Classic Reuben Sandwich

Ingredients

• For the russian dressing:
• 2 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish
• 1 tablespoon fresh juice from 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon grated horseradish from a jar
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• For the sandwiches:
• 1 pound sliced corned beef
• 1/2 pound sauerkraut
• 8 slices Jewish rye bread
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 8 slices Swiss cheese

Directions

1. For the Russian dressing, whisk the mayonnaise with the sour cream, ketchup, dill pickle relish, fresh lemon juice, and horseradish in a medium bowl. Taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then set it aside.
2. For the sandwiches, set your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and arrange the corned beef in the middle. Pull the foil up around it to make a little tray, add 2 tablespoons (30ml) water, then close the packet tightly. Slide it into the oven for 10 minutes to warm the corned beef.
3. While the beef heats, put the sauerkraut and 3 tablespoons (45ml) water in a small saucepan. Set it over medium heat and warm it through, about 4 minutes, then keep it warm.
4. Butter 1 side of each slice of bread. Heat a large cast iron skillet or griddle over medium heat. Working in batches, place the bread buttered side down and toast until golden, about 2 minutes. Move the slices to a clean baking sheet with the untoasted sides facing up.
5. Spread a generous layer of Russian dressing over the untoasted side of every bread slice. Pile the corned beef onto half of the bread slices, pausing first so extra liquid can drain away. Add the sauerkraut over the beef, again letting excess liquid drip off before it lands on the sandwich. Put half of the Swiss cheese slices over the sauerkraut, and place the other half on the remaining Russian-dressed bread slices.
6. Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and heat until the cheese is completely melted, about 3 minutes. Close the sandwiches and serve right away.