There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of sinking your teeth into a warm, melty Rachel Sandwich. This mouthwatering twist on the classic Reuben features tender, spiced turkey slices, a tangy homemade slaw, and gooey Swiss cheese, all pressed between slices of hearty rye bread.
I first tried a Rachel Sandwich on a spontaneous lunch outing and couldn’t stop thinking about the contrast of the creamy dressing with the slight crunch of coleslaw. It became an instant favorite and, over time, evolved into this version that my whole family now adores. Get ready to discover your new go-to comfort sandwich recipe.
Why You'll Love This Rachel Sandwich
Get ready to fall in love with this hearty and flavorful sandwich! It brings together simple ingredients for a comforting, crave-worthy meal that hits all the right notes.
First, it’s incredibly easy to make. You can whip up this sandwich in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for lunch or a quick dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights, it saves you time without sacrificing any of the rich, satisfying flavor.
You'll also love how versatile it is. The creamy, homemade coleslaw and juicy turkey slices give you room to experiment with spices or cheese varieties. You can adapt this recipe to your taste preferences or whatever you have on hand in the fridge.
And let’s not forget the perfect texture. The crispy rye bread, soft and melty cheese, and crunchy coleslaw create an incredible combination that’s simply irresistible. Each bite is a burst of flavors and textures that keeps you coming back for more.
Finally, this sandwich is a crowd-pleaser. Even picky eaters will appreciate the mild flavors, while more adventurous foodies can add extra spice for a bit of heat. It's truly a sandwich that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Rachel Sandwich lies in its balance of fresh, flavorful ingredients. Each element comes together to create a deliciously satisfying experience.
Starting with the turkey slices, opt for high-quality deli turkey or use leftover roasted turkey if you have some. The savory, seasoned meat provides a rich, meaty base that’s essential for the sandwich. Be sure to slice it thinly for even layering and perfect bites.
Next up, the Swiss cheese. Its mild, nutty flavor complements the turkey beautifully and melts like a dream. If you prefer a stronger flavor, try aged Swiss or Gruyère. A generous layer of melted cheese is key to holding everything together and adding a touch of creaminess.
For the coleslaw, a simple mix of shredded cabbage and carrots tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing does wonders. It adds just the right amount of crunch and a burst of freshness to cut through the richness of the cheese and turkey. Make it ahead of time and let it chill for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
The rye bread is a classic choice for this sandwich. Its hearty texture and slightly sour flavor add depth to each bite. Lightly toasting or grilling the bread gives you a satisfyingly crisp exterior while keeping the interior soft.
Finally, you’ll need some Russian dressing to bring everything together. You can make your own with simple ingredients like mayonnaise, ketchup, and a touch of pickle relish. It’s creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet, making it the perfect sandwich spread. Don’t skimp on this – it ties all the flavors together beautifully.
How To Make This Rachel Sandwich

Creating this scrumptious Rachel Sandwich is straightforward and stress-free. Here’s how to assemble it step by step.
Start by preparing the coleslaw. In a medium-sized bowl, combine shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, mayonnaise, vinegar, a pinch of sugar, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything until well coated, then set it aside to chill while you prepare the rest of the sandwich. This allows the flavors to marry, creating a vibrant and crunchy slaw.
Next, take two slices of rye bread. Spread a generous layer of Russian dressing on one side of each slice. This dressing will infuse each bite with a delicious tanginess that balances the flavors of the turkey and cheese.
Now, layer on the fillings. Place a couple of slices of Swiss cheese on one piece of bread, followed by a generous pile of turkey. Top the turkey with a heaping spoonful of the prepared coleslaw, spreading it evenly. Finally, place the second slice of bread, dressing side down, on top to form the sandwich.
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a pat of butter and let it melt, spreading it evenly across the surface. Carefully place the sandwich in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing down gently with a spatula. You’ll know it’s ready to flip when the bread turns golden brown and the cheese starts to melt. Repeat on the other side until both slices of bread are crispy and the cheese is fully melted.
Once grilled to perfection, remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it cool slightly before slicing it in half. This will prevent the fillings from spilling out and make it easier to handle. Serve hot, and enjoy every cheesy, crunchy, and flavorful bite.
Storage Options
If you have any leftovers, don’t worry – this Rachel Sandwich can be stored and enjoyed later. To keep the sandwich fresh, wrap each half tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. It will stay good in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
For reheating, unwrap the sandwich and place it in a preheated skillet over medium-low heat. Cover with a lid and warm for 2-3 minutes on each side until heated through and the bread regains some crispiness. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the bread soggy.
If you have extra coleslaw, store it in a separate airtight container in the fridge. It will last for about 3-4 days and makes a great side dish for another meal.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about the Rachel Sandwich is how adaptable it is. You can easily make a few swaps or add your own flair to suit your taste preferences.
For a leaner version, consider using grilled chicken breast instead of turkey. The smoky flavor pairs well with the creamy dressing and slaw. You could even try smoked turkey breast for a more intense flavor profile.
Want to add some extra crunch? Try layering a few slices of crisp, fresh cucumber or a handful of baby spinach. These fresh additions will add a refreshing element that contrasts nicely with the rich cheese and dressing.
If you’re a fan of spicy flavors, add a kick of heat by mixing a dash of hot sauce into your Russian dressing or using spicy mustard as an alternative. You can also add thin slices of pickled jalapeños to the sandwich for a fiery twist.
For a vegetarian option, swap the turkey for grilled mushrooms or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. The umami-rich veggies will provide a satisfying, meaty texture while keeping the sandwich flavorful and hearty.
Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties. While Swiss is classic, pepper jack or sharp cheddar could add a new layer of flavor. Just be sure the cheese melts well for that signature oozy texture.
No matter how you customize it, this Rachel Sandwich is a delicious canvas for your culinary creativity. Enjoy experimenting and find your perfect combination!
PrintRachel Sandwich Recipe
Enjoy a flavorful Rachel sandwich made with tender, savory ingredients and tangy coleslaw, packed into perfectly toasted rye bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 4 slices of rye bread
- 8 slices of halal smoked turkey
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1 cup coleslaw
- 4 tablespoons Russian dressing
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each slice of rye bread.
- Assemble the sandwich: Lay 2 slices of rye bread, butter-side down, on a skillet. Layer each with 2 slices of Swiss cheese, 4 slices of smoked turkey, and ½ cup of coleslaw.
- Add dressing: Spread 2 tablespoons of Russian dressing on each of the remaining bread slices (unbuttered side) and place them, dressing-side down, on top of the sandwich fillings.
- Grill the sandwich: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Grill each sandwich for 3-4 minutes per side or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
- Serve immediately: Remove from the skillet, slice in half, and enjoy warm.
Notes
- To add more flavor, use a mix of green and purple cabbage in the coleslaw.
- For a crunchier sandwich, grill with a panini press or weigh the sandwich down in the skillet.
- Serve with pickles or potato chips for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1100 mg
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