The Skillet Reuben is everything you crave in a comforting classic: perfectly golden, buttery rye bread hugging layers of tender corned beef, gooey Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and a generous swipe of creamy Thousand Island dressing. It’s an iconic deli favorite that’s surprisingly easy to make at home—no fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients required! Every bite is a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, making this one of those sandwiches you’ll want to add to your regular rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes a Skillet Reuben especially fun is that its ingredient list is nothing fancy, but each component brings something unique to the party. From the hearty rye to the punchy sauerkraut, every layer adds depth and harmony to the final result.

Rye bread (8 slices): The bread’s deep, earthy flavor and sturdy texture are essential for holding up all those delicious fillings without getting soggy.
Swiss cheese (8 slices): Melts beautifully, creating creamy pockets that glue everything together and deliver that characteristic mild, nutty flavor.
Thinly sliced corned beef (½ pound): The savory, juicy centerpiece—make sure to pile it on for that classic deli experience.
Sauerkraut (1 cup, drained and squeezed dry): Its bright, tangy crunch cuts through the richness, but squeezing it dry is key to prevent sogginess.
Thousand Island dressing (½ cup): Adds a luscious, creamy tang that brings all the flavors together in every bite.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, softened): For crisping up your bread to golden, buttery perfection—don’t skip this step for that irresistible crunch!

How to Make Skillet Reuben

Step 1: Preheat the Skillet

Start by heating up a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. You want the pan hot enough to crisp up the bread but not so hot that it scorches before the cheese melts. This will lay the foundation for that gorgeous, crispy exterior every Skillet Reuben needs.

Step 2: Butter the Bread

Grab your rye bread slices and generously spread softened butter on one side of each piece. This buttery barrier is crucial—don’t be shy. It’s what gives that signature golden crunch and lovely flavor, transforming a regular sandwich into a diner-worthy treat.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches

Lay four slices of bread, butter-side down, right in your skillet. On each, place a slice of Swiss cheese as your base. Next comes a hearty layer of corned beef, followed by about a quarter cup of sauerkraut (remember to squeeze it dry!). Spoon over a tablespoon or two of Thousand Island dressing, and then top each with another slice of Swiss cheese for extra meltiness. Cap it all with the remaining bread slices, butter-side facing up.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Let the Skillet Reuben sandwiches sizzle for 3–4 minutes on each side. Press gently with a spatula for even browning and to help the fillings meld beautifully. Adjust your heat if things are browning too quickly! Your aim is bread that’s deep golden and cheese that’s irresistibly melted.

Step 5: Rest, Slice, and Serve

Once your Skillet Reuben is perfectly crisp and gooey, remove it from the skillet and let it cool for a minute—this will make slicing even easier and keep the fillings in place. Slice each sandwich in half and get ready to enjoy an explosion of classic flavors!

How to Serve Skillet Reuben

Garnishes

A classic Skillet Reuben begs for a great garnish—think zesty dill pickles or even some extra sauerkraut on the side for crunch and color. You can add a sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley for a bright finish, or go with the timeless deli-style spear right next to your sandwich.

Side Dishes

No Skillet Reuben is complete without a little extra on the plate. Crisp potato chips or thick-cut fries keep it casual, while a simple green salad or creamy coleslaw can lighten the meal up a bit. Even a steaming cup of tomato soup makes a fantastic, classic pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try slicing your Skillet Reuben into triangles for party-ready sliders, or stack miniature versions on toothpicks as appetizers. You can also offer a DIY sandwich bar, setting out all the fixings so everyone can assemble (and customize!) their own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Skillet Reuben sandwiches, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to two days, though they’re at their very best fresh off the skillet.

Freezing

You can freeze assembled but uncooked Skillet Reuben sandwiches for a quick-fix meal later. Wrap each one in plastic wrap, then foil, and store in an airtight bag for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to revive your Skillet Reuben is in a skillet over medium heat—cover lightly with a lid to encourage the cheese to melt. A few minutes on each side restores that irresistible crispy crust. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to make the bread soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of bread for this sandwich?

Rye bread is traditional for a Skillet Reuben, but you can absolutely experiment! Try pumpernickel or a hearty multigrain for different flavor twists—just be sure your bread is sturdy enough to hold up to the filling.

What’s the best corned beef to use?

Go for thinly sliced corned beef from your deli counter. If you have leftover homemade corned beef, simply slice it thin and use it—it’ll be extra flavorful that way.

Can I swap out the Swiss cheese?

Yes! While Swiss is classic for a Skillet Reuben, mild provolone, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar will melt well and offer their own unique flavors.

Is it essential to drain and squeeze the sauerkraut?

Definitely! Draining and squeezing your sauerkraut keeps the bread from getting soggy and ensures the sandwich stays crisp and delicious, not wet or mushy.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

Swap the corned beef for sautéed mushrooms or use a plant-based deli meat—they both work beautifully and still let those classic Skillet Reuben flavors shine through.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about a hot, melty Skillet Reuben—whether you’re making lunch for the family or bringing a taste of the deli home for dinner. Once you give this recipe a try, I think you’ll agree it’s one of those crowd-pleasing classics everyone should have in their arsenal. So gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready for serious comfort food magic!

Skillet Reuben Recipe

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4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich with this easy skillet version. Loaded with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing, this grilled rye delight is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Rye Bread:

8 slices

Swiss Cheese:

8 slices

Corned Beef:

½ pound thinly sliced

Sauerkraut:

1 cup (drained and squeezed dry)

Thousand Island Dressing:

½ cup

Unsalted Butter:

2 tablespoons (softened)

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Instructions

Preheat and Butter Bread: Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Butter one side of each rye bread slice.
Assemble Sandwiches: Place 4 bread slices, buttered-side down, in the skillet. Layer with Swiss cheese, corned beef, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, and more Swiss cheese. Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered-side up.
Grill: Grill for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden brown and cheese is melted.
Serve: Remove from skillet, cool slightly, then slice and serve.

Notes

To prevent sogginess, ensure sauerkraut is well-drained and squeezed dry. Consider lightly toasting bread before assembly for added crunch. Pair with pickles or potato chips.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American