Reuben sandwiches are a staple in many diners, loved for their hearty combination of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing, all served on rye bread. This classic deli sandwich is known for its bold, savory flavors that make it both satisfying and comforting. While the sandwich itself is filling and savory, the right dessert can help balance out its richness and offer a sweet contrast that enhances the meal.
When pairing a dessert with a Reuben sandwich, it’s important to consider the strong, savory flavors of the dish. You’ll want a dessert that complements but doesn’t overpower the sandwich. A good dessert will be light enough to refresh the palate while still being sweet and satisfying.
In this article, we will explore a variety of desserts that pair perfectly with Reuben sandwiches. From fruity, light options to rich, creamy treats, we’ll offer a wide range of ideas to help you create the perfect meal. Let’s dive into the delicious world of desserts that go hand in hand with Reuben sandwiches.
1. Fruit-Based Desserts
Apple Pie
Apple pie is one of the best classic desserts that pairs well with Reuben sandwiches. The sweetness and slight tartness of the apples, combined with the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the Reuben. The soft texture of the apples, paired with the crispness of the pie crust, is satisfying without being too heavy.
You can serve apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to add an extra layer of creaminess. The contrast between the warm pie and the cold ice cream can be a perfect way to round off your meal.
Peach Cobbler
Peach cobbler is another excellent dessert that pairs wonderfully with a Reuben sandwich. The soft, sweet peaches, combined with a slightly crisp topping, offer a light, fruity contrast to the heavy and savory sandwich. The warmth of the cobbler and the sweetness of the peaches complement the tanginess of the sauerkraut in the Reuben.
You can serve peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream, which will add a creamy texture to balance the fruit’s juiciness. The dessert is both comforting and refreshing, making it a great choice after a hearty Reuben.
Mixed Berry Sorbet
If you’re looking for a lighter dessert option, a mixed berry sorbet is an excellent choice. The tangy, refreshing flavor of the berries helps cleanse the palate after the savory richness of the Reuben sandwich. Sorbet is typically dairy-free, which means it’s light and not overly heavy after a filling sandwich.
A mixed berry sorbet made with strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries is bright and refreshing. The natural sweetness and tartness of the berries provide a sweet, tangy finish that balances the bold flavors of the sandwich. You can also serve the sorbet in a bowl with fresh mint leaves for an extra burst of freshness.
Lemon Curd Tart
A lemon curd tart is a perfect dessert to pair with a Reuben sandwich. The tartness of the lemon curd offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sandwich’s filling. The buttery, crumbly crust of the tart adds texture and a slight sweetness to the overall experience.
The lemon flavor will refresh your palate and cut through the heaviness of the corned beef and cheese, while the rich curd provides a creamy and satisfying finish. The bright citrus notes of the lemon will enhance the flavors of the Reuben and leave you with a clean, light aftertaste.
2. Light and Creamy Desserts
Cheesecake
Cheesecake is a rich yet light dessert that pairs nicely with a Reuben sandwich. The creamy, tangy filling of the cheesecake contrasts with the savory sandwich, offering a delicious balance. You can make a classic New York-style cheesecake or add some fruity toppings, such as strawberry or raspberry compote, to bring in an element of freshness.
Cheesecake can be served in small slices to avoid overwhelming your palate after a heavy sandwich. The creamy texture complements the savory corned beef and Swiss cheese, while the slight tanginess of the cheesecake helps balance the richness of the meal.
Panna Cotta
Panna cotta is an Italian dessert made from sweetened cream thickened with gelatin, creating a smooth and velvety texture. Its lightness and creaminess make it an ideal dessert to follow a Reuben sandwich. The rich, smooth texture of panna cotta can be flavored with vanilla, coffee, or citrus, and it pairs well with fresh berries or a berry compote.
The creamy texture of panna cotta contrasts with the hearty sandwich, while the lightness ensures you won’t feel too full afterward. If you enjoy a dessert that is both satisfying and elegant, panna cotta is a great choice.
