Jump to Recipe
This post may contain affiliate links; please read my disclosure policy.
Introducing my arguably favorite deli sandwich ever, the Grilled Turkey Reuben! You guys, this is the most perfect grilled sandwich. The melty, gooey cheese, warm, juicy turkey, crispy slaw, and crunchy bread is in each bite and tastes heavenly. It’s truly an easy, mouth-watering lunch time staple you’ll want to have on repeat.
This sandwich also holds a really special place in my heart. My Mom used to make these for herself and her friends in college, and she made them for my Dad, sisters, and I growing up. I’m so excited to share with you another little taste of home that can also be customized to your liking AND my tips and tricks for making the perfect grilled sandwich.
Ingredients for Grilled Turkey Reuben
Turkey Lunch Meat: Tasty and juicy, I just love love love turkey. It’s such a versatile sandwich meat and pairs great with the flavors in this Reuben. My favorite is wildflower honey turkey from the private selection found at Kroger.
Fresh Bread: I recommend a French or Tuscan loaf. Warm, crunchy, and soft…fresh bread is EVERYTHING.
Roma Tomato: Meaty and chewy, these types of tomatoes don’t release a lot of water and won’t make your bread soggy.
White Cheese: A creamy Havarti or Pepperjack works perfectly for this recipe.
Red or White Onion: Onions can taste assertive, but they add great flavor and crunch to sandwiches.
Coleslaw Shavings: I buy these already prepared to save time.
Coleslaw Dressing: Coleslaw is typically made with mayo, but you can use Thousand Island to create the most authentic Reuben possible. Or, use another type of dressing you enjoy!
Sandwich Equipment
For this Grilled Turkey Reuben, you will need a griddle or 2 non-stick pans, spatula, knife, cutting board, and a plate.
How to make a Grilled Turkey Reuben
The key to making the perfect grilled sandwich is in the accurate timing of your ingredients. Follow the steps below to ensure your Grilled Turkey Reuben is warm, melty, gooey, and grilled like a pro.
1. Prepare all sandwich ingredients. Slice onion and tomato, mix coleslaw shavings with your preferred dressing, lay out bread, and have your meat and cheese at the ready.
2. Heat griddle to 350°F or non-stick pan to medium heat. Coat with cooking spray.
3. Put onion, tomatoes, and turkey on griddle or pan to heat. Flip 1-2 times and let sizzle for 5-6 minutes. (Or until light browning on each side.)
4. While the onion, tomatoes, and turkey warm, spray griddle or another pan with cooking spray and place bread on heat to toast. Ensure the part of your bread being toasted is the outside so when you fold your sandwich, it’s nice and crispy.
5. Place a slice of cheese on each slice of bread. Let melt.
6. Start to layer your sandwich. Put sautéed onions on one piece of bread and sautéed tomato slices on the other. Divide warmed turkey evenly on each piece of bread.
7. Top one side of the sandwich with prepared coleslaw. Add more dressing if needed.
8. Using a spatula, flip the other side of the sandwich onto the side with the coleslaw.
9. Remove from heat, cut in half, and enjoy immediately. Grab the napkins because this is a finger licker.
What to have with your Reuben
Enjoy this classic sandwich with a side of chips or pretzels, celery and carrots, or a long, juicy pickle. Some macaroni or potato salad would also be a great side!
You can also add whatever additional toppings you’d like. Crispy bacon, roast beef or ham, and avocado would complement the flavors in this Grilled Turkey Reuben so well.
Try this Grilled Turkey Reuben with my Roasted Sweet Potato Fries, Roasted Brussel Sprout Salad, or Seasonal Harvest Salad.
Grilled Turkey Reuben
Equipment
- Griddle or non-stick pan
- spatula
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Plate
Ingredients
- 4 slices turkey lunch meat
- 4 rings red or white onion
- 2 slices fresh bread
- 2 slices roma tomato
- 2 slices white cheese
- ½ cup coleslaw shavings
- ¼ cup preferred coleslaw dressing
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare all sandwich ingredients. Slice onion and tomato, mix coleslaw shavings with your preferred dressing, lay out bread, and have your meat and cheese at the ready.
- Heat griddle to 350°F or a non-stick pan to medium heat. Coat with cooking spray.
- Put onion, tomatoes, and turkey on griddle or pan to heat. Flip 1-2 times and let sizzle for 5-6 minutes. (Or until light browning on each side.)
- While the onion, tomatoes, and turkey warm, spray griddle or another pan again with cooking spray and place bread on heat to toast. Ensure the part of your bread being toasted is the outside so when you fold your sandwich, it's nice and crispy.
- Place a slice of cheese on each slice of bread. Let melt.
- Start to layer your sandwich. Put sautéed onions on one piece of bread and sautéed tomato slices on the other. Divide warmed turkey evenly on each piece of bread.
- Top one side of the sandwich with prepared coleslaw. Add more dressing if needed.
- Using a spatula, flip the other side of the sandwich onto the side with the coleslaw.
- Remove from heat, cut in half, and enjoy immediately. Grab the napkins because this is a finger licker.
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. It’s my passion to create dishes that can be shared with others. Tell me something you loved, something that you think it might need, or just say hi!
I couldn’t wait to make! It’s my favorite sandwich. I decided to do a little improvising today as I didn’t have onion or slaw. Still amazing due to your layout. I will definitely be making these again with all of the directed ingredients. Thank you, Courtney! This is just the start. 😀