Looking for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner recipe? Give the grilled cheese sandwiches a break. The classic Reuben Sandwich brings deli-quality flavor straight to your kitchen! Crispy, cheesy, savory, and totally crave-worthy… it’s won over my entire family and earned a spot in our regular meal rotation!
Picky eaters? Keep reading for our favorite kid-friendly variations.
Why This Is the Best Reuben Sandwich:
This classic deli favorite is easy enough for a weeknight lunch but impressive enough to serve guests when you want something indulgent and unforgettable. If you are new to making Reubens at home or want that real New York deli taste, this recipe works every time.
- Perfect balance of flavors: salty, tangy, creamy, and rich
- Crispy outside, melty inside thanks to buttered rye bread
- Customizable with easy swaps for meat, cheese, and dressing
- Ready in under 20 minutes
Perfectly toasted rye bread, layers of savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melty Swiss cheese, and creamy homemade Russian dressing—all grilled until golden and irresistible. This classic deli favorite is easy enough for a weeknight lunch but impressive enough to serve guests when you want something indulgent and unforgettable.
Pro Tips for the Ultimate Reuben:
- Drain the sauerkraut really well to avoid soggy sandwiches
- Use medium heat so the cheese melts before the bread over-browns
- Layer cheese on both sides to act as a moisture barrier
- Fold the corned beef instead of laying flat for better texture
Easy Substitutions:
- No rye bread? Use sourdough or marble rye
- Swiss cheese substitute: Gruyère or provolone
- No Russian dressing? Use Thousand Island
- Dairy-free option: Vegan butter, dairy-free Swiss-style cheese
Kid-Friendly Reuben Variations:
1. Turkey & Cheese “Mini Reubens”
Swap corned beef for sliced turkey and skip the sauerkraut. Use Swiss or mild provolone and grill on slider buns or small slices of bread for an easy-to-hold option.
Why kids love it: familiar deli turkey + melty cheese
Tip: cut into triangles or squares for dunking
2. Grilled Ham & Swiss (Reuben-Style)
Use thinly sliced ham, Swiss cheese, and a light spread of Thousand Island dressing on white or wheat bread.
Why kids love it: tastes like a grilled cheese with bonus flavor
Optional add-on: very finely chopped pickles instead of sauerkraut
3. Reuben Grilled Cheese
Skip the meat entirely. Spread a little Thousand Island dressing inside a classic grilled cheese made with Swiss or Colby Jack.
Why kids love it: grilled cheese > everything
Bonus: easy gateway to new flavors
4. Deconstructed Reuben Plate
Serve corned beef or turkey, cheese cubes, toasted bread fingers, pickles, and dressing for dipping.
Why kids love it: DIY + dipping
Perfect for: toddlers and younger kids
5. Crescent Roll Reuben Bites
Wrap turkey or ham, Swiss cheese, and a small dab of dressing in crescent roll dough and bake until golden.
Why kids love it: handheld and soft
Serving idea: ketchup or mild dressing on the side
6. Reuben Quesadilla
Use a flour tortilla, mild cheese, turkey or ham, and a drizzle of dressing. Grill until crispy and cut into wedges.
Why kids love it: quesadilla format = instant yes
Tip: serve sauerkraut on the side for parents
7. Sweet Roll Sliders
Layer turkey, Swiss, and a light spread of dressing on Hawaiian rolls. Bake covered until melty, then uncover to lightly crisp the tops.
Why kids love it: slightly sweet + cheesy
Great for: parties, lunchboxes, and make-ahead meals
8. Pickle-Free “Reuben” Melt
All the flavors minus the sauerkraut or pickles—just meat, cheese, and dressing on grilled bread.
Why kids love it: no tangy surprises
Parent win: still feels like the classic
More Dinner Sandwich Recipe Ideas:
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Classic Reuben Sandwich
Ingredients
- 8 slices rye or marbled bread
- 1 lb thinly sliced corned beef
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 cup sauerkraut drained and squeezed dry
- 1/2 cup Russian dressing (recipe below)
- 4 tbsp butter, softened
Homemade Russian Dressing
Instructions
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Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients. Chill while you prep the sandwiches for best flavor.
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Butter the bread: Spread butter on one side of each slice of rye bread. Place butter-side down on a clean surface.
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Assemble the sandwiches: On the unbuttered side, layer a slice of Swiss cheese, corned beef (folded, not stacked flat), sauerkraut, a generous drizzle of Russian dressing, another slice of Swiss cheese, and top with remaining bread slices, buttered-side facing out.
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Grill to perfection: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook sandwiches for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
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Rest and slice: Let sandwiches rest for 1–2 minutes, then slice in half and serve hot.
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