Chocolate Mousse
For those who enjoy a richer dessert, chocolate mousse is a fantastic choice to complement a Reuben sandwich. The creamy, fluffy texture of mousse made with dark chocolate provides a deep, indulgent flavor that contrasts with the savory, salty flavors of the sandwich.
While chocolate mousse can be quite rich, its light texture and chocolatey bitterness make it a great dessert to balance the Reuben. You can top the mousse with whipped cream or fresh berries to add a bit of freshness and cut through the richness of the chocolate.
3. Baked and Decadent Desserts
Brownies
Brownies are a simple yet indulgent dessert that pairs wonderfully with Reuben sandwiches. Their dense, fudgy texture complements the hearty sandwich, while their sweetness provides a nice contrast to the saltiness of the corned beef and the tang of the sauerkraut.
You can serve your brownies plain or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra decadence. For an extra touch, drizzle with chocolate sauce or sprinkle some chopped nuts on top to give the brownies a crunchy texture. The sweetness of the brownies works well after the bold flavors of the Reuben.
Carrot Cake
Carrot cake is another dessert that goes beautifully with Reuben sandwiches. The spiced flavor of the cake, with its cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, provides a warm contrast to the savory sandwich. The moist texture of the cake, along with the tangy cream cheese frosting, makes this dessert both flavorful and satisfying.
Carrot cake is filling enough to follow the hearty sandwich but light enough not to overpower the meal. The sweetness of the cake and the creaminess of the frosting provide a satisfying end to a Reuben sandwich meal.
Apple Crisp
Apple crisp, made with baked apples and a crumble topping, is a great dessert to enjoy after a Reuben sandwich. The sweetness and tartness of the apples provide a fresh contrast to the savory sandwich, while the buttery crumble topping adds a bit of richness without being too heavy.
Apple crisp can be served warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra creamy touch. The combination of warm fruit and cool ice cream is the perfect balance after a hearty sandwich.
4. Simple and Quick Desserts
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are a beloved dessert that pairs wonderfully with a Reuben sandwich. The rich, gooey chocolate chips provide a satisfying sweetness that contrasts with the savory, salty sandwich. Chocolate chip cookies are easy to prepare and can be enjoyed fresh from the oven for an extra indulgent treat.
You can enjoy your cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a comforting finish to the meal. The sweetness of the cookies makes them the perfect way to end a savory Reuben sandwich.
Rice Pudding
Rice pudding is a simple, creamy dessert that pairs well with a Reuben sandwich. Made with rice, milk, sugar, and spices like cinnamon and vanilla, rice pudding offers a mild sweetness and creamy texture that balances the rich, savory sandwich. It’s a comforting and familiar dessert that isn’t too heavy, making it a great choice for after your meal.
Rice pudding can be served warm or chilled, depending on your preference. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top adds an extra layer of flavor.
5. No-Bake Desserts
No-Bake Cheesecake
A no-bake cheesecake is an easy and quick dessert that still offers a rich, creamy texture that pairs well with Reuben sandwiches. The base of the cheesecake is typically made from crushed graham crackers, and the filling is a combination of cream cheese, sugar, and whipped cream. You can top it with fresh fruit or a fruit compote for added flavor.
The no-bake cheesecake is light yet indulgent and provides a satisfying end to the meal without requiring hours of preparation. Its creamy texture and slight tanginess balance out the bold flavors of the sandwich.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
If you’re looking for a simple and elegant dessert to pair with your Reuben sandwich, chocolate-covered strawberries are a fantastic option. The sweet, juicy strawberries, combined with a rich layer of dark chocolate, offer a delightful contrast to the savory sandwich.
Chocolate-covered strawberries are easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making them a perfect quick dessert. Their freshness and sweetness make them a light yet satisfying way to finish a Reuben sandwich meal.
Conclusion
When choosing a dessert to pair with Reuben sandwiches, the goal is to find something that complements the rich, savory flavors of the sandwich without overwhelming the palate. From fruity pies and tangy lemon desserts to creamy mousses and indulgent brownies, there is a wide range of desserts that can elevate your meal. Whether you prefer something light and refreshing or decadent and rich, the right dessert will add the perfect finishing touch to your Reuben sandwich experience.
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