Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Step 2

Cut the top off the beets, drizzle the oil over the beets and season with salt and pepper.

Step 3

Wrap in foil, place on the baking pan and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until tender.

Step 4

Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Unwrap the beets. Use a paper towel to rub off any of the skin from the beets.

Step 5

Slice in 1/2-inch thick slices.

Step 6

Adjust the Panini press to high heat. (If you don’t have a Panini press, see the DIY option in the story for how to press your sandwiches without one.)

Step 7

Butter one side of each slice of bread.

Step 8

Divide the ingredients to make two sandwiches. Add the Thousand Island dressing to two slices of bread on the unbuttered sides, followed by the sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and beet slices. Top with the remaining slice of bread with the buttered side facing out.

Step 9

Place each sandwich on the Panini press (still set to high), close, and cook for 3-4 minutes or until the sandwiches turn golden.

Step 10

Remove, slice in half and serve immediately with chips and pickles.