Name: Sweet Potato Pastrami Reuben Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 sweet potatoes; 2 tablespoons coriander seeds; 2 tablespoons mustard seeds; 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons Celtic sea salt OR Himalayan pink salt; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/8 teaspoon cloves; 8 slices bread; 2 cups sauerkraut; 1 cup Thousand Island Dressing (vegan or regular); Butter (vegan or regular) for spreading

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If you’re craving a bold twist on a classic favorite, this Sweet Potato Pastrami Reuben Sandwich Recipe is exactly what you need. It captures all the smoky, tangy, and savory flavors of a traditional Reuben but swaps the usual pastrami with vibrant, spiced sweet potato slices that are tender, chewy, and bursting with flavor. Paired with gooey Thousand Island dressing, zesty sauerkraut, and perfectly toasted bread, this sandwich offers an irresistibly warm and comforting bite that’s both hearty and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, this recipe brings a fresh, exciting spin to lunchtime that’s sure to become a fast favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Thin slices of orange sweet potato are laid out flat in one layer on a textured baking sheet. Each slice has a smooth orange surface speckled with a mix of dark brown and black spices evenly sprinkled across them, giving a slightly coarse texture. The edges of the sweet potato slices show a darker, reddish-purple skin. The baking sheet underneath has a beige and off-white woven texture that contrasts with the bright orange slices. The overall layout is neat, with the slices not overlapping but close together, covering the surface evenly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the key to making this Sweet Potato Pastrami Reuben Sandwich Recipe sing with flavor. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of texture and color—from the sweet potatoes’ spiced chew, to the tangy sauerkraut, to the creamy dressing, all nestled between buttery, toasted bread.

Sweet potatoes: Slice them thin to replicate the texture of classic pastrami with a naturally sweet base.
Bread (8 slices): Choose a sturdy, hearty bread to hold all the fillings without getting soggy.
Sauerkraut (2 cups): Adds a delightful tang and crunch that balances the sweetness of the potatoes.
Thousand Island dressing (1 cup): Creamy and zesty, it ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Butter (vegan or regular): Used to toast the bread to golden perfection and add richness.
Coriander seeds (2 tbsp): Ground fresh for aromatic and citrusy notes in the pastrami spice mix.
Mustard seeds (2 tbsp): Offer a subtle heat that wakes up the palate without overpowering.
Freshly ground black pepper (2 tbsp): For that essential warm spiciness in every bite.
Celtic sea salt or Himalayan pink salt (2 tbsp): Enhances all the other spices perfectly.
Smoked paprika (1 tbsp): Provides the signature smoky flavor reminiscent of real pastrami.
Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds depth and a touch of savory bite.
Onion powder (1 tsp): Complements the garlic and boosts the umami factor.
Cloves (1/8 tsp): Infuses the spice mix with delicate warmth and a touch of sweetness.

How to Make Sweet Potato Pastrami Reuben Sandwich Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pastrami Spice Mix

This spice mix is what transforms humble sweet potatoes into a robust pastrami-style treat. Start by grinding the coriander and mustard seeds until coarsely ground, then mix in all the other spices. Stir everything together thoroughly so every slice will be coated in full, smoky flavor.

Step 2: Slice and Season the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line two baking sheets with silicone mats to prevent sticking. Thinly slice the sweet potatoes lengthwise, about one-eighth of an inch thick. Lay them out evenly on the sheets, spray one side lightly with water, sprinkle on some of the spice mix, flip, and repeat. This ensures every bite is full of seasoning.

Step 3: Bake the Sweet Potato Pastrami

Bake the seasoned sweet potato slices for 30 to 40 minutes until they turn tender and chewy—just like traditional pastrami. Removing them at this perfect texture point is essential for an authentic mouthfeel that captures the spirit of the original sandwich.

Step 4: Build and Grill the Sandwiches

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and butter one side of each bread slice. Start assembling by placing the bread butter-side down in the pan, then layering with a spoonful of Thousand Island dressing, a quarter of the sweet potato pastrami, a quarter of the sauerkraut, and another drizzle of dressing. Top it with the second slice of bread, butter side up. Grill until golden and crisp on both sides, then repeat for the remaining sandwiches.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pastrami Reuben Sandwich Recipe

This image shows a sandwich cut in half and stacked with two layers. The base and top layers are toasted, golden brown bread with a slightly rough texture. The middle layer has a thick, orange-colored patty with visible spices and a crisp edge. Above the patty is a layer of cooked cabbage or sauerkraut, light yellow and soft, covered with a creamy, light brown sauce that looks smooth and slightly runny, dripping down the sides. The sandwich sits on a white plate with a few small bits of sauce and cabbage scattered around, all on a white marbled surface. A small glass with more sauce is blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a simple garnish can elevate the presentation and flavor balance. A few fresh dill sprigs or thinly sliced red onions add a beautiful pop of color and refreshing contrast to the rich sandwich.

Side Dishes

This sandwich pairs wonderfully with crispy dill pickles or a light cucumber salad to cut through the richness. For something heartier, try serving it alongside your favorite kettle-cooked chips or a warm bowl of tomato soup to complement the savory profile.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the sandwich into halves or quarters and securing them with cocktail picks for casual sharing. Alternatively, serve open-faced on rustic wooden boards with small bowls of extra Thousand Island dressing on the side for dipping. This invites everyone to customize their experience, making it perfect for entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers of this Sweet Potato Pastrami Reuben Sandwich Recipe, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep in mind that the bread may soften a bit, so reheating methods that crisp up the exterior are best.

Freezing

While the components of this sandwich can be prepped and frozen separately, assembled sandwiches don’t freeze well due to the sauerkraut and dressing. Freeze the baked sweet potato slices and thaw when needed for quick sandwich assembly later on.

Reheating

To warm your leftover sandwich, use a skillet over medium heat to toast both sides again until crisp. Alternatively, an oven set to 350 degrees can refresh the texture nicely. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the bread soggy and the sandwich less enjoyable.

FAQs

Can I use regular pastrami instead of sweet potato in this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is a creative twist using sweet potato for a vegetarian option, but traditional pastrami can certainly be substituted if you prefer a classic Reuben flavor.

How thin should I slice the sweet potatoes?

About one-eighth of an inch thick is ideal. Thin slices ensure they bake into a tender yet chewy texture, much like real pastrami, and absorb all those lovely spices evenly.

Is Thousand Island dressing necessary, or can I use something else?

Thousand Island is classic for a Reuben and brings a perfect balance of creaminess and tang. However, Russian dressing or a homemade tangy mayo-based dressing can work well if you want to try a variation.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Simply use vegan butter and a plant-based Thousand Island dressing to keep the entire sandwich vegan-friendly without sacrificing flavor.

What if I don’t have a spice grinder?

You can crush coriander and mustard seeds by placing them in a sealed bag and pounding with a rolling pin or heavy pan to achieve a coarse grind. It’s a great workaround that still gives you fantastic flavor.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely encourage you to give this Sweet Potato Pastrami Reuben Sandwich Recipe a try. It’s a joyful celebration of flavors that proves a plant-based twist can be just as hearty, satisfying, and downright delicious as the original. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or sharing with friends, this sandwich is sure to become a treasured recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Sweet Potato Pastrami Reuben Sandwich Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need