The best sides for Reuben sandwiches balance the rich, tangy flavors with complementary textures and tastes. Classic dill pickle spears provide essential acidic crunch, while crispy sweet potato fries add natural sweetness. Creamy coleslaw offers cooling contrast, and kettle-cooked potato chips deliver satisfying crispiness. German potato salad’s vinegar base cuts through richness, while garlic parmesan fries elevate the comfort factor. Cucumber dill salad, grilled asparagus, and pretzel rolls complete the perfect pairing options that’ll transform your sandwich into a memorable meal.
Classic Dill Pickle Spears
The tangy crunch of classic dill pickle spears creates the perfect contrast to a rich, melty Reuben sandwich.
These briny beauties cut through all that corned beef and cheese perfectly!
Dill pickle history dates back thousands of years, with cucumbers first preserved in ancient Mesopotamia.
You’ll love knowing that pickle health benefits include probiotics for gut health and electrolytes for hydration.
Choose crisp, full-sour pickles over sweet varieties – they’ll complement your sandwich’s savory flavors beautifully.
Look for spears with visible dill and garlic pieces, and don’t forget that pickle juice makes an excellent chaser too!
Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
While pickles offer that acidic punch, sweet potato fries bring a completely different kind of magic to your Reuben experience!
These golden beauties provide natural sweetness that balances the sandwich’s salty, tangy flavors perfectly. Sweet potato benefits include added vitamins and fiber, making your meal feel a bit more wholesome.
The key is achieving that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender. Try different fry seasoning combinations like paprika and garlic powder, or go bold with cayenne and brown sugar.
Bake them at high heat for best results, and watch how they transform your Reuben lunch into something special!
Creamy Coleslaw
Nothing beats the cool, invigorating crunch of creamy coleslaw alongside a hot, melty Reuben sandwich! This classic pairing creates perfect balance, with crisp cabbage cutting through rich corned beef and melted cheese.
You’ll love how creamy coleslaw variations complement your sandwich – try traditional mayo-based versions or lighter yogurt alternatives. Mix shredded cabbage, carrots, and onions with your favorite coleslaw dressing recipes. Add celery seed, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of sugar for tang.
The creamy texture mirrors the Reuben’s Russian dressing while providing revitalizing contrast. Make it ahead for flavors to meld beautifully!
Kettle-Cooked Potato Chips
Crispy kettle-cooked potato chips deliver the perfect salty crunch that makes every Reuben sandwich experience complete.
The thick-cut texture and satisfying snap create an ideal contrast to your sandwich’s tender corned beef and melted cheese. Kettle varieties offer superior crunch compared to regular chips, holding up beautifully against hearty Reuben flavors without getting soggy.
Classic salted chips work wonderfully, but don’t shy away from exploring different flavor profiles! Sea salt and vinegar adds tangy brightness, while barbecue brings smoky sweetness. Even simple black pepper varieties complement the sandwich’s bold tastes.
Choose your favorite kettle chip for guaranteed satisfaction.
German Potato Salad
Tangy warmth defines German potato salad as the perfect companion to your hearty Reuben sandwich.
Unlike its mayo-based cousin, this version uses a vinegar-based dressing that cuts through the rich corned beef and cheese beautifully. The German flavors of bacon, onions, and mustard create a savory profile that complements your sandwich perfectly!
You can serve it warm or at room temperature, making it incredibly convenient. Different potato variations work well here – try waxy potatoes like red or Yukon for the best texture.
The tangy bite refreshes your palate between sandwich bites, creating the ultimate comfort food pairing.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon
Smoky bacon transforms Brussels sprouts from a misunderstood vegetable into an irresistible side dish that pairs beautifully with your Reuben sandwich.
The salty, crispy bacon balances the earthy brussels sprouts perfectly, creating sophisticated flavor combinations that complement the sandwich’s bold tastes.
Here’s how to make this winning combination work:
- Roast at high heat (425°F) to caramelize the sprouts and crisp the bacon
- Halve the brussels sprouts for faster cooking and better bacon distribution
- Add balsamic glaze for a tangy finish that echoes your sandwich’s pickled elements
This pairing brings restaurant-quality sophistication to your meal!
Tomato Basil Soup
When comfort food meets your hearty Reuben sandwich, tomato basil soup creates the perfect warm embrace for your taste buds. This classic pairing brings together rich, creamy tomato goodness with fragrant herbs that complement the sandwich’s bold flavors beautifully.
The tomato benefits include vitamin C and lycopene, while basil uses extend beyond flavor to provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. You can easily make this soup from scratch or grab a quality canned version when time’s tight.
The acidity cuts through the Reuben’s richness perfectly, creating a balanced meal that feels like a warm hug on any day!
Loaded Potato Wedges
Moving from soup to something more substantial, loaded potato wedges bring hearty satisfaction that matches your Reuben’s bold personality perfectly.
