Baked Reuben Sandwich
How to Make Baked Reuben Sandwiches – Easily bake enough sandwiches to feed a crowd using just a baking pan. This ultimate hot-baked Sheet Pan Rueben Sandwich Recipe is perfect for parties and events!
Why We Love Baked Rueben Sandwiches
Who doesn’t love a good Reuben Sandwich? Served hot with crispy bread, and molten cheese, intermingling with Thousand Island dressing and sauerkraut?
Reubens are a true American melting-pot creation with Jewish, German, and Eastern European roots.
The only problem with a Reuben sandwich is that the average American kitchen doesn’t usually have all the necessary ingredients on hand to assemble Reubens. I mean… Do you keep sauerkraut and rye bread on your grocery list at all times? Kudos if you do.
This is why it’s a great idea to make Reubens for parties, game day, weeknight dinner, or large casual family meals. That way, you can buy everything you need and make a whole bunch of Reubens all at once!
Baked Party Sandwiches
Although Reuben Sandwiches are not technically considered Irish, they are great to serve for Saint Patrick’s Day to get your corned beef and cabbage fix without all the fuss.
This perfect sandwich recipe is made in half portions, like little reuben sliders, making them ideal for one-handed grabbing by hungry guests at your next gathering, which is incredibly “handy” if you plan to serve them with libations!
Each Reuben is stacked with tantalizing flavors of tangy dressing, crunchy sauerkraut, savory corned beef, and gooey cheese – So be sure to have plenty of napkins ready for your happy partygoers.
Is a Reuben Made with Pastrami or Corned Beef?
Although there are some minor variations in what is considered a classic Reuben Sandwich, traditionally Reubens are made with corned beef.
Did you know? A Reuben with pastrami is actually called a Rachel Sandwich.
What is the Sauce on a Reuben Sandwich?
Authentic Reuben Sandwiches are made with Russian dressing. However, Thousand Island Dressing is often substituted.
Although Thousand Island Dressing is a little sweeter than Russian dressing, it’s a nice complement to the sauerkraut.
What is the Difference Between Russian and Thousand Island Dressing?
These dressings are very similar, and are both American creations. They are both creamy and tangy, and contain pickle relish.
Thousand Island dressing is thought to be a variation of Russian dressing. Russian dressing tends to be a little spicier than Thousand Island, with sharper notes and less sweetness.
Yet Russian dressing usually contains horseradish and hot sauce. While true homemade Thousand Island also includes finely chopped hard-boiled egg.
So which dressing should you use for Reubens?
I like to buy Thousand Island Dressing and “Russian” it up, so it contains both sweet and sharp notes!
What is on a Reuben Sandwich?
- Rye bread – Sometimes swirled with pumpernickel bread.
- Corned beef – Buy deli sandwich slices.
- Sauerkraut – It doesn’t turn out without the kraut. *wink*
- Swiss cheese – Deli slices. (provolone or mozzarella, if you don’t like swiss)
- Russian or Thousand Island Dressing – Or do what we do and combine the best of both!
Optional Add-Ons
- Mayonnaise
- Mustard
- Pickles
- Caraway seeds
- Fresh dill
How to Make a Reuben Sandwich
Making amazing Reubens at home, and in mass, could not be any easier! Just…
- Butter the sheet pan.
- Cut the bread slices in half.
- Mix the dressing.
- Layer the components.
- Butter the bread on top.
- Bake!
See the Full (Printable) How to Make Baked Reuben Sandwiches Recipe Below!
Do You Recommend Making Party Sandwiches Ahead of Time?
You should not make these sandwiches too far in advance of your gathering. Because of the dressing, whether baked or not, these sandwiches will become soggy the longer they sit. Some juiciness is necessary, even enjoyed, but you don’t want the bread to become wet.
Reuben Sandwiches are the most perfectly melty, gooey, and tangy when served hot, right from the oven.
Because these simple Reuben sandwiches are so quick and easy to make, you can assemble and bake them as a great, stress-free, last-minute, party-pleasing meal!
What Side Dishes Go Well With Baked Reuben Sandwiches?
If you want to serve something a bit more Irish for your Saint Patrick’s Day party, try this Irish Pub Cheese recipe for an easy dip and appetizer. Or serve with a cup of Irish Beer Cheese Soup. Our Irish Bacon and Cabbage would also make for a delicious side dish served hot.
For a flavorful make-ahead dish that you can serve cold, you’ll love the Best Potato Salad recipe. The name really says it all! Or consider a side of Couscous Salad (with Pickled Vegetables) or Orzo Pasta Salad.
Looking for More Dazzling Sheet Pan Recipes? Be Sure to Try:
- Oven-Baked Smoked Salmon with Horseradish Sauce
- Balsamic Steak Sheet Pan Dinner
- Parmesan Crusted Salmon
- Chicken Sausage Apple and Squash Sheet Pan
- One Pan Bruschetta Chicken
- Sheet Pan Chicken Cacciatore
- Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
How to Make a Reuben Sandwich in the Oven
Ingredients
- 15 slices swirled rye and pumpernickel bread
- 15 slices corned beef (sandwich slices)
- 15 slices swiss cheese
- 1 cup sauerkraut
- 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing, or Russian dressing
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 1 1/2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Brush 2 tablespoons melted butter on the bottom of a large 13X18 inch rimmed baking sheet.
- Cut the bread slices in half, and place 15 halves on the baking sheet. Place a slice of corned beef on each half-slice of bread, folding it over if needed, so it fits on the bread.
- In a small bowl, mix the 1000 island dressing, relish, and horseradish together.
- Spoon the dressing on each piece of corned beef. Add sauerkraut on top of the dressing.
- Then top each sandwich with a slice of swiss cheese and another half-slice of bread.
- Brush the tops of the bread with butter. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
What does 15 slices of corned beef weigh?
Hi Heidi,
It would be about a pound, but it’s more important for the recipe to have the exact amount of slices than a specific weight. Hope this helps!
Your’s is without question, my favourite food blog, bar none!!! Love the oven recipe, certainly going to try it, BUT (if I may) I am having trouble with the sweet pickle juice. Either a dill pickle or dill pickle juice, please. LOL! Cheers and thank you!!
Perfect idea for my moms retirement party!
This method was perfect for a crowd, and I loved the texture of them baked too!
Oh, yum! My favorite sandwich and these are perfect!!!
This looks amazing! I love using the marbled bread. These are on the menu for this weekend! I can’t wait!