Kielbasa Reuben Sandwich

Calling all Reuben lovers, this Kielbasa Reuben Sandwich is for you! Instead of classic corned beef, smoky Kielbasa (Polish sausage) is layered between slices of rye, and smothered with tangy sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, and melty Swiss cheese, earning this lunchtime classic a seat in the sandwich hall of fame.

This kielbasa Reuben starts with slices of grilled or pan-fried kielbasa (sausage) which are then layered onto hearty rye bread along with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing.

Once all the ingredients are assembled, the sandwich is grilled in butter until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted to perfection. We mean, how good does that sound?

What is kielbasa?

Kielbasa is a type of Polish sausage that is popular in many parts of the world. It's typically made from ground pork, although beef or a combination of meats can also be used. The meat is seasoned with garlic, salt, pepper, and other spices, giving kielbasa its distinctive flavor profile. Depending on the region and recipe, kielbasa can vary in texture and taste, but it's generally known for its savory, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor.

Kielbasa can be found in both fresh and smoked varieties. Fresh kielbasa is uncooked and needs to be cooked before eating, while smoked kielbasa has been cured and smoked, giving it a firmer texture and a more intense flavor. For this kielbasa sandwich, we will be using the cured version, making this sandwich a breeze to prepare.

Here is what you need for this Polish kielbasa sandwich. The full ingredient list is located in the recipe card.

• Kielbasa Look for the cured cooked version usually near the other cooked sausages in your local grocery store. Look for the labels "Polska Kielbasa", "Polish Sausage", or "Smoked Kielbasa". Also available in turkey varieties. Do not buy "fresh" or "raw" kielbasa for this.
• Rye bread If you have access to a good Jewish-style rye bread or fresh bakery rye, we recommend splurging a little. Otherwise, you can find rye bread in the bread section of your grocery store.
• Sauerkraut
• Thousand Island dressing Recipe provided or store-bought. Can also use Russian dressing.
• Swiss cheese
• Butter for grilling

Step by step instructions

Check out this tutorial on assembling the solid kielbasa sandwich.

Step 1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the kielbasa and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside.

Step 2. Lay out the bread and divide the dressing over each of the slices.

Step 3. Add the sausage to 4 slices of bread.

Step 4. Next, add the sauerkraut to the sausage.

Step 5. Top the sausage with 2 slices of cheese. Top each half with the remaining slices of bread.

Step 6. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sandwiches and cook on both sides until the bread is golden brown and toasted.

*These are abbreviated instructions. The full list of directions is located in the recipe card.

Expert tips

• Don't skip browning the sausage. It helps with the smoky flavor of the kielbasa.
• Avoid a soggy sandwich. Ring out some of the liquid from the sauerkraut before layering it on the sandwich.
• Choose a good, thick rye bread. Look for Jewish-style or bakery-fresh rye. Avoid thin slices of bread as these won't hold up as well to the ingredients.

Serving suggestions

What can possibly make this melty Polish kielbasa sandwich better? The solid side! Try some of these classic pairings.

• Chips or potatoes. Classic pub-style sandwich and potato chips are a match made in heaven. Or make it a full meal with our crispy potatoes.
• Coleslaw. A refreshing coleslaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing can provide a crunchy contrast to the rich flavors of the kielbasa.
• Potato salad. A classic potato salad, whether creamy or tangy, pairs well with the sandwich.
• Pickles. Serve some dill pickles or pickled vegetables on the side.
• Soup. A bowl of hot soup, like our creamy squash soup is the solid companion.
• Salad. A simple light salad helps to round out the meal.

Keeping leftovers

Sorry Reuben lovers, this sandwich is best eaten right away. If you do have any leftovers, you can reheat the assembled sandwiches in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. wrap your Reuben in aluminum foil for maximum crispiness.

If you are making your own Thousand Island dressing, it can be prepped in advance and stored in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Kitchen questions

Can we use Russian dressing instead of Thousand Island?

Absolutely! In fact, our recipe takes inspiration from the two dressings with the addition of both sweet pickle relish and spicy horseradish.

Other tasty sandwiches

These sandwiches are better than sliced bread!

Ingredients

Makes 4 sandwiches

Thousand Island Dressing

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• ⅛ tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ tsp prepared horseradish
• 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish, or finely chopped pickles
• ⅛ tsp kosher or fine sea salt

Kielbasa Reuben Sandwich

• 12 ounces kielbasa, fully cooked or "cured", sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• 8 slices rye bread
• ½ cup Thousand Island dressing (recipe provided or store-bought)
• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
• 8 slices Swiss cheese
• 4 tbsp butter (for grilling)

Equipment

• non-stick griddle or frying pan

Method

Thousand Island Dressing

1. Add all the ingredients to a small bowl. Whisk thoroughly until combined. Set aside until ready to use.

Kielbasa Reuben

1. In a medium skillet over medium heat, add the sliced kielbasa and cook until browned on both sides, about 2-3 minutes.

2. Lay out the bread on a large surface. Spread the dressing on one side of all 8 slices. On 4 slices of the bread, layer the kielbasa, followed by the sauerkraut, and then finish with 2 slices of cheese. Top with the remaining rye bread, dressing side down.

3. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and melt the butter until just foamy. Place 2 of the sandwiches in the skillet, and cook until golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the heat and continue with the remaining sandwiches. Serve immediately.

Kitchen notes

• Don't skip browning the sausage; it adds to the smoky flavor of the kielbasa.
• Drain the liquid from the sauerkraut to avoid a soggy sandwich.
• Choose a good-quality rye bread that is on the thicker side to stand up to the ingredients.
• You can reheat the assembled sandwiches in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. wrap your Reuben in aluminum foil for maximum crispiness. If you are making your own Thousand Island dressing, it can be prepped in advance and stored in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to one week.