The Ultimate Turkey Reuben (The Rachel) Sandwich: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic
Experience the delightful fusion of flavors in these incredible Turkey Reuben Sandwiches, affectionately known as “The Rachel.” Unlike its traditional counterpart made with corned beef, this recipe features succulent oven-roasted turkey breast, grilled to golden perfection on buttery marbled rye bread. Each bite is a symphony of melty Swiss cheese, tangy homemade Thousand Island dressing, and crisp, savory sauerkraut. Prepare yourself for a sandwich experience that redefines comfort food!
For those fortunate enough, the classic Reuben sandwich has undoubtedly graced your palate, leaving an impression with its rich flavors and hearty ingredients. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce you to its equally delicious, yet distinctly different, cousin: The Rachel Sandwich. This magnificent creation, essentially a Turkey Reuben, offers a lighter but equally satisfying alternative that is an absolute must-try. Seriously, just one glance at this golden, cheesy masterpiece will have your mouth watering. It’s an indulgence that appeals to both Reuben purists and those seeking a fresh, exciting variation.
This Turkey Reuben Recipe is proudly sponsored by Frank’s Kraut. My unwavering affection for their superb sauerkraut and all the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own, born from years of genuine culinary enjoyment.
What Exactly is a Turkey Rachel Sandwich?
The definition of a “Rachel” sandwich can vary depending on geographical location and culinary tradition, leading to a few different interpretations. However, the most widely accepted and beloved version, which we’re celebrating today, is a direct spin-off of the classic Reuben. This delightful sandwich features tender, sliced turkey breast (replacing the traditional corned beef), generously layered with creamy Swiss cheese, a rich and tangy Thousand Island dressing, and crisp, fermented sauerkraut, all grilled between slices of buttery marbled rye bread. This rendition is quite similar to the popular Rachel sandwich served at establishments like McAlister’s Deli, a testament to its widespread appeal and delicious simplicity.
While our focus is on the sauerkraut version, it’s worth noting that some regional variants exist. In certain areas, often referred to as a “Georgia Reuben” or a “California Reuben,” coleslaw might be used in place of sauerkraut, offering a different textural and flavor profile. Additionally, these regional interpretations might incorporate barbeque sauce or French dressing instead of the traditional Russian or Thousand Island dressing. However, for the authentic “Rachel” experience, the combination of turkey, Swiss, Thousand Island, and sauerkraut on rye is paramount.
What is the Difference Between a Reuben and a Rachel?
Understanding the subtle yet significant distinction between these two iconic sandwiches is key to appreciating their individual charms. At its core, a classic Reuben Sandwich is defined by its primary protein: succulent slices of corned beef. This savory meat is typically accompanied by tangy sauerkraut, creamy Swiss cheese, and either Thousand Island or Russian dressing, all grilled between two slices of hearty rye bread. It’s a robust, flavor-packed creation with a history as rich as its taste.
The Rachel Sandwich, on the other hand, is a delicious variation that swaps the corned beef for tender, sliced turkey. As mentioned, the core components of Swiss cheese, Thousand Island (or sometimes Russian) dressing, and sauerkraut remain, maintaining the signature Reuben-esque profile but with a lighter, poultry-based twist. Some variations of the Rachel might even incorporate pastrami alongside or instead of turkey, adding another layer of complexity. The choice between a Reuben and a Rachel often comes down to a preference for beef or turkey, but both promise a warm, grilled, cheesy, and tangy delight.
Why is a Turkey Reuben Called a Rachel? Exploring the Name’s Origin
The origins of culinary names are often shrouded in charming folklore and historical anecdotes, and the Rachel sandwich is no exception. While the exact genesis of the name remains a topic of friendly debate among food historians, one popular theory links it to a well-known song. Some suggest the name “Rachel” for the turkey Reuben derives from an 1871 popular song penned by Harry Birch, titled “Reuben and Rachel.” This theory implies a playful pairing, where Rachel is presented as the counterpart to Reuben, much like the turkey sandwich is a delightful alternative to the corned beef original. This explanation adds a touch of romantic whimsy to an already beloved dish, hinting at a long-standing culinary companionship between the two sandwich variations.
