There's nothing quite like biting into a Rachel sandwich, the perfect twist on the classic Reuben. With its juicy turkey slices, tangy coleslaw, and creamy Russian dressing, all layered between two slices of perfectly toasted rye bread, this sandwich is a symphony of flavors.

The Rachel has always been my go-to sandwich when I’m craving something comforting yet vibrant. I first discovered it at a quaint deli on a rainy afternoon, and ever since, it's become a staple in my kitchen. Ready to fall in love with this irresistible spin on a deli classic? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Rachel Sandwich
Get ready to make your new favorite sandwich! The Rachel sandwich is a lighter, fresher alternative to the Reuben, packed with flavor and texture.
First off, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a satisfying meal in under 20 minutes.
Not only is it delicious, but the Rachel sandwich is versatile. Whether you want to switch up the bread or experiment with different dressings, it adapts beautifully to your tastes.
Finally, this sandwich is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Serve it at a casual gathering or whip it up for family dinner—everyone will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients Notes

The magic of the Rachel sandwich lies in its carefully chosen ingredients, each playing a key role in creating a perfectly balanced bite.
- Turkey: The star of this sandwich, thinly sliced turkey provides a lean, flavorful base. Smoked turkey adds an extra depth of flavor, but roasted turkey works wonderfully too.
- Rye Bread: Rye bread gives this sandwich its signature deli-style flavor. Light or dark rye works well, depending on your preference. If you’re not a fan of rye, sourdough is a great alternative.
- Coleslaw: Fresh, tangy coleslaw adds a delightful crunch and balances the richness of the sandwich. You can use store-bought coleslaw or make your own for an extra homemade touch.
- Swiss Cheese: Melty Swiss cheese ties the sandwich together with its nutty flavor. Don’t skip this component; it’s essential for that classic deli vibe.
- Russian Dressing: Creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet, Russian dressing is the perfect condiment for a Rachel sandwich. Thousand Island dressing is a good substitute if you’re in a pinch.
Special Equipment: A skillet or griddle is all you need to toast the sandwich to golden perfection.
How To Make This Rachel Sandwich

Creating the perfect Rachel sandwich is a breeze. Follow these simple steps to assemble your masterpiece.
Start by prepping your bread and fillings. Lay out four slices of rye bread and spread a generous layer of Russian dressing on one side of each slice. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Next, layer your sandwich. On two of the slices, add a slice of Swiss cheese, followed by a pile of thinly sliced turkey, a scoop of coleslaw, and a second slice of cheese. Top with the remaining bread slices, dressing-side down.
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Melt a tablespoon of butter and place the sandwiches in the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side, pressing gently with a spatula to achieve a golden, crispy crust.
Flip the sandwiches carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is perfectly toasted. Remove from the pan and let them rest for a minute before slicing.
Serve your Rachel sandwich warm and enjoy its delightful balance of textures and flavors. From the crunch of the coleslaw to the gooey cheese, every bite is pure bliss.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (unlikely!), here’s how to store and reheat your Rachel sandwich for maximum freshness.
- Refrigerator: Store any unassembled components like turkey and coleslaw separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Avoid storing the fully assembled sandwich, as it may become soggy.
- Freezer: While this sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the turkey and cheese for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Reheating: To bring your sandwich back to life, reheat it in a skillet over medium-low heat. This will crisp up the bread and melt the cheese without overcooking the turkey.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about the Rachel sandwich is its versatility. Here are a few ways to switch it up:
- Protein Swap: Not a fan of turkey? Try thinly sliced pastrami or ham for a unique twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the turkey with grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a plant-based version.
- Different Dressings: While Russian dressing is traditional, Thousand Island or even a spicy aioli can add an exciting twist.
- Alternative Breads: Swap rye bread for sourdough, whole wheat, or even a ciabatta roll for a different texture and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a few slices of pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the coleslaw for some heat.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe. The Rachel sandwich is a canvas for your culinary imagination!
Enjoy crafting your own Rachel sandwich and savor every bite of this deli-inspired delight. With its winning combination of textures and flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
PrintRachel Sandwich Recipe
The Rachel Sandwich is a delicious twist on the classic Reuben, featuring turkey, Swiss cheese, tangy coleslaw, and Russian dressing served on toasted rye bread. Perfect for sandwich lovers!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 slices rye bread
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 8 ounces sliced turkey breast
- 1 cup coleslaw
- 4 tablespoons Russian dressing or Thousand Island dressing
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Spread butter on one side of each slice of rye bread.
- On the unbuttered side, spread Russian dressing.
- Layer turkey, coleslaw, and Swiss cheese on two slices. Top with the other slices of bread, buttered side out.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook sandwiches for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula, until golden and cheese melts.
- Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute Russian dressing with Thousand Island dressing if preferred.
- Add pickles or chips on the side for extra crunch.
- Use leftover turkey for a quick meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
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