Quick & Easy Vegan Reuben Sandwich

A classic deli favorite, reinvented! This quick and easy vegan Reuben features savory vegan deli slices, tangy sauerkraut, and melty vegan cheese, all griddled to perfection on rye bread with a homemade zesty vegan Russian dressing.

Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 10 min
Total Time: 15 min
Servings: 2
AmericanVeganVegetarianPescatarianDairy-FreeEgg-FreeShellfish-FreeFish-FreeSesame-FreeHigh-Protein

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Vegan Mayonnaise (for dressing)
  • 2 tbsp Ketchup (for dressing)
  • 1 tsp Horseradish (or to taste, for dressing)
  • 1 tbsp Sweet Pickle Relishor dressing (for dressing)
  • 1 tsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed, for dressing)
  • 1/4 tsp Smoked Paprika (for dressing)
  • 1/4 tsp Salt (or to taste, for dressing)
  • 4 slices Rye Bread
  • 6 ounces Vegan Deli Slices (or seasoned seitan slices)
  • 2 slices Vegan Cheese Slices
  • 1/4 cup Sauerkraut (well-drained)
  • 2 tbsp Vegan Butter (softened)
  • 2 tbsp Water (for steaming)

Instructions

  1. 1.

    Prepare the Vegan Russian Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the vegan mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, sweet pickle relish, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and salt until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Set aside.

    Time: 5 min
  2. 2.

    Assemble the Sandwiches: Lay out the rye bread slices. Spread a thin layer of vegan butter on one side of each slice. Flip two of the slices over so the unbuttered side is facing up. Spread a generous amount of the prepared Russian dressing on these two slices.

    Time: 3 min
  3. 3.

    Layer the Fillings: On the dressing-covered bread slices, layer slices of vegan cheese, followed by a generous portion of vegan deli slices (about 3 oz per sandwich), and then 2 tbsp of the well-drained sauerkraut.

    Time: 4 min
  4. 4.

    Close the Sandwiches: Place the remaining two buttered rye bread slices (buttered-side up) on top of the filled halves, creating two sandwiches.

    Time: 1 min
  5. 5.

    Cook the Sandwiches: Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, place 1 or 2 sandwiches (depending on skillet size) butter-side down. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the bread is golden brown and crispy.

    Time: 5 min
  6. 6.

    Melt the Cheese: Carefully flip the sandwiches. Spray 1-2 tablespoons of water into the hot pan around the sandwiches, then immediately cover the skillet with a lid. Let steam for 2-3 minutes, or until the vegan cheese is melted and gooey.

    Time: 5 min
  7. 7.

    Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, slice them in half diagonally, and serve immediately with extra Russian dressing on the side if desired.

    Time: 2 min

Tips

  • 💡Ensure your sauerkraut is very well-drained to prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy.
  • 💡For extra crispy bread, press down gently on the sandwiches with a spatula while they cook.
  • 💡If you don't have a lid for your skillet, you can cover it with a baking sheet or aluminum foil to create the steaming effect for melting the cheese.

Recipe from TheCookbook.ai

Created by Crissie