Real corned beef and a properly sour kraut are what separate this from a sad deli imitation. Squeeze the kraut dry before it hits the pan or the sandwich steams and goes soggy.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep10 min
Cook10 min
Makes2 sandwiches
CuisineAmerican
Cost$$$
Contains dairy · gluten
Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for2sandwiches
Corned beef
Well-brined brisket, sliced thin against the grain.
Can you make The Reuben in an air fryer? — Sometimes
Sometimes — if the pieces are small and cooked dry, an air fryer can handle it in a single layer; anything saucy or liquid needs a pan. When in doubt, the stovetop or oven is the safe call.
Can you freeze The Reuben? — Not ideal
Not really — the cream, custard, or emulsion turns grainy or splits once thawed. This one is best kept fresh in the fridge.
Can you make The Reuben ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it keeps in the fridge for a few days; stir or shake it before serving.
Is The Reuben gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
Is The Reuben vegan? — No
No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.
Community Notes
Cooked it? Changed something that worked? Leave a note for the next person — first-name basis, no account.
Open data. Every maker on this site is published as a free dataset under CC BY 4.0 — use it in anything, commercial or not, as long as you credit 5best2buy. Browse the datasets →