The Best Irish Reuben Sandwich Recipe with Corned Beef (2024)

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The Irish Reuben sandwich recipe is an American Classic. Most popularly enjoyed around St. Patrick's Day, it's not a purely Irish sandwich. A good reuben sandwich is delicious anytime of the year.

An easy recipe and even better to eat, this simple, Irish Reuben Sandwich recipe will melt in your mouth!!!

The Best Irish Reuben Sandwich Recipe with Corned Beef (1)

What is a Classic Reuben Sandwich?

A classic reuben sandwich can be found at almost every deli, bar and restaurant, it's on the same level as a Club, BLT or Roast Beef sandwich.

The popular sandwich is a delicious combination of savory, salty corned beef piled high, combined with tangy Sauerkraut, swiss cheese, and a sweet Russian dressing; all topped on a delicious Rye bread.

New York City may be the epicenter of reuben sandwiches, a staple at many of the famous deli's.

The Best Irish Reuben Sandwich Recipe with Corned Beef (2)

Where does the Irish Reuben Sandwich come from?

Uniquely American, the reuben sandwich is not actually an Irish sandwich. There are no Irish recipes for a Reuben sandwich that I know of.

The Irish connection comes from Irish immigrants in New York City in the 1800's when they began purchasing meat from Jewish butcher shops.

Corned beef as we know it is a Jewish, kosher product and not popular across the pond in Ireland.

Corned beef became a celebrated dish that was enjoyed on Saint Patrick's Day by the Irish in their local neighborhoods, and that is how it came to be associated with an Irish cultural tradition.

There are varying accounts of the actual origin of the Reuben. One being at the Blackstone hotel poker game in the early 1900's in Omaha, Nebraska of all places. A couple others from the famous Reuben's deli in New York City.

The Best Irish Reuben Sandwich Recipe with Corned Beef (3)

Both versions involve Jewish Americans so I'm just going to go with that, whomever created the Reuben, it is an amazingly good sandwich and one of my favorites.

Ingredients for this Reuben recipe:

The Best Irish Reuben Sandwich Recipe with Corned Beef (4)
  • Corned Beef - I had the deli counter slice thick
  • Rye bread - Savory bread with caraway seeds, sliced loaf of Jewish rye will work if you can't get a whole loaf. I find that the bread slices are too thin but it will still be a tasty sandwich.
  • Russian dressing - A mayonnaise based dressing with sweet pickle relish
  • Sauerkraut - Adds a tangy flavor that compliments this homemade reuben
  • Swiss Cheese - Melted swiss cheese on a sandwich, enough said
  • Butter - Had to sneak in something from Ireland to stay real, so Kerrygold was an easy decision and so good

Instructions for an Irish Reuben Sandwich Recipe:

Heat a large saucepan on medium-high heat, and place butter in the pan.

The Best Irish Reuben Sandwich Recipe with Corned Beef (5)

If using a loaf, slice two thick slices of bread on a cutting board.

The Best Irish Reuben Sandwich Recipe with Corned Beef (6)

Once butter has melted and pan is hot, add slices of rye bread.

The Best Irish Reuben Sandwich Recipe with Corned Beef (7)

Heat one side of each slice for 3-4 minutes, until it is nice and browned.

Get the swiss cheese, Russian dressing, sauerkraut, and corned beef out.

The Best Irish Reuben Sandwich Recipe with Corned Beef (8)

Spread Russian dressing on the side of each slice of bread that is not browned.

The Best Irish Reuben Sandwich Recipe with Corned Beef (9)

Add swiss cheese to one slice.

The Best Irish Reuben Sandwich Recipe with Corned Beef (10)

Set oven to Hi broil and broil for 4-5 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Remove from the oven.

With the remaining slice of bread, pile on thick slices of corned beef, then sauerkraut on top.

The Best Irish Reuben Sandwich Recipe with Corned Beef (11)

Finally, add your slice of bread with swiss cheese on top and gently press down so that the two slices join together in all of their glory.

The Best Irish Reuben Sandwich Recipe with Corned Beef (12)

Substitutions for Irish Reuben Sandwich Recipe

  • Corned Beef - If you don't eat beef or want an alternative, turkey can be used. Instead of a Reuben the version with Turkey is called the Rachel
  • Rye Bread - Pumpernickel is also a good alternative
  • Russian dressing - For a spicy kick, replace with some spicy mustard
  • Reuben sandwich dressing - Thousand Island dressing is very similar to Russian dressing and is also commonly used
The Best Irish Reuben Sandwich Recipe with Corned Beef (13)

Tips

  • When broiling use aluminum foil for easy clean up
  • Squeeze out the excess liquid from the sauerkraut before adding to the sandwich to avoid soggy bread

Enjoy this corned beef sandwich with potato chips, pickles or potato salad. This is the perfect way to use up leftover corned beef. This Irish reuben sandwich recipe is a great cold weather meal to enjoy through the winter!

Yield: 1

The best Irish Reuben sandwich recipe with corned beef

The Best Irish Reuben Sandwich Recipe with Corned Beef (14)

The Irish Reuben sandwich recipe is an American Classic. Most popularly enjoyed around St. Patrick's Day, it's not a purely Irish sandwich. A good reuben sandwich is delicious anytime of the year. An easy recipe and even better to eat, this simple, Irish Reuben Sandwich recipe will melt in your mouth!!!

