The Reuben sandwich, a classic favorite among sandwich enthusiasts, has gained its fame for its delicious combination of flavors. This iconic creation traditionally includes rye bread as the foundation, stacked high with generous layers of succulent corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and smooth Swiss cheese. Tying all these delectable ingredients together is the famous Thousand Island dressing that adds a creamy and zesty kick to this mouthwatering masterpiece. But sometimes making this delicious sandwich can be a bit of a hassle – getting the bread toasted just right while also melting the cheese and heating up the meat can be a real challenge.
That’s where my trusty Black and Decker G48TD comes in handy – this versatile grill/waffle maker makes it easy to create perfect Reuben sandwiches every time!
The G48TD is the best 3-in-1 grill/waffle maker/sandwich press because it allows you to cook waffles in the morning, grilled cheese at noon, or juicy burgers in the evening, quickly and easily and it has the largest cooking area of any 3 in 1 appliance.
And when it comes to making Reuben sandwiches, there’s no better tool out there! So let me show you how to use the Black and Decker G48TD to make a Reuben sandwich in no time flat.
Overview of the Black and Decker G48TD Grill/Waffle Maker
The BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 appliance is a grill, griddle, and waffle maker all rolled into one. It is the best classic waffle iron with changeable plates because it has two reversible cooking plates that measure 8 inches square each, allowing you to use it as either a grill or a griddle with just a simple flip of the plate. One side features shallow grids for making four square-shaped waffles at once, while the other side is flat so you can cook sandwiches or sear large cuts of meat.
The waffle grids have the same 0.5-inch thickness as the waffle grids of the best non belgian old fashioned waffle makers but they are square-shaped instead of round-shaped like most thin waffle makers are.
The BLACK+DECKER G48TD Grill/Waffle Maker also comes with grease channels along the edges of the grill that carry away oily residue to spouts in the griddles’ corners where it drains away easily. This feature makes making tasty foods without extra oils easy and mess-free.
Its nonstick cooking plates release food effortlessly for easy cleaning; they can be removed for scrubbing when required. With its heat control knob offering high, low, and medium temperatures, you’re sure to have the right amount of heat for whatever you choose to create on your sandwich.
Its chrome housing and stay-cool black synthetic handles give this 900-watt appliance an attractive look on any countertop. Afterward, the cord wraps around the hinge making storage compactly convenient by standing upright; it’s indeed an excellent addition to any kitchen!
What is a Reuben Sandwich?
Understanding what makes up a traditional Reuben sandwich can help you appreciate its deliciousness even more.
The typical ingredients for a Reuben include two slices of rye bread, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, corned beef, and Swiss cheese. The combination of these ingredients results in a deliciously flavorful and hearty sandwich that has been enjoyed for generations.
Here are three things you need to know about the Reuben:
-
Origin: The history of the beloved Reuben sandwich is shrouded in a web of mystery and culinary folklore. While many attribute its creation to Arnold Reuben, a visionary New York deli owner from the early 1900s, others contest this popular notion. According to one rival claim, a local grocer named Reuben Kulakofsky came up with the idea at a restaurant in Omaha’s Blackstone Hotel in 1925 during a poker game that included the hotel’s owner, Charles Schimmel.
Arnold Reuben’s supporters argue that he concocted the famous sandwich first, breathing life into it within the bustling walls of his namesake deli. As an ambitious entrepreneur who took pride in his culinary offerings, Reuben was known for experimenting with new flavors and combinations. It is said that one fateful day, he assembled a towering masterpiece—a flavorful twist on a classic corned beef sandwich—that would later become the iconic Reuben.
On the flip side, proponents of Kulakofsky’s story insist that he birthed the idea for the sandwich while engaging in a heated card game with his friends at a hotel in Omaha, Nebraska named the Blackstone Hotel. Kulakofsky happened to be famished while playing his hand and asked the hotel kitchen if they could whip up something tasty, and voila! The Reuben sandwich was born!
While we may never reveal the ultimate truth behind the Reuben sandwich’s origins, what remains undeniable is its enduring popularity today. Whether it was Arnold Reuben or Reuben Kulakofsky who first breathed life into this delicacy is less important than celebrating its remarkable flavors and textures that continue to delight taste buds around the globe.
