The best sides for Reuben Sandwiches are Crispy Potato Wedges, Potato Cream Soup, Dill Pickle, Potato Salad, and Stuffed Olives.
You can garnish with any topping you like, such as chopped parsley or coriander, salt and pepper, or you can use a seasoning of your choice.
For a lighter option, try Stuffed Olives. Stuffed Olives
Olives are also a great alternative to dill pickles, and they are relatively easy to make as well.
Reuben sandwiches pack a punch with every bite, offering a perfect blend of flavors that can only be enhanced by choosing the right side dishes.
With each savory bite of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye bread, you're taken on a taste trip unlike any other.
Yet, this iconic sandwich deserves side dishes that match its iconic status.
Picking the perfect sides transforms a good meal into a memorable dining experience.
Ready to discover the top seven side dishes that will improve your Reuben sandwich meal?
7 Classic Sides for Reuben Sandwiches
1 - Crispy Potato Wedges
You can have your potato wedges baked or deep-fried, and the extra crispy side dish is perfect for pairing with a Reuben sandwich.
Much of the sandwich gets a little soggy with all the dressing inside, so having that crush with your side dish will surely improve your taste to another level.
You can garnish with any topping you like, such as chopped parsley or coriander, salt and pepper, or you can use a seasoning of your choice.
A great tip when making potato wedges is to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to get the starch out of the potatoes, and the result will be an extra crispy outer layer while you still have a tender cooked potato inside.
You can also add some fun dips to go with your wedges like sour cream or mustard and ketchup - or find potato skins side ideas for more dip pairings.
2 - Potato Cream Soup
The perfect addition to your Reuben sandwich on a chilly day is potato cream soup or cream of potato soup as it is commonly called.
Adding this to your meal will make it a satisfying dinner in itself, keeping you warm as the ultimate comfort food.
You don't have to stick to potatoes; you can go for any other vegetable cream soup such as broccoli, spinach or asparagus.
Dunk your Reuben Sandwich into your soup to soften your bread and make it juicier.
A warm bowl of cream soup pairs nicely with chilled salads; see potato salad side ideas for cool, contrasting pairings.
3 - Dill Pickle
Traditionally, dill pickles are served as sandwiches in many restaurants and cafés.
Dill pickles have a solid vinegary taste, which gives you that tang you need - or try dill seed substitutes for similar tang.
They are the perfect combination of tangy and savory.
Some will go as far as to add the dill pickles in their Reuben sandwiches or swap the bread entirely for the pickle slices.
The sour taste of the pickles does an excellent job at cutting the rich flavor of the sandwich and making it more palatable.
4 - Potato Salad
There's no room for error when you pair a Reuben sandwich with a potato salad - or try potato pancake side ideas for crispy complements.
It's so easy to make and delicious to eat, so what else is needed? A potato salad ticks all the creamy, tasty, rich, crunchy boxes if you add fresh vegetables and even spicy if you need that extra kick.
The best part about potato salads is that you can add whatever you want as filling, starting from tomatoes and onions to pickles, coriander, chili, sour cream, milk, etc.
It all depends on how you want your salad to go with the sandwich.
It is best to season it well with salt and pepper after adding all your desired fillings.
5 - Stuffed Olives
Olives are also a great alternative to dill pickles, and they are relatively easy to make as well.
As long as you have the filling figured out, filling these tiny pockets with the stuffing is not challenging.
Although, it may take up some of your time to get all your olives filled.
You can go for herbs like garlic or fill it with cheese and cream for the filling.
The most efficient way to get this done is by using a piping bag.
Stuffed small bites translate across ingredients; stuffed mushroom side suggestions for similar savory nibbles offers additional ideas.
6 - Coleslaw
There's nothing like a fresh bowl of coleslaw to go with your Reuben sandwich - for storage tips, see coleslaw storage tips for keeping it fresh.
The dish includes fresh carrots, cabbage, tomatoes, onions and any other vegetables if you want to add them; all these mixed with mayonnaise and vinegar give the perfect combination of sweet and tangy.
It cuts through the sandwich's rich taste and balances it out perfectly.
If you're not a fan of mayo, you can opt for a spicer version of coleslaw for that kick of spice.
After chopping vegetables, you can go for a vinegar-based dressing mixed with spices.
7 - Deviled Eggs
To add more protein to a Reuben Sandwich, go for a side dish of deviled eggs.
The whole meal will be rich in nutrients and filling, so it is best as a packed lunch when you need an energy boost.
The creamy texture of the eggs mixed with the rich flavor of the sandwich makes this an excellent meal to have together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Adding this to your meal will make it a satisfying dinner in itself, keeping you warm as the ultimate comfort food. Dill Pickle Traditionally, dill pickles are served as sandwiches in many restaurants and cafés.
Most home cooks pick this because it adds contrast and rounds out the meal.
A leafy green or fiber-rich vegetable balances the meal best. This side dish is a good pick for adding color and nutrients.
Pairing a protein-heavy main with a lighter vegetable side keeps the meal from feeling too heavy.
A good side dish either contrasts or goes with the dominant flavor. If the main is rich and savory, something with acidity or crunch balances the plate without competing.
Can side dishes be swapped based on dietary needs?
Yes.
Most classic pairings have easy swaps - substitute roasted vegetables for grain sides, or use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a lower-carb option.
Reuben casserole side pairings for baked sandwiches matches many of the same sides. Monte Cristo sandwich side selections for sweet-and-savory menus works if the meal leans toward sweeter flavors.