The Ultimate Guide to Turkey Reuben

Imagine biting into a warm, perfectly toasted sandwich. The rich flavor of savory turkey, the tangy zest of sauerkraut, the creamy smoothness of dressing, and the melted goodness of Swiss cheese all coming together in a delightful symphony. This isn’t just any sandwich; this is a Turkey Reuben. A delectable twist on a classic, the Turkey Reuben offers a lighter yet equally satisfying experience. While the traditional Reuben sandwich features corned beef, this variation makes use of turkey, creating a versatile and delicious meal. This article serves as your comprehensive guide to the Turkey Reuben, exploring all its flavorful nuances and how to make the perfect one.

Part 1 What is a Turkey Reuben?

The Turkey Reuben is a savory and satisfying sandwich that reimagines the classic Reuben, swapping out the traditional corned beef for turkey. This substitution is what defines the Turkey Reuben, offering a leaner, but equally flavorful alternative. Often, you’ll find it referred to as a “”Rachel,”” this name often indicates that turkey is the main protein, further establishing its connection to the Reuben lineage. The flavor profile of a Turkey Reuben is a harmonious combination of the savory turkey, the tangy kick of sauerkraut, the creamy richness of dressing, and the melted, nutty notes of cheese. Its popularity lies in its versatility; It’s a perfect way to use up leftover turkey or to enjoy a lighter sandwich option anytime. Before we dive deeper into the components, it’s good to understand the distinction between different names and where this sandwich sits within the wider sandwich landscape.

The Origins of the Reuben and its Turkey Variant

The original Reuben sandwich has a debated history, with stories pointing to both New York and Nebraska as its birthplace. Whichever story you believe, it is undeniable that the combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing on rye has been a popular choice for generations. The Turkey Reuben simply swaps out that corned beef for turkey, offering a slightly lighter and equally tasty experience. Furthermore, this variant has also grown in popularity, making its way onto menus and into kitchens all over the country. You might also encounter it with the name Rachel, and in the next section we’ll be exploring that difference in names.

This sandwich offers a wonderful blend of flavors and textures that please the palate. The tanginess of the sauerkraut pairs perfectly with the rich and savory notes of the turkey. The melted cheese adds a creamy element while the dressing provides a tangy-sweet contrast that ties it all together. The toasted or grilled bread adds a necessary crispy crunch. The result is a balanced sandwich experience that will keep you coming back for more.

Core Components: The Anatomy of a Turkey Reuben

A truly great Turkey Reuben is more than the sum of its parts. Let’s dive into each element, ensuring you grasp what makes each ingredient essential and why quality matters.

The Importance of the Right Bread

The foundation of any sandwich is the bread and the Turkey Reuben is no different. The classic choice is rye bread, known for its hearty texture and slightly tangy flavor. The rye offers a robust base that stands up to the rich fillings. However, there’s room to play with the bread as well.

Rye bread is the quintessential choice for a Reuben, offering a hearty and slightly tangy base.
Variations such as marble rye, pumpernickel, or even sourdough can provide a unique twist.
Toasting or grilling the bread enhances its texture, creating a delightful crunch that contrasts the soft fillings.

Marble rye is a great alternative that combines the best of both worlds with its blend of light and dark rye, offering a slightly sweeter profile. Pumpernickel, with its dark color and intense flavor, is another option for those seeking a more robust sandwich. Sourdough bread adds a tangy twist, offering an excellent counterpoint to the richness of the other ingredients. Regardless of your choice, ensure that your bread is sturdy enough to hold all the fillings without becoming soggy. Toasted or grilled bread is highly recommended as this will add that needed texture to your sandwich.

Choosing Your Turkey

The star protein of the Turkey Reuben is obviously the turkey. The choice here can vastly affect your overall experience, so let’s explore some great choices.

You can opt for various kinds of turkey: sliced deli turkey, roasted turkey, smoked turkey, or even pastrami-seasoned turkey.
The Turkey Reuben is a fantastic way to repurpose Thanksgiving leftovers.
Preparation of the turkey can be as simple as slicing it, or slightly warming it before placing it on the sandwich.

Sliced deli turkey offers convenience and consistency, while roasted turkey provides a more authentic and flavorful option. Smoked turkey will introduce a new layer of flavor to the Turkey Reuben, making it a fantastic choice for those who love a deeper, smoky note. For those who enjoy the familiar taste of pastrami, pastrami seasoned turkey is a delightful and creative twist. Leftover holiday turkey, such as from Thanksgiving, is a perfect and economical way to enjoy this sandwich. You can either slice the turkey directly from the breast or gently warm it up for an added layer of comfort and warmth.

