Arby’s Copycat Reuben Sandwich

Today’s Copycat Recipe, Arby’s Copycat Reuben Sandwich! One of the most underrated sandwiches in all of fast food, Arby’s makes an amazing corned beef Reuben!

Piled with thin sliced corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and a generous amount of thousand island dressing on both slices of rye bread, this warm sandwich is the perfect combination of savory, sweet, salty, and acidic flavors.

I recreated this easily by cooking the sandwich open-faced in the air fryer to let the circulating air toast the bottoms of the bread and heat through the filling ingredients at the same time.

This ensures that you get warm corned beef and perfectly melty cheese in every bite, without burning the bread—something that can be hard to accomplish with a sandwich of this size if griddling like a grilled cheese.

If you are looking for easy recipes, for you family, try my recipe for air fryer copycat panda express orange chicken, air fryer popeyes fried chicken recipe, air fryer kfc chicken recipe, or air fryer chinese chicken wings.

Ingredients Needed For Arby’s Copycat Reuben Sandwich

Here are the simple ingredients, you will need to make your homemade Arby’s Copycat Reuben Sandwich at home:

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Rye Bread: Traditional Reuben sandwiches use rye bread for its distinct flavor and texture.
• Corned Beef: Thinly sliced corned beef is the classic choice, offering savory and salty flavors.
• Sauerkraut: Tangy sauerkraut adds a delightful crunch and a hint of acidity to balance the richness of the sandwich.
• Swiss Cheese: Melty Swiss cheese brings a creamy texture and nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• Thousand Island Dressing: This creamy, tangy dressing is essential for adding moisture and flavor to the sandwich.
• Butter or Margarine: Used for grilling the sandwich to a crispy golden brown

How To Make Arby’s Reuben Sandwich

Here are the simple steps to make a copycat Arby’s Reuben Sandwich at home:

Spray the bottoms of 2 slices of rye bread with vegetable oil spray or lightly butter to brown as the sandwich toasts in the air fryer. Place oiled-side down. Top both slices of bread with 1 1/2 tablespoons of thousand island dressing.

Roll or fold the sliced corned beef up to create height and place over the dressing on one slice of the bread. Top with the Swiss cheese.

Top the other slice of bread with the drained sauerkraut. Transfer both halves of the sandwich to the air fryer basket, oiled-side down, to cook open-faced. Air fry at 350 degrees F, set cook time for 8–10 minutes, until bread is crispy on the bottom, cheese has melted, and meat has warmed throughout. Combine both halves to make a sandwich before slicing to serve.

Recipe Variations For Arby’s Copycat Reuben Sandwich Recipe

• Turkey Reuben: Substitute the corned beef with thinly sliced roasted turkey breast for a lighter option.
• Pastrami Reuben: Swap out the corned beef for pastrami, which offers a smokier flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Reuben: Replace the meat with grilled or roasted vegetables such as portobello mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. You can also use vegetarian deli slices or tofu for protein.
• Rachel Sandwich: Instead of using sauerkraut, use coleslaw for a tangy twist known as a Rachel sandwich.
• Open-Faced Reuben: Serve the sandwich open-faced with all the traditional ingredients piled on top of one slice of rye bread, then toasted or broiled until the cheese melts.
• Pumpernickel Bread: Use pumpernickel bread instead of rye for a darker, slightly sweeter flavor.
• Russian Dressing: Swap Thousand Island dressing for Russian dressing, which tends to have a spicier and tangier profile.

Pro Tips For Arby’s Copycat Reuben Sandwich Recipe

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh and high-quality ingredients like thinly sliced corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and rye bread to enhance the sandwich’s flavor.
• Toast the Bread Just Right: Toast the rye bread slices until they are golden and crispy. This step helps to prevent the bread from getting soggy when assembling the sandwich.
• Warm the Corned Beef: Warm the corned beef slightly before assembling the sandwich to enhance its juiciness and flavor.
• Drain Sauerkraut Well: Drain and press the sauerkraut to remove excess liquid. This prevents the sandwich from becoming too wet and maintains its texture.
• Melting the Cheese: Place the Swiss cheese slices on top of the warm corned beef to allow them to melt naturally, adding a creamy texture to the sandwich.
• Butter the Bread: Spread butter on the outside of the bread slices before toasting or grilling. This adds a rich flavor and helps achieve a crispy exterior.
• Balance the Flavors: Adjust the amount of sauerkraut and dressing according to your taste preference to achieve the perfect balance of tanginess and creaminess.

Arby’s Reuben Sandwich Recipe Faqs

Can I use pastrami instead of corned beef? Yes, you can substitute pastrami for corned beef if you prefer its flavor. Both meats offer a savory and slightly salty taste that complements the sandwich.

What bread is best for a Reuben sandwich? Rye bread is traditionally used for Reuben sandwiches due to its hearty texture and slightly tangy flavor, which pairs well with the savory ingredients.

Can I make this sandwich ahead of time? While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble the sandwich just before serving to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.

How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy? Toasting or grilling the bread helps create a barrier that prevents moisture from soaking into the bread. Also, draining the sauerkraut well and warming the corned beef helps maintain the sandwich’s texture.

What type of cheese is used in a Reuben sandwich? Swiss cheese is the traditional choice for a Reuben sandwich due to its mild and slightly nutty flavor, which complements the other ingredients without overpowering them.

Can I make a vegetarian version of this sandwich? Yes, you can make a vegetarian Reuben sandwich by substituting corned beef with grilled or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or thinly sliced seitan. Use vegetarian Worcestershire sauce for added flavor.

What sauces can I use besides Russian dressing? Russian dressing is the classic choice, but you can also use Thousand Island dressing or a homemade sauce combining mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, and a touch of hot sauce for added kick.

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