Food & Cooking Recipes Lunch Recipes Sandwich Recipes The Rachel Sandwich This deli classic is crispy, melty, favorite for good reason. Prep Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 5 mins Total Time: 10 mins Servings: 1 Jump to recipe This Rachel sandwich is a deli favorite, and with this simple recipe courtesy of chef Chris Schlesinger, you can recreate it at home. Lighter than a classic Reuben, it’s made with layers of roast turkey, Swiss cheese, coleslaw, and tangy Russian dressing. The ingredients are simple, but take note: The key to a perfect Rachel lies in its careful construction. Rather than simply building the sandwich and slapping it in a skillet, the components are heated individually to ensure the end result is crispy, melty, and hot throughout. And while the Rachel will be perfectly delicious with deli meat, it’s out of this world when made with freshly roasted turkey breast. Simple but sensational, this all-star sandwich is definitely worth adding to your lunch rotation. 14 Leftover Turkey Recipes That Are Sure to Become Family Favorites Credit: Jake Sternquist The Difference Between a Rachel and Reuben Sandwich Both the Rachel and Reuben are hearty, griddled sandwiches that feature Russian dressing and Swiss cheese, but there are a couple of key differences that set them apart. The meat: Tender, brined corned beef is the meat of choice for a classic Reuben, whereas a Rachel sandwich is made with roast turkey. The cabbage: The Rachel sandwich is made with crunchy coleslaw rather than the funky, fermented sauerkraut that's key to a Reuben. The Best Turkey to Use for a Rachel Sandwich When chef Chris Schlesinger made this sandwich on Martha's TV show, he carved the meat from a roasted turkey breast. While it certainly takes more effort than opening a package of deli turkey, using freshly roasted turkey is a surefire way to take this sandwich to a whole new level. If you have leftover turkey from Thanksgiving, set some aside for making a Rachel—you'll be happy you did. If using deli meat instead, grab some freshly sliced turkey from the counter rather than buying it pre-packaged. It's more likely to have a fresh flavor and better texture, and you can request the thickness of your choice. Directions Credit: Jake Sternquist Heat griddle and heat turkey: Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat. Layer turkey slices on griddle and let cook for 1 minute. Credit: Jake Sternquist Prep one slice of bread and place on griddle: Butter one side of 1 slice of bread and spread opposite side with Russian dressing; place buttered-side down on griddle. Credit: Jake Sternquist Butter remaining slice and place on griddle; turn turkey and top: Butter one side of remaining slice of bread. Place buttered-side down on griddle; top with cheese. Turn turkey and top with coleslaw. Cook until turkey and bread are warmed through and cheese is melted, 2 to 3 minutes. Credit: Jake Sternquist Sandwich, slice, and serve: Sandwich turkey and coleslaw between bread. Slice and serve immediately. Credit: Jake Sternquist What to Serve With a Rachel Sandwich Keep the deli vibe going by adding a pile of crispy potato chips or golden French fries, either deep-fried or baked in the oven. And don't forget a whole- or half-sour pickle! If you're craving a cup of soup instead, we've got plenty of recipes that are ready in a flash, like this rich and creamy cauliflower soup or our Test Kitchen's go-to tomato soup. Variations Try it on rye: Chris Schlesinger opts for sourdough for his Rachel recipe, but rye bread—which is essential to a Reuben—can also be used. Swap in pastrami: Make like some diners and delis and use pastrami instead of turkey on your Rachel. 5 More Classic Sandwich Recipes to Try Tuna Melt Croque Madame Martha's Favorite Egg Salad Sandwich Muffuletta Test Kitchen's Favorite Grilled Cheese Updated by Esther Reynolds Esther Reynolds Esther Reynolds is an experienced recipe developer, recipe tester, food editor, and writer with over a decade of experience in the food and media industries.