The Reuben sandwich is a classic deli favorite that combines savory flavors and textures into a satisfying meal. This vegan version retains all the deliciousness of the original while being entirely plant-based. Perfect for a quick lunch or a comforting dinner, this sandwich is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Some of the ingredients in this recipe might not be commonly found in every household. Vegan swiss cheese and vegan corned beef are specialty items that you may need to look for in the vegan or specialty foods section of your supermarket. Vegan thousand island dressing is another item that might require a bit of searching, but it can often be found near the salad dressings or in the health food aisle.

Ingredients For Vegan Reuben Sandwich Recipe
Rye bread: A type of bread made with rye flour, known for its dense texture and slightly sour flavor.
Sauerkraut: Fermented cabbage that adds a tangy and crunchy element to the sandwich.
Vegan swiss cheese: A plant-based alternative to traditional Swiss cheese, providing a similar taste and texture.
Vegan corned beef: A meatless version of corned beef, often made from seitan or other plant proteins.
Vegan thousand island dressing: A creamy, tangy dressing made without any animal products, perfect for adding flavor to the sandwich.
Vegan butter: A dairy-free alternative to traditional butter, used for grilling the sandwich to a golden brown.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To achieve the perfect golden brown crust on your rye bread, make sure to spread the vegan butter evenly and use a skillet that's preheated to medium heat. This ensures that the bread cooks evenly and the vegan swiss cheese melts properly, giving you a deliciously crispy and gooey Reuben sandwich.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
Rye bread - Substitute with whole grain bread: Whole grain bread provides a similar texture and nutritional profile while being more widely available.
Sauerkraut - Substitute with kimchi: Kimchi offers a similar tangy flavor with an added spicy kick, enhancing the sandwich's overall taste.
Vegan swiss cheese - Substitute with vegan provolone cheese: Vegan provolone melts well and has a mild flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Vegan corned beef - Substitute with marinated tempeh: Marinated tempeh provides a similar texture and can be seasoned to mimic the flavors of corned beef.
Vegan thousand island dressing - Substitute with vegan Russian dressing: Vegan Russian dressing has a similar creamy and tangy profile, making it a suitable alternative.
Vegan butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used to toast the bread, providing a similar richness and helping to achieve a crispy texture.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Sandwich
How to Store or Freeze This Sandwich
- Allow the Reuben sandwich to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
- Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps maintain freshness and prevents the ingredients from drying out.
- Place the wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container or zip-top bag. This adds an extra layer of protection against moisture and odors.
- Store the sandwiches in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them within 2-3 days. This keeps the vegan cheese and sauerkraut fresh.
- For longer storage, place the wrapped sandwiches in the freezer. They can be frozen for up to 1 month without significant loss of quality.
- To reheat, remove the sandwich from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even reheating.
- Once thawed, reheat the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until the bread is crispy and the vegan cheese is melted, about 3-5 minutes per side.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the sandwich in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps maintain the crispiness of the bread.
- Avoid using a microwave to reheat, as it can make the bread soggy and unevenly heat the ingredients.
- Enjoy your perfectly stored and reheated Reuben sandwich with a side of pickles or chips for a delightful meal.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the Reuben sandwich in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Place it on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the vegan swiss cheese is melted and the sandwich is heated through.
For a quicker method, use a skillet. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the Reuben sandwich in the skillet and cover it with a lid to help melt the vegan swiss cheese. Cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side, until the bread is crispy and the sandwich is thoroughly heated.
If you prefer using a microwave, wrap the Reuben sandwich in a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it heats evenly. Note that this method may make the bread a bit soggy.
For an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the Reuben sandwich in the air fryer basket and heat for about 3-5 minutes, or until the vegan swiss cheese is melted and the sandwich is hot. This method will keep the bread crispy.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the sandwich over medium heat.
Spatula: Useful for flipping the sandwich to ensure even cooking on both sides.
Butter knife: Used to spread the vegan butter on the slices of rye bread.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for slicing the vegan corned beef and assembling the sandwich.
Knife: Essential for slicing the vegan corned beef if it's not pre-sliced.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the sauerkraut and vegan thousand island dressing accurately.
Plate: For serving the finished sandwich hot.
How to Save Time on Making This Sandwich
Pre-slice ingredients: Pre-slice the vegan corned beef and vegan swiss cheese to save time during assembly.
Use pre-made dressing: Opt for store-bought vegan thousand island dressing to cut down on preparation time.
Preheat the skillet: Preheat your skillet while you prepare the ingredients to speed up the cooking process.
Assemble in advance: Layer the sauerkraut, vegan swiss cheese, and vegan corned beef on the rye bread ahead of time, then just cook when ready.

Reuben Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 slices Rye bread
- 1 cup Sauerkraut
- 4 slices Vegan Swiss cheese
- 1 cup Vegan corned beef sliced
- 2 tablespoon Vegan thousand island dressing
- 2 tablespoon Vegan butter
Instructions
- 1. Spread vegan butter on one side of each slice of rye bread.
- 2. Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on a skillet over medium heat.
- 3. Layer vegan Swiss cheese, vegan corned beef, sauerkraut, and vegan thousand island dressing on the bread.
- 4. Top with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side up.
- 5. Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-5 minutes per side.
- 6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Recipe
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