This recipe for Corned Beef Special Sandwiches is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tender and flavorful corned beef is paired with tangy sauerkraut, creamy Thousand Island dressing, and melted Swiss cheese, all sandwiched between slices of toasted rye bread. Made with love and attention to detail, this sandwich will satisfy any craving for a hearty and delicious meal. It's a classic American favorite that you won't be able to resist!
Ingredients
- 8 slices of rye bread
- 3/4 pound of thinly sliced corned beef
- 1 cup of sauerkraut, drained
- 1/2 cup of Thousand Island dressing
- 8 slices of Swiss cheese
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
Directions
- Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over one side of each slice of rye bread.
- Place four slices of bread, buttered side down, on the skillet or griddle.
- Layer each slice of bread with about 3 ounces of corned beef.
- Top the corned beef with 1/4 cup of sauerkraut, spreading it out evenly.
- Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of Thousand Island dressing over the sauerkraut on each slice of bread.
- Place two slices of Swiss cheese on top of the dressing on each slice of bread.
- Cover the skillet or griddle with a lid and cook for 4-5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
- Remove the sandwiches from the skillet or griddle and place the remaining four slices of bread, buttered side down, on it.
- Place the cooked sandwiches on top of the bread slices.
- Press down gently to create the sandwiches.
- Return the sandwiches to the skillet or griddle, cover with a lid, and cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Remove the sandwiches from the skillet or griddle and let them cool for a minute.
- Cut each sandwich in half diagonally and serve warm.
Interesting Facts
Corned beef was originally made by curing beef with large grains of salt, which were known as 'corns' of salt, hence the name 'corned beef.'
The original Reuben sandwich, a similar sandwich to the Corned Beef Special, was said to have been created by a poker-playing gentleman in Omaha, Nebraska, named Reuben Kulakofsky in the 1920s.
The Thousand Island dressing used in this recipe gets its name from the Thousand Islands region, which is located between the United States and Canada.