what kind of cheese goes on a reuben sandwich
Swiss cheese is the classic, traditional choice for a Reuben sandwich, because it melts well and its mild, nutty flavor pairs perfectly with corned beef and sauerkraut.
Quick Scoop
Classic answer: Swiss cheese
Most traditional Reuben recipes call specifically for Swiss slices layered with:
- Corned beef
- Sauerkraut
- Russian or Thousand Island dressing
- Rye bread (often marble rye)
These recipes consistently describe Swiss as the “gold standard” cheese for a Reuben.
Why Swiss works so well
- Melts smoothly and evenly, giving that gooey, stretchy bite.
- Mild, slightly nutty flavor that doesn’t overpower the salty beef and tangy sauerkraut.
- Longstanding deli tradition going back to early Reuben recipes.
Tasty alternatives (if you’re experimenting)
Some modern recipes and deli-style guides suggest other melty, mild cheeses if you want to twist the classic:
- Gruyère (richer, more intense “Swiss family” flavor).
- Mozzarella or provolone for a very mild profile.
- American or white American for extra creamy, comfort-food style melts.
- Pepper Jack if you want a bit of heat with the same melty texture.
Mini how-to example
To build a very classic Reuben at home:
- Butter one side of two slices of rye or marble rye.
- Spread Russian or Thousand Island dressing on the unbuttered sides.
- Layer Swiss cheese, corned beef, sauerkraut, then another slice of Swiss.
- Grill in a skillet until the bread is golden and the cheese is fully melted, then slice and serve.
SEO-style notes
If you’re searching or writing about this, phrases like “what kind of cheese goes on a Reuben sandwich” almost always point to Swiss cheese as the definitive answer, with alternatives mentioned as modern twists or “next- level” upgrades.
Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.