Tangy Kielbasa Reuben Recipe: A Twist on the Classic Sandwich

Hearty polish sausage meets classic deli flavors in this irresistible kielbasa Reuben recipe that blends comfort and zest.

Smoky kielbasa delivers a bold twist to the traditional sandwich, promising a mouthwatering experience.

Layers of melted swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and rich thousand island dressing create a symphony of tastes.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory and sharp notes.

The rustic charm of kielbasa transforms this classic Reuben into a delightful culinary adventure.

You’ll savor every crispy, warm moment of this satisfying meal.

Prepare to elevate your sandwich game with this simple yet extraordinary recipe.

FAQs

• What makes Kielbasa Reuben different from a traditional Reuben sandwich?

Unlike classic Reuben sandwiches that use corned beef, this version uses beef kielbasa, which offers a smokier and spicier flavor profile while maintaining the traditional sauerkraut and Russian dressing elements.

• Can I use a different type of bread if I don't have pumpernickel?

Absolutely! While pumpernickel provides a rich, dense texture, you can substitute with rye bread, sourdough, or marble bread to achieve a similar taste and structure for your sandwich.

• Is Gouda cheese essential for this recipe?

Gouda isn’t mandatory. You can replace it with Swiss cheese, provolone, or mild cheddar, which will still provide excellent melting qualities and complement the kielbasa’s robust flavor.

What Makes Kielbasa Reuben So Tempting

• Reinvent the traditional Reuben by using smoky kielbasa instead of corned beef, creating a unique twist that surprises taste buds with unexpected flavor combinations.
• Prepare this sandwich in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous lunch cravings when you want something delicious without spending hours cooking.
• Blend familiar ingredients like sauerkraut, Russian dressing, and melted cheese with hearty kielbasa to create a satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults, guaranteed to bring smiles around the dinner table.
• Easily adaptable for different occasions, from casual game day gatherings to quick weeknight dinners, this sandwich offers maximum flavor with minimal preparation effort.

Kielbasa Reuben Ingredient Rundown

• Beef Kielbasa: A flavorful Polish sausage that adds a smoky and hearty element to the sandwich.

• Pumpernickel Bread, Gouda Cheese: Pumpernickel provides a rich, dark base for the sandwich, while Gouda offers a creamy and slightly sweet cheese layer.

• Russian Dressing, Sauerkraut, Butter: Russian dressing brings a tangy and zesty flavor, sauerkraut adds a traditional Reuben-style tartness, and butter helps create a golden, crispy sandwich exterior.

Tools for Savory Reuben Sandwiches

• Griddle or Large Skillet: Essential for heating kielbasa and grilling sandwiches with even heat distribution.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for slicing kielbasa diagonally into precise 1/4 inch pieces.
• Cutting Board: Clean surface for slicing kielbasa and preparing sandwich ingredients.
• Butter Knife or Spatula: Ideal for spreading Russian dressing and melting butter on griddle.
• Foil: Useful for loosely covering sandwiches while cooking to help cheese melt.
• Tongs: Helpful for handling and flipping sandwiches during cooking.

How to Make Kielbasa Reuben Easily

Step 1: Prepare Kielbasa

Grill or pan-fry the beef kielbasa until it’s crispy and heated through.

Let it cool slightly, then prepare for slicing.

Step 2: Layer Cheese Base

Spread pumpernickel slices on a clean surface and generously cover each slice with smooth Gouda cheese.

Step 3: Add Zesty Dressing

Drizzle tangy Russian dressing over the cheese-covered bread, creating a flavorful foundation.

Step 4: Pile on Sauerkraut

Drain the sauerkraut and distribute it evenly across two of the cheese-topped bread slices.

Step 5: Slice Kielbasa

Cut the cooked kielbasa diagonally into thin, bite-sized pieces.

Step 6: Prepare Cooking Surface

Heat a flat griddle to medium temperature and melt butter across the entire surface until it becomes slightly golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Toast Sandwich Components

Carefully place each bread slice with toppings facing upward onto the buttered griddle.

Loosely cover with aluminum foil to trap heat.

Step 8: Melt Cheese Perfectly

Cook on medium heat, ensuring the cheese melts completely without burning the bread.

Step 9: Combine Sandwich Halves

Once the cheese is beautifully melted, join the sauerkraut-topped and kielbasa-topped slices together.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Slice each sandwich diagonally and serve immediately while warm and inviting.

