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 the most popular sandwich in Ireland? ›

"Ham and cheese is a classic combination so we're not surprised it's the nation's favourite sandwich." "This National Bread Week you can get involved in the celebrations by visiting one of the many bakeries or stores all over Ireland and Northern Ireland that are holding special events and tastings.”

How do you keep a Reuben from getting soggy? ›

Be sure to drain off as much liquid as possible from the sauerkraut before piling it onto your Reuben sandwich to prevent any sogginess. It's also best to serve Reubens soon after griddling to keep the toasted bread nice and crisp.

Should a Reuben have pastrami or corned beef? ›

You could also opt for pastrami in place of the corned beef, which isn't the traditional meat in a Reuben, but it still tastes damned good. Typically at delis, the meat will be steamed whole, then carved by hand while it's still hot.

Is the Reuben an Irish sandwich? ›

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.

What is the number 1 Irish meal? ›

Irish stew: This is the dish Irish people are most likely to roll out for St. Patrick's Day celebrations. Hearty chunks of lamb are slow-cooked in a rich gravy with onion, potatoes, carrot and parsley. Coddle is a traditional Dublin stew with sausages, onion, potato and bacon – or rashers as they're known locally.

What is the famous breakfast in Ireland? ›

All full Irish breakfasts include some or all of the following: Bacon, sausages, baked beans, eggs, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, and perhaps some cooked leftover potatoes made into a hash or a bubble and squeak.

What is a dirty Reuben sandwich? ›

Dirty Reuben: Roast Beef, Dirty Dressing, Purple Slaw, America (I added Mozzarella Sticks & Avocado) #AvailableAtEveryLocation #Ikes...

How was the original Reuben sandwich made? ›

The request came from a city store owner and casual poker player named Reuben Kulafofsky. Schimmel chose to add Swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing on dark rye bread. This version originated in 1925 and was quickly put on the hotel's menu by owner Charles Schimmel.

Are Reubens better hot or cold? ›

A Reuben can be served cold, but it's far better when it is served hot like the recipe calls for. The melted cheese blends all the ingredients together for a messy and delightful sandwich.

What is a Texas Reuben? ›

“a deli classic reinvented for. south Texas tastes…”

This Texas Reuben features our own lean smoked brisket thrown over some buttered and griddled rye bread. Our sauerkraut is cooked in-house and not like what you usually imagine when it comes to this German staple.

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.

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

Perhaps owing to its absence of an exact origin story, the Rachel is certainly more of a pliable sandwich than the classic Reuben as far as ingredients are concerned. The first major difference is that the Rachel swaps brisket-based corned beef for pastrami, which comes from a comparatively leaner cut of the cow.

What is a Reuben without sauerkraut called? ›

The Rachel sandwich is one of several variations on the famous sandwich. Instead of the classic corned beef and sauerkraut, the Rachel is usually made with turkey or pastrami and coleslaw. Both sandwiches are made with Swiss cheese and rye bread.

What is a Katz Reuben? ›

Your choice of pastrami, corned beef or turkey breast with melted Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and homemade Russian dressing, all on grilled rye bread... Order Online.

What does Reuben mean in Irish? ›

Meaning: Means 'see', 'a son'.

What is the most common lunch in Ireland? ›

The Dining Experience in Ireland

Lunch often consists of a bowl of hot soup alongside freshly baked soda bread, but a heartier lunch menu can be found at the local pubs, where typical Irish plates are served around the clock.

What is the most famous bread in Ireland? ›

The traditional bread of Ireland is soda bread. Soda bread can be made with white or whole wheat flour. Early Irish cooks bypassed yeast and used “bread soda” or “baking soda” because Irish flour was too soft to make yeast bread.

What do the Irish call a sandwich? ›

Irish Translation. ceapaire.

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