Watch how to craft the perfect Traditional Reuben Sandwich in our comprehensive guide!
Indulge in the culinary perfection of a Traditional Reuben Sandwich – a masterpiece featuring a generous pile of savory corned beef, layers of creamy Swiss cheese, tangy Frank’s Kraut, and the unmistakable zest of Thousand Island dressing, all expertly grilled between two slices of your favorite hearty rye bread until the cheese is wonderfully melted and gooey. It’s more than just a sandwich; it’s a complete, satisfying meal that truly delivers on flavor and comfort.
As a proud resident of Omaha, Nebraska, a city often credited as the birthplace of this iconic sandwich, there’s no better way to celebrate National Reuben Month than by preparing and enjoying an authentic Traditional Reuben Sandwich. This classic creation holds a special place in our local culinary history, and we’re thrilled to share its story and recipe with you.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Frank’s Kraut for sponsoring this delightful post. Please be assured that all opinions expressed herein, and our genuine affection for their exceptional sauerkraut, are entirely our own. Your support for brands like Frank’s Kraut helps make “An Affair from the Heart” possible, allowing us to continue sharing delicious recipes and stories.
The Intriguing Origin Story of the Reuben Sandwich
While some culinary enthusiasts in other regions might present alternative tales of its creation, here in Omaha, Nebraska, we proudly stand by the assertion that the Reuben Sandwich was conceived within our very own city. Specifically, at the renowned Blackstone Hotel, a legendary establishment deeply woven into the fabric of our community. The credit for concocting the very first Reuben Sandwich is widely attributed to Reuben Kulakofsky, a Jewish, Lithuanian-born grocer whose innovation forever changed the world of sandwiches.
Reuben Kulakofsky was a regular attendee at a weekly poker game held at the prestigious Blackstone Hotel, a tradition that flourished between the years of 1920 and 1935. The close-knit group of players affectionately referred to themselves as “The Committee.” It was during one of these late-night poker sessions that Kulakofsky, seeking a substantial and satisfying meal, began experimenting with ingredients. His impromptu creation quickly caught the attention of Charles Schimmel, the hotel’s owner and also a member of “The Committee.” Impressed by its unique flavor and heartiness, Schimmel wisely decided to feature the sandwich on the hotel’s lunch menu. From that moment, the Reuben Sandwich’s journey to culinary fame began, becoming a beloved classic enjoyed by millions worldwide. And the rest, as they say, is delicious history.
The historic Blackstone Hotel, now thoughtfully redeveloped and known as the Blackstone Center, remains a prominent landmark situated at 302 South 36th Street in Omaha, Nebraska. Originally constructed in 1915, its architectural significance and cultural impact were formally recognized when it was declared an Omaha Landmark in 1983. While it no longer operates as a hotel, the Blackstone Center has been repurposed into modern offices, standing proudly at the heart of the vibrant and rapidly developing Blackstone District. This area is a bustling hub, renowned for its diverse dining options, lively entertainment, and community spirit, making it a fitting home for the sandwich that put Omaha on the culinary map.
While the entire month of March is widely recognized as National Reuben Month, here in Omaha, we take our Reuben pride a step further. We have our very own dedicated National Reuben Sandwich Day, celebrated annually on March 14th. This special day, along with the entire month, transforms Omaha into a hub of Reuben festivities. Many local restaurants and pubs eagerly showcase their signature Reuben sandwiches, each boasting unique twists and proud claims to the “best Reuben in town.” While you can certainly enjoy a delicious Reuben year-round in Omaha, March is undeniably the time when the Reuben truly shines, with special promotions, events, and an unparalleled celebration of this beloved sandwich. It’s a fantastic time to explore the city’s culinary scene and taste the various interpretations of our hometown hero.
Choosing the Best Sauerkraut for Your Reuben Sandwich
When it comes to crafting the perfect Reuben, the quality of your sauerkraut is paramount. For us, nothing elevates a Reuben quite like Frank’s Kraut. This isn’t just a personal preference; it’s a cherished family tradition spanning generations. My grandmother exclusively purchased Frank’s Kraut, a tradition my mother continued, and now, I proudly uphold it in my own kitchen. Its consistent quality, crisp texture, and perfectly balanced tang make it an indispensable ingredient for any authentic Reuben.
