There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a warm, toasty sandwich bursting with layers of tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melty cheese. This Crispy Reuben Sandwich with Swiss Cheese Recipe is exactly that—heap it high, melt it perfectly, and grill it golden brown. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.

The image shows a close-up of a sandwich cut in half and stacked on top of each other, resting on a wooden board. The sandwich has three layers of dark brown grilled rye bread with visible grill marks, with the top piece showing a bite taken out. Inside, there are thin layers of pink sliced meat, melted yellowish-white cheese, and shredded white sauerkraut. The layers are thick and the sandwich looks juicy and soft, with some bits and slight moisture on the wooden board below. The background features a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Reuben Sandwich with Swiss Cheese Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Reuben Sandwich with Swiss Cheese Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Reuben Sandwich with Swiss Cheese Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made countless sandwiches over the years, but this Crispy Reuben remains one of my all-time favorites. It hits all those flavor notes that keep you coming back—rich, tangy, cheesy, and perfectly crisped on the outside.

Classic Comfort: Combines tender corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut with tangy thousand island dressing for that iconic taste.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 11 minutes total, perfect for a fast lunch or casual dinner.
Crispy Perfection: Buttered dark rye bread grilled to crunchy, golden goodness every single time.
Customizable: Swap corned beef with pastrami or cheese types for a personalized spin.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When it comes to a Reuben, the ingredients truly make or break the final sandwich. Choosing the right bread and ensuring your sauerkraut is well drained ensures a crispy, non-soggy texture, while the cheese and dressing layers bring that perfect creamy, tangy bite.

Flat lay of four slices of dark rye bread with visible seeds and a deep brown crust, a small mound of shredded Swiss cheese with fine holes, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden thousand island dressing, a small white ceramic bowl holding bright, juicy sauerkraut strands, a neat stack of thinly sliced corned beef with rich marbling and rosy color, and a few pats of soft unsalted butter in a simple white ceramic dish, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Dark rye bread: The sturdy, flavorful base that holds all the fillings without falling apart.
Unsalted butter: Softened to spread easily on the bread’s outside for that irresistible golden crust.
Swiss cheese: Classic choice for its excellent meltability and mild, nutty flavor.
Thousand island dressing: Brings creamy, tangy richness that complements the sauerkraut and meat perfectly.
Sauerkraut: Adds a bright, tangy crunch—just be sure to drain it well to avoid sogginess.
Corned beef: Tender, thinly sliced, it’s the hearty star protein; pastrami works too if you prefer a smoky note.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Crispy Reuben Sandwich with Swiss Cheese Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to suit your tastes or pantry. Whether you want to swap a few ingredients or add a seasonal twist, there’s room for creativity here.

Vegetarian Variation: I’ve tried replacing the corned beef with grilled marinated mushrooms or smoked tofu. The smoky, savory flavors still shine through, making it a hearty option without the meat.
Spice It Up: Adding a thin layer of spicy brown mustard or even a few slices of pickled jalapeños gives the sandwich a lively kick that perfectly balances the creamy dressing and melty Swiss cheese.
Cheese Swap: While Swiss cheese is classic and melts beautifully, I love using Gruyère for a nuttier flavor or Havarti if I want a softer texture. Each cheese brings a unique twist while staying true to the sandwich’s soul.
Make It Gluten-Free: Try using gluten-free rye bread or a dense gluten-free multigrain loaf. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold all those delicious fillings without falling apart.
Seasonal Freshness: In warmer months, I sometimes add a handful of fresh arugula for peppery crispness just before serving. It’s a bright contrast to the rich, toasted layers inside.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Reuben Sandwich with Swiss Cheese Recipe

A toasted sandwich has three main layers inside two thick slices of dark brown bread with grill marks on top. The top layer is melted white cheese that looks soft and creamy, slightly dripping down the sides. Below the cheese is a large stack of thin, folded pinkish-red deli meat with a bit of shine and texture. The bottom layer is light-colored sauerkraut, with shredded pieces showing through between the meat and bread. A woman's hands with white nails hold the top half of the sandwich, lifting it slightly above the bottom half. The sandwich sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Assemble Your Sandwich Layers Carefully

Start by laying out two slices of dark rye bread on your work surface. Evenly sprinkle a generous layer of shredded Swiss cheese over each slice—this will melt beautifully and help bind the sandwich together. Next, drizzle the thousand island dressing over the cheese for that creamy tangy twist. Add half the corned beef evenly on top, making sure the layers are thick but manageable. Finally, pile on the well-drained sauerkraut—drain it thoroughly to prevent sogginess—and place the remaining bread slices on top. Spread about 1 tablespoon of softened butter on the outside of each sandwich’s top slice; this little touch promises that perfect golden crunch when toasted.