These crispy beauties transform ordinary potatoes into something spectacular with their golden, crispy texture and mountain of loaded toppings.
Your wedges deserve the full treatment:
- Cheese and bacon bits – because everything’s better with these classics
- Sour cream and chives – for that cool, creamy contrast
- Jalapeños and green onions – adding just enough kick without overwhelming
The combination creates a side dish that’s practically a meal itself, complementing your sandwich’s richness while providing satisfying substance.
Apple and Walnut Salad
For diners seeking a revitalizing contrast to their Reuben’s rich, salty flavors, apple and walnut salad delivers the perfect sweet and crunchy counterbalance.
You’ll love how crisp apple slices cut through that heavy corned beef and melted cheese! Apple nutrition brings fiber and vitamin C to your meal, while walnut benefits include healthy fats and protein.
Toss sliced Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples with toasted walnuts, mixed greens, and a light vinaigrette. Add dried cranberries or crumbled blue cheese for extra flavor!
This invigorating side cleanses your palate between bites, making each taste of your sandwich more enjoyable.
Onion Rings
Golden onion rings stand as the ultimate crispy companion to any Reuben sandwich, bringing that satisfying crunch you crave alongside all those melty, savory flavors.
These golden beauties balance the rich corned beef and tangy sauerkraut perfectly, creating textural harmony that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Consider these onion ring variations to elevate your meal:
- Beer-battered rings for extra flavor and crispiness
- Sweet onion varieties like Vidalia for milder taste
- Panko-crusted versions for lighter, crunchier coating
Pair them with classic dipping sauces like ranch, spicy mayo, or horseradish sauce for maximum enjoyment!
Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
While crispy sides like onion rings satisfy that crunch factor, sometimes your Reuben calls for something fresh and elegant to cut through all that richness.
Roasted beet and goat cheese salad brings beautiful color and earthy sweetness that perfectly balances your sandwich’s salty, tangy flavors.
Simple beet preparation involves wrapping them in foil and roasting until tender, about 45 minutes. Once cooled, the skins slip right off!
Toss with mixed greens, crumbled goat cheese, and candied walnuts. Different cheese varieties like feta or ricotta work wonderfully too.
This sophisticated salad transforms your meal into something special.
Garlic Parmesan Fries
Elevate your regular french fries into something absolutely irresistible with this garlic parmesan combination that transforms any Reuben meal into a restaurant-worthy experience.
The savory, salty flavors perfectly complement the tangy sauerkraut and rich corned beef, creating a balanced plate that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Here’s what makes these fries special:
- Fresh garlic provides amazing flavor plus garlic health benefits like immune system support
- Real parmesan cheese creates that perfect umami punch, though parmesan alternatives like pecorino work great too
- Crispy texture offers delightful contrast to your sandwich’s tender filling
Simply toss hot fries with minced garlic, grated cheese, and fresh herbs for an upgrade that’s absolutely worth it.
Cucumber and Dill Salad
Looking for something fresh and light to balance out all that rich, hearty flavor from your Reuben? A cucumber and dill salad is your perfect answer!
This crisp, invigorating side cuts through the sandwich’s heaviness beautifully. You can use any cucumber varieties you have on hand – English, Persian, or regular garden cucumbers all work wonderfully.
Simply slice them thin, toss with fresh dill, a splash of vinegar, and a pinch of salt. The dill benefits this dish by adding that classic tangy bite that complements the Reuben’s sauerkraut perfectly.
It’s cooling, crunchy, and incredibly easy to make!
Grilled Asparagus
Few vegetables showcase the magic of simple grilling quite like asparagus, and it makes an absolutely stellar companion to your Reuben sandwich!
The grilled preparation brings out asparagus’s natural sweetness while adding delightful smoky notes that complement the sandwich’s rich, savory flavors perfectly.
Your seasoning techniques can be wonderfully simple yet effective:
- Classic olive oil and garlic – drizzle with salt and pepper for timeless appeal
- Lemon zest with parmesan – adds bright, cheesy notes that enhance the meal
- Balsamic glaze finish – provides sweet tanginess that cuts through the Reuben’s richness beautifully
This elegant side elevates your entire dining experience!
Pretzel Rolls With Mustard
While grilled vegetables bring fresh lightness to your Reuben meal, sometimes you want to double down on that hearty, comfort-food experience instead!
Pretzel rolls with mustard create the perfect bread-meets-bread moment that somehow just works. These chewy, salt-topped rolls complement your sandwich’s bold flavors beautifully.
For pretzel baking tips, brush with baking soda solution before sprinkling coarse salt on top. Pair with various mustard types like spicy brown, honey mustard, or classic yellow for dipping.
The combination adds extra carbs and comfort without competing with your Reuben’s starring role!