Reuben Dogs: A Culinary Twist on a Classic

The first time I tasted a Reuben sandwich, I was a wide-eyed kid at a New York deli, utterly mesmerized by the towering layers of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and tangy Russian dressing. The explosion of flavors was a revelation, and it sparked a lifelong love affair with this iconic sandwich. Now, imagine those same incredible flavors, but in hot dog form. That’s exactly what these Reuben Dogs deliver: the perfect marriage of nostalgic comfort and playful culinary innovation.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-16 minutes
• Total Time: 27-31 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 4 Reuben Dogs
• Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

• 4 large beef hot dogs
• 4 teaspoons spicy brown mustard
• 12 slices deli pastrami
• 4 sourdough bread or 4 French rolls, halved horizontally and toasted
• 4 slices Swiss cheese, cut in half diagonally
• 1 cup prepared sauerkraut
• Thousand Island dressing

Equipment Needed

• Grill or broiler
• Wire rack (for broiler method)
• Foil-lined baking sheet or broiler pan (for broiler method)
• Tongs

Instructions

1. If using a grill, set it up for direct cooking over medium heat. Make sure the grates are clean. Before you start cooking, oil the grate to prevent sticking.
2. Spread each hot dog on all sides with 1 teaspoon of spicy brown mustard. This adds a wonderful kick that complements the other flavors.
3. Wrap three slices of deli pastrami around each hot dog. Don’t be shy; the pastrami is what brings the Reuben flavor to life. Make sure the pastrami is secure.
4. Grill the pastrami-wrapped hot dogs on the hot, oiled grill for 12 to 16 minutes, or until the hot dogs are heated through. Turn the hot dogs frequently to ensure even cooking and to prevent the pastrami from burning.
5. If using the broiler method, preheat your broiler. Place the pastrami-wrapped hot dogs on a wire rack over a foil-lined baking sheet or broiler pan. This allows the hot dogs to cook evenly without sitting in their own drippings.
6. Cook under the broiler 6 to 8 inches from the heat source for 12 to 16 minutes, turning frequently. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
7. While the hot dogs are cooking, toast the sourdough bread or French rolls. This adds a nice crunch to the final product.
8. Serve the hot dogs hot on the toasted rolls. Top with sliced Swiss cheese and sauerkraut. The residual heat will melt the cheese slightly.
9. Finish with a generous drizzle of Thousand Island dressing. This is the key to that authentic Reuben flavor.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overcook the hot dogs. They should be heated through but still juicy. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 165°F (74°C).
• Use high-quality pastrami. The better the pastrami, the better the flavor. Look for thinly sliced pastrami with good marbling.
• If you don’t have spicy brown mustard, you can use regular brown mustard with a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• For a smoky flavor, add a few wood chips to your grill. Hickory or mesquite would pair well with the pastrami and hot dogs.
• To prevent the rolls from getting soggy, you can lightly butter them before toasting.
• Make sure to oil your grill grate well! This prevents the pastrami from sticking and tearing.
• If you’re using the broiler method, keep a close eye on the hot dogs to prevent burning. The pastrami can quickly become charred under the high heat.
• Warm the sauerkraut slightly before adding it to the hot dogs for a more pleasant eating experience.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve your Reuben Dogs immediately after cooking for the best flavor and texture. They are fantastic on their own, but also pair well with sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or dill pickles.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can microwave the hot dogs (though this may make the bread soggy), or wrap them in foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

The individual components (hot dogs, pastrami, sauerkraut) can be stored separately for longer periods. Avoid freezing the assembled hot dogs, as the bread and sauerkraut will become mushy upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	~847 kcal	~42%
Total Fat	~60 g	~92%
Saturated Fat	~25 g	~125%
Cholesterol	~150 mg	~50%
Sodium	~1750 mg	~73%
Total Carbohydrate	~65 g	~22%
Dietary Fiber	~5 g	~20%
Sugars	~7 g	N/A
Protein	~45 g	~90%

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

Variations & Substitutions

• Corned Beef Reuben Dogs: Substitute the pastrami with corned beef for a more traditional Reuben flavor.
• Turkey Reuben Dogs: For a lighter option, use turkey hot dogs and turkey pastrami.
• Vegetarian Reuben Dogs: Use vegetarian hot dogs and top with sautéed mushrooms and onions for a savory, meat-free version.
• Spicy Reuben Dogs: Add a drizzle of sriracha mayo or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
• Different Cheese: Try using Gruyere, Jarlsberg, or Emmental cheese instead of Swiss for a different flavor profile.
• Different Bread: While sourdough or French rolls are classic, you can also use rye bread or pretzel rolls for a unique twist.
• Sauerkraut Variations: Experiment with different types of sauerkraut, such as Bavarian sauerkraut or kimchi sauerkraut.
• Russian Dressing: If you can’t find Thousand Island dressing, you can easily make your own Russian dressing by combining mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and a dash of hot sauce.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: While the individual components can be prepped in advance, it’s best to assemble and cook the Reuben Dogs just before serving to ensure the bread doesn’t get soggy and the flavors are at their peak.

Q: What’s the best way to toast the rolls?
A: You can toast the rolls in a toaster, under the broiler, or on a grill pan. Just make sure to keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Q: Can I use a different type of mustard?
A: While spicy brown mustard is recommended, you can use other types of mustard, such as Dijon or yellow mustard, depending on your preference. Keep in mind that this will alter the final flavor profile.

Q: How do I keep the sauerkraut from being too watery?
A: Before adding the sauerkraut to the hot dogs, squeeze out any excess liquid. You can also sauté it in a pan for a few minutes to dry it out slightly.

Q: Can I make these without a grill or broiler?
A: Yes, you can cook the pastrami-wrapped hot dogs in a skillet over medium heat, turning frequently until heated through.

Final Thoughts

These Reuben Dogs are more than just a meal; they’re a delightful culinary adventure that celebrates the iconic flavors of the Reuben sandwich in a fun, approachable way. Whether you’re grilling them outdoors or broiling them indoors, the combination of savory pastrami, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and creamy Thousand Island dressing is sure to tantalize your taste buds. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the grill (or broiler), and get ready to experience a hot dog like no other! Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations and substitutions to create your own signature Reuben Dog. And please, share your feedback – I’d love to hear about your delicious creations!