What to Serve with Reuben Sandwiches: 30+ Easy Side Dishes
Enjoying a warm, classic Reuben always feels like pure comfort food.
Between the savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss, each bite bursts with flavor.
But sometimes, figuring out what to serve with Reuben sandwiches can be confusing.
I’ve discovered that perfect side dishes offering variety enhance that rich, satisfying meal.
My family loves crunchy textures, creamy dips, and light salads that balance the bold elements of the sandwich.
Join me, and let’s find easy sides to complete your Reuben sandwich experience.
What is a Reuben Sandwich?
The Reuben is all about layers of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and tangy Russian dressing on rye bread.
Each bite combines savory richness and a lively punch that truly keeps me coming back for more.
What to Serve with Reuben Sandwiches?
Sometimes, you want balanced flavors next to those tangy layers.
You might crave crisp or creamy textures to play off that hearty sandwich.
Let’s discover the delicious side dishes to serve with your Reuben sandwiches.
Classic Deli Sides
Diving into familiar choices from local delis can bring nostalgic joy. I tend to pair these tried-and-true options to complement your hearty creation and style.
- Classic Coleslaw: Shredded cabbage and carrots tossed in a light dressing can bring a fresh crunch. I love how it lifts the savory flavors of the sandwich without overpowering its bold personality entirely.
- Homemade Dill Pickles: Briny, tangy bites are easy to create in your own kitchen. My friend swears these crisp spears add a refreshing element that complements the flavors and balances the sandwich’s richness.
- Potato Salad: Cool, creamy spoonfuls with mayonnaise or sour cream create a delicious side that pairs well with Reuben. I’ve tested a simple recipe at picnics, and it delights everyone’s taste buds.
- Mac and Cheese: Baked noodles smothered in a rich and creamy sauce give you that warm comfort food vibe. I enjoy how it adds contrast to the tangy taste of your sandwich perfectly.
Potato Side Dishes
Bigger potato dishes are my go-to when I crave something hearty. They form a great side that feels both filling and wonderfully comforting and tasty.
Crispy Potato Sides
Lightly crunchy textures satisfy my craving for that perfect crisp. These ideas add a golden bite to your sandwich easily.
- Air Fryer French Fries: Cut potatoes, toss them in olive oil and seasoning, then cook until crisp. My kids request them often, and they pair well with Reuben’s big flavors for that crunchy satisfaction.
- Sweet Potato Fries; Baked strips of goodness bring a hint of sweetness to your plate. I like dipping them in Thousand Island dressing, making each bite contrast that savory meat and cheese combo.
- Potato Chips or Kettle Chips: Crunchy, salty circles remind me of lively picnics. My partner loves these because they don’t mask the sandwich’s flavors. They add crisp texture and keep the meal bright and fun.
- Tater Tots: Golden nuggets made with grated spuds are such a treat. I enjoy dipping them in tangy Russian dressing, which plays nicely with the richness of a Reuben and adds fun.
- Vegan Crispy Potato Balls: Breaded and fried morsels deliver a perfect plant-based choice. I’ve experimented with different spices inside, and each crunchy bite provides a tasty side dish that goes well with your sandwich.
Other Potato Varieties
Baked or mashed forms deliver comforting warmth. It’s easy to tailor them for your tastes and keep things always interesting.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Softly whipped spuds get a flavorful and super boost from fresh garlic. My family loves pairing them with the sandwich experience that calls for a creamy side against bold flavors.
- Deviled Egg Potato Salad: Eggy richness meets soft potatoes in a tangy mixture. I like sprinkling red onions on top for color. This creation offers a savory angle that pairs well with your sandwich.
- Baked Potatoes: Steaming spuds with a fluffy interior let you pick toppings like sour cream or melted cheese. I find it super versatile and an easy addition to your comforting spread quickly.
Fresh Salads
Colorful greens and bright dressings refresh your taste buds. I find these choices lighten up the meal beside the heavier elements of a Reuben nicely.
- Simple Green Salad: Mixed lettuce, a few chopped veggies, and a basic dressing keep things light. In my experience, it works well when you want to offset the strong flavors of the sandwich.
- Cucumber Tomato Salad: Chunks of fresh produce mingle with a simple vinaigrette. I love how each bite tastes light and juicy. It’s a classic side that brightens the table without stealing the show.
- Grilled Corn and Tomato Salad: Sweet kernels and tangy tomatoes come alive with olive oil and seasoning. My neighbor introduced me to this dish, and it brings color and flavor to your meal with ease.
- Greek Salad: Juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta tossed in light dressing provide a fresh contrast to the richness of the Reuben. It’s a bright combination you can customize with olives or onions.
- Fruit Salad: Chunks of vibrant fruit bring natural sweetness. I enjoy adding berries and melons for a refreshing break. It’s a summer side dish that can easily pair with savory sandwiches well.
