This grilled turkey reuben sandwich is a delightful twist on the classic reuben. With layers of turkey, swiss cheese, and sauerkraut nestled between slices of rye bread, and a generous spread of thousand island dressing, this sandwich is perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner.
If you don't commonly stock rye bread, sauerkraut, or thousand island dressing in your pantry, you might need to make a trip to the supermarket. Rye bread has a distinct flavor that complements the other ingredients, while sauerkraut adds a tangy crunch. Thousand island dressing is a creamy, slightly sweet condiment that ties everything together.

Ingredients For Grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwich
Rye bread: A type of bread made with rye flour, known for its dense texture and slightly sour taste.
Turkey: Sliced deli turkey, a lean protein that adds a savory element to the sandwich.
Swiss cheese: A mild, nutty cheese that melts beautifully, adding creaminess to the sandwich.
Sauerkraut: Fermented cabbage that provides a tangy, crunchy contrast to the other ingredients.
Thousand island dressing: A creamy, slightly sweet dressing that enhances the flavors of the sandwich.
Butter: Softened butter is used to grill the sandwich to a golden brown perfection.
Technique Tip for Making This Sandwich
To achieve the perfect grilled turkey Reuben sandwich, ensure your grill pan is preheated to the right temperature. This helps in achieving an even golden brown crust. Additionally, thoroughly drain the sauerkraut before adding it to the sandwich to prevent it from making the bread soggy. For an extra layer of flavor, consider lightly toasting the rye bread before assembling the sandwich.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
rye bread - Substitute with pumpernickel bread: Pumpernickel has a similar dense texture and robust flavor that complements the sandwich well.
rye bread - Substitute with whole wheat bread: Whole wheat bread provides a healthier option with a nutty flavor that pairs nicely with the other ingredients.
sliced turkey - Substitute with sliced chicken: Sliced chicken has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a good alternative to turkey.
sliced turkey - Substitute with roast beef: Roast beef offers a richer, more robust flavor for those looking for a heartier sandwich.
swiss cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone has a mild, slightly tangy flavor that melts well and complements the other ingredients.
swiss cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella provides a creamy texture and mild flavor, making it a versatile substitute.
sauerkraut - Substitute with coleslaw: Coleslaw adds a crunchy texture and a tangy flavor that can stand in for sauerkraut.
sauerkraut - Substitute with kimchi: Kimchi offers a spicier, more complex flavor profile for those looking to add a bit of heat.
thousand island dressing - Substitute with Russian dressing: Russian dressing has a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor, making it an excellent alternative.
thousand island dressing - Substitute with honey mustard: Honey mustard provides a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
softened butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used to toast the bread, offering a healthier fat option with a rich flavor.
softened butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine provides a similar texture and can be used as a spread for toasting the bread.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Sandwich
How to Store or Freeze Your Sandwich
- Allow the grilled turkey reuben sandwiches to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
- Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps maintain freshness and prevents the sandwiches from sticking together.
- Place the wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This provides an extra layer of protection against freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date of preparation. This ensures you can keep track of how long the sandwiches have been stored.
- Store the sandwiches in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them within 2-3 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer where they can last up to 1-2 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw frozen sandwiches in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor.
- Reheat the sandwiches by placing them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy. Alternatively, you can use a grill pan or skillet over medium heat, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side.
- Avoid using a microwave for reheating, as it can make the bread chewy and the sauerkraut soggy.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the sandwich in aluminum foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
Use a toaster oven for a quicker option. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and place the sandwich directly on the rack. Toast for 5-7 minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning.
For a stovetop method, heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.
If you prefer using a microwave, wrap the sandwich in a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
For an air fryer method, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the sandwich in the basket and cook for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Grill pan: A flat pan with ridges used to grill the sandwiches, giving them a nice char and grill marks.
Spatula: A flat tool used to flip the sandwiches and ensure even cooking on both sides.
Butter knife: Used to spread butter evenly on the bread slices.
Cutting board: A surface to assemble and prepare the sandwiches.
Knife: Used to slice the turkey if it's not pre-sliced and to cut the sandwiches in half if desired.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the thousand island dressing and butter accurately.
Small bowl: To hold the sauerkraut, making it easier to layer onto the sandwiches.
Tongs: Useful for handling the hot sandwiches on the grill pan.
Time-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Preassemble ingredients: Gather and prepare all ingredients in advance, such as slicing the turkey and cheese, and draining the sauerkraut.
Use a panini press: If you have a panini press, use it to cook both sides of the sandwich simultaneously, cutting cooking time in half.
Preheat the grill pan: Ensure your grill pan is preheated before you start cooking to reduce the time needed to achieve a golden brown crust.
Butter in advance: Butter the bread slices ahead of time and store them in the fridge, so they are ready to use when you need them.

Grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwich
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 slices Rye Bread
- 6 oz Sliced Turkey
- 4 slices Swiss Cheese
- 1 cup Sauerkraut
- 4 tablespoon Thousand Island Dressing
- 2 tablespoon Butter softened
Instructions
- 1. Preheat your grill pan over medium heat.
- 2. Butter one side of each slice of rye bread.
- 3. On the unbuttered side, spread Thousand Island dressing.
- 4. Layer turkey, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut on two slices of bread, then top with the remaining slices, buttered side out.
- 5. Place sandwiches on the grill pan. Cook until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- 6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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