Turkey Reuben Sandwich – “The Rachel”
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Oven-roasted turkey breast, instead of corned beef is used for making these delicious Turkey Reuben sandwiches. Grilled on buttery marbled rye bread, with melty Swiss cheese, homemade Thousand Island dressing, and sauerkraut.
So, if you are lucky, you have had the pleasure of enjoying a Reuben sandwich in your lifetime. Today, I would like to introduce you to the Rachel! A Turkey Reuben Sandwich, or “The Rachel Sandwich” is another version that is a must-try! I mean, seriously? Just look at it. Mmmm.
This Turkey Reuben Recipe is sponsored by Frank’s Kraut, but my lifelong love of their delicious sauerkraut and my opinions here are all my own.
What is a Turkey Rachel Sandwich?
So, this question might get a few different answers, and honestly, it can even depend on where you live. I would say that a Rachel is a Reuben with turkey, Thousand Island dressing, Swiss cheese and sauerkraut on grilled marbled rye bread, very similar to the way McAlister’s Deli serves it.
Some would call it the “Georgia Reuben” or the “California Reuben”, and would use coleslaw in place of the sauerkraut and sometimes even add barbeque sauce or French dressing in place of Russian or Thousand Island dressing.
What is the difference between a Reuben and a Rachel?
A Reuben Sandwich is sliced corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing on grilled rye bread. Whereas I mentioned above, the Rachel uses sliced turkey in place of corned beef. Some add pastrami to a Rachel, too.
Why is a Turkey Reuben Called a Rachel?
Some say it’s from a popular song written by Harry Birch from 1871 called “Reuben and Rachel.”
NATIONAL REUBEN MONTH
March is the perfect time to make all things Reuben a part of your diet. It’s National Reuben Month and you may find yourself with a little leftover corned beef after you prepare that traditional corned beef and cabbage meal. If that happens, I have you covered with all sorts of ways to use it. Actually, why don’t you just pick up some extra, you might need it.
See that Reuben Sandwich pictured above? It was featured in Nebraska Life Magazine in their March/April 2021 issue.
During my 7 year partnership with Frank’s Kraut, I have shared oodles of recipes using sauerkraut of course, but so many of them have been fun twists on the Reuben Sandwich. A long time ago, I started calling it “Reubenizing” recipes, and it just stuck.
Ingredients in a Turkey Reuben Sandwich
- Marbled Rye bread – you can use any rye bread you like, we just prefer the marbled kind. Pumpernickle also is a nice alternative.
- Oven-roasted turkey – I had the deli slice mine on the thicker side. This recipe would be great for Thanksgiving turkey leftovers, or anytime you have leftover turkey.
- Swiss cheese – I bought regular Swiss, but baby Swiss would also work. Again, sliced on the thicker side. I tore it to fit the bread.
- Frank’s Kraut – I chose the Mustard Kraut from Frank’s Kraut and I highly recommend it! Original Frank’s Kraut would also be excellent!
- Caraway seeds – totally optional. I know some don’t like them, but I love the flavor level they add to the grilled turkey Reuben!
- Butter – softened butter added to the outside to grill these Turkey Reuben Sandwiches to perfection!
- Homemade Thousand Island Dressing – My Homemade Thousand Island Dressing recipe is in a word fantastic. You can use store-bought, but I highly suggest you try making it from scratch with fresh ingredients from your own kitchen. Many will argue that Russian dressing is their preferred dressing for a Reuben, just know that the original, made here right in Omaha, Nebraska, used Thousand Island.
You will find exact measurements and cooking times at the bottom of this post in the printable recipe card.
The Ultimate Guide to the Reuben – Everything you want to know and MORE!
How to make “The Rachel” – A Turkey Reuben Sandwich
Before you head to google and type in find a “Turkey Reuben Sandwich near me” try making these simple and scrumptious sandwiches at home with just a few easy steps:
First, Slather Thousand Island Dressing on the insides of the bread. Add two pieces of Swiss cheese to one side.
Next, add the sliced turkey to the other side. Top with the sauerkraut, then sprinkle it with caraway seeds if desired.
Finally, Butter the outsides of both slices of bread and place in a hot skillet over medium-high heat.