Step 2: Preheat Your Skillet to Medium Heat

Before cooking, warm up a large skillet over medium heat. This step is crucial — medium heat ensures the bread crisps up evenly without burning while giving the cheese enough time to melt through the sandwich layers. No rushing here! A properly heated pan sets you up for that irresistible golden crust and gooey center.

Step 3: Toast the Sandwich Until Golden and Melty

Place your sandwiches butter-side down on the skillet—both at the same time if your pan is large enough. Cook for about 3 minutes without moving them; you want that golden-brown crust to develop nicely. Then, spread the remaining butter on the top outside slice and carefully flip the sandwiches. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until the second side is just as golden and the Swiss cheese is melted perfectly throughout. You’ll know it's ready when you see that beautiful, crispy crust and can smell that toasty butter aroma filling your kitchen.

Top Tip

Mastering the Crispy Reuben Sandwich with Swiss Cheese Recipe is all about balancing textures and flavors while managing heat and moisture. Here are a few insider tips I've learned that really bring this classic sandwich to life.

Drain That Sauerkraut Well: I used to skip this step and wound up with a soggy mess. Pat your sauerkraut dry or give it a good squeeze to keep your sandwich crisp.
Butter on the Outside: Spreading softened butter on both outsides of the bread gives you that irresistible golden crust. I’ve even swapped mayo once for a little tang and it was surprisingly good.
Medium Heat is Your Friend: Cooking on medium heat ensures the bread crisps without burning while the Swiss cheese melts perfectly. Rushing it on high heat won’t do the trick.
Choosing Your Meat: Don’t hesitate to mix corned beef and pastrami if you want a peppery kick plus tender, mild flavor — it makes a deliciously complex Reuben.

How to Serve Crispy Reuben Sandwich with Swiss Cheese Recipe

The image shows two halves of dark brown bread with a rough texture laid flat on a wooden surface. Next to them, the same two bread halves are topped with a thick layer of shredded pale yellow cheese that spreads slightly beyond the edges of the bread. The wooden surface has visible grain lines and knots, enhancing the rustic look of the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Crispy Reuben Sandwich with Swiss Cheese Recipe, try adding a few classic garnishes. A crisp dill pickle on the side adds the perfect tangy crunch, while a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or some chopped fresh parsley brightens up the flavors. If you like a little heat, a smear of horseradish sauce or a few thin slices of pickled jalapeño can add a zesty punch.

Side Dishes

This sandwich pairs wonderfully with simple, comforting sides. Crispy kettle-cooked potato chips or French fries complement that crunchy crust beautifully. For a lighter option, a crisp garden salad with a vinaigrette or coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast. And of course, a classic cup of tomato soup never goes wrong with a toasted sandwich like this.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (and that’s a good problem to have!), wrap your sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This helps preserve the moisture in the fillings without making the bread soggy.

Freezing

While the Crispy Reuben Sandwich with Swiss Cheese Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze assembled but uncooked sandwiches. Wrap them tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and cook as usual.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet or air fryer to bring back that golden, crispy exterior. Avoid the microwave—it can make the bread tough and soggy, which defeats what makes this sandwich so special.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cheese for this Reuben?

Absolutely! Swiss cheese is traditional due to its excellent melting quality and mild flavor, but Gruyère, Havarti, or Provolone are great alternatives if you want to try something a little different.

What’s the best bread to use for a Crispy Reuben Sandwich?

Dark rye bread is classic and sturdy enough to hold the fillings and sauces. Marble rye or pumpernickel are also excellent choices, giving you a slightly different flavor profile.

What’s the difference between corned beef and pastrami in this sandwich?

Corned beef tends to be mild, tender, and slightly salty, while pastrami brings a peppery, smoky flavor that adds a zing. Some people like to combine both for a more complex taste.

How do I prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy?

The key is to drain your sauerkraut very well before using it and to cook the sandwich on medium heat so the bread crisps nicely without steaming from excess moisture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting and satisfying about a Crispy Reuben Sandwich with Swiss Cheese Recipe done right—the melty cheese, the tang of sauerkraut, the rich corned beef, and that perfect crispy crunch all wrapped up in dark rye. I hope these tips and serving suggestions inspire you to enjoy this classic sandwich anytime you crave a hearty, delicious meal. Happy cooking!