Craving the iconic taste of a Reuben sandwich but adhering to a low-carb or ketogenic diet? Your search ends here! This incredible low-carb Reuben sandwich reimagines the classic with a brilliant keto-friendly twist: crispy, savory chaffles standing in for traditional bread. Packed with succulent corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melty Swiss cheese, this recipe doesn’t just satisfy; it elevates. You’ll also discover a homemade sugar-free Russian dressing so deliciously authentic, you’ll want to drizzle it over everything – from salads to your next keto creation. Get ready to indulge in a guilt-free gourmet experience that proves healthy eating never has to be boring.
The Magic of Reuben Chaffles: Your New Favorite Keto Bread
The foundation of any great sandwich is its bread, and for our low-carb Reuben, the humble chaffle takes center stage. But what exactly is a chaffle? It’s a culinary marvel that has revolutionized the keto world: a delightful, savory waffle made predominantly from shredded mozzarella cheese and an egg. When cooked on a mini waffle maker, these simple ingredients transform into a crispy, golden “bread” substitute that is surprisingly sturdy, wonderfully delicious, and perfectly keto-compliant.
The beauty of chaffles lies in their versatility and ease of preparation. They boast a fantastic texture – crispy on the outside, tender on the inside – mimicking toasted bread without the carb count. For anyone following a ketogenic diet, chaffles are a game-changer, opening up a world of sandwich possibilities previously thought impossible. They are a true must-have, providing that satisfying “bread” experience without compromising your dietary goals. Our Reuben chaffles, specifically, incorporate caraway seeds into the batter, infusing them with an authentic rye bread flavor that perfectly complements the classic Reuben fillings.
These chaffles aren’t just for Reubens; they are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even as a base for other keto creations. When serving this low-carb Reuben for dinner, consider pairing it with a side of cheesy keto garlic bread for an extra indulgent touch, or a crisp, chopped salad for a lighter, refreshing contrast. Their neutral yet adaptable flavor profile makes them an ideal companion to almost any meal.
Mastering Easy Keto Chaffle Bread
Creating your perfect keto chaffle bread is straightforward. The core recipe involves combining shredded mozzarella cheese and eggs, then cooking the mixture in a waffle maker. For an authentic Reuben chaffle, a sprinkle of caraway seeds into the batter adds that distinctive rye bread aroma and flavor that truly sets this sandwich apart.
One of my favorite hacks is to prepare a batch of chaffles in the morning. This way, you have them ready to assemble into various meals throughout the day. They serve as excellent bread for a variety of sandwiches, or you can simply enjoy them alongside some meat and veggies. They are also fantastic for making other low-carb favorites, such as a keto BLT sandwich, where their crispy texture perfectly complements the smoky bacon and fresh greens. The possibilities are truly endless, making chaffles a staple in any keto kitchen.
What Exactly Is a Reuben Sandwich? Unpacking the Classic
Before we dive deeper into our keto adaptation, let’s appreciate the classic Reuben sandwich. A true American deli icon, a traditional Reuben is a grilled sandwich renowned for its rich, layered flavors. It typically features thinly sliced corned beef, creamy Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and a generous slather of Russian dressing, all nestled between slices of toasted rye bread. The harmonious blend of savory meat, pungent cheese, sour kraut, and a sweet-tangy dressing creates an unforgettable culinary experience.
Stories about the Reuben’s origin often point to Omaha, Nebraska, with a chef named Reuben Kulakofsky credited for its invention during a poker game in the early 20th century. Regardless of its exact lineage, the Reuben has secured its place as a beloved comfort food, celebrated for its robust flavors and satisfying components. Our low-carb Reuben sandwich strives to capture every bit of that classic essence, making it accessible for those on a ketogenic journey.
Crafting the Perfect Keto Reuben Sandwich
This keto Reuben sandwich is more than just a low-carb alternative; it’s a celebration of the classic flavors you love, perfectly adapted for your dietary needs. The crispy chaffles beautifully mimic the toasted rye bread, providing that essential textural contrast. The biggest difference – and perhaps the greatest improvement – is our homemade, sugar-free Russian dressing. This bespoke dressing maintains the perfect balance of tang and sweetness without any added sugars, ensuring every bite is compliant and delicious.
I’ve even used this exceptional dressing in my keto Reuben casserole, a testament to its versatility and flavor profile. It’s perfectly tangy, with a subtle kick from horseradish and a hint of heat from hot sauce, creating a dressing that’s both complex and incredibly satisfying. This thoughtful combination of ingredients ensures that our low-carb Reuben loses none of its iconic charm and flavor.
Is Corned Beef Keto-Friendly?
Absolutely! Corned beef, whether freshly cooked or deli-sliced, is inherently keto-friendly. It’s a protein-rich meat with a low carbohydrate count, making it an excellent choice for a ketogenic diet. However, as with all packaged foods, it’s crucial to exercise caution and always check the labels and ingredients list, especially when purchasing deli or pre-packaged lunch meats. Some brands might add unnecessary sugars, glazes, or fillers to their products. Fortunately, corned beef is typically prepared without added sugars, so you’re likely to find suitable options without much trouble. Look for varieties with minimal ingredients and no hidden carbs to ensure your Reuben remains perfectly keto.
Delicious Corned Beef Substitutes
While corned beef is the traditional star of a Reuben, sometimes it can be hard to find, or you might simply want to try something different. If deli-sliced corned beef isn’t available, or if you prefer a different flavor profile, there are several fantastic keto-friendly substitutes:
- Shredded Corned Beef: If you have leftover cooked corned beef from a holiday meal, simply shred it and use it in your sandwich. It adds an even richer texture and flavor.
