Grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwich Recipe
There are few sandwiches that can rival the satisfying crunch, gooey melt, and explosion of tangy flavor quite like a Grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwich. This tasty twist on a deli classic swaps out traditional corned beef for juicy slices of turkey breast, layering them with nutty Swiss cheese, punchy sauerkraut, and creamy Thousand Island dressing, all griddled to golden perfection between slices of rye bread. Whether you’re making the most of leftover turkey or just craving a hearty, comfort-food meal, this sandwich is absolutely irresistible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about the Grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwich is how it takes a handful of everyday ingredients and transforms them into something truly crave-worthy. Each component brings something important to the table, from the earthy bite of rye bread to the rich creaminess of the dressing. Here’s what you need and why it matters:
- Rye bread: The robust, slightly sour flavor of rye holds up perfectly to the fillings and achieves a gorgeous, crisp crust when grilled.
- Butter (softened): Spread on the bread, it guarantees a shatteringly crisp and golden exterior every time.
- Thousand Island dressing: This sweet, tangy, and creamy spread ties all the sandwich elements together and adds classic deli flair.
- Swiss cheese: With its mellow nuttiness and incredible meltability, Swiss cheese oozes beautifully through every bite.
- Sliced cooked turkey breast: Turkey is a lighter, savory alternative to beef here—it’s tender and soaks up the flavors of the dressing and sauerkraut.
- Kosher sauerkraut (drained and patted dry): Bright and tangy, sauerkraut adds both crunch and a refreshing counterpoint to rich cheese and dressing.
How to Make Grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwich
Step 1: Assemble Your Ingredients
Before you even start assembling your Grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwich, make sure everything is prepped and close at hand. Pat the sauerkraut completely dry (it prevents sogginess), slice the cheese and turkey if necessary, and soften your butter for easier spreading. Laying out your ingredients makes assembly quick and ensures your sandwiches are as crisp as can be.
Step 2: Butter and Dress the Bread
Grab your rye bread slices and spread a generous layer of butter on one side of each. Flip four slices over so the unbuttered side faces up, and lavish each with Thousand Island dressing. That creamy tang will act as a delicious glue for your fillings!
Step 3: Layer on the Good Stuff
Now for the fun part: stacking up flavors! On top of the dressing, add a slice of Swiss cheese to each. Pile on an even layer of sliced turkey breast, followed by a hearty scoop of drained sauerkraut, and add one more slice of Swiss for extra meltiness. Top each stack with the remaining bread slices, buttered side out, creating perfectly packed sandwiches.
Step 4: Grill to Melted Perfection
Preheat your skillet or griddle to medium heat. Carefully set the sandwiches on, pressing gently with a spatula. Grill each side for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the bread turns golden brown and crisp and the cheese melts into irresistible ribbons. Work in batches if needed, keeping finished sandwiches warm in a low oven.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Once your Grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwiches are hot and melty, transfer to a cutting board, let them rest a minute, then slice in half for that iconic deli look. Serve immediately and get ready for happy faces all around.
How to Serve Grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwich
Garnishes
Give your Grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwich a finishing flourish with a sprig of fresh dill, a handful of pickle chips, or even a dusting of caraway seeds for extra deli cred. The right garnish adds vibrant color and a bright zip that contrasts beautifully with the sandwich’s richness.
Side Dishes
Nothing complements a Grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwich quite like a side of crisp potato chips, classic dill pickles, or a creamy coleslaw. For something a little lighter, a mixed green salad with a tart vinaigrette works beautifully, balancing the sandwich’s gooey and savory elements.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your creativity shine by serving mini Grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwiches as party sliders, or cut each sandwich into quarters for hearty hors d’oeuvres at your next gathering. For a fun diner twist, plate the sandwich with a pile of kettle chips and a pickle spear on the side!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwiches (a rare but possible scenario!), wrap them tightly in foil and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay tasty for up to 2 days—the flavors even meld together a bit more.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze assembled, ungrilled Grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwiches. Just wrap each one tightly in plastic, then foil, and store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before grilling for best results.
Reheating
To bring your sandwich back to crispy, melty glory, reheat it in a skillet over medium-low heat, pressing gently until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible—it can make the bread soggy—but a toaster oven or air fryer both work great for a crisp finish.
FAQs
Can I use homemade Thousand Island dressing?
Absolutely! Homemade Thousand Island gives an extra-fresh, tangy kick to the Grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwich. Blend together mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, a dash of vinegar, and a teaspoon of finely chopped onion for a personal touch.
What’s the best kind of turkey to use?
You can use deli-sliced turkey breast or homemade roasted turkey—both are delicious. Thicker slices from leftover roast turkey give the sandwich a heartier bite, while deli turkey is convenient and consistent for grilling.
How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Drying the sauerkraut thoroughly is key! Spread it on a paper towel and pat away as much liquid as possible. Also, grilling over medium heat ensures the bread crisps up before the filling has a chance to make things damp.
Can I substitute the Swiss cheese?
Definitely. If you’re out of Swiss or just want to switch things up, try mild cheddar, provolone, or havarti—each melts beautifully and brings a unique twist to the classic Grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwich.
Is this sandwich allergy-friendly?
You can easily customize your Grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwich to suit dietary needs. Opt for gluten-free rye bread, plant-based butter, or dairy-free cheese to make the sandwich work for most allergies or preferences.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a sandwich that hits all the right notes—crispy, melty, tangy, and deeply comforting—the Grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwich is sure to become a new favorite in your home. Give it a try, personalize it to your taste, and don’t be surprised if it disappears faster than any other sandwich you’ve made!
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Grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwich Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of a Grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwich, a classic American favorite with a twist. Loaded with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing, this sandwich is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 8 slices rye bread
Butter:
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
Thousand Island Dressing:
- 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing
Swiss Cheese:
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
Turkey:
- 8 ounces sliced cooked turkey breast
Sauerkraut:
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and patted dry
Instructions
- Prepare Bread: Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- Assemble: On 4 slices of bread, spread Thousand Island dressing. Layer with Swiss cheese, turkey, sauerkraut, more Swiss cheese, and top with remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
- Cook: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook sandwiches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, briefly toast the sauerkraut before adding it to the sandwich.
- You can substitute sliced leftover Thanksgiving turkey for cooked turkey breast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1120mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