Tips for Flavorful Reuben Success

• Cut kielbasa diagonally for even, attractive pieces that fit perfectly on sandwich bread.
• Remove excess moisture from sauerkraut to prevent soggy sandwich bottoms and maintain crisp texture.
• Melt butter until slightly browned but not burning, creating a golden, flavorful sandwich base.
• Select fresh Gouda with good melting properties to ensure smooth, creamy sandwich filling.
• Maintain medium heat to melt cheese evenly without burning bread, achieving perfect golden-brown crispiness.

Fun Kielbasa Reuben Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Polish Delight: Swap kielbasa with smoked tofu or seitan, grilled until crispy, maintaining the classic Reuben flavor profile for plant-based eaters.
• Gluten-Free Polish Fusion: Replace pumpernickel with gluten-free bread and use certified gluten-free sauerkraut, ensuring celiac-friendly sandwich preparation.
• Low-Carb Polish Wrap: Skip bread entirely and wrap ingredients in large lettuce leaves, creating a protein-packed, carbohydrate-reduced version of the classic sandwich.
• Spicy Polish Remix: Add sliced jalapeños or hot pepper cheese to introduce extra heat and complexity to the traditional Kielbasa Reuben recipe.

Ways to Serve Kielbasa Reuben Hot

• Party Platter Perfection: Create a stunning appetizer spread by arranging sandwich halves on a wooden board with pickles and mustard dipping sauces.
• Picnic Power Lunch: Pack these sandwiches in foil for an outdoor meal that stays warm and delicious, perfect for hiking or beach trips.
• Game Day Delight: Slice sandwiches into smaller bite-sized portions for easy football watching snacks that guests will devour quickly.
• Beer Pairing Bliss: Serve alongside a crisp lager or amber ale to complement the rich, tangy flavors of the Kielbasa Reuben.

Storage for Kielbasa Reuben Leftovers

• Wrap leftover Kielbasa Reuben sandwiches tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sandwich whole to maintain moisture and prevent sogginess.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove wrapping and place sandwich on a baking sheet. Cover loosely with foil to prevent bread from burning. Warm for 10-12 minutes until cheese melts and sandwich is heated through.
• Warm a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Place sandwich in pan and cover with a lid. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula to restore crispiness.

Kielbasa Reuben Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty kielbasa reuben sandwiches blend Polish sausage with classic deli flavors. Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Sausage:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) beef kielbasa sausage

Cheese and Dairy:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) Gouda cheese, sliced
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter

Bread and Condiments:

• 4 slices dark pumpernickel bread
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) Russian dressing
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sauerkraut, well drained

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sear the beef kielbasa in a hot skillet or grill until edges are crisp and golden, ensuring it’s heated through completely. Allow meat to rest momentarily before slicing diagonally into thin strips.
2. Lay out pumpernickel bread slices and generously cover each piece with smooth Gouda cheese, creating an even layer.
3. Liberally spread tangy Russian dressing across the cheese-covered bread, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Drain sauerkraut thoroughly and distribute evenly over two of the prepared bread slices, pressing gently to secure.
5. Arrange the freshly sliced kielbasa strips atop the remaining cheese-coated bread slices, creating a uniform layer.
6. Heat a flat griddle to medium temperature (around 350°F), melting butter across the surface until it becomes slightly frothy and golden.
7. Position each prepared bread slice on the buttered griddle, toppings facing upward, and loosely tent with aluminum foil to trap heat.
8. Cook sandwiches for 3-4 minutes, monitoring cheese melting and preventing bread from excessive browning.
9. Carefully unite the sauerkraut-topped and kielbasa-topped bread slices, creating complete sandwiches.
10. Slice each sandwich diagonally and serve immediately while warm and cheese is melted.

Notes

• Ensure kielbasa is heated thoroughly to enhance its smoky flavor and create a crispy exterior, which adds delightful texture to the sandwich.
• Drain sauerkraut completely to prevent soggy bread and maintain the sandwich’s structural integrity, keeping each bite crisp and appetizing.
• Choose high-quality pumpernickel bread with a dense texture to support the sandwich’s ingredients and provide a rich, slightly tangy base.
• For gluten-free option, substitute pumpernickel with gluten-free bread and use dairy-free cheese to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 44 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg