Turkey Reuben on Blackstone Grill

Sink your teeth into this irresistible Turkey Reuben grilled to golden perfection on the Blackstone. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of smoky turkey, melty Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Thousand Island dressing, all encased between buttery, crisp rye bread.

This Blackstone masterpiece is the ultimate comfort food, ideal for a quick family lunch, a weekend grill-out, or whenever you crave a hearty, savory sandwich. Easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors, this Turkey Reuben is guaranteed to become a regular star at your grilling sessions.

Full Recipe:

8 slices rye bread
1 pound sliced deli turkey breast
8 slices Swiss cheese
1 cup sauerkraut, drained
1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing
2 tablespoons butter, softened

Directions:

Preheat your Blackstone Grill to medium heat.
Butter one side of each slice of rye bread.
On the non-buttered side of 4 slices, layer Swiss cheese, turkey slices, sauerkraut, and a generous spoonful of Thousand Island dressing.
Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing outward.
Place sandwiches on the Blackstone Grill.
Grill for 3–5 minutes on each side, pressing slightly with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Remove from heat, slice diagonally, and serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes

Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Story Behind the Turkey Reuben on the Blackstone Grill

The Turkey Reuben is a delicious twist on the traditional Reuben sandwich, swapping out corned beef for sliced turkey breast. This variation is lighter but still packed with robust flavors that satisfy deeply. Cooking it on a Blackstone Grill elevates the sandwich to a whole new level — creating that irresistible crispy exterior while melting the cheese perfectly inside.

The Reuben sandwich itself dates back to the early 20th century and has roots in both New York and Omaha, depending on which story you believe. Traditionally featuring corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian or Thousand Island dressing on rye bread, it’s known for its hearty, savory, and tangy profile. In this turkey version, the lighter meat brings a softer, leaner character while still pairing beautifully with the rich toppings.

Why Make a Turkey Reuben on the Blackstone Grill?

The Blackstone Grill isn’t just another outdoor cooking tool — it’s a flavor-enhancing powerhouse. The wide, flat, seasoned surface provides even heating, ideal for getting a crunchy crust on the bread while simultaneously melting the cheese and warming the fillings perfectly. Using a Blackstone ensures you get that restaurant-quality crispiness and melt without the risk of burning your sandwich.

Another reason is versatility. A Blackstone Grill allows you to prepare multiple sandwiches at once without crowding, making it perfect for family meals, gatherings, or weekend cookouts. You can even customize each sandwich slightly for individual preferences without compromising the quality.

Key Flavors That Make This Sandwich Stand Out

Every bite of a Turkey Reuben delivers a harmony of flavors and textures. The rye bread adds a slightly nutty, earthy base with a crispy finish when buttered and grilled. The Swiss cheese melts into a creamy, slightly sharp richness that pairs wonderfully with turkey’s mild flavor. Sauerkraut introduces a welcome tang and slight crunch that cuts through the richness. Finally, Thousand Island dressing offers a creamy, sweet, and slightly tangy element that ties the whole sandwich together.

Balancing these flavors is crucial — no one component should overpower the others. When made correctly, the Turkey Reuben is a perfect symphony of savory, tangy, buttery, and slightly sweet notes.

Tips for Making the Best Turkey Reuben on a Blackstone

1. Use Good Quality Bread:
Rye bread is traditional and works best for this sandwich, thanks to its hearty texture and distinct flavor. Make sure it’s thick-sliced to hold up to the grilling and fillings.

2. Drain the Sauerkraut Well:
Nobody likes a soggy sandwich. Be sure to squeeze out any excess liquid from the sauerkraut before layering it onto the sandwich. This ensures your sandwich stays crispy and doesn’t get waterlogged.

3. Generously Butter the Bread:
The butter creates that classic, golden crust we all crave in a grilled sandwich. Don’t be shy — a generous but even layer will do wonders for the texture and flavor.

4. Watch the Heat:
Medium heat is key. Too high, and you’ll burn the bread before the cheese melts; too low, and you won’t get that irresistible crispiness.

5. Press Lightly:
Use your spatula to gently press down on the sandwich as it cooks. This helps achieve even contact with the griddle, promoting better browning and melting.

Variations to Try

The beauty of a Turkey Reuben is how adaptable it can be. Here are a few creative variations you might want to try:

Spicy Turkey Reuben: Add a few slices of pickled jalapeños or use a spicy Thousand Island dressing for a bit of a kick.
Bacon Lover’s Reuben: Add a few crispy strips of bacon inside the sandwich for extra smoky flavor and crunch.
Avocado Turkey Reuben: Add a few slices of ripe avocado for creaminess and a modern twist.
Low-Carb Version: Swap the rye bread for low-carb wraps and cook them quesadilla-style on the Blackstone.

Each of these adaptations keeps the heart of the Turkey Reuben intact while bringing a fresh perspective to the sandwich.

Best Sides to Serve with a Turkey Reuben

No sandwich is complete without some delicious sides. Here are a few ideas that pair wonderfully with a Turkey Reuben:

Crispy Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: A classic, comforting choice that’s easy to make on the Blackstone too.
Pickles: The vinegary bite of a good dill pickle complements the tangy sauerkraut beautifully.
Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad can balance the savory flavors of the Reuben.
Coleslaw: A crunchy, slightly sweet slaw provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sandwich.

Pairing your Turkey Reuben with the right side can turn a simple meal into a memorable feast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this recipe is fairly straightforward, a few common mistakes can trip you up if you’re not careful:

Overloading the Sandwich: More isn’t always better. Too much filling can make the sandwich hard to flip and cause it to fall apart.
Not Preheating the Grill: Always give your Blackstone enough time to heat up. A cold grill leads to soggy, greasy sandwiches.
Skipping the Butter: It may seem healthier, but butter is key to achieving that crispy, golden exterior.
Using Wet Sauerkraut: Always drain and, if necessary, pat the sauerkraut dry to prevent sogginess.

Keeping these points in mind will help you consistently make perfect Turkey Reubens every time.

Why Turkey Is a Healthier Choice

Turkey is often viewed as a leaner alternative to beef, making it a great option for those looking to enjoy a hearty sandwich without the heavier fat content. It’s high in protein, relatively low in fat, and provides essential nutrients like selenium, B vitamins, and zinc. Choosing turkey for your Reuben can make the dish feel less heavy, allowing you to enjoy it without the post-meal sluggishness that richer meats might cause.

Plus, turkey’s mild flavor acts as a perfect canvas, letting the sauerkraut, cheese, and dressing shine without being overwhelmed by the meat’s taste.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which isn’t common because these sandwiches tend to disappear fast!), here’s how to keep them tasting great:

Storage: Wrap each sandwich tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for about 2 days.
Reheating: The best way to reheat a Turkey Reuben is on the Blackstone Grill or in a skillet over medium heat. This preserves the crispy texture. Avoid microwaving if possible — it can make the bread soggy.

You can also reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through for another crisp finish.

Conclusion

The Turkey Reuben on the Blackstone Grill is a modern classic that captures all the best aspects of a traditional Reuben while offering a lighter, equally satisfying alternative. With crispy, buttery rye bread, melty Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Thousand Island dressing, and tender turkey, every bite is a celebration of textures and flavors.

Grilling it on the Blackstone brings out the best in every ingredient, delivering that golden-brown perfection that’s hard to achieve any other way. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of hungry friends, this sandwich is sure to impress. It’s easy, quick, and endlessly adaptable, making it a must-try recipe for anyone who loves great food made simply.

If you’re ready to elevate your sandwich game, fire up your Blackstone and give this Turkey Reuben a try — you won’t regret it!