There’s something absolutely irresistible about a freshly made Keto Reuben, with its classic tangy, creamy, and savory flavors—only it’s perfectly guilt-free! This beloved deli sandwich is reimagined to fit your low-carb lifestyle and packs all the big, bold flavors you crave. Every bite features melty Swiss cheese, sauerkraut’s zing, generous slices of corned beef, and that signature sauce, all tucked inside golden, crispy chaffles. Whether you’re a seasoned keto devotee or simply looking to upgrade lunch, this Keto Reuben is destined to become your new comfort food obsession.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Keto Reuben recipe pulls its weight, bringing just the right layer of flavor, texture, or that essential deli counter nostalgia. You don’t need a pantry full of fancy products—just thoughtful choices that let each element shine.

Mayonnaise: The creamy foundation for your signature sauce—choose your favorite thick mayo for best results.
Keto ketchup: Adds a slightly sweet, tangy kick while keeping things perfectly low-carb and guilt-free.
Minced dill pickles: Tiny bursts of briny crunch cut through all that richness and echo the classic deli vibe.
Chaffles: These ingenious cheese-and-egg “waffles” become a crispy, chewy stand-in for rye bread—truly transformative!
Corned beef (sliced thin): Savory and hearty, this is the classic Reuben meat—ask for extra-thin slices at the deli counter for maximum tenderness.
Sauerkraut: Its bracing acidity brightens every bite and balances the creamy, meaty elements.
Swiss cheese: Nutty and melty, use real slices for that authentic ooey-gooey melt.
Butter: Sizzled in your skillet, it gives the chaffles a deep golden crunch nobody can resist.

How to Make Keto Reuben

Step 1: Mix Up the Signature Sauce

Just grab a small bowl and combine your mayonnaise, keto ketchup, and minced dill pickles. Stir everything together until you have a perfectly creamy, speckled Reuben sauce. Taste and adjust—sometimes a little extra pickle is just the right move! This is the secret to that unmistakable Reuben tang and creaminess.

Step 2: Slather Chaffles with Sauce

Lay out your four chaffles and generously spread the sauce over one side of each. Be sure to reach the edges for maximum flavor in every bite. The chaffle’s nooks and crannies lock in the sauce so every mouthful is rich and satisfying.

Step 3: Add the Corned Beef

Layer half of your chaffles (sauce side up) with thin, even piles of corned beef. Don’t be shy—stack it up for that hearty, satisfying deli feel. The thin slices will stay perfectly tender, especially once you toast the sandwich.

Step 4: Top with Cheese and Sauerkraut

On top of the corned beef, lay your Swiss cheese slices and gently pile up the sauerkraut. The cheese will melt beautifully, and the sauerkraut gives each bite that unmistakable tang—absolutely key to a standout Keto Reuben.

Step 5: Assemble Your Sandwiches

Cap each loaded chaffle with the remaining chaffles, sauce side in. Gently press down to help everything stick together, and get ready for the magic to happen in the skillet!

Step 6: Toast to Golden Perfection

Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium. Once melted and bubbly, carefully add your sandwiches. Cook for about 4 minutes, then flip—go gently to keep everything together. Let the other side get equally golden, and make sure the cheese is gorgeously melted throughout. Sizzling the chaffles in butter is what takes this Keto Reuben from good to absolutely unforgettable.

How to Serve Keto Reuben

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, extra dill pickles on the side, or even a handful of caraway seeds can bring a fresh, vibrant finish to your Keto Reuben. These little touches add color and a burst of fresh flavor that works beautifully with the rich, hearty sandwich.

Side Dishes

For a meal that feels straight from the coolest deli in town, pair your Keto Reuben with a crunchy dill pickle spear, a crisp green salad, or tangy coleslaw. If you want something just a bit more filling, roasted radishes or keto-friendly chips are fun and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or family-style lunch, slice your Keto Reuben into halves or quarters, then arrange on a platter for easy sharing. Skewer each mini sandwich with a pickle spear or a baby dill for instant finger-food appeal—perfect for game nights or casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Keto Reuben sandwiches, wrap them tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making leftovers a real treat.

Freezing

You can freeze fully assembled, untoasted Keto Reuben sandwiches. Wrap each individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, simply thaw overnight and finish crisping in the skillet for a speedy, satisfying meal.

Reheating

For best texture, place your chilled (or thawed) Keto Reuben in a skillet over medium-low heat with a small pat of butter. Cover loosely with foil and heat until warmed through and the cheese melts again. Avoid microwaving, which tends to make chaffles lose their signature crunch.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought keto bread instead of chaffles?

Absolutely! While chaffles give a unique taste and crunch, your favorite low-carb bread works just fine. Toast it well so it stands up to the sauce and fillings, keeping your Keto Reuben deliciously satisfying.

What’s the best way to make chaffles?

Chaffles are simply a mix of egg and shredded cheese, cooked in a waffle maker until crispy. For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic or onion powder. They’ll be golden, sturdy, and ideal for a keto sandwich like this one!

How do I keep the sauerkraut from making the sandwich soggy?

Drain the sauerkraut well and even pat it dry with a paper towel before layering it on. This step keeps your Keto Reuben perfectly crisp without losing the sauerkraut’s signature tang.

Can I substitute pastrami for corned beef?

Of course! Pastrami offers a peppery twist and stacks up beautifully in a Keto Reuben. It changes the flavor just a bit but is equally delicious and totally authentic to the deli spirit.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your chaffles (or chosen keto bread) are gluten-free, this Keto Reuben recipe fits a gluten-free lifestyle perfectly! Always double-check packaged ingredients to be sure.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after the ultimate comfort food sandwich that fits your low-carb goals, the Keto Reuben is a game-changer. Give it a whirl—once you taste the melty cheese, tangy sauce, and toasty chaffles, I bet it’ll earn a regular spot in your meal rotation!

Keto Reuben Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 5 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Keto

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in this delicious Keto Reuben sandwich that is low in carbs but high in flavor. Made with chaffles, corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and a tangy sauce, this recipe is a must-try for anyone on a keto diet or looking for a unique twist on a classic Reuben.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sauce:

3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon keto ketchup (or other keto-friendly ketchup)
2 tablespoons minced dill pickles

For the Sandwich:

4 chaffles
1/4 pound corned beef (sliced thin)
1 cup sauerkraut
2 ounces Swiss cheese
2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, and dill pickles.
Assemble the Sandwich: Spread the sauce mixture over the chaffles.
Divide the corned beef between two of the chaffles.
Top with half of the Swiss cheese and the sauerkraut.
Place the remaining chaffles on top, sauce side down.
Cook the Sandwiches: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the sandwiches for 4 minutes, flip, and cook for another 4 minutes or until the cheese melts.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Pan Fry
Cuisine: American