Over the past few years, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of fostering a strong relationship with Frank’s Kraut, and developing new recipes for them has been a genuine honor. We’ve explored countless culinary possibilities, sharing an array of sauerkraut recipes and diverse Reuben variations right here on my website. I encourage you to take some time to browse through our archives and discover the myriad ways we’ve incorporated their exceptional kraut into everything from delightful appetizers and refreshing salads to comforting soups, creative pizzas, robust main dishes, and even unexpected desserts! The versatility of Frank’s Kraut truly knows no bounds, adding a unique zest and depth to every dish.
For an in-depth exploration of all things sauerkraut, be sure to check out The Ultimate Guide to Sauerkraut! It’s packed with tips, history, and more recipes.
Connect with Frank’s Kraut for More Delicious Inspiration
If you share our passion for sauerkraut, you’ll love staying connected with Frank’s Kraut. Follow them on their various social media channels to discover a continuous stream of delicious recipes, seasonal ideas, and engaging content throughout the year. They constantly inspire new ways to enjoy sauerkraut beyond the traditional Reuben.
Join their vibrant community on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for all the latest updates and endless sauerkraut inspiration!
When crafting Reubens, I often reach for marbled rye bread, which offers a beautiful visual appeal and a delightful blend of flavors. However, for this particular batch, I wanted to give my family a choice, presenting them with options between a classic seeded light rye and a robust pumpernickel rye. To my delight, most of them opted for a “half and half” approach, choosing to enjoy both varieties.
Good choice, indeed! The subtle differences in the bread truly enhance the overall Reuben experience, proving that personal preference always plays a role in culinary enjoyment.
Essential Ingredients for a Classic Reuben Sandwich
Building the ultimate Reuben sandwich is surprisingly simple, relying on a handful of high-quality ingredients that harmonize to create its iconic flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need for this traditional delight:
- Rye Bread: Choose a sturdy, flavorful rye bread – whether it’s classic light rye, seeded rye, marbled rye, or even pumpernickel. The bread forms the perfect foundation.
- Corned Beef: Generous slices of thinly shaved, tender corned beef are the heart of the Reuben.
- Swiss Cheese: Creamy, nutty Swiss cheese melts beautifully, adding a rich depth to every bite.
- Frank’s Kraut: The essential tangy, crisp sauerkraut that balances the richness of the meat and cheese. We highly recommend Frank’s Kraut for its superior quality.
- Thousand Island Dressing: The creamy, sweet, and tangy dressing that ties all the flavors together.
- Butter: For grilling the bread to a perfect golden crisp.
A common debate among Reuben aficionados centers on the dressing: should it be Thousand Island or Russian dressing? While both are creamy, tangy, and delicious, a traditional Reuben sandwich, as created at the Blackstone Hotel, historically features Thousand Island Dressing. This is the version I’ve always preferred and continue to use, honoring its origins. Of course, the beauty of home cooking lies in personalization; you are absolutely free to make your Reuben your own! If you find Russian dressing more to your liking as the “Reuben sauce,” then by all means, prepare it that way!
However, I, for one, will continue to craft my Reubens with my signature Homemade Thousand Island Dressing! Its fresh, vibrant flavors truly complement the other ingredients perfectly.
How to Assemble and Grill the Perfect Reuben Sandwich
Crafting the best Reuben sandwich recipe is surprisingly straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Think of it as creating the most epic grilled cheese you’ve ever tasted, but with an incredible blend of savory, tangy, and hearty flavors. Once you’ve gathered all your fresh, high-quality ingredients, the enjoyable process of assembly begins.
Step 1: Prepare the Bread. Begin by generously slathering your preferred Thousand Island dressing on the inside of both slices of rye bread. This creates a flavorful moisture barrier and ensures every bite is infused with that signature tang. Next, lay a couple of thick, luscious slices of Swiss cheese on one side of the bread. On the other slice, pile a generous amount of savory corned beef.
