Jackson Reed
When planning a dinner to pair with Rubens, the rich and indulgent flavors of the artist’s namesake dish—Rubens sandwiches (a Midwest favorite featuring corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing)—call for equally hearty and complementary sides. To balance the sandwich’s savory, tangy, and slightly sweet profile, consider serving crispy, golden fries or thick-cut potato wedges for texture contrast. A side of creamy coleslaw or a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness, while pickled vegetables or a dill pickle spear add a refreshing, briny element. For a more substantial pairing, roasted root vegetables or garlicky sautéed greens provide depth without overwhelming the dish. To complete the meal, a cold, crisp beer or a glass of dry Riesling pairs beautifully, enhancing the flavors of the Rubens while keeping the dinner satisfying and well-rounded.
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What You'll Learn
- Grilled Vegetables: Asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant pair well with Rubens for a balanced meal
- Hearty Sides: Try mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or potato salad to complement the rich flavors of Rubens
- Soup Pairings: Serve with creamy tomato soup or broccoli cheddar soup for a comforting dinner combo
- Salad Options: Fresh green salads with vinaigrette or Caesar dressing add a light, crisp contrast
- Bread Choices: Crusty sourdough, rye bread, or dinner rolls enhance the meal and soak up juices
Grilled Vegetables: Asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant pair well with Rubens for a balanced meal
Grilled vegetables are a versatile and healthy companion to a Reuben sandwich, offering a contrast in texture and flavor that elevates the meal. Asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant, when grilled to perfection, provide a smoky sweetness that complements the tangy sauerkraut and rich corned beef. This combination not only balances the heaviness of the sandwich but also ensures a well-rounded nutritional profile. For instance, asparagus is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, while bell peppers are high in antioxidants, making this pairing both delicious and health-conscious.
To prepare these vegetables, start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Trim the asparagus ends, slice the bell peppers into thick strips, and cut the zucchini and eggplant into ¼-inch rounds. Toss the vegetables in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper for even coating. Grill the asparagus for 3–4 minutes, the bell peppers for 5–6 minutes, and the zucchini and eggplant for 4–5 minutes per side, or until they develop grill marks and are tender. This method ensures each vegetable retains its unique texture and flavor while harmonizing with the Reuben’s bold components.
One of the key advantages of grilled vegetables is their ability to adapt to dietary preferences. For a vegan twist, pair them with a plant-based Reuben made from tempeh or seitan, maintaining the sandwich’s essence without the meat. Alternatively, for those watching their carb intake, serve the grilled vegetables as a hearty side instead of rye bread, reducing calories while keeping the meal satisfying. This flexibility makes grilled vegetables an ideal choice for diverse dining needs.
When plating, arrange the grilled vegetables alongside the Reuben sandwich to create a visually appealing and balanced dish. Drizzle with a light balsamic glaze or sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added freshness. This presentation not only enhances the meal’s aesthetic but also encourages a mindful eating experience, where each bite alternates between the sandwich’s richness and the vegetables’ lightness. By incorporating these grilled vegetables, you transform a classic Reuben into a more nuanced and nourishing dinner option.
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Hearty Sides: Try mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or potato salad to complement the rich flavors of Rubens
Mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and potato salad aren’t just sides—they’re strategic counterpoints to the richness of a Reuben sandwich. The Reuben’s layers of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing create a flavor profile that’s both salty and tangy, demanding companions that balance rather than compete. Mashed potatoes, with their creamy texture and neutral base, act as a palate cleanser between bites, absorbing excess acidity from the sauerkraut and dressing. Coleslaw, crisp and vinegar-kissed, mirrors the Reuben’s tang but adds a refreshing crunch, preventing the meal from feeling monotonously heavy. Potato salad, often mayonnaise-based, introduces a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, grilled sandwich, creating a temperature dynamic that keeps the experience lively. Each of these sides serves a purpose, ensuring the Reuben’s complexity remains the star while enhancing the overall harmony of the plate.
Consider the preparation method to maximize this synergy. For mashed potatoes, opt for a rustic, skin-on version with a dollop of sour cream or butter for richness without overwhelming the Reuben. Season lightly with salt and pepper, as the sandwich already carries significant sodium. Coleslaw benefits from a light hand with vinegar and sugar—a sharp, overly sweet version will clash with the Russian dressing. Instead, focus on the crunch of fresh cabbage and carrots, perhaps adding caraway seeds for a subtle nod to the Reuben’s rye bread origins. Potato salad should be chilled thoroughly to maintain its refreshing quality; use a minimal dressing of mayonnaise, mustard, and dill to avoid greasiness. These adjustments ensure the sides complement rather than overshadow, creating a cohesive dining experience.
