Avocado Reuben: A West Coast Twist on a Classic

I’ll never forget the first time I tasted a Reuben. I was a young line cook, intimidated by the towering sandwiches the lunch crowd devoured. The tangy sauerkraut, the rich Russian dressing, the perfectly grilled rye – it was a symphony of flavors and textures. While I still adore a traditional Reuben, living in California has instilled in me a love for all things avocado. This Avocado Reuben is my ode to the Golden State, a creamy, vibrant spin on a beloved classic that brings a touch of sunshine to every bite.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 1
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 large avocado, peeled and sliced
• 1 (14 ounce) can sauerkraut, drained
• ¼ – ½ cup thousand island dressing
• 6 slices swiss cheese
• 12 slices marbled rye bread
• Cooking spray

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or griddle
• Spatula

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the sauerkraut mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the drained sauerkraut and thousand island dressing. Add the dressing gradually, tasting as you go, to achieve your desired level of tanginess. Aim for a well-coated, flavorful mixture that isn’t overly saturated with dressing.

2. Peel and slice the avocado. I prefer slices that are about ¼ inch thick – substantial enough to provide a creamy bite, but not so thick that they make the sandwich unwieldy.

3. Now it’s time to assemble your Avocado Reubens. Each sandwich requires 2 slices of marbled rye bread. Layer one slice of Swiss cheese on one slice of bread, followed by approximately ¼ cup of the sauerkraut mixture, and then arrange 3 slices of avocado on top. Finish with another slice of Swiss cheese and the second slice of rye bread.

4. Lightly coat a large skillet or griddle with cooking spray and heat over medium heat.

5. Carefully place the assembled sandwich in the hot skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. For even cooking, gently press down on the sandwich with a spatula while it’s grilling.

6. Remove the Avocado Reuben from the skillet and let it cool for a minute or two before slicing in half. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overdress the sauerkraut: Adding the thousand island dressing slowly is key to preventing a soggy sandwich. You want the sauerkraut to be well-coated and flavorful, but not swimming in dressing.
• Choose a ripe, but firm avocado: The avocado should be ripe enough to be creamy, but still firm enough to hold its shape when sliced. Overripe avocado will be mushy and difficult to work with.
• Toast the bread lightly before grilling: This will help prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy, especially if you’re using a particularly juicy sauerkraut.
• Use a panini press: If you have a panini press, it can be used instead of a skillet for perfectly even grilling and a beautifully pressed sandwich.
• For an extra layer of flavor, add a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning to the avocado slices before assembling the sandwich. This adds a subtle onion and garlic note that complements the other flavors beautifully.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Avocado Reubens are best served immediately while the bread is crisp and the cheese is melted. The warmth of the bread slightly softens the avocado, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

If you have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), they’re best stored in the refrigerator. Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Keep in mind that the bread will soften and the avocado may brown slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.

To reheat, you can use a skillet, panini press, or even a toaster oven. Heat until the bread is crisp and the cheese is melted. Avoid microwaving, as this will make the bread soggy.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	388.2 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	175 g	45%
Total Fat	19.5 g	30%
Saturated Fat	6.8 g	33%
Cholesterol	28.5 mg	9%
Sodium	1028.8 mg	42%
Total Carbohydrate	40.4 g	13%
Dietary Fiber	8.2 g	32%
Sugars	5.9 g	N/A
Protein	14.5 g	29%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegan Avocado Reuben: Substitute the Swiss cheese with your favorite vegan cheese slices. Many brands offer excellent melting vegan cheese options these days. Use a vegan thousand island dressing, or make your own using a base of vegan mayonnaise.
• Gluten-Free Avocado Reuben: Use gluten-free rye bread. There are many brands available, but be sure to choose one that can withstand grilling without falling apart.
• Spicy Avocado Reuben: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauerkraut mixture for a kick of heat. You can also use a spicy thousand island dressing.
• Turkey or Tempeh Reuben: Add slices of deli turkey or tempeh bacon for added protein and a more substantial meal.
• Kimchi Reuben: Substitute the sauerkraut with kimchi for an even more tangy and spicy twist.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: It’s best to assemble and grill the Avocado Reuben just before serving, as the bread can become soggy if it sits for too long. However, you can prepare the sauerkraut mixture and slice the avocado ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator.

Q: What kind of bread is best for an Avocado Reuben?
A: Marbled rye bread is the classic choice for a Reuben, as its slightly sour flavor complements the sauerkraut and cheese. However, you can also use other types of rye bread or even sourdough.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: While Swiss cheese is the traditional choice for a Reuben, you can experiment with other types of cheese, such as Gruyere or provolone.

Q: How do I prevent the avocado from browning?
A: To prevent the avocado from browning, brush the slices with lemon juice or lime juice before assembling the sandwich.

Q: Can I grill this in a regular frying pan if I don’t have a griddle?
A: Absolutely! A regular frying pan will work just fine. Just make sure it’s large enough to accommodate the sandwich and that you heat it over medium heat.

Final Thoughts

This Avocado Reuben is more than just a sandwich; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures, a culinary bridge between classic comfort food and California freshness. The creamy avocado, the tangy sauerkraut, and the melted Swiss cheese create a symphony of sensations that will tantalize your taste buds. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and embark on a sandwich-making adventure. I’m confident that this Avocado Reuben will become a new favorite in your kitchen. And don’t forget to share your creations and feedback – I’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own! Perhaps pair it with a crisp dill pickle and a light, refreshing IPA for the perfect lunch.