Looking for a delicious, comforting sandwich? Try this Rachel Sandwich recipe, a mouthwatering variation of the classic Reuben. Made with rye bread, Swiss cheese, and a delicious creamy coleslaw with sliced turkey, all topped with a homemade Thousand Island dressing, this sandwich delivers a perfect blend of crispy, creamy, and savory flavors. Whether you’re craving a satisfying lunch or a tasty dinner, this easy-to-make sandwich is a must-try!

Ingredients:

Thousand Island Dressing:

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons grated onion
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
A pinch of paprika
A pinch of salt

Rachel Sandwich:

8 slices rye bread
8 slices Swiss cheese
1 cup creamy coleslaw
1 lb sliced turkey (or more, based on preference)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions:

Make the Thousand Island Dressing: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, grated onion, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, paprika, and salt. Stir until fully mixed.
Assemble the Sandwich:
- Place a slice of Swiss cheese on each piece of rye bread.
- Spread coleslaw evenly on half of the slices of bread, and layer turkey on the other half.
- Drizzle the Thousand Island dressing over the turkey and cover with the coleslaw slices to form sandwiches.
Cook the Sandwiches:
- Spread butter on the top of each sandwich.
- Heat a pan over medium-low heat and place the sandwiches, butter side down.
- Butter the other side of the sandwich while cooking. Cover loosely with aluminum foil.
- Cook until the bottom is golden brown, then flip and cook the other side until golden and the cheese is melted.
Serve: Once the sandwich is heated through and the cheese has melted, remove from the pan and serve warm.

Tips

Keep the heat low: Cooking over medium-low heat ensures the bread gets golden and crispy without burning while giving the cheese time to melt.
Customize your dressing: Feel free to adjust the amount of relish or ketchup based on your taste preferences.
Use fresh coleslaw: For the best texture and flavor, make sure your coleslaw is fresh and not too watery.

Variations and Substitutions

Meat Substitute: You can use pastrami or ham instead of turkey for a different take on the classic Rachel sandwich.
Cheese: Swap Swiss cheese for cheddar or provolone for a different flavor.
Bread: If you’re not a fan of rye, you can use sourdough or any hearty bread you prefer.
Coleslaw: For a lighter version, try a vinegar-based coleslaw or use a lettuce mix.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought coleslaw? Yes, store-bought coleslaw can work perfectly, but homemade coleslaw offers the freshest taste.

Can I make the Thousand Island dressing ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make the dressing a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy? Make sure the coleslaw is well-drained before using it in the sandwich, and cook the sandwich right after assembling it to keep the bread crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crispy pickles on the side for an extra tangy crunch.
Pair with a light soup, like tomato basil or chicken noodle, for a satisfying meal.
Add a side of crispy fries or sweet potato fries for a complete comfort food experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Rachel Sandwich combines the perfect balance of crispy rye bread, melted Swiss cheese, savory turkey, and tangy Thousand Island dressing. It’s a delightful twist on the classic Reuben sandwich and offers a satisfying mix of creamy coleslaw and tender turkey. Whether for lunch or dinner, this sandwich is a comforting and flavorful choice that’s easy to make and sure to satisfy your cravings.