Reuben sandwiches are like a glorious food hug with each savory bite (an American grilled sandwich usually made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian or Thousand Island dressing).
We all know the sandwich experience doesn't end when the sandwich does. What's the secret to the ultimate Reuben meal?
It's the sides. We've got some tasty ideas that'll up your sandwich game!
From crispy fries to tangy pickles, there's a whole world of side options to explore.
So grab your napkins, sandwich fans, it's time to get our side dish on!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Reuben Sandwiches
Here's our list of the best side dishes to complement your Reuben sandwich:
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
| Dill Pickle Spears | Dill pickles, vinegar | Tangy, crunchy | Easy | 5 mins |
| Crispy Sweet Potato Fries | Sweet potatoes, olive oil, sea salt | Sweet, salty | Easy | 30 mins |
| German Potato Salad | Potatoes, bacon, vinegar, mustard | Savory, tangy | Medium | 25 mins |
| Roasted Beet and Arugula Salad | Beets, arugula, goat cheese, balsamic | Earthy, peppery | Medium | 30 mins |
| Creamy Coleslaw | Cabbage, carrots, mayo | Creamy, crunchy | Easy | 15 mins |
| Fried Pickles with Ranch Dip | Pickles, flour, buttermilk | Tangy, crispy | Medium | 20 mins |
| Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries | Zucchini, Parmesan, breadcrumbs | Crispy, cheesy | Medium | 30 mins |
| Apple-Cranberry Slaw | Apples, cranberries, cabbage | Sweet, tangy | Easy | 15 mins |
| Loaded Potato Skins | Potatoes, cheese, bacon, sour cream | Savory, crispy | Medium | 30 mins |
| Garlic Butter Green Beans | Green beans, garlic, butter | Garlicky, savory | Easy | 15 mins |
| Tomato Basil Soup | Tomatoes, basil, cream | Savory, creamy | Medium | 30 mins |
| Deviled Eggs | Eggs, mustard, mayo | Creamy, tangy | Easy | 20 mins |
| Warm Sauerkraut with Bacon | Sauerkraut, bacon, onions | Tangy, smoky | Easy | 15 mins |
These options offer a range of textures, flavors, and temperatures that pair well with the filling and savory Reuben Sandwich, while providing enough diversity to avoid redundancy.
1 - Dill Pickle Spears
Dill pickles (made with dill, Anethum graveolens) and Reuben sandwiches are a match made in sandwich heaven.
The tangy vibe they add is refreshing and cuts through the rich and savory flavors.
These pickles are a classic sidekick showing up strong. They're easy to grab from the jar and pile on your plate.
We think dill pickle spears are a snack disguised as a side dish. Keep them handy for those snacky moments.
2 - Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
Hey, sweet potato fries, you're crispy and golden. They've got a sweet twist on that classic fry game.
We like 'em crunchy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside.
Sprinkle some salt; it's like a flavor explosion.
Have you tried dipping them in sauces? Variety of sauces, endless fun.
Ketchup, aioli, or even BBQ-go wild. We toss a dash of cayenne (about ⅛ tsp) for a spicy kick.
Seriously, these fries stand tall.
They're serving uniqueness in every bite.
3 - German Potato Salad
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German potato salad knows how to stand out without mayo. It's tangy and bold with a vinegar base, making it different, but not weird different, you know?
We find it's a crowd pleaser because of its flexibility with warm or cold servings and pairs well with potato gratin side options.
Top it off with fresh herbs like parsley (Petroselinum crispum). Keep it simple for fresh enjoyment.
Who knew potatoes could be so interesting?
4 - Roasted Beet and Arugula Salad
Beets (Beta vulgaris) bring earthy sweetness, while arugula adds peppery zest.
We like them roasted for extra flavor. Simplicity is key.
Toss them gently with feta and walnuts. You'll get that pleasant mix of texture.
Drizzle balsamic for tang. We go easy on the dressing.
Use it as a side or feature it on its own; it complements roasted vegetables versatile side pairings.
Keep it fresh and light.
5 - Creamy Coleslaw
Coleslaw is that reliable dish hanging out at BBQs and pairs nicely with creamy mushroom chicken side choices.
Cabbage and carrots steal the show here. We recommend keeping your veggies crisp.
Mayonnaise (an egg-based emulsion) brings it all together. A dash of mustard adds surprise.
Salt and pepper balance out the flavors. Mix gently; it's all about texture.