Celebrate National Reuben Month and Day with “The Rachel”!
March isn’t just a month of blossoming spring; it’s also officially National Reuben Month, making it the absolute perfect time to incorporate all things Reuben into your culinary adventures! You might even find yourself with a bit of leftover corned beef after preparing that traditional corned beef and cabbage meal. If that’s the case, rest assured, we have a plethora of creative ways to utilize it. In fact, why not pick up some extra corned beef to begin with? You’ll likely need it once you discover the sheer joy of “Reubenizing” everything!
Take a moment to admire that classic Reuben Sandwich pictured above. It’s a true icon, even earning a special feature in Nebraska Life Magazine in their March/April 2021 issue, a nod to its deep roots in Nebraska’s culinary history. And speaking of tradition, my seven-year partnership with Frank’s Kraut has allowed me to share countless recipes that go beyond the ordinary, offering delightful twists on the classic Reuben. Years ago, I coined the term “Reubenizing” recipes, and it has truly stuck, encouraging a world of culinary experimentation with these beloved flavors.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Turkey Reuben Sandwich
Crafting an exceptional Turkey Reuben, or “The Rachel,” begins with selecting the finest ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating that harmonious blend of flavors and textures that makes this sandwich so irresistible:
- Marbled Rye Bread: The foundation of any great Reuben-style sandwich. While any quality rye bread will work, we particularly adore the visual appeal and slightly richer flavor of marbled rye. For a darker, denser alternative that also pairs beautifully, consider pumpernickel bread. Its robust flavor stands up well to the other strong ingredients.
- Oven-Roasted Turkey: The star of our Rachel sandwich. For best results, ask your deli to slice the turkey breast on the thicker side, ensuring a satisfying bite and preventing it from disappearing amidst the other fillings. This recipe is also an ingenious way to utilize Thanksgiving turkey leftovers or any smoked turkey you might have on hand. Its mild flavor provides a wonderful contrast to the tangy sauerkraut and dressing.
- Swiss Cheese: The ultimate melting cheese for a Reuben. We typically opt for regular Swiss, but delicate baby Swiss would also be an excellent choice, known for its milder flavor and smoother melt. Again, ask for it sliced on the thicker side. Don’t hesitate to tear the slices to perfectly fit your bread, ensuring maximum cheesy coverage.
- Frank’s Kraut: The essential tangy, briny element that ties the entire sandwich together. For this particular recipe, I enthusiastically recommend the Mustard Kraut from Frank’s Kraut. Its unique mustard and dill pickle notes add an extra layer of zing that elevates the turkey Reuben. If you prefer a more classic taste, their original Frank’s Kraut is equally outstanding and will deliver that authentic fermented cabbage flavor.
- Caraway Seeds: An optional but highly recommended addition. I understand that caraway seeds aren’t for everyone, but their distinct, earthy, slightly anise-like flavor beautifully complements the rye bread and sauerkraut, enhancing the overall depth of the grilled turkey Reuben. A light sprinkle on the sauerkraut makes all the difference.
- Butter: The secret to that irresistible golden-brown crust. Softened butter generously applied to the outsides of the bread slices ensures a perfectly crispy, rich exterior when grilled, completing the quintessential Turkey Reuben experience!
- Homemade Thousand Island Dressing: While store-bought options are available, my Homemade Thousand Island Dressing recipe is, in a word, *fantastic*. It’s incredibly easy to prepare from scratch with fresh ingredients from your own kitchen and truly elevates this sandwich from good to gourmet. While some purists argue that Russian dressing is their preferred choice for a Reuben, it’s worth noting that the original Reuben, famously created right here in Omaha, Nebraska, traditionally featured Thousand Island. The blend of sweet, tangy, and creamy notes in a homemade Thousand Island dressing provides an unparalleled burst of flavor that beautifully harmonizes with the turkey, cheese, and sauerkraut.
For precise measurements and cooking durations, please refer to the comprehensive printable recipe card located at the conclusion of this article.
The Ultimate Guide to the Reuben – Everything you want to know and MORE!
