A Reuben sandwich is a classic sandwich made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian or Thousand Island dressing grilled between slices of rye bread. It’s a delicious combination of flavors and textures, but what side dishes will complement the Reuben sandwich best?
Chips and Fries
Crunchy, salty chips or fries are classic pairings with a Reuben sandwich. The crispy texture contrasts nicely with the soft rye bread and juicy beef. Go for regular potato chips, kettle chips, or thick-cut fries. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper or jazz it up with more robust seasonings. Potato wedges or tater tots also pair well. The starch and salt balance out the strong flavors in the Reuben.
Pickles
Pickles add a sour, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the Reuben sandwich. They also provide crunch. Choose classic dill pickle spears, chips, or rounds. For variety, try bread and butter pickles, sweet gherkins, or pickled vegetables like okra or cauliflower. A side of pickles is an easy way to brighten up a Reuben meal.
Coleslaw
Creamy coleslaw is a perfect match for a Reuben sandwich. It has a cooling effect that balances the heat from the meat and melted cheese. The crispy cabbage also contrasts with the other soft sandwich fillings. Try traditional coleslaw with mayonnaise or give it a tangy twist with Greek yogurt or apple cider vinegar. You can make it ahead of time so it’s ready when you serve the sandwiches.
German Potato Salad
German potato salad gets its signature flavor from bacon and vinegar. These components echo the smoky meat and tart sauerkraut in a Reuben sandwich. The salad also includes other traditional German ingredients like caraway seeds, mustard, and onions. The tender potatoes give a pleasant textural counterpart to the sandwich’s rye bread. German potato salad makes an ideal pairing as a nod to the sandwich’s origins.
Baked Beans
Baked beans are a classic barbecue side that also pair well with a Reuben sandwich. Their sweet and smoky flavors match the corned beef. You can choose traditional baked beans cooked low and slow with bacon or vegetarian beans. Top them with chopped onions and barbecue sauce. The soft, creamy beans contrast with the Reuben’s crunch. Baked beans make a satisfying addition to a Reuben meal.
Fruit Salad
For a lighter complement, serve a fruit salad alongside your Reuben sandwich. The sweet, juicy fruit will offset the sandwich’s savory flavors. Melons like cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon work well. You can also include pineapple, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, and citrus. Toss the fruit with a dressing of lime juice, honey, and mint. The fresh fruit salad will cut through the sandwich’s richness.
Cucumber Salad
A cucumber salad is a refreshing, crunchy side for the Reuben sandwich. Thinly sliced cucumbers have a cooling effect to counter the meat’s heat. Toss them with red onion, white vinegar, and dill for a classic cucumber salad. For variety, add radish slices, tomato chunks, or feta cheese crumbles. The crisp salad balances the soft textures in the sandwich.
Kettle Chips
| Brand | Flavor | Calories per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Cod | Sea Salt | 120 |
| Lay’s | Original | 160 |
| Dirty’s | Salt & Pepper | 110 |
Here is a comparison of some popular kettle chip brands and flavors, along with their calorie content per typical 1 ounce serving size. Cape Cod Sea Salt, Dirty’s Salt & Pepper, and Lay’s Original all make good lower-calorie options for a side with your Reuben sandwich.
Pickles
| Type | Calories per Serving |
|---|---|
| Dill Pickle Spears | 5-10 |
| Sweet Gherkins | 25 |
| Bread & Butter Chips | 35 |
| Pickled Okra | 10 |
Pickles are an ultra low calorie side choice to pair with your Reuben. Dill spears, pickled okra, and even sweet gherkins provide great flavor for less than 40 calories per serving. They make a crunchy, refreshing accent to the rich sandwich.
Coleslaw
| Dressing | Calories per Serving |
|---|---|
| Greek Yogurt | 60 |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | 80 |
| Low-Fat Mayonnaise | 90 |
Traditional coleslaw can pack a lot of calories, but this chart shows some lower calorie dressing options for a lighter side salad. Greek yogurt and apple cider vinegar based coleslaws keep calories under 100 per serving. They add crunch and creaminess without as much guilt!
Conclusion
The Reuben sandwich’s bold flavors and hearty ingredients pair best with sides that complement or contrast its tangy sauerkraut, hearty rye bread, and fatty corned beef. Crispy kettle chips, crunchy pickles, creamy coleslaw, and fresh fruit salads are lighter choices that enhance the sandwich experience. Heartier options like baked beans, German potato salad, and fries satisfy as more indulgent pairings. With so many options, you can find the perfect side or two to accompany a Reuben sandwich meal.