We sometimes pop in apple chunks for sweetness. Seriously, coleslaw is versatile.
Fresh herbs like dill or parsley add flair. Everybody enjoys those green bits.
6 - Fried Pickles with Ranch Dip
Who knew fried pickles could get better? We dunk them in ranch for extra flair.
Crispy meets tangy perfection (thanks to the fried batter and briny pickle slices). They're an unstoppable sidekick for Reubens.
Ranch dip balances the pickle's boldness. It's all about texture.
We keep our batter light and crispy. Spice it up with a pepper kick.
We adore this crunchy side. Pickle lovers rejoice in its bite.
Look out, these snacks disappear fast. They're snackable, shareable, irresistible.
7 - Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries
Baked Parmesan Zucchini Fries are crispy joys. They're simple but oh, so tasty.
We bake them 'til golden, not overly greasy like fried foods.
Parmesan (Parmigiano-Reggiano) adds an umami boost. It's cheesy with a hint of nuttiness.
Zucchini keeps things light, infusing freshness. We slice them like fries for easy munching.
Sprinkle more cheese; you're good. Want a zing? Add a bit of lemon zest.
These fries provide a crunch. Healthy eating, done casually.
8 - Apple-Cranberry Slaw
Apple-Cranberry Slaw brings a cool crunch. Bright apple sweetness (from crisp Malus domestica varieties) meets tart cranberries.
We add a light vinaigrette splash; it balances the flavors.
It pairs well with Reuben's savory notes.
Chop apples finely; they mix better. Toss in plump cranberries, enhance texture.
We like adding some celery, nice crunch. Fresh lemon juice wake things up.
Apple slices stay crisp, no soggy mess.
Try mixing different apples, experiment with them. We prefer tart ones over sweet.
Add in nuts for a new twist.
9 - Loaded Potato Skins
Loaded Potato Skins are like crispy little boats of happiness. Crispy shell, fluffy insides, yeah, we dig it.
We pile 'em with cheese (sharp cheddar), bacon, and green onions.
Amazing flavor combo. Scoop out some potato, load up the good stuff.
Bake until cheese melts. Melted cheese is happy cheese.
Don't skip sour cream. Add a dash for creamy action.
Light sprinkle of chives adds flair. Easy snack, big on flavor.
Load up your plate. You might find yourself reaching for seconds.
10 - Garlic Butter Green Beans
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Garlic butter green beans, tasty and simple. They're quick with fresh snap (use green beans, Phaseolus vulgaris, for best texture).
We sauté in garlic and butter for richness.
Crunch is key. Beans stay bright, not mushy.
Toss some almonds or bacon. Extra flavor, no fuss.
We like them warm or cold. Versatile side.
Dip in hot sauce for zing. Fresh herbs?
Dill or parsley work well.
Our take? Make ahead, save time.
Beans hold flavor nicely. Easy snack option.
Mix with anything else.
11 - Tomato Basil Soup
We dig Tomato Basil Soup because it's a hug in a bowl. Tomatoes (often Roma or vine-ripened) bring a tangy burst.
Basil takes aroma levels up.
Blend 'til smooth. Simmer gently; flavors meld better that way.
Dip sandwiches or slurp solo. Add cream for richness.
Sprinkle Parmesan; cheesy goodness rules. Avoid overcooking basil.
We add croutons, perfect crunch.
Chop basil fresh, enhance flavor. Use ripe tomatoes for best taste.
Color pops. This soup's comforting.
12 - Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are like reliable old friends. They start with hard-boiled eggs (usually large), scooped and mixed with mayo, mustard, and spices.
Easy prep means they're always a hit.
We top with paprika for a bit of kick.
Cutting evenly makes a big difference. They pair with BBQ or any meal.
People appreciate the creamy filling. Balance spices as needed.
We add pickles for fun crunch. Simple, quick, and versatile.
Feels like a snack, tastes like a treat.
13 - Warm Sauerkraut with Bacon
Warm sauerkraut with bacon isn't boring. Cabbage tends to flavor nicely with bacon bits.
We find it tangy with a smoky twist (from lactic fermentation and bacon).
This gets us every time.
We prep sauerkraut by warming it gently. Crisp bacon brings depth.
A sprinkle of caraway seeds for extra flair. Important tip: Don't let it dry out in the pan.
This side dish pairs with everything. It's adaptable.
Sauerkraut keeps well in the fridge. Reheat and enjoy again.
Simple, tasty, go-to side.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