How to Make “The Rachel” – Your Perfect Turkey Reuben Sandwich at Home
Forget searching for “Turkey Reuben Sandwich near me” on Google; creating these simple, scrumptious sandwiches at home is incredibly easy and far more rewarding. Follow these straightforward steps to assemble your own delicious Rachel sandwich in minutes:
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Base. Begin by generously slathering your flavorful Thousand Island dressing onto the inner sides of both slices of marbled rye bread. On one side of the bread, place two slices of Swiss cheese. This will ensure that the cheese melts beautifully and integrates with the turkey.
Step 2: Layer the Fillings. On the other slice of bread (the one without cheese), layer the deli-sliced turkey breast. Ensure an even distribution for a balanced bite. Then, crown the turkey with a generous portion of Frank’s Kraut. If you appreciate the subtle, aromatic warmth, sprinkle caraway seeds over the sauerkraut. These small seeds add an authentic touch to the sandwich.
Step 3: Butter and Grill to Perfection. Now, carefully bring the two halves of your sandwich together. Generously butter the outsides of both slices of bread. This butter is crucial for achieving that irresistible golden-brown crust and crispy texture. Place the assembled sandwich into a preheated hot skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Cook for approximately 3-5 minutes per side.
Step 4: The Golden Flip. Once the first side is beautifully golden brown and crispy, carefully flip the sandwich. Continue grilling until the second side achieves the same enticing golden hue and, most importantly, until the Swiss cheese in the middle is perfectly melted and gooey. This indicates your Rachel is ready.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy! Serve your magnificent Turkey Reuben Sandwich piping hot! It pairs wonderfully with your favorite soup, classic homemade double-fried French fries, or crispy homemade baked potato chips. For an extra burst of flavor, and if you’re like me, have an additional serving of Frank’s Kraut and a side of Thousand Island dressing ready for dipping. It’s the perfect way to savor every last bite!
Love it? Pin it!
Love it? Pin it!Don’t let this incredible recipe for a Turkey Reuben Sandwich slip away! Make sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you leave. That way, you’ll always have this fantastic culinary inspiration at your fingertips, ready for your next sandwich craving.
National Reuben Sandwich Day – March 14th: A Nebraska Original!
While National Reuben Month encompasses the entirety of March, here in Omaha, Nebraska, we elevate the celebration even further with National Reuben Day on March 14th! This special day holds particular significance in Omaha, believed by many to be the birthplace of the iconic Reuben sandwich. Local bars and restaurants enthusiastically participate, offering their unique takes on this Nebraska original. But you certainly don’t need to reside in Omaha to join the festivities! Simply whip up any of these incredible Reuben recipes – including our delightful Turkey Rachel – and immerse yourself in the flavorful fun. It’s a culinary tradition worth celebrating, no matter where you are!
Frank’s Kraut: A Cherished Lifelong Family Staple
For me, Frank’s Kraut isn’t just an ingredient; it’s a taste of home and a staple from childhood. Growing up with Polish and German heritage, sauerkraut was an ever-present, beloved item on our family table. It was practically mandatory! Every holiday ham was invariably accompanied by savory smoked Polish sausage and a generous serving of Frank’s Kraut. Similarly, hot dogs and brats felt incomplete without a side of kraut – it simply wouldn’t have been right!
Fast forward several years, and it was an immense honor to be approached by Frank’s Kraut to collaborate on recipe development. This year, 2022, marks my seventh year as a proud brand ambassador for them. Over this time, I’ve had the pleasure of creating and sharing countless recipes featuring sauerkraut, and if you’ve been following my culinary journey for a while, you can certainly attest to the sheer volume and versatility of these kraut-infused dishes.
Frank’s Convenient Two-Pound Poly Packs
The two-pound poly packages from Frank’s Kraut have become my preferred way to purchase this fantastic product. Their convenience is unmatched. I love to stock up on these packs and store them in my freezer, taking them out as needed for various recipes. Any leftovers are easily transferred to a mason jar and kept fresh in the fridge. This simple storage method ensures I always have delicious, high-quality sauerkraut on hand for impromptu meals or planned culinary creations, making meal prep a breeze.
Discovering the Zest of Frank’s Mustard Kraut
While Frank’s original kraut would be absolutely fantastic on these turkey Reubens, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to use their exciting, brand-new Mustard Kraut with dill pickle relish! This innovative product is a game-changer, perfectly combining two classic flavors that were always meant to be together: mustard and sauerkraut. It’s a culinary match made in heaven, creating a taste profile that is both familiar and refreshingly new.
