Reuben Sandwich: The Ultimate Guide to Making the Perfect One

Cheeseburger Crunchwrap: Prepare to have your taste buds tantalized! Imagine the iconic flavors of a juicy cheeseburger – seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, crisp lettuce, tangy tomatoes, and that special sauce – all enveloped in a perfectly grilled, crunchy tortilla. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more.

While the exact origins of the Crunchwrap Supreme are relatively modern, tracing back to Taco Bell in the early 2000s, the concept of wrapping delicious fillings in a tortilla has deep roots in Mexican cuisine. Our Cheeseburger Crunchwrap takes that beloved tradition and gives it an all-American twist, creating a fusion dish that’s both familiar and excitingly new.

People adore this dish for its sheer deliciousness and convenience. It’s the perfect handheld meal, ideal for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a fun party snack. The combination of the savory beef, the creamy cheese, the fresh veggies, and that irresistible crunch is simply addictive. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home, allowing you to customize it to your exact preferences. So, ditch the drive-thru and let’s get cooking! I promise, once you try this Cheeseburger Crunchwrap, it will become a regular in your meal rotation.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Corned Beef:
• 3-4 pound corned beef brisket, preferably point cut
• 1 tablespoon pickling spice
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 2 bay leaves
• Water, enough to cover the brisket
• For the Russian Dressing:
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• For the Sandwich:
• 8 slices rye bread, preferably marbled rye
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 pound sliced Swiss cheese
• 1 pound sauerkraut, drained and rinsed

Preparing the Corned Beef:

Okay, let’s start with the star of the show – the corned beef! I always find that making my own corned beef, even if it’s just boiling it, gives the best flavor and tenderness. You can definitely use pre-cooked corned beef from the deli, but trust me, this is worth the effort.

1. Rinse the Brisket: Give your corned beef brisket a good rinse under cold water. This helps remove any excess salt from the curing process.
2. Place in a Large Pot: Put the rinsed brisket in a large pot or Dutch oven. Make sure it’s big enough to hold the brisket and plenty of water.
3. Add Aromatics: Add the pickling spice, quartered onion, smashed garlic cloves, and bay leaves to the pot. These will infuse the corned beef with delicious flavor.
4. Cover with Water: Pour enough cold water into the pot to completely cover the brisket. You want it submerged for even cooking.
5. Bring to a Boil, Then Simmer: Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently.
6. Simmer for 3-4 Hours: Simmer the corned beef for 3-4 hours, or until it’s fork-tender. The exact cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your brisket. You should be able to easily pierce it with a fork. I usually check it after 3 hours and then every 30 minutes after that.
7. Let it Rest: Once the corned beef is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful corned beef. Don’t skip this step!
8. Slice Against the Grain: After resting, slice the corned beef thinly against the grain. This is crucial for tenderness! Look for the direction of the muscle fibers and slice perpendicular to them.

Making the Russian Dressing:

Now, let’s whip up the Russian dressing. This is what gives the Reuben its tangy and creamy kick. You can easily find Russian dressing in stores, but homemade is so much better and you can adjust the flavors to your liking.

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, prepared horseradish, finely chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Mix Well: Stir all the ingredients together until they are well combined and the dressing is smooth.
3. Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more horseradish for extra zing, or a pinch of salt and pepper to balance the flavors.
4. Refrigerate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is optional, but I find it makes a big difference.

Preparing the Sauerkraut:

Sauerkraut is another key component of the Reuben. It adds a tangy and slightly sour flavor that complements the corned beef and Russian dressing. It’s important to drain and rinse the sauerkraut to remove some of the excess saltiness and acidity.

1. Drain the Sauerkraut: Open the can or jar of sauerkraut and drain it in a colander.
2. Rinse the Sauerkraut: Rinse the sauerkraut under cold water for a few seconds. This helps remove some of the excess salt and acidity.
3. Squeeze Out Excess Moisture: Gently squeeze the sauerkraut to remove any excess moisture. You don’t want your sandwich to be soggy.

Assembling and Grilling the Reuben:

Alright, we’ve got all our components ready to go! Now comes the fun part – assembling and grilling the Reuben sandwiches. This is where all the flavors come together to create that classic Reuben experience.

