The Best Bake Reuben Sandwich

Reubens are a classic sandwich that combines savory, thinly sliced corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Swiss cheese, and zesty Thousand Island dressing, all piled high on rye bread and grilled to perfection. With each bite, you’ll experience a mouthwatering explosion of flavor and texture that is sure to leave you satisfied. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, a Reuben sandwich is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty and delicious meal.

A Reuben sandwich is a classic deli-style sandwich that originated in the United States, specifically in New York City, during the late 19th or early 20th century. It is typically made with rye bread, corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, although variations may include pastrami, turkey, or even vegetarian options.

The sandwich is usually grilled or toasted, which helps to melt the cheese and warm up the corned beef and sauerkraut. The Thousand Island dressing, which is made from a combination of ketchup, mayonnaise, and sweet pickles, adds a creamy and tangy flavor to the sandwich.

Reubens have become a staple on deli menus across the country and are a popular choice for lunch or dinner. They are often served with a side of potato chips, fries, or a pickle spear, and can be paired with a variety of drinks, including beer, soda, or even a classic root beer float.

Overall, Reubens are a delicious and satisfying sandwich that is perfect for anyone looking for a hearty meal that is full of flavor and tradition.

Jump To:

• History
• Pairing Recommendations
• Nutritional Benefits
• Medical Benefits
• Nutritional Breakdown
• Fun Facts
• Superfood in Italy
• Superfood In Poland
• Varieties
• Humor

History:

The history of the Reuben sandwich is somewhat disputed, but it is generally believed to have originated in the early 20th century. The sandwich is said to have been invented by a man named Reuben Kulakofsky, who was a grocer in Omaha, Nebraska.

According to one story, Kulakofsky was hosting a poker game at his home and wanted to serve his guests a special sandwich. He went to a local deli and purchased some corned beef, sauerkraut, and rye bread, and then grilled the ingredients together with some Swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing. The sandwich was a hit with his guests, and he began serving it at his own restaurant.

Another version of the story credits the invention of the sandwich to Arnold Reuben, the owner of the famous Reuben’s Delicatessen in New York City. According to this story, Reuben created the sandwich for a regular customer who was looking for a new sandwich option.

Regardless of its origins, the Reuben sandwich quickly became popular across the United States and has since become a classic deli sandwich. It has been featured on menus at many famous delis and restaurants, and has even inspired new variations and twists on the classic recipe.

Pairing Recommendations:

Reuben sandwiches are a delicious and satisfying meal on their own, but they can also be paired with a variety of foods and beverages to create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some pairing recommendations for Reuben sandwiches:

1. Side dishes: Reuben sandwiches are often served with classic deli-style side dishes such as coleslaw, potato salad, macaroni salad, or pickles. These dishes complement the flavors of the sandwich and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory flavors of the Reuben.
2. Beverages: Reuben sandwiches can be paired with a variety of beverages, depending on personal taste and preference. Classic pairings include beer or ale, which can help cut through the richness of the sandwich, as well as soda, iced tea, or lemonade. For a special treat, a root beer float can be a fun and delicious option.
3. Desserts: Reuben sandwiches are often hearty enough to serve as a full meal, but if you have a sweet tooth, you may want to pair them with a dessert. Classic deli-style desserts such as cheesecake or black and white cookies can be a great complement to the savory flavors of the Reuben.

Overall, Reuben sandwiches are a versatile and satisfying meal that can be paired with a variety of foods and beverages to create a complete and delicious dining experience.

Nutritional Benefits:

While Reuben sandwiches are delicious and satisfying, they are not typically considered a superfood. However, some of the ingredients in a Reuben sandwich do offer nutritional benefits:

1. Corned beef: While corned beef is high in protein, it is also high in saturated fat and sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation.
2. Sauerkraut: Sauerkraut is a fermented food that is rich in probiotics, which can promote healthy digestion and a strong immune system.
3. Rye bread: Rye bread is a good source of fiber, which can help regulate digestion and lower cholesterol levels.
4. Swiss cheese: Swiss cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, although it is also high in saturated fat and sodium.
5. Thousand Island dressing: The dressing used in a Reuben sandwich is typically made from a combination of ketchup, mayonnaise, and sweet pickles. While it adds flavor to the sandwich, it is also high in calories and may contain added sugars.

Overall, while Reuben sandwiches are not a superfood, they can be enjoyed as an occasional treat as part of a balanced and varied diet.

Medical Benefits:

While Reuben sandwiches are a delicious and satisfying meal, they are not typically associated with significant medical benefits. The sandwich typically contains ingredients that are high in protein, sodium, and saturated fat, which can contribute to health issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and obesity if consumed in excess.

However, the sandwich does contain some ingredients that offer nutritional benefits, such as sauerkraut, which is a fermented food that is rich in probiotics that can promote healthy digestion and a strong immune system. Rye bread, which is often used in Reuben sandwiches, is also a good source of fiber, which can help regulate digestion and lower cholesterol levels.

