The best Reuben side dishes balance the sandwich’s rich, tangy flavors with complementary textures and tastes. Classic dill pickles provide sharp crunch, while creamy coleslaw offers cool contrast. Crispy potato chips add satisfying salt, and sweet potato fries bring natural sweetness. Matzo ball soup connects to Jewish cuisine traditions, while roasted Brussels sprouts deliver elegant caramelized edges. Tomato soup creates perfect dipping comfort, and apple slaw provides fresh sweetness. These pairings create memorable meal experiences worth exploring further.
Classic Dill Pickles
Few things complement a towering Reuben sandwich quite like the sharp, tangy crunch of classic dill pickles.
These briny beauties cut through the rich corned beef and melted Swiss cheese perfectly! You’ll find numerous dill pickle varieties at your local deli or grocery store, from half-sours to kosher dills.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try exploring traditional pickling techniques at home – it’s easier than you think. Simply pack cucumbers with fresh dill, garlic, and salt in a vinegar brine.
Whether store-bought or homemade, dill pickles add that essential acidic punch your Reuben craves.
Creamy Coleslaw
Another beloved companion to the hearty Reuben sandwich is creamy coleslaw, bringing a cool, invigorating contrast to all that warm, melted goodness.
You’ll find creamy coleslaw variations that range from traditional mayo-based recipes to tangy buttermilk versions. The key lies in balancing sweetness with acidity—try adding apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to brighten your mix.
Smart coleslaw dressing tips include letting your slaw rest for thirty minutes before serving, allowing flavors to meld beautifully. Don’t forget to drain excess liquid!
Mix shredded cabbage with carrots, then toss with your dressing for that perfect creamy crunch.
Crispy Potato Chips
While creamy textures work wonders, sometimes you crave that satisfying crunch that only comes from perfectly crispy potato chips.
These golden, salty companions create the ultimate contrast to your tender, melty Reuben sandwich. Classic salted chips never disappoint, but don’t shy away from exploring different potato chip flavors like dill pickle, barbecue, or kettle-cooked varieties.
The key is choosing chips that won’t overpower your sandwich’s bold flavors. Among crunchy snack options, thick-cut kettle chips provide extra satisfaction, while thin chips offer delicate crispness.
Either way, you’ll get that perfect textural balance that makes every bite absolutely delightful!
Sweet Potato Fries
When you’re looking to add some natural sweetness to balance your Reuben’s savory intensity, sweet potato fries deliver exactly what your taste buds need.
These orange beauties bring earthy sweetness that perfectly complements the sandwich’s tangy sauerkraut and rich corned beef. Sweet potato benefits include loads of vitamins and fiber, making them a healthier choice than regular fries.
Try different sweet potato variations like seasoning with cinnamon, paprika, or garlic powder. Bake them crispy at high heat, or air fry for extra crunch.
They’re naturally delicious and add beautiful color to your plate!
Matzo Ball Soup
Since delis often serve Reuben sandwiches alongside warm, comforting soup, matzo ball soup makes a natural and delicious pairing that’ll transport you straight to classic Jewish comfort food heaven.
The fluffy dumplings contrast beautifully with your hearty sandwich, creating a satisfying meal combination.
Matzo ball ingredients include matzo meal, eggs, schmaltz or oil, and seasonings that form tender, pillowy spheres.
Matzo ball history traces back to European Jewish communities, where resourceful cooks transformed unleavened bread into nourishing soup additions.
You’ll love how the rich, golden broth complements the tangy flavors in your Reuben perfectly!
German Potato Salad
Tangy warmth defines German potato salad, making it an exceptional companion to your Reuben sandwich that honors the dish’s European roots.
Unlike cold American versions, this warm salad combines tender potatoes with vinegar, bacon, and onions for a delightfully zesty flavor profile.
German traditions call for waxy potatoes that hold their shape beautifully, though you can experiment with different potato variations based on what’s available.
The tangy dressing cuts through the Reuben’s richness perfectly, while the bacon adds smoky depth that complements the pastrami.
It’s comfort food that bridges cultures deliciously!
Pickled Vegetables
Crisp pickled vegetables frequently steal the spotlight as the perfect Reuben sidekick, bringing bright acidity that cuts right through all that melted cheese and rich dressing.
Quick pickling techniques transform ordinary cucumbers, carrots, and onions into tangy treasures in just thirty minutes! Simply combine equal parts water and vinegar with a tablespoon of sugar and salt.
Smart vegetable pairings include radishes for peppery bite, cauliflower for crunch, or even pickled beets for earthy sweetness. You can prep these gems days ahead, and they’ll actually taste better as flavors meld.
Talk about convenient flavor boosters!
