What To Serve With Reuben Sandwiches

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Thinly sliced corned beef, melted swiss cheese, flavorful sauerkraut, and thousand islands dressing all smooshed together between two pieces of toasted rye bread. Hungry yet?

Reuben sandwiches are a classic. They’re served at plenty of restaurants and delis, each place has its own spin on this flavorful and rich sandwich.

These sandwiches are big, almost rivaling the famous Pittsburgh Primanti Brothers sandwiches. So, what exactly do you serve with Reuben Sandwiches? Let’s take a look.

Contents

17 Side Dishes to Serve with Reuben Sandwiches

Reuben sandwiches have it all. From the tangy dressing to the tart sauerkraut. To pair, you’ll want something not too overpowering, but still flavorful.

1. Potato Leek Soup

The perfect pairing partner for when it’s cold and gloomy outside. A French classic, Potato leek soup is served warm and has a creamy texture.

The flavor is not overpowering, so it won’t be competing with the bold and zesty flavor of your Reuben sandwich. It isn’t too filling, either.

2. Stuffed Olives

Stuffed olives are quick and easy to make, though it may get a little tiresome filling these little pockets of tastiness. Stuffed olives are served cold.

You can put any filling you like in them. Most recipes call for cheese, herbs, garlic, and some kind of spicy vegetable such as jalapenos.

3. Dill Pickle

Dill pickles are still served as an additional side at some delis and restaurants. The lovely vinegary taste of the pickle pairs great with a Reuben.

You typically use dill pickle spears to serve with a sandwich. Some people even substitute their bread and put their Reuben between two pickle slices!

4. Giardiniera

Giardiniera is a mixture of pickled vegetables. Originally, the vegetables used were picked straight from a garden. Hence the translation of Giardiniera to English is ‘gardener.’

This spectacular side usually consists of celery, cauliflower, peppers, and carrots. But, if you’re making your own you can choose whatever vegetables you like or have available.

5. Sweet Potato Fries

There’s no use denying it. Fries are the perfect compliment to almost any sandwich. Grill cheese? Yep. Reuben? Yep. Fish sandwich? Yep. They’re just so good!

If you’re looking for a sweeter alternative to your regular russet-based fries, try sweet potato fries. They’ll add a sweet flavor to your Reuben meal.

6. Split Pea Soup

Soup is best served as a side with Reuben sandwiches on a cold winter day. But really, you can add soup to your Reuben meal any time of year!

Split pea soup is a little less creamy than a thick potato soup but still adds a new texture to the meal. The vegetables will round out the meal nicely.

7. Potato Chips

Just like dill pickles, potato chips are sometimes still served as an additional side with sandwiches in restaurants and delis. Some are homemade, others from a bag.

The best potato chip to serve with a Reuben sandwich will be homemade and baked. Potato chips add a crunchiness to an otherwise soft-textured meal.

8. Mushroom and Olive Tapenade

This side dish is easier and faster to make if you have a food processor. Simply slice up green olives, toasted almonds, portobello mushrooms, and an anchovy fillet.

It’s best served on toasted sourdough or rye. With a Reuben sandwich, you’ll want to stray away from rye bread since you’ll already be having it with your sandwich.

9. Broccoli Salad

If you want some greens in your meal, try a broccoli salad. You can eat raw broccoli in this salad, or microwave it until it turns bright green.

Add in some bacon, onion, mozzarella cheese, and any other ingredients that sound good to you. This will also add a crunchiness to your meal, as well as nutrition.

10. Cream of Potato Soup

The ultimate winter soup. Cream of potato is a thick and creamy soup that is best served with a Reuben sandwich during the winter months.

There are plenty of recipes out there. Try adding scallions to the top of your soup to not only add a slight crunch but also to add flavor.

11. Onion Rings

If you’re getting a Reuben sandwich, then you’re planning for a big meal anyways. Why not add some crunchy and delicious onion rings to the meal?

These round rings of goodness can be made at home but can be tricky to make. Alternatively, you can buy pre-made frozen rings from your local grocery store.

12. Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are similar in texture to stuffed olives. They are soft, similar to your Reuben sandwich, but pack a whole new level of flavor.

And why not add some more protein to your meal? Deviled eggs are easy to make in advance if you know you’ll be having a Reuben sandwich.

13. Salad

If you want a simple, light side dish with your Reuben sandwich, try a side salad. You can make it with kale, spinach, lettuce, or a spring mix.

Try adding croutons or toasted almonds to your salad to give it a crunchy texture. Pair your salad with a dressing similar but not exactly the same as a thousand islands dressing.

14. Potato Salad

Potato salad is a creamy and hearty side dish that pairs great with any sandwich. It brings a tangy and almost sour flavor to the meal.

Potato salad is easy to make at home with just a few ingredients: potatoes, spicy mustard, pickles, mayo, sour cream, and the vegetables of your choice.

15. Fresh Apple Slices

 

Apple slices with a Reuben? It may sound strange, but fresh-cut apple slices are a perfect complement to a hearty and rich Reuben sandwich.

The apple slices will contrast with the saltiness of a Reuben sandwich and bring a fresh flavor to the meal. Plus, the crunchiness of the apples brings a new texture.

16. Eggplant Caponata

Eggplant caponata could almost be a meal in and of itself. It is full of flavors, aromas, vegetables, and spices, all cooked together in a tomato sauce.

You can make eggplant caponata at home in a skillet using celery and onions, eggplant, green olives, and capers. Cook it all in a tomato sauce with olive oil and enjoy!

17. Potato Pancakes

If you have leftover mashed potatoes or baked potatoes that are about to go bad, potato pancakes will be your salvation. They’re easy to make and delicious.

Simply shape your leftover potatoes into small round discs and fry them up in a skillet. They’re a hearty side dish with a Reuben sandwich and add a little crunch.

Wrap Up

Reuben sandwiches are a meaty and rich meal, paired with tangy dressing and sauerkraut. Make sure to pair your sandwich with something that compliments a Reuben.

You can keep it simple with a dill pickle, or go all out with a caponata. Whatever you choose from this list, you’ll have a spectacular side to add to your Reuben sandwich.

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