Easy Rachel Sandwich Recipe

The Ultimate Rachel Sandwich Recipe: A Tasty Twist on Classic

Crafting the perfect Rachel sandwich demands creativity and a playful approach to classic deli flavors.

Layers of tender meat, melted cheese, and tangy dressing create a mouthwatering experience.

Crisp rye bread provides the ideal canvas for this delightful combination.

Home cooks will appreciate the simplicity of assembling these delectable ingredients.

Subtle hints of Russian dressing add a zesty kick that sets this sandwich apart.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of textures and tastes.

You won’t want to miss out on this incredible culinary adventure that brings comfort and excitement to your lunch routine.

Rachel Sandwich Packed With Flavor

  • Craft Comfort Quickly: Transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering sandwich that feels like a warm hug from your favorite deli.
  • Master Gourmet Simplicity: Create restaurant-quality flavors with basic kitchen skills, making this recipe perfect for home cooks of all levels.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust quantities to match personal taste preferences, making this sandwich incredibly versatile for lunch or dinner.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Impress family and friends with a classic deli-style sandwich that combines creamy coleslaw, savory turkey, and tangy Russian dressing in one incredible bite.

Ingredients For Rachel Sandwich

Bread:
  • Rye Bread: A hearty and flavorful bread that provides the perfect base for this classic sandwich.
Protein:
  • Turkey: A lean and tasty meat that adds substance and protein to the sandwich.
Cheese:
  • Swiss Cheese: A mild and slightly nutty cheese that melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture.
Spread and Dressing:
  • Butter, Russian Dressing: Butter helps achieve a golden-brown crust, while Russian dressing adds a tangy and zesty flavor to the sandwich.
Topping:
  • Coleslaw: A crisp and creamy mixture that brings a refreshing crunch and adds moisture to the sandwich.

Step-By-Step Rachel Sandwich Instructions

Step 1: Prep The Cooking Surface

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium temperature, creating the perfect golden-brown surface for your sandwich.

Step 2: Butter The Bread

Spread softened butter generously on one side of each rye bread slice, ensuring complete coverage for maximum crispiness.

Step 3: Layer Delicious Ingredients

On the non-buttered side of four bread slices, create a mouthwatering stack with:
  • Sliced turkey
  • Swiss cheese
  • Fresh coleslaw

Step 4: Add Signature Dressing

Drizzle Russian dressing over the coleslaw, adding a tangy and rich flavor profile to your sandwich.

Step 5: Complete The Sandwich

Top the layered slices with remaining bread slices, positioning the buttered side facing upward.

Step 6: Grill To Perfection

Place sandwiches on the heated skillet, grilling for 3-4 minutes on each side until:
  • Bread turns golden brown
  • Cheese melts completely

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Remove sandwiches from skillet, let cool briefly, slice diagonally, and serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Tips For Perfect Rachel Sandwich

  • Choose lean turkey for a healthier protein option and ensure even cooking by slicing it thinly.
  • Soften butter at room temperature for easier spreading and more consistent coverage on bread.
  • Press sandwiches gently with a spatula while grilling to help cheese melt and create a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
  • Use fresh coleslaw for maximum crunch and flavor, draining excess liquid to prevent soggy bread.
  • Swap rye bread with sourdough or whole wheat for different flavor profiles and added nutrition.

Flavor Enhancers For Rachel Sandwich

  • Gluten-Free Rachel: Replace rye bread with gluten-free bread, using turkey, Swiss cheese, and coleslaw on a celiac-friendly base.
  • Vegetarian Swap: Substitute turkey with grilled portobello mushrooms or plant-based deli slices, keeping the Swiss cheese and coleslaw intact.
  • Low-Carb Option: Use large lettuce leaves as bread replacement, wrapping the fillings in crisp romaine or butter lettuce for a lighter version.
  • Vegan Rachel: Use dairy-free Swiss-style cheese, plant-based turkey alternative, and vegan coleslaw with egg-free dressing for a completely plant-based sandwich.

Pairing Suggestions For Rachel Sandwich

  • Deli Delight Platter: Arrange sliced sandwiches on a wooden board with pickles, extra coleslaw, and crisp dill spears for a restaurant-style presentation that elevates the meal.
  • Picnic Perfect: Wrap individual sandwiches in parchment paper, pack in a cooler with cold drinks, and enjoy as a portable lunch during outdoor adventures or weekend getaways.
  • Comfort Combo: Pair the warm, grilled sandwich with a side of tangy potato salad or crispy sweet potato fries to create a satisfying and hearty meal that fills you up completely.
  • Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Cut sandwiches into quarters, secure with toothpicks, and serve as finger-friendly appetizers during sports watching parties or casual gatherings with friends.

Proper Storage For Rachel Sandwich

  • Store Rachel sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Wrap individual sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness.
  • Separate sandwich layers with parchment paper to prevent sogginess during storage.
  • Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side to restore crispiness and warm the ingredients evenly.

FAQs

  • What is the origin of the Rachel sandwich?

The Rachel sandwich is a twist on the classic Reuben, replacing corned beef with turkey and often using coleslaw instead of sauerkraut.

  • Can I use a different type of bread?

While rye bread is traditional, you can use sourdough or whole wheat bread for a different flavor profile.

  • Is Russian dressing necessary for the recipe?

Russian dressing adds a tangy flavor, but you can substitute with Thousand Island dressing if preferred.

  • How can I make this sandwich healthier?

Use whole grain bread, lean turkey, and low-fat cheese to create a lighter version of the Rachel sandwich.

Print
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Easy Rachel Sandwich Recipe

Easy Rachel Sandwich Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Indulgent rachel sandwich celebrates classic deli flavors with tender corned beef, swiss cheese, and tangy sauerkraut. Creamy russian dressing and toasted rye bread complete this delicious midwestern comfort classic you’ll savor bite by bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) sliced turkey breast
  • 8 slices Swiss cheese

Bread:

  • 8 slices rye bread

Condiments and Accompaniments:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) Russian dressing
  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) coleslaw
  • 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

  1. Warm a skillet or griddle to medium heat, ensuring an even cooking surface for the sandwich.
  2. Generously coat one side of each rye bread slice with softened butter, creating a golden exterior.
  3. Arrange turkey slices evenly on the non-buttered side of four bread pieces, creating a uniform protein base.
  4. Layer Swiss cheese over the turkey, allowing the cheese to slightly overlap the meat for complete coverage.
  5. Spread a hearty portion of coleslaw across the cheese, distributing it evenly to ensure each bite contains a creamy crunch.
  6. Drizzle Russian dressing over the coleslaw, creating a tangy flavor profile that complements the other ingredients.
  7. Cap each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, positioning the buttered side facing upward for optimal browning.
  8. Carefully transfer sandwiches to the heated skillet, grilling for 3-4 minutes until the bread transforms into a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
  9. Flip sandwiches and continue cooking an additional 3-4 minutes, ensuring the cheese melts completely and the ingredients heat through.
  10. Remove sandwiches from heat, allowing them to rest for one minute to settle the ingredients and prevent burning.
  11. Slice each sandwich diagonally, creating two triangular halves that showcase the layered ingredients.
  12. Serve immediately while the sandwich maintains its warm, crispy texture and melted cheese.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is softened but not melted for even spreading and perfect golden-brown crispiness.
  • Let sandwiches sit on medium heat to help Swiss cheese melt slowly and create a creamy texture.
  • Drain excess liquid from coleslaw to prevent soggy bread and maintain sandwich structure.
  • Swap rye bread with gluten-free alternatives and use plant-based cheese and turkey for vegetarian/vegan options.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 540 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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