Get ready to ignite your taste buds with an explosion of flavor! Today, we’re not just making a sandwich; we’re crafting an experience. Forget everything you thought you knew about classic deli fare, because we’re diving headfirst into the magnificent world of the Ultimate Spicy Reuben Sandwich. This isn’t just “man food”; it’s a culinary masterpiece that demands your full attention, a symphony of savory, tangy, and unapologetically spicy notes all harmoniously enclosed within two perfect slices of dark rye bread. If you’re seeking a sandwich that truly satisfies, one that leaves a lasting impression, then you absolutely need this recipe in your life.
Prepare for an Epic Culinary Journey
Can you truly handle the intensity and sheer deliciousness we’re about to unleash? Because what lies ahead is nothing short of epic. Before we delve into the secrets of crafting this masterpiece, I urge you to clear your schedule, silence those distracting tabs, and grab a refreshing glass of iced tea. This is a serious culinary endeavor, a deep dive into the art of sandwich making that will redefine your expectations. The Ultimate Spicy Reuben isn’t just a meal; it’s a statement, a bold declaration of flavor that will have you coming back for more, time and time again.
Our kitchen has recently become a vibrant hub of spicy, savory creativity. It’s a delightful contrast to my usual sweet experiments – while I might be pulling a batch of Funfetti White Chocolate Cookies from the oven, my husband is often immersed in the meticulous assembly of this very Reuben. This sweet-and-spicy dynamic is how we balance our culinary passions, ensuring there’s always something exciting bubbling in our home. This recipe, in particular, has become a cherished staple, a testament to our shared love for elevated comfort food and bold flavors.
The Quest for the Perfect Reuben: A Spicy Evolution
My husband has always been a connoisseur of the classic Reuben sandwich. He orders it at nearly every opportunity when we dine out, always seeking that perfect balance of textures and tastes. For a long time, recreating that restaurant-quality magic in our own kitchen proved elusive. We experimented, we tweaked, and we sometimes failed. That’s why opportunities like our collaboration with Mezzetta are so exciting. When the chance arose to craft a unique sandwich using their exceptional products, we knew exactly what we had to do: elevate our beloved Reuben to an entirely new, spicy dimension.
Our household already has a deep appreciation for Mezzetta’s products. My husband, a true heat seeker, often snacks on their pickled jalapenos straight from the jar. And to be completely honest, the jar of Spanish Olives sent by the brand for this campaign vanished in record time – we had to rush out and buy another! These high-quality ingredients truly inspired us. They provided the perfect foundation to push the boundaries of a traditional Reuben, allowing us to create an “ultimate” version that doesn’t compromise on flavor, spice, or quality.
Crafting the Restaurant-Style Reuben: Our Secret Method
If you’ve ever dreamt of making a Reuben sandwich that rivals those served in the finest delis, especially if your loved one appreciates a good kick of spice, then this is the recipe for you. Through extensive trial and error, we discovered the optimal method for achieving a perfectly melty, crispy, and visibly layered sandwich right in your home kitchen. While a panini press might seem like a quick solution, we found it often “smooshes” the bread, compressing the layers and causing the delicious sauce to escape. It sacrifices the delightful visual appeal and textural integrity of a well-built Reuben.
Instead, the oven method proved to be a game-changer. It allows the Swiss cheese to melt beautifully and evenly over the corned beef and sauerkraut, while gently toasting the bread to a golden crisp without crushing the delicate layers. This technique ensures every bite delivers the ideal combination of warm, gooey cheese, tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and our signature spicy sauce. Full, detailed instructions are provided in the recipe card below, but trust us when we say, the oven is your best friend for achieving Reuben perfection.