- Pastrami: A close cousin to corned beef, pastrami offers a similar salty, smoky, and spiced flavor. It’s an excellent replacement that maintains the deli-style essence of the Reuben.
- Roast Beef: Thinly sliced roast beef provides a milder, yet equally satisfying, savory base. It pairs beautifully with the Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing.
- Turkey Pastrami: For a lighter option, turkey pastrami can be a delicious choice. Just ensure it’s a low-carb, sugar-free variety.
Experiment with these alternatives to find your favorite spin on the keto Reuben!
Assembling Your Low Carb Keto Reuben Sandwich
Making this keto Reuben is a straightforward and rewarding process, perfect for a quick meal or for entertaining. The full, detailed recipe is provided in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post, making it easy to follow along. This sandwich is so universally appealing that you’ll want to make extra – it’s a guaranteed hit with the entire family, even those not strictly following a keto diet!
Given its star ingredient, corned beef, this low-carb Reuben is an absolutely perfect dish to enjoy on St. Patrick’s Day. It offers a delicious and festive way to celebrate the holiday without derailing your low-carb goals. Don’t forget to serve extra of that incredible homemade Russian dressing on the side for dipping – it truly enhances every bite and allows everyone to customize their sandwich to perfection.
Low Carb Reuben Sandwich: Recipe Details
Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need and how to prepare this mouth-watering low-carb Reuben sandwich. Exact measurements and step-by-step instructions are found in the comprehensive recipe card below.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3-5 minutes per chaffle
Servings: 2 sandwiches
Net Carbs: 4 net carbs per sandwich
Calories: Approximately 310 kcal per sandwich
Ingredients:
For the Chaffle Bread:
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Eggs
- Caraway seeds
For the Sandwich Filling:
- Corned beef deli meat (shaved)
- Sauerkraut (well-drained)
- Swiss cheese
For the Sugar-Free Russian Dressing:
- Mayonnaise
- Sugar-free ketchup
- Horseradish
- Hot sauce
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions Highlights:
1. Preheat your mini waffle maker, ensuring it’s ready for those perfect chaffles.
2. In a mixing bowl, gently whisk together the mozzarella cheese, caraway seeds, and eggs until well combined. This is your chaffle batter.
3. Pour approximately ¼ of the batter into the preheated waffle maker. Cook until golden brown and crispy to your desired preference. This typically takes 3-5 minutes.
4. Repeat this process three more times, using the remaining batter to create a total of four chaffles, which will form two delicious sandwiches.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the sugar-free Russian dressing until it’s smooth and perfectly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Assemble your Reuben! Place a generous layer of shaved corned beef on top of one chaffle. Follow with about ⅓ cup of well-drained sauerkraut and a slice of Swiss cheese.
7. Drizzle a liberal serving of your homemade dressing over the fillings, then top with another chaffle to complete your sandwich. Feel free to add more dressing on top or serve it on the side for an extra flavorful experience.
Enjoy this delightful low-carb Reuben sandwich, a truly satisfying and guilt-free treat!
Pin this amazing recipe for later!
Follow me on Pinterest for more delicious keto recipes!
Low Carb Reuben Sandwich
This low carb Reuben sandwich is made with corned beef, sauerkraut, and uses keto-friendly chaffles as the bread.
lunch
low carb Reuben sandwich
Ingredients
Chaffle
-
1
cup
Mozzarella Cheese
shredded -
2
Eggs -
1/4
tsp
Caraway Seeds
Sandwich
-
6
ounces
Shaved Corned Beef Deli Meat -
2/3
cup
Sauerkraut
drained well -
2
slices
Swiss Cheese
Keto Russian Dressing
-
1/4
cup
Mayonnaise -
1
tbsp
Sugar-free Ketchup -
1
tsp
Horseradish -
1/4
tsp
Hot Sauce -
1/4
tsp
Worcestershire Sauce
Instructions
Preheat the mini waffle maker.
Add the mozzarella cheese, caraway seeds and eggs to a mixing bowl and whisk to combine.
Place ¼ of the batter into the waffle maker, and cook to your liking
Repeat step 3 until you have made 4 chaffles and used all of your batter.
Whisk together the ingredients for the sauce until well combined.
Place a layer of shaved corned beef on the top of one chaffle, followed by ⅓ cup of the sauerkraut and a piece of Swiss cheese. Top the mixture with a serving of the dressing and top the sandwich with another chaffle. You can drizzle more dressing on the top of the sandwich as well if desired.
Recipe Notes
Calories: 310 per sandwich
Net Carbs: 4 Net Carb Per Serving
The nutritional information for this recipe is calculated as a courtesy and is approximate only. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipes on this site.
More Keto St. Patrick’s Day Recipes
If you loved this low-carb Reuben sandwich and are looking for more delicious keto-friendly ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or simply enjoy hearty, comforting meals, explore these fantastic recipes:
- Instant Pot Keto Beef Stew: A rich and savory stew that’s perfect for a cozy meal, packed with tender beef and low-carb vegetables.
- Keto Reuben Dip Recipe: All the flavors of a Reuben in a creamy, shareable dip, ideal for parties or a satisfying snack.
- Keto Reuben In A Bowl: Deconstruct your favorite sandwich into a vibrant, hearty bowl, perfect for meal prep or a lighter take.
These recipes offer a variety of options to keep your keto diet exciting and full of flavor, proving that healthy eating can still be incredibly satisfying.