Reuben Pastrami Sandwich

A truly exceptional Reuben Pastrami Sandwich is more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace between two slices of bread. That perfect blend of tender, spiced pastrami, tangy sauerkraut, rich Swiss cheese, and creamy Russian dressing, all grilled to a golden crisp, transports me back to cherished moments. It’s a hearty bite that instantly satisfies, much like a good Mexican Torta Sandwich can be.

I still remember my grandmother’s kitchen, the air thick with delicious aromas, as she’d carefully layer ingredients, her hands moving with a wisdom passed down through generations. Now, watching my own daughter excitedly help me assemble these flavorful creations, I feel that same magic, bridging our past and present.

This recipe for a classic Reuben Pastrami Sandwich is not just delicious; it’s wonderfully comforting and surprisingly low-stress, perfect for a cozy family dinner. My secret for stress-free cooking? Always have your ingredients prepped and ready before you start!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting the perfect Classic Reuben Pastrami Sandwich hinges on a few star ingredients that bring everything together, from the rich pastrami to the creamy homemade Russian dressing. This delightful blend creates a balanced flavor profile, much like the vibrant notes in a Falafel Pita Sandwich. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card below, ensuring your Reuben Pastrami Sandwich turns out just right!

How to Make Reuben Pastrami Sandwich

Making this incredible Reuben Pastrami Sandwich comes down to a few simple steps, ensuring every component shines. First, you’ll whip up that signature tangy Russian dressing. Then, it’s all about assembling your sandwiches with generous layers of pastrami, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut before grilling them to a beautiful golden brown. It’s a process as satisfying as creating a delicious Smoked Gouda Apple Grilled Cheese, leading to a truly classic Reuben Pastrami Sandwich that’s crispy on the outside and wonderfully juicy within.

Pro Tips for Making This Reuben Pastrami Sandwich

Through years of cooking alongside my grandmother and experimenting in my own kitchen, I’ve gathered a few insights to ensure your Reuben Pastrami Sandwich reaches its full potential. These tips will help you create a sandwich that’s truly memorable.

Choose Quality Ingredients: The pastrami is the heart of your Reuben Pastrami Sandwich, so invest in a good quality, thinly sliced pastrami. Similarly, a high-quality marbled rye bread holds everything together beautifully and adds a fantastic flavor dimension.

Homemade Russian Dressing is Key: While store-bought works, making your own Russian dressing from scratch truly elevates the flavor of this Reuben Pastrami Sandwich. The fresh blend of mayonnaise, ketchup, dill pickle, and horseradish makes all the difference.

Don’t Overload: It’s tempting to pile everything high, but a balanced Reuben Pastrami Sandwich is easier to grill and more enjoyable to eat. Aim for generous but manageable layers.

My Secret Trick: I always butter both sides of the rye bread generously before grilling. This ensures an even, golden-brown crust and prevents the bread from getting soggy, creating that irresistible crisp texture we all love in a classic Reuben Pastrami Sandwich.

How to Store Reuben Pastrami Sandwich

While a Reuben Pastrami Sandwich is best enjoyed fresh off the grill, sometimes you have leftovers or want to prep ahead. If you need to store them, I recommend wrapping individual sandwiches tightly in parchment paper, then in foil, and placing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. This helps maintain the integrity of the bread and prevents it from drying out.

To reheat, I gently warm them in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat until the cheese is melted and the bread is crisp again. My personal tip for the best reheat? Don’t microwave your Reuben Pastrami Sandwich! A gentle pan-fry revives those textures beautifully, bringing the sandwich back to life!

Nutritional Benefits

This hearty Reuben Pastrami Sandwich offers a satisfying meal packed with protein from the pastrami and calcium from the Swiss cheese. While it’s certainly a comforting indulgence, it’s a great way to enjoy a fulfilling meal that keeps you energized. I love knowing that a well-made Reuben Pastrami Sandwich can be a part of a balanced, family-friendly approach to cooking.