-
Variations: While the classic version of the Reuben consists of rye bread, corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing; there are many variations of this popular sandwich.
Over the years, innovative chefs and food enthusiasts have taken their creative liberties with this beloved sandwich, resulting in numerous mouthwatering variations that cater to different taste preferences.
For those seeking a twist on tradition, some versions swap out the corned beef with pastrami or even turkey for a slightly lighter option. These meats still contribute their own unique flavors while maintaining the robust essence of the Reuben. In addition to alternative proteins, some daring individuals have even experimented with substituting sauerkraut with other fermented vegetables like kimchi or pickles, introducing exciting twists and bursts of acidity.
Adventurous eateries often incorporate additional ingredients into their Reuben renditions to elevate the overall experience. Some may sprinkle caraway seeds or add Russian dressing instead of the traditional Thousand Island for extra zestiness. Others might introduce thinly sliced red onions or liven things up by topping it off with spicy jalapenos or smoky chipotle mayo.
Let’s not underestimate the importance of good quality bread when it comes to enjoying a Reuben sandwich. While rye bread remains a popular choice due to its hearty flavor and texture, there are plenty of alternatives worth looking at too. Sourdough can add a subtle tanginess while pumpernickel brings distinct earthy notes that complement the ingredients exceptionally well.
- Popularity: The Reuben is an incredibly popular sandwich that can be found on menus all over the world. It has become such an iconic dish that it even has its own holiday – National Reuben Sandwich Day is celebrated annually on March 14th.
Preheating the Black and Decker G48TD
Before assembling your deliciously crispy and flavorful Reuben sandwich, it’s crucial to preheat the Black and Decker G48TD on high heat for 8-10 minutes. This will ensure that your sandwich is evenly cooked, with a perfectly toasted bread that has a crispy exterior and soft interior. The signal light going out indicates that the appliance has reached the desired temperature for closed grilling.
As someone who loves making sandwiches on this versatile appliance, I’ve found that preheating it is important to achieving the best results. It allows me to cook my food quickly and efficiently while creating a delectable crust on the outside, sealing in all of those mouth-watering flavors inside.
Preparing and Cooking the Sandwich
After preheating the Black and Decker G48TD grill, it’s time to prepare and cook the sandwich.
Start by spreading butter on one side of each slice of rye bread. This not only adds flavor but also prevents the bread from sticking to the grill grates and helps create a beautiful golden-brown crust.
Next, spread Thousand Island dressing on the other side of one slice of bread before placing it butter-side down on the G48TD grill plate. Layer sliced corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese on top of the bread before adding the second buttered slice with the buttered-side up.
Close the unit and cook for 2 to 4 minutes or until toasted and melted.
As you take that first bite, you’ll taste how perfectly grilled this Reuben sandwich is. The combination of flavors between the salty corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, nutty Swiss cheese, rich Thousand Island dressing, and smoky rye bread is unbeatable.
Plus, thanks to using unsalted butter while grilling with your Black and Decker G48TD, every ingredient has its moment in the spotlight without being overpowered by too much saltiness.
Tips & Tricks: Suggestions for variations or modifications
Get creative with your sandwich fillings and dressings to personalize the ultimate grilled masterpiece that satisfies your cravings. The Black and Decker G48TD is a versatile appliance that allows you to experiment with different combinations of ingredients. Here are some tips and tricks to help you create variations or modifications for your Reuben sandwich:
-
Swap the corned beef for pastrami or turkey: If you’re not a fan of corned beef, try using thinly sliced pastrami or turkey instead. Pastrami has a smokier flavor, while turkey is leaner and healthier.
-
Add some veggies: To add more texture and nutrition to your sandwich, consider adding sautéed onions, roasted red peppers, or sliced avocado. These ingredients will complement the tangy flavors of the Thousand Island dressing.
- Make it spicy: If you like some heat in your food, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top of the cheese before closing the lid of the Black and Decker G48TD. You can also add jalapeño slices or hot sauce to the dressing for an extra kick.
Experimenting with different fillings and dressings is part of what makes cooking fun and exciting. With these simple suggestions, you can take your Reuben sandwich game to the next level!
