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Open-Face Turkey Reuben Melts

Source of Recipe

From "Back Around the Table" by David Venable


Recipe Introduction

"A Reuben is a super popular deli sandwich, but when I make it at home, I want a lighter version, but with the same flavors. I substitute sliced smoked turkey for the corned beef and keep the Swiss cheese, Russian dressing, and coleslaw. Reubens are one of the best ways I know to use up leftover turkey."

List of Ingredients

Coleslaw:
â—¦ 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
â—¦ ½ cup mayonnaise
â—¦ ¼ cup buttermilk
â—¦ 2 tablespoons sugar
â—¦ ½ teaspoon kosher salt
â—¦ ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
â—¦ ¼ teaspoon celery salt
â—¦ 1 small head of cabbage, finely shredded (about 5 cups)
â—¦ ½ cup finely shredded carrots
â—¦ ¼ cup finely diced red onion

Russian Dressing:
â—¦ ¼ cup ketchup
â—¦ 3 tablespoons chili sauce
â—¦ 1 cup mayonnaise
â—¦ ¼ cup sweet pickle relish
â—¦ ½ teaspoon kosher salt
â—¦ ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Sandwiches:
â—¦ 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
â—¦ 6 slices marble rye bread
â—¦ 1 ½ pounds smoked turkey, thinly sliced
â—¦ ½ pound Swiss cheese, thinly sliced



Recipe

To make the coleslaw, whisk together the vinegar, mayonnaise, buttermilk, sugar, salt, pepper, and celery salt in a large bowl. Add the cabbage, carrots, and red onion and toss well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to two days.

To make the dressing, whisk together the ketchup, chili sauce, mayonnaise, pickle relish, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Cover and refrigerate for up to one week.

To make the sandwiches, preheat the oven to 350° F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Butter both sides of the bread. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bread to the skillet and lightly toast both sides. Or, toast the bread in the preheated oven. Place the toasted bread on the prepared baking sheet. Spread about 2 tablespoons Russian dressing on each slice of bread. Layer 4 to 5 turkey slices on each bread slice. Using a slotted spoon, place about ¼ cup coleslaw on the turkey. Top each sandwich with 3 slices of Swiss cheese.

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese starts to melt. Turn the oven to broil and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly, one to two minutes. Serve immediately.

Makes 6 servings