Pastrami Reuben Sandwich
There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into a perfectly grilled Pastrami Reuben Sandwich. The crispy, buttery rye bread. The warm, peppery pastrami. The tangy sauerkraut. The gooey melted Swiss cheese. And that creamy Russian dressing tying it all together.
This is classic deli comfort food at its finest — and the best part? You can make it at home in under 20 minutes.
Whether you’re craving a hearty lunch or an easy weeknight dinner, this Reuben delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.
Why I Love This Recipe
As a food writer and comfort-food enthusiast, I’m always chasing that perfect balance of texture and flavor. The Pastrami Reuben nails it:
- Crispy exterior
- Warm, savory center
- Tangy crunch from sauerkraut
- Creamy, melty cheese
- Bold deli-style flavor
It’s the kind of sandwich that feels indulgent yet simple — similar in comfort level to How to Make Perfect Grilled Cheese with Homemade Tomato Soup, but with an extra layer of complexity from the pastrami and dressing.
This recipe is perfect for when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Pastrami Reuben Sandwich
Classic deli-style Reuben with warm pastrami, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing on grilled rye bread.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 8 min | Total: 18 min
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Ingredients
- 8 slices rye bread
- 8 oz pastrami, thinly sliced and warmed
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup Russian dressing or Thousand Island dressing
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
Instructions
- Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of rye bread.
- Place 4 slices of bread butter-side down on a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Spread Russian dressing on the inside of each slice.
- Layer pastrami, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese evenly over the bread.
- Top with remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
- Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing lightly, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Slice in half and serve warm.
Nutrition
- Calories: 520 calories
- Fat: 32 g
- Carbs: 34 g
- Protein: 26 g
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Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make 4 sandwiches:
- 8 slices rye bread
- 8 oz pastrami, thinly sliced and warmed
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- ½ cup Russian dressing or Thousand Island dressing
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- Pastrami: Traditionally, a Reuben uses corned beef, but pastrami adds a peppery, smoky depth that I personally love.
- Rye Bread: Classic choice for authenticity, but marble rye also works beautifully.
- Sauerkraut: Be sure to squeeze out excess moisture to avoid soggy bread.
- Cheese: Swiss is traditional, but provolone can work in a pinch.
- Dressing: Russian dressing gives a slightly sharper flavor, while Thousand Island is sweeter and creamier.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Butter the Bread
Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of rye bread.
2. Start Grilling
Place 4 slices of bread butter-side down on a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
3. Add the Dressing
Spread Russian (or Thousand Island) dressing on the inside of each slice.
4. Layer the Filling
Evenly layer pastrami, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese over the bread.
5. Top & Cook
Top with remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
Grill for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
6. Serve
Slice in half and serve warm. That cheese pull is worth the wait.
Tips for Success
- Drain the sauerkraut well. Excess liquid can make the sandwich soggy.
- Warm the pastrami first so the sandwich heats evenly.
- Cook over medium heat to ensure the cheese melts before the bread over-browns.
- Press gently — too much pressure can squeeze out the filling.
If you love mastering classic sandwiches, you might also enjoy The Ultimate Turkey Club Wrap for Easy Lunches for another satisfying midday option.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
The Pastrami Reuben is rich and hearty, so lighter sides balance it beautifully.
Try serving it with:
- A crisp green salad like Easy Homemade Caesar Salad with Chicken
- A chilled side like Classic Tuna Salad with a Healthy No-Mayo Twist
- A warm bowl of tomato soup inspired by How to Make Perfect Grilled Cheese with Homemade Tomato Soup
For a full comfort-food spread, add pickles and kettle chips on the side.
Nutritional Information (Per Sandwich)
- Calories: 520
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 26g
This sandwich is protein-rich and filling — definitely a satisfying meal.
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Best enjoyed fresh. Reubens are at their crispiest right off the skillet.
- If needed, store assembled (ungrilled) sandwiches wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
- Reheat grilled sandwiches in a skillet instead of a microwave to maintain crispness.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re into hearty lunches and comfort food classics, check out:
- The Ultimate Turkey Club Wrap for Easy Lunches
- How to Make Perfect Grilled Cheese with Homemade Tomato Soup
- Classic Tuna Salad with a Healthy No-Mayo Twist
- Easy Homemade Caesar Salad with Chicken
Each one makes a fantastic addition to your lunch rotation.
Final Thoughts
A great Pastrami Reuben Sandwich is all about balance — crispy bread, melty cheese, tangy kraut, and savory meat. When done right, it’s pure deli magic.
Give this recipe a try the next time you’re craving something warm and comforting. And if you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment, share your favorite twist on the classic, and follow along for more simple, flavor-packed recipes.
– Jason Griffith