The Sauce: The Undisputed Star of Our Spicy Reuben
Traditional Reuben sandwiches typically feature a Russian Dressing, which shares similarities with Thousand Island dressing, often a blend of mayonnaise, ketchup, and diced pickles. Russian dressing often incorporates horseradish and sour cream for an added zing. However, for our “Ultimate Spicy Reuben,” we decided to blaze a new trail, creating a sauce that isn’t just a condiment, but a star in its own right. Our revolutionary sauce combines creamy mayonnaise with the fiery zest of Mezzetta’s Red Hot Chili Pepper Everything Spread and the crisp, zesty bite of diced Mezzetta Deli-Sliced Jalapeno Peppers. This decision was, without a doubt, the best we ever made.
This unique spicy blend is what truly elevates our Reuben from good to unforgettable. It provides a vibrant, nuanced heat that perfectly complements the rich corned beef and tangy sauerkraut, cutting through the richness of the Swiss cheese. It’s a sauce that delivers a satisfying punch without overwhelming the other ingredients, creating a balanced and addictive flavor profile. You’ll find yourself wanting to put this sauce on everything!
We didn’t just stumble upon this perfect sauce; we meticulously tested this recipe three times to achieve the ideal amount of spice and depth of flavor. Or perhaps, my husband simply used it as a brilliant excuse to make more Reubens – a theory I can’t entirely discount! Either way, the results were undeniable. I had to snap my photos quickly before we could dig into these magnificent creations. Imagine: the vibrant sauce dripping enticingly, the perfectly toasted dark rye bread offering a satisfying crack with each bite, and that exquisite balance of bold spice mingling with the gooey melted Swiss cheese and succulent layers of corned beef. That, my friends, is the quintessential image of the ultimate sandwich.
For a final flourish, don’t forget the briny pop of a Spanish Olive. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference, offering a delightful counterpoint to the rich and spicy flavors within the sandwich.
The Ultimate Spicy Reuben Sandwich Recipe
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 slices dark rye bread
- 3 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 tablespoon sauerkraut drained well
- 4 oz . sliced corned beef
For the Spicy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoon Mezzetta Deli-Sliced Jalapenos diced
- 3 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon and ½ Mezzetta Red Hot Chili Pepper Everything Spread or more to taste for extra heat
Instructions
To Make the Spicy Sauce:
- In a small mixing bowl or measuring cup, thoroughly combine the mayonnaise, Mezzetta Red Hot Chili Pepper Everything Spread, and the diced Mezzetta Deli-Sliced Jalapenos. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated and the sauce is smooth. Set aside, allowing the flavors to meld.
Assembly of Your Ultimate Spicy Reuben:
- Lightly butter one side of each dark rye bread slice. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Place the buttered side of the bread slices down onto the skillet and toast just one side until golden brown and slightly crispy. This takes about 2-3 minutes. Remove from skillet.
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius).
- Place one toasted slice of bread on a clean cutting board and the other toasted slice on a baking sheet.
- Carefully arrange the sliced corned beef over the bread on the baking sheet. For a traditional deli-style look and to create more texture, fold each slice of corned beef before placing it on the bread.
- Evenly distribute the well-drained sauerkraut over the corned beef layers. Ensure it’s not overly wet to prevent a soggy sandwich.
- Lay the Swiss cheese slices generously over the sauerkraut. These will melt beautifully in the oven, binding the ingredients together.
- Transfer the baking sheet with your assembled sandwich half to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 5 to 6 minutes, or until the Swiss cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent over-browning.
- Once the cheese is melted, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Allow it to cool for a minute or two, letting the cheese set slightly.
- In the meantime, generously spread your homemade spicy sauce over the second slice of toasted rye bread (the one on the cutting board).
- Carefully place the sauce-covered bread slice on top of the melted cheese half. Gently press down to secure the sandwich.
- Slice the Ultimate Spicy Reuben in half, diagonally, for a classic presentation. Serve immediately with a side of Spanish olives and spicy potato chips for the perfect accompaniment. Enjoy your incredible, elevated deli experience!
Notes
Recipe source: CrunchyCreamySweet.com