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If you love a classic Reuben, wait until you try its lighter, slightly sweeter cousin—the Rachel sandwich! This delicious twist swaps corned beef for tender turkey and replaces sauerkraut with crunchy coleslaw, all held together with melty Swiss cheese and tangy Russian dressing. Grilled until golden brown on hearty rye bread, every bite is the perfect mix of crispy, creamy, and savory. Whether you’re a sandwich connoisseur or just craving something hearty and satisfying, the Rachel is a must-try. Trust me—one bite, and you’ll be hooked!

A stacked Rachel sandwich with layers of meat, cheese, lettuce, and sauce on toasted bread is served on a plate with potato chips. There's a glass of cola and a side salad in the background.

Discover a tasty twist on the classic Reuben sandwich that’s bursting with meaty, cheesy, savory goodness. The Rachel sandwich is a savory flavor sensation you’ll love.

Also try the original Reuben sandwich, muffaletta sandwich, chopped cheese sandwich, or a chicken salad sandwich with chili crisp.

Grilled sandwich cut in half on a gray plate, with visible layers of meat, cheese, and vegetables. Another sandwich and dipping sauce are in the background.

Why You’ll Love It

So delicious: The combination of smoked turkey, pastrami, creamy coleslaw, Swiss cheese, and a tangy dressing is perfect and make these sandwiches so crave-able!
Easy to prepare: If you can make a sandwich, you’ll find this Rachel sandwich super-simple to put together.
Meal prep friendly: Want to make the coleslaw ahead and/or prepare the dressing ahead? This sandwich can be prepped ahead.

Two grilled sandwiches on gray plates, filled with meat and greens, accompanied by a small bowl of sauce. Plates are set on a pink surface with a partial view of chips and a napkin.

The Rachel Sandwich Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Rye bread: A good choice, as you need a hearty bread that will hold together when cooked.
Coleslaw: For the freshest flavor, grab coleslaw mix and dressing and combine the two.
Meats: Add meatiness with smoked turkey and pastrami.
Swiss cheese: For that ooey-gooey, melty deliciousness!
Sweet pickle relish: To add a sweet flavor to the dressing.
Mayonnaise: The main ingredient in the dressing. Full-fat is the tastiest.

Sandwich ingredients including sliced bread, cheese, roast beef, turkey, mayonnaise, relish, coleslaw, ketchup, butter, and seasoning on a textured pink surface.

How to Make a Turkey Reuben

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Make the coleslaw: Combine the shredded cabbage and carrot with the coleslaw dressing.
Make the dressing: Stir the dressing ingredients together and season to taste.
Assemble the sandwiches: Spread butter on 2 slices of bread and lay them buttered side down on a cutting board. Top with dressing, Swiss cheese, smoked turkey, and pastrami. Add the coleslaw on top of the meat and cheese layer, and then spread more dressing over the remaining 2 slices of bread and put those on top, spreading butter over the outside.
Cook the sandwiches: Cook the sandwiches in a large skillet or griddle on both sides until golden brown. Let them rest for a minute and then slice and serve immediately.

Two stacked sandwiches with layers of meat, cheese, and lettuce on toasted bread, served on plates.

Substitutions and Variations

Gluten-free option: If you want a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread.
Rye bread: You can use pumpernickel bread or a rye/pumpernickel blend. Not a fan of those? Sourdough would also work.
Swiss cheese: Swiss cheese is classic in a corned beef Swiss cheese Reuben, but here you can experiment with Gruyere, provolone, or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Deli meats: You can use roasted turkey or unsmoked deli turkey and/or swap the pastrami for salami or any deli meat you like in your delicious sandwich.
Dressing: Instead of the mayo, ketchup and pickle relish dressing, use Russian dressing or thousand island dressing.
Homemade coleslaw dressing: If you prefer to make your own coleslaw dressing, combine mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, a bit of white sugar, and a pinch of celery seed. Adjust the ingredients to taste.

A tall, stacked sandwich with layers of sliced meat, cheese, and cabbage on toasted bread, served on a plate with potato chips in the background.

Serving Suggestions

Appetizers: Begin the meal with baked artichoke dip and pita chips.
Side dishes: Serve your grilled sandwich with potato chips, polenta fries or maybe a crispy smashed potato salad.
Desserts: Finish with lemon shortbread cookies or mixed berry parfait.

Close-up of a toasted sandwich on a plate, filled with meat, cheese, and vegetables. A pickle spear is on the side. Another sandwich and a drink are in the background.

How to Store a Rachel Reuben

Store: If you have any leftover sandwiches, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Keep in mind that the coleslaw may soften the bread over time. The coleslaw can be stored by itself in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and the homemade dressing will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freeze: The Rachel sandwich isn’t suitable for freezing.
Reheat: Unwrap the sandwich and cook in a preheated skillet over a medium-low heat. Cook for 2 or 3 minutes on each side until warmed through and the bread is crisp.

A Reuben sandwich with coleslaw is sliced in half on a plate, accompanied by potato chips. Another sandwich slice and chips are on a separate plate. A bowl of sauce is nearby.

Top Tips

Warm the meat briefly: Warming the meats for about a minute on each side enhances flavor without overcooking. I gave mine 30 seconds at 50% power in the microwave, just to take the chill off.
Cover while grilling: Covering the skillet helps the cheese melt thoroughly without burning the bread. If your skillet doesn’t have a lid, you can use foil instead.
Adjust to taste: Feel free to adjust the amounts of meat and cheese according to your preference.
Serve these hot: Let the sandwiches rest for a minute and then slice and serve. They’re best served hot.