Flip over and grill until both sides are golden brown and cheese is melted in the middle.
Serve your Turkey Reuben Sandwich hot, alongside your favorite soup, some homemade double fried french fries, or homemade baked potato chips!
And if you’re me, you have an extra helping of Frank’s Kraut and more Thousand Island for dipping!
Love it? Pin it!
Love it? Pin it!Don’t forget where you found this fantastic recipe for a Turkey Reuben Sandwich! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go!
NATIONAL REUBEN SANDWICH DAY – March 14th
So National Reuben Month is in March, but here in Omaha, we also celebrate National Reuben Day. And guess what? That’s TODAY! There are all sorts of bars and restaurants here that celebrate this Nebraska original. But you don’t need to live here to celebrate! Make up any of these Reuben recipes and join in the fun!
Frank’s Kraut is a Lifelong Family Staple
I literally grew up on Frank’s Kraut. Being of Polish and German descent, you could say we ate a lot of sauerkraut. Every time we had a ham for the holidays, it was always accompanied by smoked Polish sausage and Frank’s Kraut. Hot dogs and brats were always served with a side of kraut, it would be weird if they weren’t?
Flash forward a “few” years, and I became so incredibly honored to be asked to work with Frank’s Kraut with recipe development. 2022 marks my seventh year as a brand ambassador for them. I have made countless recipes using sauerkraut, and if you have been with me for a while, I bet you can vouch for that.
Frank’s two-pound poly packs
The two-pound poly packages are my favorite way to purchase Frank’s Kraut. I stock up and keep them in my freezer, and take them out as I need them. Any leftovers I store in a mason jar in the fridge.
Frank’s Mustard Kraut
Original Kraut would be fantastic on these turkey Reuben’s, but I just had to use their brand-spankin’ new Mustard Kraut!
Mustard and sauerkraut just go together so well and this stuff is like my new addiction. Ever since the first time I opened a jar, there has been one in my fridge. It is hotdog topping perfection – and this summer when it’s prime grilling season, I bet that I will be eating this stuff on the daily!
Love Sauerkraut like us? Here are more recipes to enjoy it:
- Beef & Kraut Tater Tot Casserole (pictured above)
- Sauerkraut Bratwurst and Potato Soup
- Everything Sauerkraut Bread
- Kluski Kapusta Kiszona (Polish Noodles & sauerkraut)
- Quick Pretzels with Sauerkraut Cheddar Cheese Sauce
- Pork Roast & Sauerkraut
- Sauerkraut Chocolate Cake
- Reuben Stuffed Baked Potatoes
MORE SAUERKRAUT RECIPES TO LOVE
Follow along with Frank’s Kraut on their social media to get delicious recipes all year long. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram for all things sauerkraut!
Turkey Reuben Sandwich - "The Rachel"
Equipment
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 teasoon caraway seeds optional
- 1/3 cup Homemade Thousand Island Dressing divided
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
Instructions
- Slather Thousand Island Dressing on the insides of the bread.
- Top with Swiss cheese, then sliced turkey.
- Add the sauerkraut to one side of the sandwich. Sprinkle with caraway seeds if desired.
- Butter the outsides of both slices of bread and place in a hot skillet over medium-high heat until both sides are golden brown and cheese is melted in the middle.
- Serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
I much prefer the Rachel to the traditional Reuben. This looks delicious! 🙂
Oh wow! This turned out so good! I’m always looking for a way to up my work from home lunch game, and this is definitely going into the regular lunch rotation.
This is such a delicious spin on a reuben! The turkey and Swiss were just perfect with that creamy thousand island dressing.
This sandwich candefinitely take me through any day. It is absolutely delicious!
This was such an easy, satisfying sandwich to make! We made it for lunch today and it kept me full all the way until dinner time!
This is my kind of sandwich! I loooved it! Thanks for the recipe!
These would be great with leftover roast turkey too. So yummy!
This was everything a gourmet sandwich should be, and then some! Hearty, flavorful and delicious; easily, a new favorite recipe!
Reubens are one of my favorites and this turkey version is fabulous
Michaela, this looks like an epic sandwich! I can’t wait to try it.