Corned Beef and Sauerkraut Sandwich

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
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Updated on 12/23/21
Reuben sandwich with a red toothpick on a white background
Bernard Prost / Getty Images
Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 5 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Yield: 1 sandwich

Most people typically enjoy corned beef sandwiches on St. Patrick's Day, but there's no reason not to have the signature flavors of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese any time of year.

This corned beef sandwich is topped with sauerkraut and Swiss cheese. The meats are put on a flavorful rye bread that is slathered with mustard for even more savory flavoring. There are a few variations you can also try such as changing up the type of bread or cheese you use.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup sauerkraut

  • 2 slices dark rye bread

  • 1 slice Swiss cheese

  • 4 slices corned beef

  • 1 teaspoon mustard

Steps to Make It

  1. Drain the sauerkraut.

  2. On a slice of dark rye bread, arrange a layer of Swiss cheese, a few slices of hot corned beef, and sauerkraut.

  3. Spread with your favorite mustard and top with another slice of dark rye.

Tips

How to Cook Corned Beef

If you want fresh corned beef on your sandwich instead of sliced corned beef bought at a deli, there are a few ways to prepare it:

  • Slow-Cooked: Pop your corned beef in the crockpot with spices and water and let the slow-cooker do the rest. It will create a tender, juicy corned beef that can be sliced and put on sandwiches, or eaten plain.
  • Boiled: With this method, you put the corned beef into a large pot or Dutch oven along with spices that come in the package—and plenty of water. Boil it and then reduce the heat to simmer the corned beef with a cover over it. 
  • Oven Braised: Place the roast in a Dutch oven or roasting pan and bake it in the oven with aluminum foil on top to keep it juicy.

Variations

  • Toast the bread before making the sandwich, or bake the entire sandwich in an oven.
  • Use white bread, wheat or pumpernickel bread. You can put this on a roll, too.
  • Replace the Swiss cheese with cheddar, Muenster, fontina, or Gouda for a different flavor profile.
  • Add some bacon to the sandwich.
  • Instead of plain mustard, use Dijon mustard or a spicy Sriracha mayonnaise, or mayonnaise mixed with Dijon mustard. It will add a tangy sauce that goes beyond the ordinary.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
802 Calories
53g Fat
24g Carbs
53g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 802
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 53g 68%
Saturated Fat 20g 99%
Cholesterol 248mg 83%
Sodium 2884mg 125%
Total Carbohydrate 24g 9%
Dietary Fiber 4g 14%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 53g
Vitamin C 7mg 36%
Calcium 316mg 24%
Iron 6mg 35%
Potassium 508mg 11%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)