A Reuben sandwich is a delicious toasted sandwich made with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian or Thousand Island dressing grilled between slices of rye bread. It’s a classic deli sandwich that’s packed with flavor, but like most sandwiches, it can be tricky to reheat and keep all the components from getting soggy or dried out.
If you have leftover Reuben sandwich halves or whole sandwiches, you want to reheat them so the rye bread is crispy, the corned beef is heated through, the sauerkraut is warm, the Swiss cheese is melted, and the Thousand Island dressing is warm and gooey. This keeps all the textures and flavors intact. But what’s the best way to reheat a Reuben to achieve Reuben perfection?
Can You Microwave a Reuben Sandwich?
Technically, you can microwave a Reuben sandwich to reheat it, but it won’t have the same texture or taste as an oven-heated or toasted Reuben. The microwave often makes sandwich bread soggy and rubbery. It can also make the corned beef tough and dry. The cheese and sauerkraut may get hot, but they won’t have that melty, warm flavor from being toasted.
Microwaving should only be used in a pinch when you’re short on time and want your Reuben warm fast. Make sure you microwave it at a lower power for a short time, such as 30 seconds. You can wrap it in a paper towel or wet paper towel to add some steam and prevent it from drying out. Just keep in mind that microwaving should not be your go-to reheating method if you want your Reuben to maintain its distinct flavors and textures.
How to Reheat a Reuben Sandwich in the Oven
One of the best ways to reheat a Reuben sandwich is in the oven. This allows the bread to get crispy and toasted while the inside ingredients get hot throughout. Follow these simple steps:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- Place the Reuben sandwich on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Cover the sandwich loosely with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Remove the foil and bake for 2-3 more minutes to toast the bread.
- Let sit for 2 minutes before cutting and serving.
The foil traps in moisture and prevents the bread from drying out while it reheats. Then you uncover it to crisp up the rye bread. Baked Reuben sandwiches should taste very close to how they tasted originally.
Oven Reheating Tips
- Use day-old bread or toast it before assembling if the rye wasn’t toasted originally.
- Layer the cheese closer to the bread to prevent it from sticking to the foil.
- Brush the bread with butter or olive oil before baking if you want it extra crispy.
How to Reheat a Reuben Sandwich on a Skillet
You can also reheat a Reuben sandwich on the stovetop using a skillet. This gives you that nice hot griddled taste like how Reuben’s are cooked in delis and diners. Simply follow these steps:
- Take your leftover Reuben sandwich and remove any toothpicks or frills.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add just a small amount of butter or oil.
- Place the sandwich in the hot skillet and press down lightly with a spatula.
- Toast for 2-3 minutes on the first side until golden brown.
- Flip over and toast the other side for 2-3 minutes as well.
- Remove from heat and let sit for a minute before cutting and serving.
Skillet Reheating Tips
- You can wrap the sandwich in foil while reheating in the skillet to help the cheese melt faster.
- Use a sandwich press or cast iron skillet to get nice grill marks as it heats.
- Add sliced onion or sauerkraut to the skillet for extra flavor.
How to Reheat a Reuben Sandwich Using a Toaster
For individual leftover Reuben halves, one of the quickest and easiest ways to reheat them is in a toaster. Here’s how:
- Preheat your toaster to a medium-high setting.
- Place your Reuben half in the toaster slot (you may need to trim bread if it’s extra thick).
- Toast for 2-5 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Repeat with the other half.
- Let sit for a minute before serving.
The toaster reheats and crisps the rye bread while warming the interior ingredients. You can toast multiple times for extra crispiness if needed. Just keep an eye on it since toasters can burn food quickly.
Toaster Oven Tips
- Leave sandwiches open-faced to allow better heat flow.
- Spray or brush bread with oil beforehand for extra browning.
- Add cheese on top during the last 1-2 minutes to melt.
How Should You Store Leftover Reuben Sandwiches?
The proper storage of your leftover Reuben sandwiches is key to them reheating well. Here are some storage tips:
- Let the sandwiches cool completely before storing.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying out.
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Split whole sandwiches so they reheat faster.
- Keep sauce/dressing separate if you’ll reheat open-faced.
Proper storage locks in moisture and preserves the bread and filling textures. Now your Reubens will taste freshly made when you reheat them!
Reheating Reuben Sandwich Filling
If you have leftover Reuben filling of just corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese, you can also reheat just the ingredients to use in a newly assembled sandwich.
To reheat the Reuben filling, place it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or beef broth to the pan to help keep the mixture moist. Stir occasionally until heated through, 3-5 minutes. You can also heat the filling in a microwave, stirring periodically.
