Introduction

For those following a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle, finding satisfying, indulgent meals that meet dietary restrictions can be a challenge. Traditional comfort foods like sandwiches, often made with bread packed with carbs, can be difficult to replicate. But with a little creativity, it’s entirely possible to enjoy the flavors you love without compromising your diet. This Keto Reuben Sandwich is a perfect example, offering all the classic elements of a traditional Reuben—corned beef, Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and a creamy dressing—while keeping the carb count low. The bread substitute here is made with almond flour or coconut flour, making it gluten-free and keto-friendly.

Whether you’re craving a hearty lunch or looking for a satisfying dinner, this keto Reuben sandwich is packed with flavor and protein. It’s quick to make, perfect for meal prep, and a great option for anyone on a low-carb or gluten-free diet. You won’t even miss the traditional rye bread!

Ingredients

This recipe makes 2 servings. For the best results, be sure to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. The components of the sandwich are simple but rich in flavor, with keto-friendly substitutes to ensure you stay within your carb limits.

For the Keto Bread (makes 4 slices):

  • 2 cups almond flour (blanched and finely ground)
  • 1/4 cup coconut flour
  • 1 tablespoon psyllium husk powder (for texture)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

For the Reuben Sandwich:

  • 4 slices keto bread (from the above recipe)
  • 1/2 pound corned beef (thinly sliced, or use pastrami for a twist)
  • 2 slices Swiss cheese (or any cheese of your choice, such as provolone or cheddar)
  • 1/2 cup sauerkraut (drained well)
  • 2 tablespoons keto-friendly Thousand Island dressing (or Russian dressing)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (for grilling)

For the Thousand Island Dressing (if homemade):

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (preferably avocado or olive oil-based)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar-free ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon chopped dill pickles or relish (make sure it’s sugar-free)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: How to Make Keto Reuben Sandwich

Step 1: Prepare the Keto Bread (if making from scratch)

To start, prepare the keto-friendly bread for your Reuben sandwich.

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil or butter.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, coconut flour, psyllium husk powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. Add wet ingredients: Add the warm water, eggs, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar (if using) into the dry mixture. Stir until a dough forms. The dough will be slightly thicker than traditional bread dough.
  4. Shape and bake: Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  5. Cool: Allow the bread to cool before slicing it into 4 even pieces. This will give it a firmer texture, making it easier to handle when making the sandwiches.

Step 2: Prepare the Thousand Island Dressing (if homemade)

  1. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, Dijon mustard, chopped dill pickles, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  2. Stir until smooth and well-blended. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  3. If you prefer a tangier dressing, add a bit more mustard or pickle juice. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Reuben Sandwiches

  1. Grill the bread: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Butter one side of each slice of keto bread. Place the buttered side of the bread down on the hot skillet and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  2. Layer the fillings: On the unbuttered side of the bread, spread a thin layer of the homemade Thousand Island dressing. Layer the sliced corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese on top. Add another slice of bread, buttered side up.
  3. Grill the sandwich: Once the sandwich is assembled, grill it in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted inside.
  4. Serve and enjoy: Once grilled to perfection, remove the sandwich from the skillet, slice it in half, and serve hot with a side of pickles or a keto-friendly salad.

Useful Tips & Variations

  • Bread Variations: If you prefer a quicker method, you can use store-bought keto bread instead of making your own. Many low-carb brands offer sandwich loaves that are perfect for this recipe.
  • Cheese Choices: Although Swiss cheese is traditional in a Reuben, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone, mozzarella, or even cheddar for a different flavor profile.
  • Keto-Friendly Sauerkraut: Sauerkraut is naturally low in carbs, but make sure to buy an unsweetened version. Always drain and rinse it to remove excess brine, ensuring it doesn’t make the sandwich soggy.
  • Corned Beef or Pastrami: If you can’t find corned beef, pastrami makes a great substitute. The smoky flavor adds an extra layer of taste that pairs wonderfully with the tang of the sauerkraut and creamy dressing.
  • Make-Ahead: You can prepare the bread, dressing, and sauerkraut in advance, making this a great option for meal prep. Simply assemble and grill when you’re ready to eat.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 Sandwich)

This Keto Reuben Sandwich recipe is a hearty meal with plenty of protein and healthy fats to keep you full and satisfied. The bread is made with low-carb ingredients, and the sandwich itself is packed with flavor.

  • Calories: 580 kcal
  • Fat: 43g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Total Carbohydrates: 8g
    • Fiber: 4g
    • Net Carbs: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg
  • Sodium: 1,100mg (this can vary depending on the corned beef and dressing)
  • Sugar: 2g (from the dressing)

Weight Watchers SmartPoints

For those following the Weight Watchers program, this keto Reuben sandwich is an excellent option with low SmartPoints due to its low-carb ingredients and high protein content.

  • SmartPoints (Blue, Green, Purple): 7 points per sandwich.
  • PersonalPoints: This may vary based on the specific ingredients you choose (such as different types of cheese or sweeteners in the dressing). Typically, this sandwich will fall within the range of 6-8 PersonalPoints.

Note: While the sandwich might appear higher in SmartPoints due to the cheese and dressing, it’s still a relatively low-carb, high-protein option, making it a great choice for maintaining your weight loss goals.

Conclusion

This Keto Reuben Sandwich brings all the classic flavors of the beloved Reuben into a low-carb, keto-friendly format. With its rich layers of corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melty Swiss cheese, and creamy dressing, it’s a satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture. The keto bread is sturdy and has a pleasant, neutral flavor that holds up well to the hearty fillings, and you won’t even miss the traditional rye bread!

Whether you’re on a ketogenic diet, managing your carb intake, or simply looking for a healthier alternative to a classic comfort food, this recipe is a must-try. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also customizable and meal-prep friendly, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a filling lunch.

Enjoy this guilt-free sandwich without the carbs—it’s a winner for any low-carb, gluten-free, or keto enthusiast. Plus, with only 4g of net carbs per sandwich, it’s an ideal choice for Weight Watchers members looking for a low SmartPoint option.