplace of the original Reuben sandwich – we also celebrate a specific day: National Reuben Day on March 14th! This special day sees local bars and restaurants bustling with celebrations, all honoring this iconic Nebraska original. But you don’t need to be in Omaha to join the festivities. Gather your ingredients and make any of these fantastic Reuben recipes at home to partake in the national fun!
Frank’s Kraut: A Lifelong Family Staple
Growing up in a household of Polish and German heritage, sauerkraut was a constant presence on our dinner table. Frank’s Kraut, in particular, was an integral part of our family meals. Holiday hams were always accompanied by glazed smoked ham, smoked Polish sausage, and Frank’s Kraut. It would have felt incomplete without it! Similarly, hot dogs and brats were invariably served with a generous side of kraut; it was simply the natural order of things.
Fast forward several years, and I had the incredible honor of being invited to partner with Frank’s Kraut for recipe development. This year, 2022, marks my seventh year as a proud brand ambassador for them. Over this time, I have created countless recipes featuring sauerkraut, and for those who have followed my culinary journey, you can certainly attest to my passion for this versatile ingredient.
Frank’s Convenient Two-Pound Poly Packs
My preferred way to purchase Frank’s Kraut is in their convenient two-pound poly packages. I love to stock up on these and store them in my freezer, ensuring I always have this essential ingredient on hand whenever inspiration strikes. Any leftover sauerkraut from an opened package is easily transferred to a mason jar and kept fresh in the fridge.
Introducing Frank’s Mustard Kraut
While Frank’s Original Kraut would undoubtedly make an excellent Turkey Reuben, I couldn’t resist using their exciting new Mustard Kraut for this recipe. It adds an incredible depth of flavor that is truly unique!
The combination of mustard and sauerkraut is simply a match made in culinary heaven, and this product has quickly become a new addiction of mine. Since the very first time I opened a jar, I’ve made sure to always have one in my fridge. It’s the absolute perfection for hot dog toppings, and I have no doubt that throughout the prime grilling season this summer, I’ll be enjoying this delightful kraut almost daily!
The moment I first tasted Frank’s Mustard Kraut, I instantly knew how I would enjoy it. It perfectly complemented my Breaded Pork Cutlet recipe! This special kraut is simply Frank’s original, enhanced with a zesty mustard and dill pickle relish kick, adding a fantastic layer of flavor to any dish.
More Delightful Sauerkraut Recipes to Explore
If you share our love for sauerkraut, you’ll be thrilled to discover these other fantastic recipes that showcase its versatility and delicious flavor:
- Beef & Kraut Tater Tot Casserole (pictured above)
- Sauerkraut Bratwurst and Potato Soup
- Everything Sauerkraut Bread
- Kluski Kapusta Kiszona (Polish Noodles & Sauerkraut)
- Quick Pretzels with Sauerkraut Cheddar Cheese Sauce
- Pork Roast & Sauerkraut
- Sauerkraut Chocolate Cake (A surprisingly delicious dessert!)
- Reuben Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Let’s Make a Turkey Reuben Sandwich!
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Turkey Reuben Sandwich – “The Rachel”
Oven-roasted turkey breast is used in place of corned beef to create these delicious Turkey Reuben sandwiches. Grilled to perfection on buttery marbled rye bread, with melty Swiss cheese, tangy homemade Thousand Island dressing, and flavorful sauerkraut.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 10 mins
Course: Sandwiches
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Frank’s Kraut, Rachel Sandwich, Reuben, Sauerkraut, Thousand Island Dressing, Turkey Sandwich
Servings: 2 Sandwiches
Author: Michaela Kenkel
Equipment
- Frank’s Kraut, Shredded, Canned, 14-Ounce (Pack of 24) (or equivalent 2-pound poly bag)
- Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet (10.25″) or a large non-stick skillet/griddle
Ingredients
- 4 slices marbled rye bread
- 4 slices deli turkey, thick sliced
- 4 slices Swiss cheese, sliced on the thicker side
- 1/2 cup Frank’s Mustard Kraut (or original Frank’s Kraut)
- 1/4 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
- 1/3 cup Homemade Thousand Island Dressing, divided
- 2 Tablespoons butter, softened
Instructions
- Generously spread Thousand Island Dressing on the insides of all four slices of bread.
- On two slices of bread, layer two slices of Swiss cheese each.
- On the remaining two slices (or over the cheese), arrange the sliced turkey. Top with the sauerkraut, then sprinkle with caraway seeds if desired.
- Assemble the sandwiches by placing the turkey/kraut side onto the cheese side.
- Butter the outsides of both slices of bread on each sandwich.
- Place the buttered sandwiches in a hot skillet or on a griddle over medium-high heat. Grill for 3-5 minutes per side, or until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is beautifully melted in the middle.
- Serve hot and enjoy immediately.
Notes
You can certainly use regular sauerkraut if you prefer a more traditional flavor profile without the mustard and dill notes.
While a store-bought dressing is convenient, the Homemade Thousand Island Dressing is incredibly easy to make and truly elevates the flavor of this sandwich to the next level.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 858kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 63g | Saturated Fat: 27g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 29g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 161mg | Sodium: 2586mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 12g
More Sauerkraut Recipes to Love
Stay connected with Frank’s Kraut on their social media channels for a continuous flow of delicious recipes and sauerkraut inspiration all year long. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for everything sauerkraut!