The Grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwich Recipe is a sensational twist on the classic Reuben, swapping out corned beef for tender turkey breast to create a lighter yet equally satisfying meal. This sandwich perfectly marries the tangy sauerkraut and creamy Thousand Island dressing with nutty Swiss cheese, all toasted between crisp rye bread for that unbeatable crunchy, melty bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a comforting dinner, this Grilled Turkey Reuben will quickly become a favorite to make and devour!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients is the first step toward creating this delicious sandwich. Each component plays a vital role in balancing flavors and textures, making the final result truly special and comforting.
- 8 slices rye bread: Offers a sturdy, flavorful base with just the right amount of tangy earthiness and texture.
- 8 oz sliced cooked turkey breast: A lean, protein-rich substitute that keeps the sandwich light while adding savory goodness.
- 4 slices Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully to provide a creamy, slightly nutty flavor that contrasts perfectly with sauerkraut.
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained: Brings a zesty, tangy punch and crucial moisture to the sandwich’s flavor profile.
- 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing: Adds sweet, tangy creaminess that ties all the ingredients together.
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened: Ensures a golden, crispy crust when grilled and prevents sticking during cooking.
How to Make Grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Start by spreading Thousand Island dressing evenly on one side of each slice of rye bread. This not only infuses the bread with flavor but also provides a delicious moisture layer that makes the sandwich irresistible.
Step 2: Layer the Fillings
On four of the bread slices, arrange the sliced turkey, followed by a generous helping of sauerkraut, and then place a slice of Swiss cheese on top. This layering will help balance the savory turkey with tangy and creamy elements.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
Place the remaining bread slices on top of each layered piece, dressing side down, to create four complete sandwiches. This step locks in all those flavors and prepares everything for grilling.
Step 4: Butter the Outside
Spread softened butter on the outside of each sandwich. This step is essential for ensuring a perfectly crisp and golden exterior once grilled, giving each bite a satisfying crunch.
Step 5: Grill the Sandwiches
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat, then place the sandwiches onto the pan. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes on one side until golden brown, then carefully flip and cook the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted and the bread is beautifully toasted.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Once grilled to perfection, remove the sandwiches from heat and slice each in half. Serve immediately while warm, so every bite offers a fantastic melty and crunchy experience.
How to Serve Grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can really elevate your Grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwich Recipe. Consider adding a few crisp pickle slices to the plate for a refreshing crunch or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley to add a pop of green that contrasts with the warm sandwich.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs beautifully with simple, classic sides like kettle-cooked potato chips or a light coleslaw, which help balance the richness of the sandwich. For something heartier, a cup of tomato soup complements the savory and tangy notes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try cutting the sandwich into small sliders for a party platter or use cookie cutters to create charming shapes that kids will love. Serving with a small ramekin of extra Thousand Island dressing makes the presentation inviting and encourages dipping!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwich Recipe, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to two days without losing much of their flavor or texture.
Freezing
While these sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them wrapped individually to enjoy later. When freezing, consider skipping the grilling step beforehand—assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to one month.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the sandwich in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then re-grill in a skillet or toaster oven until warmed through and the cheese melts again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy and compromise that delightful crispness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this sandwich?
Absolutely! While rye bread is traditional and adds a unique flavor, sourdough or pumpernickel can also make delicious alternatives that provide different textures and tastes.
Is it possible to make this sandwich vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the turkey with hearty vegetables like grilled mushrooms or a plant-based deli slice, and you’ll still get that satisfying Reuben flavor.
What can I use instead of Thousand Island dressing?
If you don’t have Thousand Island dressing on hand, a mixture of mayonnaise, ketchup, and a bit of pickle relish can mimic the flavor well, or you can use Russian dressing for an authentic Reuben taste.
How can I make sure the sandwich doesn’t get soggy?
Draining the sauerkraut thoroughly and spreading the dressing thinly helps prevent sogginess. Also, grilling the sandwich immediately after assembling keeps the bread crisp and delicious.
Can I prepare the sandwiches in advance?
You can assemble the sandwiches ahead of time but grill them just before serving. Keeping the bread separate from the fillings until ready to cook will maintain maximum freshness and crunch.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about the Grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwich Recipe that makes it an absolute joy to prepare and eat. It’s a fuss-free way to bring together bold flavors with a fresh twist, perfect for any day you want a delicious, hearty sandwich without too much effort. Give this recipe a try, and I promise, it will quickly become one of your go-to favorites to share with friends and family!
Print
Grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwich is a delicious twist on the classic Reuben, made with tender sliced turkey breast, tangy sauerkraut, gooey Swiss cheese, and creamy Thousand Island dressing, all grilled to golden perfection on rye bread. Perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner, this sandwich combines savory and tangy flavors with a crispy buttery crust.
Ingredients
Bread and Spread
- 8 slices rye bread
- 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing
Filling
- 8 oz sliced cooked turkey breast
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
For Grilling
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
Instructions
- Spread dressing: Evenly spread Thousand Island dressing on one side of each slice of rye bread to add creamy flavor and moisture to the sandwich.
- Assemble sandwiches: On four slices of the bread, layer the sliced cooked turkey breast, drained sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese, creating a balanced and flavorful filling.
- Top with bread: Place the remaining four slices of bread on top of the fillings, dressing side down, to complete the sandwich assembly.
- Butter bread exterior: Spread the softened butter on the outside surfaces of each assembled sandwich. This butter will help achieve a golden, crispy crust during grilling.
- Preheat skillet: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat to prepare for grilling the sandwiches evenly without burning.
- Grill first side: Place the sandwiches on the heated skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the bread turns golden brown and crisp.
- Flip and grill second side: Carefully flip the sandwiches and grill for another 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the other side to turn golden and the Swiss cheese to melt thoroughly.
- Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the heat, slice each one in half, and serve hot for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Make sure the sauerkraut is well drained to prevent sogginess in the sandwich.
- You can substitute turkey with corned beef for a traditional Reuben variation.
- Use medium heat to ensure the sandwiches brown evenly without burning.
- For extra flavor, warm the sauerkraut slightly before assembling.
- Feel free to add pickles or extra dressing when serving for additional tang.