Overall, while Reuben sandwiches may not provide significant medical benefits, they can be enjoyed as part of a balanced and varied diet in moderation, as a treat or occasional indulgence. It’s always important to balance the consumption of less healthy foods with nutrient-dense options and to limit intake of foods high in sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars.

Nutritional Breakdown:

The nutritional breakdown of a Reuben sandwich can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the serving size. Here is a general nutritional breakdown of a classic Reuben sandwich made with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, Thousand Island dressing, and rye bread:

• Calories: 660-900 calories
• Fat: 35-50g
• Saturated Fat: 14-25g
• Cholesterol: 80-160mg
• Carbohydrates: 50-70g
• Fiber: 4-6g
• Sugar: 8-10g
• Protein: 30-40g
• Sodium: 1800-2500mg

Keep in mind that these values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and preparation methods used. Additionally, a Reuben sandwich is generally considered to be a high-calorie and high-fat meal, so it may not be the best choice for individuals who are trying to maintain a low-calorie or low-fat diet.

Fun Facts:

1. The Reuben sandwich is named after Reuben Kulakofsky, a grocer from Omaha, Nebraska who is credited with creating the sandwich in the 1920s.
2. The original Reuben sandwich was made with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing on rye bread.
3. There are many variations of the Reuben sandwich, including using pastrami instead of corned beef, using coleslaw instead of sauerkraut, or using marble rye bread instead of plain rye bread.
4. The Reuben sandwich is a popular menu item in many Jewish delis and diners in the United States.
5. The Reuben sandwich is celebrated on National Reuben Sandwich Day, which is observed on March 14th each year.
6. The Reuben sandwich was featured in the 2014 movie “Chef,” starring Jon Favreau, as one of the signature dishes prepared by the main character.
7. The Reuben sandwich is said to have inspired other sandwiches, such as the Rachel sandwich, which replaces the corned beef with turkey or pastrami, and the Cuban sandwich, which replaces the corned beef with roast pork and ham.

Superfood in Italy

The Reuben sandwich is not a traditional Italian dish and is not commonly found in Italy. However, some Italian delis or restaurants that cater to American expats or tourists may offer a version of the Reuben sandwich on their menus. The ingredients for the sandwich, such as corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut, may be imported from other countries or made in-house using traditional techniques. The Italian version of the Reuben sandwich may also incorporate Italian ingredients or flavors, such as using prosciutto instead of corned beef or adding sun-dried tomatoes or pesto to the sandwich. Overall, while the Reuben sandwich is not a part of traditional Italian cuisine, it can still be enjoyed in Italy by those who are seeking a taste of American deli culture.

Superfood in Poland:

The Reuben sandwich is not a traditional Polish dish and is not commonly found in Poland. However, some Polish delis or restaurants that cater to American expats or tourists may offer a version of the Reuben sandwich on their menus. The ingredients for the sandwich, such as corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut, may be imported from other countries or made in-house using traditional techniques. The Polish version of the Reuben sandwich may also incorporate Polish ingredients or flavors, such as using kielbasa instead of corned beef or adding pickled cucumbers or horseradish to the sandwich. Overall, while the Reuben sandwich is not a part of traditional Polish cuisine, it can still be enjoyed in Poland by those who are seeking a taste of American deli culture.

Varieties:

While the classic Reuben sandwich is made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing on rye bread, there are several variations of the sandwich that incorporate different meats, cheeses, breads, or toppings. Here are some popular varieties of the Reuben sandwich:

1. Rachel sandwich: This sandwich is similar to the Reuben but is made with turkey or pastrami instead of corned beef, coleslaw instead of sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese.
2. Cuban Reuben: This version of the Reuben is made with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and mustard on Cuban bread, a type of bread traditionally used in Cuban cuisine.
3. Irish Reuben: This variation is made with corned beef or roast beef, Irish cheddar cheese, sauerkraut, and mustard or Thousand Island dressing on soda bread, a type of bread commonly found in Ireland.
4. Vegetarian Reuben: This sandwich replaces the meat with grilled or roasted vegetables, such as portobello mushrooms or eggplant, and may use vegan cheese and dressing to make it a vegan option.
5. Pastrami Reuben: This variation uses pastrami instead of corned beef and is sometimes referred to as a “Rachel on rye.”
6. Seafood Reuben: This sandwich replaces the meat with seafood, such as smoked salmon or crab meat, and may use a variation of Thousand Island dressing with horseradish or dill.

Overall, the Reuben sandwich is a versatile dish that can be adapted to different tastes and preferences.

Humor:

Why did the sandwich go to the dentist?

Because it had a lot of “fillings”!

“Sandwiches are wonderful. You don’t need a spoon or a plate!”

– Paul Lynd