Once the filling is hot, assemble your Reuben on your choice of fresh or toasted rye bread. Spread with Thousand Island dressing and you’re ready to enjoy!
Common Reheating Mistakes
There are a few reheating mistakes to avoid with Reuben sandwiches:
- Microwaving too long, causing a dried out or rubbery sandwich
- Baking uncovered, leading to dry, crispy bread
- Reheating at too high of a temperature, burning the outside
- Not heating sauces and fillings through
- Letting it sit before serving, cooling down the sandwich
Be mindful of these common errors and follow the recommended reheating methods and times for the best results!
How to Make a Reuben Sandwich
Here is a quick recipe on how to make a Reuben sandwich:
Ingredients:
- 2 slices rye bread
- 2-3 oz sliced corned beef
- 2-3 tbsp sauerkraut, drained
- 2 slices Swiss cheese
- 1-2 tbsp Thousand Island or Russian dressing
- 1 tbsp butter, softened
Directions:
- Butter one side of each slice of rye bread.
- Place both bread slices buttered side down in a skillet over medium heat.
- Top one bread slice with Swiss cheese, corned beef, sauerkraut, and dressing.
- Top with other bread slice, buttered side up.
- Grill sandwich until bread is toasted and cheese is melted, about 5 minutes per side.
- Slice in half and serve warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you toast the bread when making a Reuben sandwich?
Yes, it’s best to toast or grill the rye bread for a Reuben sandwich. The toasted rye provides a nice crunch and complements the soft filling ingredients. It also prevents the bread from getting soggy.
What’s the best cheese for a Reuben sandwich?
Authentic Reuben sandwiches are typically made with Swiss cheese. Its nutty, melty flavor pairs perfectly with the corned beef and sauerkraut. If you don’t have Swiss, other good melty cheese options include Gruyere, Gouda, Muenster, or Provolone.
What’s the best Russian dressing for Reubens?
Thousand Island and Russian dressings are interchangeable on a Reuben sandwich. Look for a dressing with a creamy, tangy, sweet-and-sour flavor. Making your own dressing with ketchup, mayo, and a mix of spices is delicious too.
What bread is best for a Reuben sandwich?
Rye bread is the standard choice for Reuben sandwiches. Choose a good quality rye, like Jewish rye or deli rye, for the authentic Reuben experience. Make sure it’s sliced nice and thick to stand up to the moist filling.
Can you prepare Reuben sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the Reuben sandwiches up to 4 days before and refrigerate them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. When ready to eat, allow refrigerated sandwiches to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before reheating gently in the oven.
Reuben Sandwich Fun Facts
- The Reuben sandwich is believed to have been invented in Omaha, Nebraska in the 1920s.
- It’s disputed whether Reuben Kulakofsky or Arnold Reuben created the first Reuben sandwich.
- National Reuben Sandwich Day is celebrated on March 14th.
- Thousand Island dressing is also called Russian dressing in Reuben sandwiches.
- Sauerkraut provides the signature tanginess in a Reuben sandwich.
- Pastrami is sometimes substituted for corned beef in a variation called a Rachel sandwich.
- The Reuben sandwich famously pairs well with pickle slices and potato chips.
- To be called a Reuben, it must be made with corned beef according to the National Reuben Sandwich Association.
- Reuben sandwiches may have originated from an after-hours sandwich Kulakofsky made with leftovers.
The Best Reuben Sandwich Recipe
If you want to make the perfect Reuben sandwich at home, try this top-rated recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 slices Jewish rye or deli rye bread
- 1⁄4 lb thinly sliced corned beef
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1⁄4 cup Thousand Island dressing
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Butter one side of each bread slice. Place 2 slices buttered-side down in a skillet over medium heat.
- Layer corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese on each slice.
- Spread about 1 tbsp Thousand Island dressing on the unbuttered sides of the remaining 2 bread slices. Place on top of sandwiches buttered-side up.
- Grill sandwiches for 4-5 minutes on the first side, until golden brown. Flip and grill other side for 4-5 minutes as well.
- Remove Reubens from pan, slice in half diagonally, and serve immediately.
Conclusion
Reheating a Reuben sandwich properly ensures you can enjoy all its flavors and textures to the fullest. While the microwave provides a quick option, the oven, skillet, and toaster allow you to recrisp the bread and thoroughly heat the filling for Reuben perfection. Just avoid reheating mistakes like over-microwaving or letting the sandwich sit too long after heating. Follow the storage, reheating, and recipe tips above to enjoy delicious Reuben sandwiches every time.