Rachel Sandwich

Love a delicious grilled cheese? Level up your game with an easy Rachel Sandwich. This grilled sandwich has layers of turkey, coleslaw, Swiss cheese and Russian dressing that is stuffed between two pieces of toasty grilled Rye bread. It’s a new twist on a classic Reuben Sandwich.

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Finish off these easy sandwich with a few crunchy pickles, potato chips (don’t forget the Crack Dip!) or a side of potato salad.

I have a super fun sandwich recipe for you today! Imagine combining grilled cheese with a classic Rueben except instead of corned beef it has turkey. Well, when you do you get a Rachel sandwich!

We love our hot sandwiches around here like French dips and Monte Cristo sandwiches! And when I want a cold sandwich, I turn to Tuna Salad Sandwiches. This Rachel sandwich is a new favorite – I can’t wait for you to try it!

What is a Rachel Sandwich?

It’s layers of sliced turkey, swiss cheese, coleslaw and Russian dressing that’s grilled until the rye bread is nice and toasty! It’s also known as a Georgia Reuben or California Reuben and there are variations.  Sometimes a Rachel is made with pastrami, but it can be a little pricy so I like to use turkey. You also see it with French dressing, too.

What’s the Difference between a Reuben and a Rachel Sandwich?

They are both grilled sandwiches made with rye bread but the other ingredients are switched up:

• A Reuben has corned beef, swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing.
• A Rachel sandwich has sliced turkey, swiss cheese, coleslaw, and Russian or Thousand Island dressing.

If you love hot sandwiches, you’re going to love this Rachel Sandwich! It’ a filling, toasty, grilled sandwich with so much flavor.

Ingredients

As you can see below it doesn’t take many ingredients to make this sandwich. Just grab them then layer them up!

Assemble and Grill the Sandwich!

Making a Rachel is as easy as making a grilled cheese sandwich with just a few more ingredients.

• Butter one side of each slice of bread.
• On the other side, slather on the dressing.
• Layer on the turkey over the top of the dressing.
• Add some sliced cheese.
• Top the cheese with the coleslaw and place the other slice of bread on top.
• Heat a heavy skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook them until the bottom is browned. Carefully turn them over and cook them on the other side until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Expert Tips!

• You can substitute the coleslaw for sauerkraut.
• Sprinkle 1/4 tsp celery seeds over the coleslaw.
• Replace Swiss cheese with another kind of cheese like Muenster, Emmental or Gruyere cheese. Really anything that melts nicely will work!

Can I use a different kind of bread?

Like a Reuben, a Rachel is made with rye bread but you can switch it up if you want! Just use a sturdy sliced bread – you don’t want anything too soft otherwise it might not hold up well.

What’s the difference between Russian dressing and Thousand-Island dressing?

Russian dressing is made with mayonnaise, horseradish, and either ketchup or chili sauce plus other spices and seasonings. It has a little spicy heat and has a creamy texture.

The thousand-island dressing is a creamy dressing, too, but a little sweeter and it also has pickles in it. It also has mayonnaise, ketchup, and other seasonings.

So, depending on your tastes, choose your favorite to slather on your sandwich!

We love to make these sandwiches on the weekend for a special lunch, but they’re also great for dinner! Add some pickles and potato chips on the side – I think you’re going to love it!

Some More Sandwich Recipes to Try!

Sometimes you just want a sandwich, right? Well, whether you’re craving a hot one or a cold sandwich I’ve got some other great ones for you to try!

• Crockpot hot ham & cheese sandwiches are a family favorite! They are perfect for an easy lunch or dinner recipe and you can easily prep them ahead.
• My classic egg salad recipe is made with hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise and just the right amount of mustard and spices. Cool, creamy and so good!
• Egg avocado tuna sandwich is an easy sandwich that’s perfect for a quick lunch – the combination of flavors is delicious!
• Skip the fast-food fish sandwiches and make my crispy fish sandwich with garlic aioli coleslaw! It’s quick and easy!
• You can’t beat a classic like grilled cheese! My version is super easy – you can make it in your air fryer!

WATCH THE STEP BY STEP VIDEO FOR THIS RECIPE BELOW:

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Which is your favorite? Be sure to comment below, I definitely want to hear from you!!! Are you like me and snap photos of everything you eat? Be sure to tag me on Instagram @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats that way I’m sure to see your pictures!!

Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!

 

4.84 from 12 votes

Rachel Sandwich

Toasted Rye Bread sandwich with turkey, coleslaw, Swiss Cheese and Russian Dressing!

Prep:5 minutes mins

Cook:10 minutes mins

Total:15 minutes mins

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Ingredients

• ▢ 2 slices rye bread
• ▢ 2 tablespoons Russian or Thousand Island dressing
• ▢ 1/4 pound sliced turkey thinly sliced, or pastrami
• ▢ 2 to 3 slices Swiss cheese
• ▢ 1 tablespoon butter softened
• ▢ 1/4 cup coleslaw

Instructions

• Butter one side of each slice of bread.
• Spread the opposite side of each slice of rye bread with the Russian dressing.
• Top a slice of bread, dressing side, with the turkey or pastrami and Swiss cheese.
• Put the coleslaw in a colander to drain off excess liquids.
• Spread the coleslaw over the cheese layer and then top with the remaining slice of bread, butter side up.
• Place a heavy skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwich on the hot pan and cook until the bottom has browned. Carefully turn it over and cook until the other side has browned and the turkey is warmed and the cheese has melted.

Tips

• Like a Reuben, a Rachel is made with rye bread but you can switch it up if you want! Just use a sturdy sliced bread – you don’t want anything too soft otherwise it might not hold up well.
• You can substitute the coleslaw for sauerkraut.
• Sprinkle 1/4 tsp celery seeds over the coleslaw. 
• Replace Swiss cheese with another kind of cheese like Muenster, Emmental or Gruyere cheese. Really anything that melts nicely will work!

Nutrition Information

Calories: 714kcal (36%), Carbohydrates: 42g (14%), Protein: 40g (80%), Fat: 43g (66%), Saturated Fat: 20g (125%), Cholesterol: 147mg (49%), Sodium: 1925mg (84%), Potassium: 713mg (20%), Fiber: 4g (17%), Sugar: 10g (11%), Vitamin A: 882IU (18%), Vitamin C: 6mg (7%), Calcium: 500mg (50%), Iron: 3mg (17%)

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We are not dietitians and recommend you seek a nutritionist for exact nutritional information. The information in the nutrition box is calculated through a program and there is room for error. If you need an accurate count, I recommend running the ingredients through your favorite nutrition calculator.