This Mustard Kraut has quickly become my latest addiction. Ever since I opened my first jar, there’s consistently been one in my refrigerator. It’s the epitome of hotdog topping perfection – a tangy, zesty, and savory accompaniment that elevates any grilled sausage. I have no doubt that this summer, during prime grilling season, I’ll be enjoying this delightful kraut on a daily basis. Its vibrant flavor brings a new dimension to countless dishes, and it’s particularly brilliant in our Turkey Rachel sandwich, adding an extra layer of complexity and zest that truly sets it apart.
Do You Love Sauerkraut as Much as We Do? Explore More Delicious Recipes!
If you share our enthusiasm for the tangy, unique flavor of sauerkraut, then you’re in for a treat! This versatile ingredient can transform a wide array of dishes, adding a delightful zest and depth. Here are even more fantastic recipes to help you enjoy sauerkraut in creative and comforting ways:
- Beef & Kraut Tater Tot Casserole (pictured above): A comforting, hearty one-pot meal featuring lean ground beef, savory sauerkraut, creamy Swiss cheese, and a crispy tater tot topping – a guaranteed family favorite.
- Sauerkraut Bratwurst and Potato Soup: A warming, satisfying soup brimming with tender potatoes, robust bratwurst, and the delightful tang of sauerkraut – perfect for a chilly day.
- Everything Sauerkraut Bread: An incredibly unique and flavorful bread, infused with sauerkraut and topped with “everything bagel” seasoning for an irresistible savory bake.
- Kluski Kapusta Kiszona (Polish Noodles & Sauerkraut): A traditional Polish dish, offering a simple yet incredibly satisfying combination of tender noodles and savory, seasoned sauerkraut.
- Quick Pretzels with Sauerkraut Cheddar Cheese Sauce: A fun and flavorful appetizer! Soft pretzel bites served with a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce spiked with the distinctive taste of sauerkraut.
- Pork Roast & Sauerkraut: A classic pairing where slow-roasted pork becomes incredibly tender and flavorful, complemented perfectly by the tangy, savory sauerkraut.
- Sauerkraut Chocolate Cake: Don’t knock it ’til you try it! This surprisingly moist and rich chocolate cake uses sauerkraut to add an unexpected depth and tenderness, without a kraut flavor.
- Reuben Stuffed Baked Potatoes: All the iconic flavors of a Reuben sandwich generously stuffed into a fluffy baked potato – a hearty and delicious meal in itself.
MORE SAUERKRAUT RECIPES TO LOVE
Continue your kraut adventure and follow along with Frank’s Kraut on their social media channels to get delicious recipes and inspiration all year long. Find them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram for all things sauerkraut!
LIKE THIS RECIPE?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and
leave a comment below the recipe!
Print Recipe
Turkey Reuben Sandwich – “The Rachel”
Equipment
-
Franks Kraut, Shredded, Canned, 14-Ounce (Pack of 24)
-
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet With Assist Handle, 10.25″, Black
Ingredients
- 4 slices marbled rye bread
- 4 slices deli turkey thick sliced
- 4 slices Swiss cheese sliced on the thicker side
- 1/2 cup Frank’s Mustard Kraut
- 1/4 teaspoon caraway seeds optional
- 1/3 cup Homemade Thousand Island Dressing divided
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
Instructions
-
Generously spread Thousand Island Dressing on the inside surfaces of both slices of bread.
-
Place two slices of Swiss cheese on one slice of bread. On the other slice of bread, layer the deli turkey.
-
Add the sauerkraut to the turkey side of the sandwich. If desired, sprinkle with caraway seeds.
-
Bring the sandwich halves together. Butter the outsides of both slices of bread evenly. Place in a hot skillet over medium-high heat. Grill until both sides are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese in the middle is perfectly melted.
-
Serve immediately while hot and fresh.
Notes
While store-bought dressing is an option, making the Homemade Thousand Island Dressing is truly simple and elevates this sandwich to an entirely new level of deliciousness.
Nutrition