Fresh Fruit Salad
Fresh fruit salad surprisingly provides the perfect sweet counterbalance to your salty, savory Reuben sandwich, creating a delightful contrast that refreshes your palate between bites.
You’ll love how crisp apples, juicy grapes, and sweet berries cleanse your taste buds after each hearty bite of corned beef and sauerkraut.
Focus on seasonal fruits for the best flavor and value – think strawberries in spring, peaches in summer, or pears in fall.
Keep your fresh ingredients simple with just a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning and enhance natural sweetness.
This colorful side adds vitamins and brightness to your meal!
Onion Rings
While fresh fruit offers a lighter complement to your Reuben, sometimes you want to double down on the indulgence with crispy, golden onion rings that match the sandwich’s hearty nature.
These crunchy beauties provide the perfect contrast to your tender corned beef and melted cheese. You can explore various onion ring variations, from beer-battered classics to panko-crusted options that add extra crunch.
Making homemade onion rings lets you control the thickness and seasoning, ensuring they’re perfectly crispy every time. Sweet onions work best, and don’t forget to serve them piping hot for maximum impact alongside your already satisfying sandwich!
Cucumber Salad
When you need a cooling counterbalance to your rich, salty Reuben, cucumber salad delivers exactly what your palate craves. The crisp, invigorating crunch cuts through all that melted cheese and corned beef beautifully.
You can use any cucumber varieties you have on hand – English, Persian, or regular garden cucumbers all work wonderfully. Simple salad dressings like vinaigrette, creamy ranch, or even just olive oil and vinegar let the cucumber’s natural freshness shine.
Add some red onion, fresh dill, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and color. It’s the perfect light, bright companion to your hearty sandwich!
Baked Beans
Few side dishes complement a Reuben’s bold flavors quite like a hearty serving of baked beans. The sweet, smoky richness creates a perfect balance against the sandwich’s tangy sauerkraut and thousand island dressing.
You’ll find that BBQ flavors in the beans echo beautifully with the Reuben’s savory corned beef, creating a harmonious flavor combination that feels like a backyard barbecue!
Different bean varieties work wonderfully here – navy beans offer creamy texture, while pinto beans provide earthier notes.
Whether you choose homemade beans simmered with molasses and bacon, or quality canned versions, this classic pairing never disappoints your taste buds.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Caramelized Brussels sprouts bring an unexpected elegance to your Reuben meal, transforming what some consider a humble vegetable into a golden, crispy delight.
The Brussels benefits shine when you roast them at high heat, creating those irresistible caramelized edges that even skeptics love!
Simple Brussels seasoning with salt, pepper, and olive oil works perfectly, though garlic powder or balsamic vinegar adds extra pizzazz.
Cut them in half for faster cooking and better browning.
The nutty, slightly sweet flavor balances beautifully against your sandwich’s rich corned beef and tangy sauerkraut, creating a restaurant-quality dining experience at home.
Tomato Soup
While roasted vegetables offer a wonderful contrast to your Reuben, nothing beats the classic comfort of creamy tomato soup for dipping that golden, grilled sandwich. This pairing creates the ultimate comfort food experience!
You can use different tomato varieties like Roma or heirloom tomatoes for richer flavor profiles. Simple soup recipes work best – think cream-based versions that complement the sandwich’s tangy sauerkraut and savory corned beef.
Whether you make homemade soup or grab a quality canned version, the warm, velvety texture provides the perfect vehicle for soaking up every delicious bite of your Reuben masterpiece.
Kettle-Cooked Chips
The satisfying crunch of kettle-cooked chips makes them an ideal companion to your hearty Reuben sandwich! These thick-cut beauties provide the perfect textural contrast to your sandwich’s tender corned beef and melted cheese.
Popular kettle chip brands like Cape Cod, Kettle Brand, and Deep River offer excellent options that won’t disappoint. When selecting kettle chip flavors, consider sea salt for classic simplicity, or try jalapeño for a spicy kick that complements the tangy sauerkraut.
The extra-crispy texture holds up beautifully against the Reuben’s robust flavors, creating a delightful balance between crunchy and savory in every bite!
Apple Slaw
Moving from crunchy chips to fresh alternatives, apple slaw brings a revitalizing twist to your Reuben meal that perfectly balances the sandwich’s rich, heavy flavors. The crisp sweetness cuts through all that corned beef and cheese beautifully!
You can experiment with different apple varieties like Honeycrisp for extra crunch or Granny Smith for tartness. Basic slaw recipes combine shredded apples with cabbage, carrots, and a light vinaigrette.
Add some chopped walnuts or dried cranberries for texture variety. This colorful side dish provides invigorating contrast while keeping things light, making your heavy sandwich feel more balanced and satisfying.