Step 2: Add the Kraut. Now it’s time for the star tangy ingredient: Frank’s Kraut! Don’t be shy here; pile a big, delicious mound of it right on top of the corned beef. The kraut provides a crucial counterpoint to the richness of the meat and cheese, adding an essential layer of flavor and texture.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection. Gently bring the two halves of your sandwich together. Before placing it in the pan, generously butter the outsides of both pieces of bread – just as you would for a classic grilled cheese. Heat your skillet (cast iron works wonderfully for an even, golden crust) over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwich into the hot skillet and grill each side until it achieves a beautiful golden-brown color and, most importantly, until that Swiss cheese is perfectly melted, gooey, and bubbling within. This process usually takes about 3-5 minutes per side, depending on your skillet and heat.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy! Once grilled to perfection, remove your Reuben from the skillet. For an extra burst of flavor, feel free to dollop on some more Homemade Thousand Island dressing before slicing and serving. Serve immediately and prepare to savor one of the most satisfying sandwiches you’ll ever make.
Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
Don’t let this incredible Traditional Reuben Sandwich recipe slip away! Make sure to save it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you leave. It’s the perfect way to keep this classic culinary gem handy for your next craving or special occasion. Happy pinning!
My friends, does it truly get any better than a perfectly executed, warm, and melty Reuben sandwich? With its symphony of flavors and textures, it’s a dish that brings comfort and joy with every bite. Now, go ahead – dive on in and experience the magic for yourself!
So, the next time that craving strikes and you find yourself wondering, “Where can I find the best Reuben sandwich near me?” — look no further than your own kitchen! With this detailed recipe and a little love, you can easily craft a traditional Reuben that rivals any deli. Embrace the joy of homemade and savor this incredible classic.
Beyond the Classic: How to “Reuben-ize” Anything!
Do you absolutely adore the unique flavor profile of the Reuben? Good news – you can extend that love far beyond the traditional sandwich! The Reuben’s distinctive blend of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and dressing is so versatile, it can inspire countless other dishes. Delve deeper into the fascinating history of this legendary sandwich, exploring its various origin stories (yes, there are a few intriguing tales, depending on who’s telling them!). Once you master the essence of the Reuben, you’ll be ready to learn how to brilliantly “Reuben-ize” anything, transforming ordinary meals into extraordinary, Reuben-inspired culinary adventures! Think Reuben casserole, Reuben dip, Reuben pizza, or even Reuben egg rolls. The possibilities are truly endless once you understand the core components and how they interact.
Who’s ready to dig into this ultimate comfort food? I’m practically drooling just thinking about the melty cheese, tender corned beef, and tangy kraut. Let’s get straight to the detailed recipe for the best Traditional Reuben Sandwich you’ll ever make!
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Print Recipe
Traditional Reuben Sandwich
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 10 mins
Keywords: Blackstone Hotel, corned beef, Frank’s Kraut, how to make a Reuben, Nebraska, Omaha, Original Reuben, Reuben dressing, Reuben sandwich near me, Reuben sandwich video, reuben sauce, sandwich, Sauerkraut, St. Paddy’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, The BEST Reuben sandwich recipe, Thousand Island Dressing, Traditional Reuben Sandwich
Equipment
- 12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
- Gorilla Grip Original Oversized Cutting Board, 3 Piece Set
- Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet With Assist Handle, 10.25″, Black
Ingredients
- 2 slices rye bread
- 4 ounces corned beef
- 2 slices Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup Frank’s Kraut
- Thousand Island Dressing
- Butter
Instructions
- Slather Thousand Island Dressing on both inside surfaces of the bread. Top one slice with Swiss cheese, then corned beef, and finally, sauerkraut.
- Butter the outsides of both slices of bread and place the assembled sandwich in a hot skillet. Grill until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is beautifully melted in the middle.
- Add more dressing before serving if desired for extra moisture and flavor.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 |
Calories: 1040kcal |
Carbohydrates: 34g |
Protein: 48g |
Fat: 79g |
Saturated Fat: 33g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 36g |
Trans Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 234mg |
Sodium: 3266mg |
Fiber: 7g |
Sugar: 9g
