Indulge in the delightful flavors of a classic deli sandwich with a twist. This grilled turkey Reuben sandwich combines the savory taste of turkey breast with the tangy crunch of sauerkraut, all melted together with creamy Swiss cheese and zesty thousand island dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, this sandwich is sure to become a favorite.
If you don't typically keep rye bread or sauerkraut in your pantry, you might need to pick these up at the supermarket. Rye bread adds a unique flavor that complements the other ingredients, while sauerkraut provides a tangy contrast to the richness of the Swiss cheese and thousand island dressing. Make sure to check the deli section for fresh turkey breast slices.

Ingredients for Grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwich Recipe
Rye bread: A type of bread made with rye flour, known for its distinct flavor and dense texture.
Turkey breast: Sliced deli meat that is lean and mild in flavor, perfect for sandwiches.
Swiss cheese: A creamy, mild cheese that melts beautifully, adding a rich flavor to the sandwich.
Sauerkraut: Fermented cabbage that adds a tangy, crunchy element to the sandwich.
Thousand island dressing: A creamy, tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, ketchup, and relish, adding a zesty flavor.
Butter: Softened butter is used to grill the bread to a golden brown, adding a rich, crispy texture.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To ensure your grilled turkey reuben sandwich achieves the perfect balance of flavors and textures, make sure to thoroughly drain the sauerkraut before adding it to the sandwich. Excess moisture from the sauerkraut can make the bread soggy, which will detract from the desired crispiness. Additionally, when layering the ingredients, place the swiss cheese directly on top of the turkey and beneath the sauerkraut. This helps the cheese melt evenly and acts as a barrier to keep the sauerkraut's moisture from seeping into the bread.
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 offers a healthier alternative with a nutty flavor that pairs nicely with the other ingredients.
turkey breast - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast provides a similar lean protein option that works well in the sandwich.
turkey breast - Substitute with roast beef: Roast beef adds a different flavor profile but still offers a hearty and satisfying filling.
swiss cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone has a mild, slightly tangy flavor that melts well, making it a good alternative.
swiss cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella provides a creamy texture and mild taste that complements the sandwich ingredients.
sauerkraut - Substitute with coleslaw: Coleslaw adds a crunchy texture and a tangy flavor that can replace the sauerkraut.
sauerkraut - Substitute with pickled red cabbage: Pickled red cabbage offers a similar tangy taste and adds a vibrant color to the sandwich.
thousand island dressing - Substitute with russian dressing: Russian dressing has a similar creamy and tangy profile, making it a suitable replacement.
thousand island dressing - Substitute with honey mustard: Honey mustard provides a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients well.
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 can be used as a direct substitute for butter, providing a similar texture and taste.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Sandwich
How to Store or Freeze This 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 to maintain freshness and prevents the sandwiches from sticking together.
- Place the wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This adds an extra layer of protection against freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date. This ensures you keep track of how long the sandwiches have been stored.
- Store the sandwiches in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer where they can last up to 2 months.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen sandwiches in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the sandwiches in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can use a microwave for a quicker option, but the bread may not be as crispy.
- For the best texture, consider reheating the sandwiches on a grill pan or skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Wrap the Grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwich in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
- Place the wrapped sandwich on a baking sheet.
- Heat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the turkey and swiss cheese are warmed through and the bread is crispy.
- Unwrap and enjoy your reheated sandwich.
Stovetop Method:
- Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Place the Grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwich in the skillet.
- Cover the skillet with a lid to help the heat circulate and melt the swiss cheese.
- Heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the sandwich is warmed through and the bread is crispy.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Microwave Method:
- Place the Grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwich on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a damp paper towel to keep the bread from drying out.
- Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
- If the swiss cheese isn't fully melted, continue microwaving in 15-second intervals.
- Let it sit for a minute before serving to allow the heat to distribute evenly.
Toaster Oven Method:
- Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the Grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwich on the toaster oven rack or a baking tray.
- Heat for about 10 minutes, or until the turkey and swiss cheese are warmed through and the bread is crispy.
- Remove and enjoy your reheated sandwich.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the Grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwich in the air fryer basket.
- Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Once the swiss cheese is melted and the bread is crispy, remove and enjoy.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Grill pan: A flat or ridged pan used to grill the sandwich, giving it a nice char and crispy texture.
Spatula: A flat utensil used to flip the sandwich and ensure even grilling on both sides.
Butter knife: A knife used to spread the softened butter evenly on the bread slices.
Cutting board: A flat surface used to assemble the sandwich ingredients and prepare the bread.
Measuring cup: A tool used to measure the correct amount of sauerkraut.
Tablespoon: A spoon used to measure and spread the thousand island dressing accurately.
Plate: A dish used to serve the hot, grilled sandwich once it's ready.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Preheat the grill pan: Start preheating your grill pan while you prepare the ingredients to save time.
Use pre-sliced ingredients: Opt for pre-sliced turkey breast and swiss cheese to cut down on prep time.
Assemble sandwiches in advance: Layer the turkey, cheese, sauerkraut, and thousand island dressing on the bread before heating the pan.
Butter in bulk: Soften and spread butter on all slices of rye bread at once to streamline the process.
Cook multiple sandwiches: If your grill pan is large enough, cook two sandwiches simultaneously to save time.
Grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 slices Rye Bread
- 4 slices Turkey Breast
- 2 slices Swiss Cheese
- ½ cup Sauerkraut
- 2 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. Place two slices of bread, butter side down, on the grill pan.
- 4. Layer with turkey, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing.
- 5. Top with the remaining slices of bread, butter side up.
- 6. Grill until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- 7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Recipe
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