The Significance of Sauerkraut

The next key element is the sauerkraut. This fermented cabbage brings a unique tanginess and acidity which is a must for the perfect Turkey Reuben. However, there are more than one way to enjoy this ingredient and you can choose from different varieties.

Traditional sauerkraut is made through the fermentation of cabbage, giving it a unique tangy flavor.
Variations like Bavarian sauerkraut or even kimchi can add a different dimension.
Draining the sauerkraut properly is crucial to prevent a soggy sandwich.

Traditional sauerkraut is made from fermented cabbage, giving it its distinctive tangy flavor. Bavarian sauerkraut is a milder, sweeter version with caraway seeds. Alternatively, if you want to experiment with a different kind of flavor, you can try kimchi. Whichever you choose, it’s crucial to drain the sauerkraut properly before placing it on your sandwich. Excess moisture will make your Reuben soggy and unpleasant to eat. You may want to gently squeeze the sauerkraut to remove as much liquid as possible.

The Cheese: Swiss or Another?

The cheese is not just a filler; it’s a binder, bringing all the other components together with its melt and flavor. The classic choice for a Reuben is indeed Swiss cheese but there are options, so let’s explore them.

Swiss cheese is the classic choice, bringing a nutty and slightly salty flavor and melting beautifully.
Other options include Gruyère or provolone for those looking to vary the flavor.
The melting process is essential for a cohesive sandwich experience.

Swiss cheese is known for its nutty and slightly salty taste, melting into a smooth, creamy texture, making it the perfect candidate for a Reuben. If you want to change things up you can experiment with Gruyere which will give you a richer and more robust flavor. Provolone is another popular choice, which also melts well and delivers a milder profile. The melting process is as important as your choice of cheese. The melted cheese will not only add flavor but it will ensure that all components meld into one satisfying sandwich experience.

The Dressing: Thousand Island or Russian?

The final component is the dressing. The dressing adds moisture and an important flavor that balances out the other components in a Turkey Reuben. It ties the sandwich together with a tangy sweetness that is simply perfect.

Thousand Island dressing is the traditional choice, offering a sweet and tangy flavor with a creamy texture.
Russian dressing, a spicier alternative with horseradish, is also popular.
Whether you choose homemade or store-bought is up to you.

Thousand Island dressing is a classic choice with a sweet and tangy profile and creamy texture. Russian dressing is a spicier alternative that adds a horseradish kick to your sandwich. The choice between homemade and store-bought comes down to personal preference. Homemade dressing provides control over the quality and taste, as well as allowing you to make adjustments to your own taste. Store-bought is a convenient option, perfect when you need to save time. The most important thing is to ensure that you select a dressing that perfectly complements the other elements of the Turkey Reuben.

The “”Rachel”” vs. The Turkey Reuben

There is often confusion surrounding the terms “”Turkey Reuben“” and “”Rachel.”” In most cases, they refer to the exact same sandwich: a Reuben made with turkey instead of corned beef. These terms are often used interchangeably, meaning you may find it under both names in restaurants or recipes. However, it’s good to know that regionally, there might be slight differences in what each term implies. The origin of the name Rachel is a bit murky, and has a few historical myths connected to it. Regardless of the name, the core ingredients remain consistent: turkey, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, dressing, and rye bread.

Variations on the Turkey Reuben

The Turkey Reuben is a versatile sandwich and there are many ways you can modify it to your liking. Let’s look at some popular variations.

Grilling Your Reuben

Grilled Turkey Reuben:
- Grilling the Turkey Reuben creates a crispier sandwich with a beautiful texture.
- Simply grill the assembled sandwich until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Grilling the Turkey Reuben offers a crispier sandwich with that gorgeous texture that grilled sandwiches have. This is a fantastic way to add an extra layer of texture to your sandwich. The process is simple: after assembling, place it on a grill pan or skillet and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Adding a Smoky Note

Smoked Turkey Reuben:
- Using smoked turkey adds a distinct smoky flavor profile to the sandwich.
- Pair with a slightly more robust dressing to balance the flavors.

Using smoked turkey to make your Turkey Reuben will infuse a very unique flavor profile. The smoky notes from the turkey will add depth and complexity to the sandwich. Consider pairing it with a more robust dressing to help balance the flavors.

Holiday Themed Reuben

Holiday Turkey Reuben:
- Add some leftover cranberry sauce for a sweet and tart element.
- Incorporate some leftover gravy for a richer, decadent taste.