Easy Vegetable Sides
Some days, I want warm vegetables that complement the sandwich. These simple dishes bring a comforting taste and are quick to prepare for any mealtime.
- Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, and parsnips tossed with a drizzle of oil emerge tender and slightly caramelized. I’ve found they bring earthy sweetness that works well with Reuben’s deeper, savory flavors nicely.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Little green bulbs gain a crispy edge in the oven. My family was hesitant at first, but now they crave that sweet roasted taste offset by a salty seasoning surprise.
- Sautéed Green Beans: Bright pods keep a slight crunch when tossed with olive oil over heat. I think they’re perfect for adding color and balancing against the bold sandwich ingredients on your plate.
- Roasted Asparagus: Long green stalks roast nicely with olive oil and a pinch of salt. My friend loves how each spear delivers a light taste that pairs beautifully with meaty sandwiches wholeheartedly.
- Vegetable Tempura: Crisp battered veggies lend a playful twist to your table. I’ve tried cauliflower, zucchini, and onions, making each mouthful interesting. It’s a great side that brings variety to your meal.
Warm Soups
Warm bowls of smooth soups pair so well with Reuben. I love dunking a corner of that crispy bread into goodness, savoring each comforting spoonful.
- French Onion Soup: Caramelized onions in a savory broth topped with cheese create an indulgent dip for your sandwich. I find each spoonful amplifies that melty joy right alongside the tangy corned beef.
- Tomato Basil Soup: Ripe tomatoes cooked down with fragrant basil produce a soup that’s perfect for dunking. I love how the brightness counters the richness of a Reuben and keeps the meal lively.
- Creamy Mushroom Soup: A rich and creamy base full of mushrooms melts in your mouth. My dad taught me a simple recipe that complements the flavors of the sandwich, making each bite feel special.
- Creamy Potato Soup: Velvety spoonfuls loaded with soft potato chunks provide that bowl of cream goodness. I enjoy how the mild flavor matches a Reuben, letting the sandwich’s tangy notes shine through perfectly.
German-Inspired Dishes
Bavarian-style dishes echo the sandwich’s sauerkraut heritage. I’m reminded of Oktoberfest flavors, which pair well with Reuben and deliver a unique twist to your table.
- German Sweet and Sour Cabbage: Long-simmered shreds combine vinegar, sugar, and spices for tangy-sweet delight. My aunt introduced me to this dish, and it heightens that playful interplay of flavors with rye and corned beef.
- Homemade Sauerkraut: Fermented cabbage that you can craft at home brings tartness. I appreciate how it enhances the Reuben’s character. Each crisp bite adds zing and keeps tastes from becoming too heavy.
- Potato Pancakes: Grated spuds blended with simple seasoning then fried until golden. I love topping them with sour cream or applesauce, enjoying that crispy texture as an exciting partner to the sandwich.
Onion-Based Sides
Plump onions can become mouthwatering treats when prepared creatively. I find these variations bring a pleasant depth and bite to complement Reubens of any style.
- Blooming Onion: Whole sliced onion coated in batter and fried to golden perfection. I treat it like a fun centerpiece, and tearing off pieces to dip adds a lively texture alongside sandwiches.
- Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings: Savory strips wrap around thick onion circles, creating a smoky crunch. My cousin taught me this spin, and it adds a satisfying contrast to the richness of the sandwich happily.
- Onion Dill Dip with Vegetables: A creamy blend featuring hints of dill becomes a cool accompaniment. I’ve served it with crisp peppers and carrots, finding that it enhances every sandwich bite with its fresh little tang.
Pasta and Grain Dishes
Chilled bowls with grains or noodles bring a refreshing angle. I often pick these when I want an easy make-ahead option for gatherings and picnics.
- Italian Pasta Salad: Tricolor rotini tossed with chopped peppers, onions, and tangy vinegar. My neighbor calls this salad recipe the party dish. It’s lively enough to stand against the flavors of the sandwich.
- Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: Olives, tomatoes, and cucumbers provide bright bursts in a quinoa base. My kids are partial to this creation, which adds a lively Mediterranean flair that mingles nicely with Reuben.
- Macaroni Salad: Cooked elbow pasta mixed with a creamy sauce offers a cool break from the sandwich’s bold fillings. I love that you can add veggies or seasonings to keep it interesting.
- Vegetable Rice Salad: Cold rice combined with peas, carrots, and dressing becomes an addition. My best friend enjoys how each spoonful adds a fresh component that stays light yet complements the sandwich well.
Final Thoughts
These best sides to serve offer variety to your meal, from crispy potatoes to vibrant salads.
I believe balancing textures elevates the flavors of the sandwich and keeps each bite exciting.
You can try a simple recipe or get creative with your own spin.
When figuring out what to serve with Reuben sandwiches, remember that tangy, creamy, and savory elements all unite for a memorable sandwich experience.
Cooking should be fun, so mix things up and find your personal favorites that pair well with Reuben.
