If you’re craving a classic deli favorite but want to keep it low-carb, this Keto Reuben Recipe is your new best friend. It brings together the perfect harmony of tangy sauerkraut, savory corned beef, melty Swiss cheese, and a creamy, zesty sauce all sandwiched between crispy, golden chaffles. This dish delivers all the iconic flavors of a traditional Reuben without the carbs from bread, making it a satisfying and delicious treat that fits perfectly into any keto lifestyle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients will ensure your Keto Reuben Recipe comes together effortlessly, while each element adds depth in flavor, texture, and color to your sandwich masterpiece.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps bind the sauce ingredients together smoothly.
- Keto ketchup: Provides a touch of sweetness and tang with zero added sugars.
- Minced dill pickles: Brings sharp, zesty crunch to the special sauce, enhancing the Reuben’s signature flavor.
- Chaffles: These cheese and egg waffles replace traditional bread, giving your sandwich a crispy, golden base perfect for holding all the fillings.
- Corned beef: Thinly sliced and packed with meaty, savory goodness that anchors the dish.
- Sauerkraut: Adds a tangy, fermented bite that balances the richness of the other ingredients wonderfully.
- Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully to create gooey, rich layers inside your sandwich.
- Butter: For toasting the sandwich to a golden crisp, adding flavor and texture.
How to Make Keto Reuben Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Special Sauce
Start by mixing mayonnaise, keto ketchup, and minced dill pickles in a small bowl until they blend into a creamy, tangy sauce. This special sauce is what really makes the Keto Reuben Recipe shine—it’s got that classic Reuben zing with extra richness.
Step 2: Spread the Sauce on Chaffles
Take your crispy chaffles and spread the prepared sauce evenly over each one. This lays a flavorful foundation that keeps every bite moist and delicious, while the chaffles ensure the sandwich holds together perfectly.
Step 3: Layer the Corned Beef
Divide the thinly sliced corned beef evenly over two of the sauced chaffles. This meaty layer is the heart of the sandwich, packing in salty, savory flavor that satisfies any craving for traditional deli meats.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Sauerkraut
Top the corned beef with half the Swiss cheese, then pile on the sauerkraut. The cheese melts into gooey goodness while the sauerkraut adds a tangy contrast that cuts through the richness enticingly.
Step 5: Assemble and Toast
Place the remaining chaffles on top, sauce side down, creating a perfect sandwich stack. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then cook the sandwiches for about 4 minutes on each side until the cheese is melted and the chaffles are golden and crispy. This toasting step seals in all the flavors and adds a mouthwatering crunch.
How to Serve Keto Reuben Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few extra dill pickle slices on the side add a pop of color and an extra layer of freshness that complements the rich, savory sandwich.
Side Dishes
Pair your Keto Reuben with some crunchy celery sticks, a crisp green salad, or low-carb coleslaw to round out the meal with refreshing textures and flavors without adding unnecessary carbs.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting presentation, slice the sandwich diagonally to showcase the colorful layers inside, and serve it on a rustic wooden board with small ramekins of mustard or extra special sauce for dipping. It makes for a stunning keto-friendly lunch or dinner that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Keto Reuben sandwiches tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for about 2 days—perfect for a quick, satisfying meal later.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the assembled but un-toasted sandwiches in airtight containers. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, place the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat to restore the crispiness of the chaffles and gently melt the cheese again. Avoid microwaving to keep that perfect crunch preserved.
FAQs
Can I use regular ketchup instead of keto ketchup?
You can, but regular ketchup often contains added sugars that may impact your keto goals. Keto-friendly ketchup keeps the dish low-carb without sacrificing flavor.
What exactly are chaffles?
Chaffles are waffles made primarily from cheese and eggs, which makes them low-carb, gluten-free, and the perfect alternative to bread for keto recipes like this Reuben.
Is sauerkraut necessary in the Keto Reuben Recipe?
Yes, sauerkraut provides the signature tangy flavor and a satisfying crunch that balances the richness of the meat and cheese, making it essential to the classic Reuben taste.
Can I use another type of cheese?
Swiss cheese is traditional because of its mild, nutty flavor and excellent melting quality, but Gruyere or provolone can also work well if you prefer a different twist.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To go dairy-free, substitute the Swiss cheese with a dairy-free melting cheese and use a vegan butter alternative for toasting—though the taste and texture will be slightly different from the classic version.
Final Thoughts
Trying out this Keto Reuben Recipe is like taking a flavorful comfort food classic and giving it a smart, low-carb makeover that doesn’t compromise on taste at all. Whether you’re on keto or just looking for a satisfying sandwich alternative, this recipe is quick to prepare and wildly delicious. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making this crave-worthy dish again and again!
Print
Keto Reuben Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Keto Reuben recipe is a low-carb twist on the classic deli sandwich, featuring crispy chaffles as the bread substitute. Combining tangy sauerkraut, savory corned beef, Swiss cheese, and a creamy dill pickle mayo spread, these sandwiches are pan-fried to golden perfection for a satisfying and flavorful meal that fits perfectly into a ketogenic lifestyle.
Ingredients
Spread
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon keto ketchup (or other keto-friendly ketchup)
- 2 tablespoons minced dill pickles
Sandwich
- 4 chaffles
- 1/4 pound corned beef (sliced thin)
- 1 cup sauerkraut
- 2 ounces Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Prepare the spread: In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the mayonnaise, keto ketchup, and minced dill pickles to create a tangy and creamy sauce for the sandwiches.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Spread the dill pickle mayo mixture evenly over one side of each chaffle. Place the corned beef slices evenly over two of the chaffles, then top with half the Swiss cheese and the sauerkraut.
- Complete assembly: Place the remaining chaffles on top of the sauerkraut with the sauce side facing down to form two sandwiches.
- Melt butter and cook: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the assembled sandwiches and cook for 4 minutes until the bottoms are golden and crispy.
- Flip and finish cooking: Carefully flip the sandwiches and cook for an additional 4 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the bread (chaffle) is crispy and golden on both sides.
Notes
- You can make your own chaffles using eggs and cheese if you want them fresh.
- Keto ketchup is used to keep the recipe low carb; regular ketchup will add more sugar.
- Thinly sliced corned beef works best to layer inside the sandwich.
- Ensure your skillet is well-heated to get a nice crust on the chaffles without burning the butter.
- Leftover sandwiches can be reheated in a skillet or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
