Reuben Egg Rolls – Crispy, Savory, and Full of Flavor
Looking for a fun twist on the classic Reuben sandwich? Reuben Egg Rolls turn the beloved flavors of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing into a handheld, crispy appetizer or snack. These golden, crunchy egg rolls are perfect for parties, game-day snacks, or a unique dinner starter.
Why You’ll Love Reuben Egg Rolls
Reuben egg rolls capture all the flavors of a traditional Reuben sandwich but in a convenient, portable form. Each bite is:
-
Savory and tangy with corned beef and sauerkraut
-
Cheesy with melted Swiss cheese inside
-
Crispy on the outside from deep-frying or baking
-
Easy to serve at parties, gatherings, or casual dinners
They’re perfect for anyone who loves Reuben sandwiches but wants something fun and shareable.
Ingredients
-
8–10 egg roll wrappers
-
1 cup cooked corned beef, finely chopped
-
1 cup sauerkraut, drained and chopped
-
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
-
¼ cup Thousand Island or Russian dressing
-
1–2 tablespoons butter, melted (optional for brushing if baking)
-
Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
Optional: extra Thousand Island dressing for dipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling
-
In a medium bowl, combine chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and dressing.
-
Mix thoroughly so the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Assemble the Egg Rolls
-
Place one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond shape.
-
Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the filling near the bottom corner of the wrapper.
-
Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides.
-
Roll tightly toward the top corner and seal with a dab of water or beaten egg.
Repeat until all wrappers are filled.
3. Cook the Egg Rolls
Frying Method:
-
Heat 2–3 inches of oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
-
Fry egg rolls in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
-
Drain on paper towels before serving.
Baking Method:
-
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
-
Place egg rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush lightly with melted butter.
-
Bake for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot with extra Thousand Island dressing or your favorite dipping sauce. These egg rolls are best enjoyed immediately for maximum crispiness.
Tips for the Best Reuben Egg Rolls
-
Drain sauerkraut well: Excess liquid can make egg rolls soggy.
-
Don’t overfill: Too much filling makes wrapping difficult and can cause leaks during cooking.
-
Seal tightly: Use water or egg wash to prevent filling from escaping.
-
Cook in batches if frying to maintain oil temperature.
Variations
Mini Reuben Egg Rolls
Use smaller wrappers for bite-sized versions, perfect for appetizers.
Add Caraway Seeds
Sprinkle a pinch of caraway seeds into the filling for an extra authentic Reuben flavor.
Air Fryer Version
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway for a healthier, crispy alternative.
Storage
-
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat in the oven for crispiness.
-
Freezing: Freeze unbaked, wrapped egg rolls in a single layer. Bake or fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
-
Serve as an appetizer at parties or gatherings.
-
Pair with coleslaw or a simple salad for a casual meal.
-
Offer dipping sauces such as extra Thousand Island, Russian dressing, or even a spicy mustard.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
All the flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich in a crunchy egg roll
-
Crispy on the outside, melty and savory on the inside
-
Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients
-
Perfect for parties, game day, or casual weeknight dinners
-
Flexible—can be baked, fried, or air-fried
Final Thoughts
Reuben Egg Rolls are a delicious, handheld twist on a classic sandwich. They’re perfect for sharing, fun to make, and packed with flavor. Whether fried, baked, or air-fried, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering or dinner table. Crispy, cheesy, and tangy, each bite delivers the perfect balance of textures and flavors that make Reuben sandwiches so beloved.