Reuben sandwich

What is Reuben sandwich?

A Reuben sandwich is built from corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and either Russian or Thousand Island dressing, all layered between slices of rye bread. The sandwich is grilled or toasted so the bread turns crisp and the cheese melts. It is hearty and savory, with the tang of sauerkraut and the richness of the dressing balancing the saltiness of the meat and cheese. The bread is typically dark and seeded, giving a robust flavor.

Where does Reuben sandwich come from?

The Reuben's beginnings are debated. One story says it was created in Omaha, Nebraska, by Reuben Kulakofsky, a Jewish grocer, during poker games at the Blackstone Hotel in the 1920s. The hotel's owner added it to the menu, and it gained wider fame after winning a national sandwich contest. Another claim credits Arnold Reuben, a German-Jewish deli owner in New York City, who may have invented it as early as 1914. Other accounts mention chefs at Reuben's Delicatessen making it for family members. The true origin remains uncertain.

How is Reuben sandwich made?

To make a Reuben, slices of rye bread are filled with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and a generous spread of Russian or Thousand Island dressing. The sandwich is then grilled or toasted, often on a flat griddle or in a pan, until the bread is browned and crisp and the cheese has melted. The sauerkraut is usually well-drained to avoid sogginess. The sandwich is served hot, cut in half for easier eating.

How and when is Reuben sandwich eaten?

The Reuben is a popular choice for lunch or dinner, especially in delicatessens and diners in the United States. It is often served as a main course, sometimes with pickles or potato chips on the side. Though associated with Jewish-style delis, it is not kosher because it mixes meat and cheese. People enjoy it for its bold flavors and satisfying texture, and it is commonly ordered as a hot sandwich meal.

Kinds of Reuben sandwich

There are many spins on the Reuben. The Montreal Reuben swaps in Montreal-style smoked meat. The walleye and grouper Reubens use fish instead of corned beef, with the grouper version sometimes adding coleslaw. The Rachel sandwich replaces corned beef with pastrami or turkey and uses coleslaw. Vegetarian and vegan versions substitute the meat with ingredients like seitan, mushrooms, or zucchini, and use non-dairy cheese. Kosher versions omit cheese or use imitation products.

What Reuben sandwich means

The Reuben is a staple of American deli culture, especially in cities with Jewish immigrant histories. Omaha celebrates March 14 as Reuben Sandwich Day, reflecting local pride in one origin story. Though not kosher, it is a fixture in kosher-style restaurants. Its fame has led to many regional takes and even festival foods like Reuben egg rolls. The sandwich is often mentioned in lists of classic American sandwiches.

Questions people ask about Reuben sandwich

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle

• Reuben sandwich on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data