If you’re craving a truly satisfying sandwich, meet the Traeger Reuben Sandwich: smoky, tender corned beef layered with plenty of sauerkraut, melty Swiss cheese, and a generous spread of Thousand Island dressing. This version uses smoked corned beef to add a rich, savory depth that elevates the classic deli favorite.
Traeger Reuben Sandwich Recipe
The Reuben is a timeless sandwich that balances rich, smoky meat with tangy and creamy elements. In this recipe, smoked corned beef takes center stage. Corned beef began as a preservation technique using coarse salt, and today it’s celebrated for its tender texture and robust flavor. Smoking the corned beef introduces an extra layer of complexity, giving every bite a subtle smokiness that pairs beautifully with the other components.
A great Reuben depends on harmony between its ingredients. Tangy sauerkraut cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese, Thousand Island dressing adds creaminess and a hint of sweetness, and Swiss cheese melts into a gooey layer that ties everything together. Choose a sturdy rye bread to hold the fillings and provide a slightly earthy, caraway-tinged base for the sandwich.
Recipe Shopping List
Here’s a concise shopping list. For exact quantities and a printable version, see the recipe card below.
- Smoked corned beef (or cooked corned beef or pastrami)
- Sauerkraut
- Thousand Island dressing
- Swiss cheese
- Rye bread
If you don’t have smoked corned beef on hand, regular corned beef will work fine—smoking is optional but recommended for extra flavor. If you enjoy making things from scratch, homemade sauerkraut is a great option to customize acidity and texture.
How To Make This Recipe
This overview gives the main steps so you know what to expect. For best results, follow the detailed instructions in the recipe card below while you cook.
- Butter your bread – Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- Assemble – Place a slice of bread butter-side down in a skillet over medium heat. Layer Swiss cheese, a portion of smoked corned beef, sauerkraut, and a spoonful of Thousand Island dressing, then top with the second slice of bread, butter-side up.
- Brown – Cook about 3–4 minutes per side until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is melted. Flip carefully to keep the sandwich intact.
- Serve – Remove from the pan, cut in half, and enjoy while warm.
Recipe FAQ
Yes. Regular corned beef makes a tasty Reuben. Smoking adds flavor but is not required—just be sure the meat is tender and sliced thinly for the best texture.
If sauerkraut isn’t for you, try coleslaw or thinly sliced pickles for tang and crunch. Kimchi is another bold alternative if you want a spicier, fermented option.
While rye is traditional, sturdy breads like sourdough, whole grain, or a crusty ciabatta all work well. Choose a bread that will hold up to the fillings and toasting.
More Great Recipes
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- Sweet Chili Chicken Leg Quarters
- Grilled London Broil
- Poor Man’s Burnt Ends
- Chashu Pork Belly
- Gyro Sandwich
- Smoked Mac and Cheese
- Traeger Salmon
- Tomahawk Ribeye
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Traeger Reuben Sandwich
4 sandwiches
10 minutes
10 minutes
10 minutes
We transformed tender, smoked and beer-braised corned beef into a classic Reuben. With plenty of sauerkraut, melting Swiss, and a tangy Thousand Island dressing, this sandwich is both comforting and bold in flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds cooked sliced corned beef or pastrami
- 1 cup sauerkraut
- 4 tablespoons Thousand Island dressing
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 8 slices rye bread
- Butter for grilling
Instructions
- Butter each slice of bread on one side.
- Place one slice, butter-side down, into a preheated skillet over medium heat.
- Layer a slice of Swiss cheese, about ½ cup of corned beef, ¼ cup sauerkraut, and about 1 tablespoon Thousand Island on the bread. Top with the second slice of bread, butter-side up.
- Cook until the bottom is golden and the cheese starts to melt, 3–4 minutes. Carefully flip and cook the other side until browned and the sandwich is heated through.
- Remove, rest briefly, then slice and serve while warm.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4
Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Amounts Per Serving (estimate)
Calories: 774
Total Fat: 58g
Cholesterol: 264mg
Sodium: 2915mg
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 53g
Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate.