Open Faced Reuben Sandwich Recipe for Quick Lunch Ideas

The classic Reuben sandwich is a beloved staple known for its hearty layers of corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and creamy Russian dressing, all melted together between slices of toasted rye bread.

But have you ever tried an open faced Reuben sandwich? This variation gives you all the delicious flavors of the traditional Reuben but with a simpler, more elegant presentation that’s perfect for a cozy lunch or quick dinner.

Open faced sandwiches allow the ingredients to shine individually while still delivering that signature Reuben taste in every bite.

In this recipe, we’ll walk you through how to craft the perfect open faced Reuben sandwich with crisp rye toast, tender corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and a drizzle of homemade Russian dressing.

Whether you’re a Reuben aficionado or new to this deli classic, this recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy those bold flavors without the fuss of stacking. Ready to make a comforting, mouthwatering meal?

Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This open faced Reuben sandwich recipe is a game changer for anyone craving classic deli flavors without the heaviness of a double-decker sandwich. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for when you want something satisfying but not overly complicated.

Key reasons to love this recipe:

• Flavor-packed: All the essential Reuben ingredients come together beautifully.
• Easy to make: Minimal prep and cooking time means you’ll be enjoying your meal in under 30 minutes.
• Customizable: Adapt it easily with vegetarian or vegan ingredients, or switch up the bread and cheese.
• Perfect for any meal: Great for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty brunch.

Ingredients

• 4 slices rye bread (preferably thick cut)
• 8 oz corned beef, thinly sliced
• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 2 tbsp butter, softened
• For the Russian dressing:
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp horseradish sauce
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Baking sheet
• Small mixing bowl
• Spoon or whisk (for mixing dressing)
• Spatula
• Paper towels (for draining sauerkraut)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Russian dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the sandwich.
2. Toast the rye bread: Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly butter one side of each slice of rye bread. Place the bread, butter side down, in the skillet and toast until golden and crisp, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from heat.
3. Warm the corned beef and sauerkraut: In the same skillet, briefly warm the corned beef slices until just heated through (about 1-2 minutes). Remove and set aside. Next, add the sauerkraut to the skillet and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain any excess liquid.
4. Assemble the sandwiches: Place the toasted rye slices on a baking sheet, buttered side down. Spread a generous layer of Russian dressing on each slice. Top with warm corned beef, then a layer of sauerkraut, and finally a slice of Swiss cheese.
5. Melt the cheese: Place the baking sheet under a preheated broiler for 2-4 minutes, or until the Swiss cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
6. Serve immediately: Remove from the oven and drizzle a little extra Russian dressing on top if desired. Enjoy your open faced Reuben sandwich warm and fresh!

Tips & Variations

“For a vegetarian take, swap the corned beef with marinated tempeh or sautéed mushrooms, and use vegan Swiss cheese.”

• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free rye bread or your favorite gluten-free bread.
• Extra crunch: Add a layer of crispy fried onions or pickles on top for added texture.
• Spicy kick: Mix a little hot sauce into your Russian dressing or add sliced jalapeños.
• Homemade sauerkraut: If you have homemade sauerkraut, it adds a fresher, tangier flavor than store-bought.
• Make-ahead: Prepare the Russian dressing a day in advance for enhanced flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Serve your open faced Reuben sandwich with a side of crisp dill pickles or a light cucumber salad to balance the richness. For a comforting meal, pair it with homemade potato chips or a bowl of Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food.

For a lighter option, try it alongside a fresh, tangy salad such as the Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas. If you’re feeling adventurous, explore more plant-based sandwich inspirations in our Vegan Panini Sandwich Recipes for Quick Healthy Meals.

Conclusion

The open faced Reuben sandwich offers a delightful twist on a deli classic that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. With its perfectly toasted rye bread, warm corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and zesty Russian dressing, it’s a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in every bite.

Whether you’re making it for a quick weekday lunch or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe brings comfort food to your table with minimal fuss and maximum taste. Don’t hesitate to customize it according to your dietary preferences or ingredient availability.

Now that you’ve mastered this open faced Reuben, why not explore more delicious and healthy recipes on our site to keep your culinary adventures fresh and exciting?

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Open Faced Reuben Sandwich”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A delicious twist on the classic Reuben sandwich served open-faced with layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese. Perfect for a hearty lunch or casual dinner.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “2 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“4 slices rye bread”, “8 oz corned beef, thinly sliced”, “1 cup sauerkraut, drained”, “4 slices Swiss cheese”, “2 tablespoons Thousand Island dressing”, “2 tablespoons butter”, “1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 375\u00b0F (190\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Butter one side of each bread slice and place buttered side down on a baking sheet.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Spread Thousand Island dressing on the top side of the bread.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Layer corned beef evenly over the bread slices.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Top each with sauerkraut and sprinkle caraway seeds if using.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Place Swiss cheese slices on top of each sandwich.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve hot and enjoy.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “550”, “proteinContent”: “35g”, “fatContent”: “30g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “35g”}}