Close-up of a stacked Reuben sandwich with layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, and melted cheese, served on grilled rye bread. A knife is inserted in the sandwich, and a pickle is on the side.

Rachel Sandwich FAQs

Can I make this delicious Rachel sandwich ahead?

You can prepare the components in advance. For the best results, store the coleslaw and dressing separately from the bread and meats if you plan to enjoy the sandwiches later. Assemble and grill just before serving.

Can I add more salad ingredients like fresh lettuce or sliced avocado?

Sure, but I recommend adding those after grilling the sandwiches for freshness.

Two grilled sandwiches on plates with a side of chips on a pink textured surface. Accompanied by small bowls of coleslaw and sauce, and a brown napkin.

Best Rachel Sandwich Recipe

A Rachel sandwich, stacked with layers of savory meat, cheese, and tangy coleslaw, is perfectly sliced by a knife on a plate, accompanied by crispy chips and a crunchy pickle slice.
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5 from 1 vote

Rachel Sandwich

By: Bella Bucchiotti
Discover a tasty twist on the classic Reuben sandwich that brings flavor to the forefront. The Rachel sandwich offers a savory flavor sensation you’ll love.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2 people

Equipment

Ingredients 

For the Coleslaw:

  • 2 Cups coleslaw mix, bagged shredded cabbage and carrots
  • ¼ Cup coleslaw dressing, bottled
  • salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Dressing:

For the Sandwiches:

  • 4 Slices rye bread
  • 6 Ounces turkey, smoked, thinly sliced
  • 6 Ounces pastrami, thinly sliced
  • 8 Slices Swiss cheese
  • 4 Tablespoons butter, at room temperature

Instructions 

Make the Coleslaw:

  • Combine the coleslaw mix and coleslaw dressing in a medium bowl.
  • Toss until the coleslaw is evenly coated.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste, then cover and refrigerate until ready to assemble the sandwiches.

Make the Dressing:

  • Stir together the mayo, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and white vinegar in a small bowl.
  • Mix until smooth and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Assemble the Sandwiches:

  • Spread butter on one side of each slice of rye bread.
  • Place two slices of bread on a clean work surface, buttered side down. Spread a generous layer of the dressing on the upward-facing side of each slice.
  • Lay 2 slices of Swiss cheese over the dressing on each piece of bread.
  • Evenly divide the smoked turkey and pastrami between the 2 sandwiches, layering the meats over the cheese.
  • Add half of the prepared coleslaw on top of the meats on each sandwich.
  • Spread the dressing on one side of the remaining two bread slices and put these bread slices on top of each sandwich, buttered side up.

Cook the Sandwiches:

  • Heat a large skillet or griddle over a medium-low heat.
  • Carefully add the sandwiches to the skillet, adding a lid to help the cheese melt evenly.
  • Cook for 3 or 4 minutes on the first side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt.
  • Gently flip the sandwiches using a spatula.
  • Cook for another 3 or 4 minutes on the other side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
  • Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them rest for a minute.
  • Slice each sandwich in half diagonally and serve immediately.

Notes

Warm the meat briefly: Warming the meats for about a minute on each side enhances flavor without overcooking. I gave mine 30 seconds at 50% power in the microwave, just to take the chill off.
Cover while grilling: Covering the skillet helps the cheese melt thoroughly without burning the bread. If your skillet doesn’t have a lid, you can use foil instead.
Adjust to taste: Feel free to adjust the amounts of meat and cheese according to your preference.
Serve these hot: Let the sandwiches rest for a minute and then slice and serve. They’re best served hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 969kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 56g | Fat: 60g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 21g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 175mg | Sodium: 2055mg | Potassium: 683mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 889IU | Vitamin C: 56mg | Calcium: 735mg | Iron: 5mg
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Sandwich ingredients including sliced bread, cheese, roast beef, turkey, mayonnaise, relish, coleslaw, ketchup, butter, and seasoning on a textured pink surface.
A glass bowl filled with sliced coleslaw mix, including cabbage and carrots, on a textured pink surface.
A clear bowl containing mayonnaise, ketchup, chopped pickles, and black pepper on a textured pink surface.
Two slices of bread with spread on a wooden board against a pink background.
Open sandwich on a wooden board with sliced roast beef, cheese, and spread on bread over a pink background.
Open sandwich on a wooden board with turkey, coleslaw, and cheese slices on bread, against a textured pink background.

A close cousin of the world-famous Reuben sandwich, the Rachel sandwich has smoked turkey instead of corned beef and homemade coleslaw instead of sauerkraut for a change of pace on the classic. This hot turkey Swiss cheese sandwich with coleslaw and pastrami is quick and easy to prepare and you can use leftover turkey and leftover coleslaw to make it. If you like the Reuben, you’re going to love this one too!

Other Recipes to Try

Enjoy a delicious Rachel sandwich featuring layers of turkey, pastrami, coleslaw, and melted cheese nestled between slices of rye bread. Text reads: "How to Make a Rachel Sandwich".
Savor the Rachel sandwich, a mouthwatering twist on the classic Reuben. Enjoy layers of turkey, pastrami, coleslaw, and Swiss cheese nestled between grilled bread, accompanied by crispy potato chips.
Bella Bucchiotti

Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.

 

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5 from 1 vote

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