1. Butter the Bread: Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of rye bread. This will help the bread get nice and golden brown when grilled.
2. Assemble the Sandwich: On the unbuttered side of one slice of bread, spread a generous amount of Russian dressing.
3. Add Swiss Cheese: Layer a few slices of Swiss cheese on top of the Russian dressing.
4. Pile on the Corned Beef: Add a generous pile of sliced corned beef on top of the Swiss cheese. Don’t be shy!
5. Add the Sauerkraut: Top the corned beef with a layer of drained and rinsed sauerkraut.
6. More Swiss Cheese: Add another layer of Swiss cheese on top of the sauerkraut. This helps hold everything together.
7. Top with Bread: Top with the remaining slice of rye bread, buttered side up.
8. Grill the Sandwich: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
9. Cook Until Golden Brown: Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. You can use a spatula to gently press down on the sandwich while it’s cooking to help it cook evenly.
10. Serve Immediately: Remove the sandwich from the skillet and cut it in half diagonally. Serve immediately while it’s hot and melty.

Tips for the Perfect Reuben:

• Use Good Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will make a big difference in the final result. Use good quality corned beef, Swiss cheese, and rye bread.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Sandwich: While you want a generous amount of filling, don’t overcrowd the sandwich. Too much filling will make it difficult to grill and eat.
• Use a Non-Stick Skillet: A non-stick skillet will prevent the sandwich from sticking and make it easier to flip.
• Grill Over Medium Heat: Grilling over medium heat will ensure that the bread gets golden brown without burning and the cheese melts evenly.
• Press Down on the Sandwich: Gently pressing down on the sandwich while it’s grilling will help it cook evenly and prevent it from falling apart.
• Serve Immediately: Reubens are best served immediately while they’re hot and melty.

Variations:

While the classic Reuben is delicious, there are a few variations you can try:

• Thousand Island Dressing: Substitute Thousand Island dressing for Russian dressing.
• Coleslaw: Substitute coleslaw for sauerkraut. This is sometimes called a Rachel sandwich.
• Turkey: Substitute turkey for corned beef. This is also sometimes called a Rachel sandwich.
• Grilled Onions: Add grilled onions to the sandwich for extra flavor.
• Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere or provolone.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Reuben sandwich! I hope you found this recipe helpful and that you enjoy making and eating this classic sandwich as much as I do.

Conclusion:

Well, there you have it! This isn’t just any sandwich; it’s a culinary experience, a symphony of flavors that will have you craving more. I truly believe this Reuben Sandwich recipe is a must-try for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted, deeply satisfying meal. The combination of the tangy sauerkraut, the savory corned beef, the creamy Russian dressing, and the perfectly grilled rye bread is simply irresistible. It’s a classic for a reason, and this version, with its attention to detail and emphasis on quality ingredients, elevates it to a whole new level.

But the beauty of a great recipe lies in its adaptability. While I’m a firm believer in sticking to the core elements that make a Reuben a Reuben, there’s definitely room for experimentation. Feeling adventurous? Try swapping out the Swiss cheese for a sharp provolone for a bolder flavor. Or, if you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using thinly sliced turkey instead of corned beef – it’s a delicious twist that still captures the essence of the sandwich.

And don’t forget about the sides! A classic Reuben pairs perfectly with a side of crispy potato chips or a tangy dill pickle. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside a bowl of creamy tomato soup or a fresh green salad. You could even get creative and make Reuben-inspired appetizers, like mini Reuben sliders or Reuben egg rolls – the possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic Pairing: Serve with crispy potato chips and a dill pickle spear.
* Soup Side: Enjoy alongside a bowl of creamy tomato soup or a hearty potato soup.
* Salad Option: Pair with a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.
* Turkey Reuben: Substitute corned beef with thinly sliced turkey for a lighter option.
* Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or Gruyere.
* Appetizer Idea: Create mini Reuben sliders or Reuben egg rolls for a party.
* Grilled Cheese Reuben: For a simpler version, make it like a grilled cheese.

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. But the real magic happens when you bring it to life in your own kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your griddle, and get ready to experience the ultimate Reuben Sandwich.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What were your favorite parts? What did you serve it with? Share your photos and stories in the comments below – I can’t wait to see your creations! Cooking is all about sharing and connecting, and I’m thrilled to be a part of your culinary journey. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite of your homemade Reuben Sandwich! I hope this becomes a staple in your recipe collection, a go-to for those days when you need a truly satisfying and comforting meal. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own – that’s what cooking is all about!