Prep Time15 minutes

Cook Time10 minutes

Total Time25 minutes

Ingredients

  • ½ pound - Corned beef brisket deli lunch meat, sliced thick
  • 2 - Slices Rye Bread
  • 2 Tablespoons - Russian or Thousand Island Dressing
  • ¼ cup - Sauerkraut
  • 3 - Slices Swiss cheese
  • 1 Tablespoon - Butter, salted

Instructions

  1. Heat a large saucepan on medium-high heat, and place butter in the pan.
  2. If using a loaf, slice two thick slices of bread on a cutting board.
  3. Once butter has melted and pan is hot, add slices of rye bread.
  4. Heat one side of each slice for 3-4 minutes, until it is nice and browned.
  5. Get the swiss cheese, Russian dressing, sauerkraut, and corned beef out.
  6. Spread Russian dressing on the side of each slice of bread that is not browned.
  7. Add swiss cheese to one slice.
  8. Set oven to Hi broil and broil for 4-5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
  9. Remove from the oven.
  10. With the remaining slice of bread, pile on thick slices of corned beef, then sauerkraut on top.
  11. Finally, add your slice of bread with swiss cheese on top and gently press down so that the two slices join together in all of their glory.

Notes

When broiling use aluminum foil for easy clean up.

Squeeze out the excess liquid from the sauerkraut before adding to the sandwich to avoid soggy bread.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:Calories: 1350Total Fat: 93gSaturated Fat: 41gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 40gCholesterol: 367mgSodium: 1525mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 4gSugar: 7gProtein: 96g

The Best Irish Reuben Sandwich Recipe with Corned Beef (2024)

FAQs

What is an Irish Reuben? ›

Top bread with 2 tablespoons of Thousand Island dressing, corned beef, sauerkraut, caraway seeds, Swiss cheese, then an additional 2 tablespoons of Thousand Island dressing. Finish sandwich with the remaining slice of bread, buttered side up.

Should a Reuben have pastrami or corned beef? ›

Corned beef is also a key ingredient in a Reuben sandwich and leftovers can also be used to make Corned Beef Hash. Corned beef is brisket that has been cured in a salt solution then boiled or slow-cooked.

Is it Reuben sandwich in Irish tradition? ›

While the Reuben sandwich itself doesn't have Irish roots (it was thought to be created in Omaha, Nebraska mid-poker game) the meat inside it – corned beef, does. Well, it kind of does. The Irish-corned beef relationship is considered to be much more Irish-American than it is purely Irish.

Is a Reuben Irish or German? ›

The corned beef, sauerkraut, and rye bread combination all make it feel like it was meant to be Irish. The Reuben was invented by German immigrant Arnold Reuben, who sold the sandwiches at his deli in New York City. The hot sandwiches soon became famous and the classic was born.

Is Arby's Reuben real corned beef? ›

About the Sandwich

Marbled rye bread filled with freshly sliced corned beef, melty Swiss Cheese, tangy sauerkraut and creamy Thousand Island dressing. This is a Reuben sandwich inspired by the New York standard.

Is Thousand Island dressing the same as Russian dressing? ›

The one ingredient that separates Russian from Thousand Island. The ingredient that differentiates Russian dressing from Thousand Island is—drumroll, please—horseradish.

Which is healthier corned beef or pastrami? ›

Though pastrami and corned beef have the same nutritional elements, like protein and fat content, they have different quantities of salt. The sodium content in corned beef is higher compared to pastrami. Because of this, many people consider pastrami healthier and more flavorful than corned beef.

How do you make a Reuben sandwich not soggy? ›

Reubens traditionally rely on rye bread, which is dense and can soak up any extra juices — so don't swap it for another variety if you can manage. To further fight sogginess, toast the rye bread so that it holds up to the sauerkraut's texture along with ingredients like the sauce and melted cheese.

What is a Chicago Reuben? ›

There's nothing quite like a Chicago-style Reuben sandwich. With its juicy, tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melty Swiss cheese, it's a true comfort food classic that never goes out of style.

Which corned beef is best for sandwiches? ›

Flat cuts are leaner and more uniform, making them ideal for slicing and recipes that call for a more refined presentation, such as corned beef hash or sandwiches.

What is the most eaten dish in Ireland? ›

One of the most popular and iconic Irish foods is undoubtedly the traditional Irish stew. This hearty dish typically consists of tender chunks of meat (such as lamb or beef), potatoes, onions, carrots, and sometimes other vegetables like celery or parsnips.

What kind of cheese do the Irish eat? ›

While Cashel Blue may be Ireland's favorite cheese, cheddar is often thought of first when it comes to Irish cheesemaking, and you wouldn't be wrong to include a cheddar in an Irish-themed lineup.

What is the most eaten vegetable in Ireland? ›

THIS is officially Ireland's favourite vegetable. You may be surprised to hear that the carrot has been victorious in claiming the title of Ireland's favourite vegetable, even though you thought it might have been the potato!

What is a real Reuben made of? ›

A traditional reuben sandwich consists of thinly sliced corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut on rye bread slathered with Russian or Thousand Island dressing.

What do the Irish call a sandwich? ›

Irish Translation. ceapaire.

What's the difference between a Rachel and a Reuben? ›

The difference between a Rachel and a Reuben is the use of cole slaw rather than sourkraut. Traditionally, both sandwiches were made with corned beef, but that has been modified by using other meats, such as turkey. But the form of cabbage is the distinguishing factor.

What kind of sandwiches do they eat in Ireland? ›

“You're either a pear and bacon or a sausage sandwich person,” Kilcoyne says. “They were our two staples on day one and they are still our main bread and butter.” Now, however, vegetarian options are much in demand and you can order a meat-free version of the pear sandwich with fried halloumi replacing the bacon.

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