This option is perfect when you have holiday leftovers and want a new way to enjoy them. A bit of cranberry sauce adds a sweet and tart element that compliments the other flavors. Gravy adds a richer, decadent flavor and makes this option a heartier sandwich.

Coleslaw Instead of Sauerkraut

Coleslaw instead of Sauerkraut:
- Replacing the sauerkraut with coleslaw gives a creamier and more mild tang to the sandwich.
- Use creamy coleslaw for a richer taste, or vinegar-based coleslaw for a tangier option.

Replacing the sauerkraut with coleslaw gives you a creamier and milder tang. Creamy coleslaw adds richness, while a vinegar based coleslaw is a good option if you still want some tang. You can customize your coleslaw to perfectly match your sandwich profile.

Spicy Reuben

Spicy Reuben:
- Include some jalapenos for a kick of heat.
- Try using a spicy version of the thousand island dressing, or a sriracha mayo.

This variation is for those who like a spicy kick in their sandwich. Jalapenos will add some heat to the mix and you can also try a spicy thousand island dressing. A sriracha mayo will also add some heat as well as a creamy, delicious flavor.

Vegetarian Options

Vegetarian Options:
- For a vegetarian alternative, try substituting the turkey with mushrooms for a meaty and earthy texture.

This option allows you to enjoy the deliciousness of the Turkey Reuben even if you don’t eat meat. Substituting the turkey with mushrooms provides a hearty, meaty, and earthy option that still gives you an amazing result.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought

The choice between homemade and store-bought Turkey Reuben comes down to your preferences and time constraints.

Advantages of Homemade:
- Making it at home gives you the flexibility to customize your ingredients, using high quality items or specific brands like Boar’s Head or Jeff Mauro.
- The freshness of homemade ingredients can enhance the overall flavor.
Convenience of Store-Bought:
- Store bought pre-made sandwiches can be a time-saving option for a quick and easy meal.
- Opt for store-bought when you’re short on time or prefer the consistency of a pre-made option.
Best Practices:
- Consider making your own when you have more time for the quality that comes with fresh ingredients.
- Choose store-bought when you’re in a hurry, but ensure quality by checking reviews and ingredients.

That completes Part 1 of The Ultimate Guide to a Turkey Reuben.

Part 2: Crafting Your Perfect Turkey Reuben

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s delve into the practical aspects of making the ultimate Turkey Reuben. This section will guide you through each step, providing tips and tricks to elevate your sandwich from good to exceptional. We’ll explore the process from ingredient selection to final assembly. This will ensure a delicious and satisfying culinary experience.

Selecting Quality Ingredients

The foundation of a great Turkey Reuben lies in the quality of its components. Choosing fresh, high-quality ingredients can make a significant difference. Let’s consider the bread, turkey, and other crucial elements. Each should be chosen with care for optimal flavor.

Choosing the Right Bread

Rye bread is the traditional base for a Reuben, offering a robust flavor. However, not all rye breads are created equal. Look for a loaf that is dense but not too heavy, with a good balance of flavor. If possible, opt for a seeded rye for added texture and taste. The best rye breads will have a slightly tangy flavor that complements the rich flavors of the other ingredients. Make sure the loaf is thick enough to hold all the components without becoming soggy.

Selecting Your Turkey

The turkey is the star protein in this sandwich. It is important to choose the right type. Sliced deli turkey is a quick and convenient option for weekday meal, however, roasted turkey, especially if you have some leftover, will offer a richer and more flavorful experience. Consider smoked turkey for a deeper flavor profile. Whatever your choice, make sure it’s thinly sliced for easy layering. The best turkey will be moist and savory, adding to the overall mouthfeel.

The Tangy Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut provides the crucial tangy element that cuts through the richness of the other ingredients. Traditional sauerkraut is fermented cabbage. Be sure to drain it thoroughly to avoid a soggy sandwich. If you’re feeling adventurous, try different types, such as Bavarian or even homemade sauerkraut. The flavor profile will change with each type of sauerkraut, providing variety to the experience.

The Melty Cheese

Swiss cheese is the go-to choice for a Reuben, offering a nutty and slightly salty flavor. It also melts beautifully. When selecting your Swiss cheese, look for slices that are not too thick. This will ensure a smooth melt. Other options like Gruyere or provolone can be used for a twist, but the classic Swiss cheese flavor will always be best in a Reuben.