The portion size matters here. A Reuben is a dense, filling sandwich, so sides should be modest but impactful. Aim for a 1:2 ratio of side to sandwich—a small scoop of mashed potatoes, a handful of coleslaw, or a few spoonfuls of potato salad. This prevents overloading the plate while still offering variety. For a family-style meal, serve the sides in separate bowls to allow customization. If entertaining, consider the visual appeal: a dollop of mashed potatoes topped with a sprinkle of chives, coleslaw arranged in a neat pile, or potato salad garnished with paprika can elevate the presentation without extra effort.
Finally, think beyond the immediate pairing. These sides aren’t just for the Reuben—they’re versatile enough to accompany other hearty dishes, making them practical additions to any meal rotation. Mashed potatoes can double as a base for shepherd’s pie or a side for roasted meats. Coleslaw pairs well with barbecue or fried chicken, while potato salad is a picnic staple. By choosing these sides, you’re not just enhancing one meal but investing in a trio of dishes that work across various cuisines and occasions. This dual functionality makes them smart choices for both the Reuben and your broader culinary repertoire.
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Soup Pairings: Serve with creamy tomato soup or broccoli cheddar soup for a comforting dinner combo
A classic Reuben sandwich, with its layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing, is a hearty meal on its own. However, pairing it with the right soup can elevate the dining experience, adding warmth and balance to the rich flavors of the sandwich. Creamy tomato soup and broccoli cheddar soup are two excellent choices that complement the Reuben’s profile while providing a comforting contrast.
Creamy tomato soup acts as a smooth, tangy counterpart to the Reuben’s savory and slightly acidic elements. Its velvety texture and bright tomato flavor cut through the richness of the corned beef and cheese, creating a harmonious pairing. To enhance this combo, serve the soup slightly warm (around 140°F) to preserve its creaminess without overpowering the sandwich. For a practical tip, consider adding a drizzle of basil-infused olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives to the soup for an extra layer of freshness.
Broccoli cheddar soup, on the other hand, brings a cheesy, vegetable-forward option that mirrors the Reuben’s indulgent nature. The broccoli adds a subtle earthy note, while the cheddar ties into the Swiss cheese in the sandwich. This pairing is ideal for cooler evenings when you crave something deeply satisfying. To avoid monotony, ensure the soup has a chunky texture with visible broccoli florets, providing a textural contrast to the sandwich’s softness.
When serving either soup, portion size matters. Aim for a 6-8 ounce bowl to accompany a full Reuben, ensuring the soup enhances rather than overshadows the meal. For a lighter option, halve the sandwich and pair it with a larger 10-ounce serving of soup. This balance ensures neither dish competes for dominance on the palate.
Incorporating these soup pairings transforms a simple Reuben dinner into a well-rounded, comforting experience. Whether you opt for the tangy brightness of creamy tomato or the rich indulgence of broccoli cheddar, both soups offer a thoughtful way to enhance the sandwich’s flavors while adding a touch of warmth to your meal.
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Salad Options: Fresh green salads with vinaigrette or Caesar dressing add a light, crisp contrast
A Reuben sandwich, with its layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing on rye bread, is a hearty, flavorful dish that can benefit from a balancing counterpart. Enter the fresh green salad—a simple yet effective way to cut through the richness and provide a refreshing contrast. Whether you opt for a classic vinaigrette or a creamy Caesar dressing, the goal is to create a light, crisp accompaniment that complements without overwhelming.
Analytical Perspective: The key to pairing a salad with a Reuben lies in texture and flavor balance. The sandwich’s dense, savory profile demands a counterpart that is both airy and bright. A mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette achieves this by introducing acidity and freshness, which counteract the Reuben’s heaviness. For example, a blend of arugula, spinach, and romaine provides a variety of textures, while a Dijon mustard-based vinaigrette adds a sharp, zesty kick. This combination not only refreshes the palate but also enhances the overall dining experience by creating a dynamic interplay of flavors.