FAQs

Can I use corned beef instead of pastrami in this recipe?

Absolutely! While this recipe is for a Reuben Pastrami Sandwich, using corned beef would turn it into a traditional Reuben sandwich. The flavors will be slightly different, with corned beef typically being less smoky, but it will still be incredibly delicious and follow the same preparation steps.

What kind of sauerkraut should I use for my Reuben Pastrami Sandwich?

For the best flavor and texture in your Reuben Pastrami Sandwich, I recommend using a good quality, refrigerated sauerkraut, not the canned shelf-stable kind. Look for brands that are naturally fermented, as they offer a better crunch and a more complex, tangy flavor that truly complements the rich pastrami and dressing.

Can I prepare parts of the Reuben Pastrami Sandwich ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely do some prep work in advance! The Russian dressing can be made up to a few days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. You can also have your pastrami and cheese sliced and ready. This makes assembling your Reuben Pastrami Sandwich quick and easy when it’s time to grill.

How do I prevent my Reuben Pastrami Sandwich from getting soggy?

To avoid a soggy Reuben Pastrami Sandwich, ensure you don’t over-saturate the bread with dressing, and make sure to grill it immediately after assembly. Also, pressing the sandwich gently during grilling helps crisp up the bread and prevents moisture from accumulating, giving you that perfect golden exterior.

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Classic Reuben Pastrami Sandwich

A timeless deli favorite, this Reuben Pastrami Sandwich features thinly sliced, tender pastrami, melted Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Russian dressing, all grilled between slices of buttery rye bread until golden and crisp.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 2 sandwiches

Course: Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Deli

Calories: 680

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Russian Dressing (Optional - or use store-bought)

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp finely chopped dill pickle or sweet pickle relish
• 1 tsp prepared horseradish
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• pinch paprika
• to taste salt
• to taste black pepper

For the Sandwich

• 4 slices marbled rye bread
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened
• 8 oz pastrami thinly sliced
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup sauerkraut well-drained

Equipment

• Large Skillet or Griddle
• Small Mixing Bowl
• Spatula
• Sharp Knife

Method

 

Prepare the Russian Dressing

• In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, chopped pickle, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and set aside. (If using store-bought dressing, skip this step).

Assemble the Sandwiches

• Butter one side of each of the four slices of rye bread generously.
• Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Briefly place the pastrami in the pan and warm gently for 1-2 minutes, just until slightly heated through. Be careful not to dry it out. Remove pastrami from the pan.
• Place two slices of rye bread, butter-side down, on a clean surface. Spread Russian dressing evenly on the unbuttered side of each slice.
• On one of the dressed bread slices, layer half of the warmed pastrami, followed by two slices of Swiss cheese.
• Top with half of the well-drained sauerkraut.
• Place the second dressed bread slice on top of the sauerkraut, butter-side up, to form one sandwich. Repeat for the second sandwich.

Grill and Serve

• Place the assembled sandwiches in the preheated skillet or griddle. Grill for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and gooey. You may need to press gently with a spatula to ensure even browning.
• Once grilled, remove the sandwiches from the pan. Let them rest for a minute, then slice in half diagonally and serve immediately.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, you can lightly warm the sauerkraut in the skillet for a minute before assembling the sandwich, ensuring it's still well-drained. Use high-quality pastrami and marbled rye bread for the best, most authentic Reuben Pastrami Sandwich experience. Ensure the sauerkraut is very well-drained to prevent a soggy sandwich.

Conclusion

This Classic Reuben Pastrami Sandwich is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create joy and tradition in your own kitchen. It embodies everything I love about family cooking—warm, comforting, and wonderfully satisfying for everyone at the table. I truly hope this Reuben Pastrami Sandwich brings as much happiness to your family as it does to mine, and perhaps inspires you to explore other comforting classics like the Apple Butter Grilled Cheese. Happy cooking!

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