The All-Important Dressing

Thousand Island dressing is the classic choice. It provides a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor. You can choose store-bought or homemade. If using store-bought, choose a good brand with a balanced flavor profile. For a spicier option, consider Russian dressing. Alternatively, you can make your own Thousand Island dressing. Here is a simple recipe

Ingredient	Quantity
Mayonnaise	1/2 cup
Ketchup	2 tablespoons
Sweet pickle relish	2 tablespoons
White vinegar	1/2 teaspoon
Onion powder	1/4 teaspoon
Paprika	1/4 teaspoon

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and chill. This simple dressing can bring a lot of flavor to your sandwich. Regardless of your choice, the dressing is crucial for both flavor and moisture in the Turkey Reuben.

Building Your Turkey Reuben: Step by Step

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s assemble your perfect Turkey Reuben. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure a delicious and structurally sound sandwich. Pay attention to each layer, as it contributes to the overall flavor and texture.

Preparing the Bread

First, lightly butter the outside of each slice of rye bread. This will help create a crispy golden crust when grilled or toasted. You can use a griddle, a pan, or even a panini press for this step. Toasted or grilled bread enhances the texture of your sandwich.

Layering the Ingredients

Now you can start building your sandwich. On one slice of bread, start with a layer of Swiss cheese. The cheese will melt over the other ingredients as it is heated. Next, add a generous layer of sliced turkey, making sure it’s distributed evenly. Top the turkey with a layer of well-drained sauerkraut. Add the Thousand Island dressing or Russian dressing on the other slice of bread. Place the dressed bread on top of the sauerkraut to complete the sandwich.

Grilling or Toasting the Sandwich

Place the assembled sandwich on a preheated griddle, pan, or panini press. Grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. The goal is to ensure the sandwich is heated thoroughly. This ensures a warm and cohesive filling.

Cutting and Serving

Once the sandwich is perfectly grilled, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a minute. Cut the sandwich in half diagonally to make it easier to handle and serve. The result is a visually appealing and delicious final product. Serve your Turkey Reuben immediately.

Tips for the Perfect Turkey Reuben

Here are some extra tips to ensure your Turkey Reuben is perfect every time. These small details can take your sandwich to the next level.

Draining the Sauerkraut: This is a crucial step for avoiding a soggy sandwich. Use a fine-mesh sieve and press out excess liquid.
Even Layering: Make sure each ingredient is spread evenly across the bread for a balanced flavor in every bite.
Proper Heat Control: When grilling or toasting, use medium heat to ensure the bread doesn’t burn before the cheese melts.
Experiment with Variations: Try adding a touch of spice or swapping ingredients to find your perfect combination.
Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh ingredients whenever possible for the best possible flavor.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with a good recipe, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.

Soggy Sandwich: This is usually caused by excess moisture from the sauerkraut. Make sure to drain it well.
Uneven Melting: This could be due to the cheese slices being too thick or not enough heat.
Burnt Bread: If the bread is burning before the cheese melts, lower the heat and grill or toast longer with a lower temperature.
Lack of Flavor: This can usually be fixed by using better quality ingredients. You may need to adjust the dressing to your taste.

Serving Suggestions

The Turkey Reuben is a satisfying meal on its own, but it can also be paired with various sides to complete your meal. Here are a few suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Pickles: A classic pairing, the tangy crunch of pickles complements the richness of the sandwich.
Potato Chips or Fries: Crispy sides such as fries or potato chips go well with a Turkey Reuben.
Coleslaw: If you want to replace sauerkraut in the sandwich, you can serve some coleslaw on the side.
Soup: A warm bowl of tomato soup or a lighter broth-based soup is great for those chilly days.
Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette is also a great option.

A Few Variations on the Theme

Now, let’s explore a few additional variations for those who want to experiment further. The Turkey Reuben is incredibly versatile.

Cranberry Turkey Reuben: This variation is perfect for using holiday leftovers. Add cranberry sauce for a sweet and tart element.
Spicy Turkey Reuben: Add some sliced jalapenos or use a spicy dressing for a kick. A bit of sriracha mayo would work well.
Vegetarian Reuben: Swap the turkey with grilled portobello mushrooms for a hearty and flavorful vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

The Turkey Reuben is a delicious and versatile sandwich that offers a delightful twist on a classic. By choosing high quality ingredients, carefully following these steps, and experimenting with variations, you can create the ultimate Turkey Reuben. Enjoy the process, and savor the delicious results.

That concludes our Ultimate Guide to a Turkey Reuben! We hope you enjoy this fantastic sandwich as much as we do.