Instructive Approach: To prepare a Reuben-friendly salad, start with a base of fresh greens—think romaine, butter lettuce, or a spring mix. Add crunch with sliced cucumbers, radishes, or cherry tomatoes. For the vinaigrette, whisk together 3 parts olive oil, 1 part red wine vinegar, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, a clove of minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss the greens lightly to coat, ensuring every leaf is dressed but not soggy. Alternatively, a Caesar salad offers a creamy option with its garlicky, Parmesan-infused dressing, though its richness should be moderated to avoid competing with the Reuben.
Persuasive Argument: While it may seem counterintuitive to pair a salad with such a robust sandwich, the contrast is precisely what makes this combination work. A fresh green salad acts as a palate cleanser, allowing you to fully appreciate the Reuben’s complex flavors without feeling weighed down. For those mindful of portion control or seeking a healthier balance, this pairing is ideal. It’s a practical way to enjoy a satisfying meal without sacrificing freshness or variety.
Descriptive Take: Imagine taking a bite of a warm, gooey Reuben, its flavors rich and enveloping, only to follow it with a forkful of crisp greens coated in a bright vinaigrette. The cool, refreshing salad provides a moment of pause, a breath of fresh air between bites. The acidity of the dressing cuts through the fattiness of the corned beef and Swiss cheese, while the crunch of the vegetables contrasts the sandwich’s softness. It’s a sensory experience that elevates the meal, turning a simple pairing into a thoughtful, harmonious dish.
Practical Tip: For a quick and elegant presentation, serve the salad on the side rather than stacking it with the Reuben. This allows diners to alternate bites at their own pace, customizing the balance of flavors and textures. If entertaining, consider a family-style platter with the salad and sandwich components separated, encouraging guests to build their own pairings. This approach not only looks inviting but also accommodates individual preferences, ensuring everyone enjoys the meal to their liking.
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Bread Choices: Crusty sourdough, rye bread, or dinner rolls enhance the meal and soak up juices
The right bread can elevate a Reuben sandwich from good to unforgettable. While the classic choice is rye bread, its dense, slightly sour profile isn’t for everyone. Crusty sourdough offers a tangy counterpoint to the richness of corned beef and Swiss cheese, its chewy exterior providing a satisfying textural contrast. Dinner rolls, on the other hand, bring a soft, buttery complement that soaks up juices without overwhelming the flavors. Each option serves a purpose, depending on whether you’re aiming for boldness, balance, or comfort.
For those who prefer tradition, rye bread is the obvious choice. Its earthy, malty notes pair seamlessly with the fermented tang of sauerkraut and the sharpness of Russian dressing. To maximize its potential, lightly toast the rye to enhance its crunch and prevent sogginess. If you’re serving a crowd, consider offering both light and dark rye varieties to cater to different palates. A practical tip: slice the bread slightly thicker than usual to hold up against the sandwich’s hearty fillings.
Crusty sourdough appeals to those seeking a more artisanal experience. Its airy crumb and crisp crust create a structural foundation that stands up to the Reuben’s layers, while its natural acidity cuts through the fattiness of the meat and cheese. For best results, grill the sourdough in a panini press or skillet to achieve grill marks and a golden exterior. Pair it with a side of extra Russian dressing for dipping, as the bread’s texture is ideal for soaking up every last drop.
Dinner rolls are the unsung hero for those who prioritize softness and indulgence. Their tender crumb absorbs juices without becoming mushy, making them perfect for open-faced Reuben variations or bite-sized sliders. Brush the rolls with melted butter and a sprinkle of caraway seeds before toasting to add depth and a nod to traditional rye flavors. This option is particularly kid-friendly, offering a familiar texture that encourages even picky eaters to try the sandwich.
Ultimately, the bread choice depends on the dining experience you want to create. Rye bread honors the Reuben’s roots, crusty sourdough adds a modern twist, and dinner rolls provide approachable comfort. Whichever you choose, ensure it’s fresh and high-quality—stale bread can ruin even the most carefully crafted sandwich. Experiment with all three to discover which best suits your taste and the occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a sophisticated brunch spread.
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Frequently asked questions
Classic side dishes like coleslaw, potato salad, or German-style potato pancakes complement Rubens perfectly.
Yes, a hearty soup like beer cheese soup or creamy broccoli soup pairs well with the rich flavors of a Reuben sandwich.
A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad balances the heaviness of the Reuben.
Steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans with a light seasoning work well.
A cold beer, such as a pilsner or amber ale, or a glass of rye whiskey complements the Reuben’s flavors nicely.
