If you love the tangy, savory goodness of a classic Reuben sandwich but crave something a bit more fun and crispy, you are going to adore Reuben Egg Rolls: A Crispy Twist on a Classic Recipe. This appetizer takes all the best flavors of the traditional deli favorite—corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing—and wraps them up in a crunchy egg roll that’s perfect for parties, snacks, or just anytime indulgence. The beauty of this dish is how effortlessly it transforms a classic sandwich into an irresistible handheld treat with golden, bubbly exterior and melty, flavorful filling. Once you try these egg rolls, they’ll quickly become your go-to comfort food for any occasion!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential to recreating the iconic Reuben flavor with a delightfully crispy texture and melty inside. Each component brings something unique, from the tang of sauerkraut to the creamy richness of Swiss cheese, making every bite a well-balanced moment of yum.
- Egg roll wrappers: The crispy shell that holds everything together and provides that perfect crunch.
- Corned beef (1 1/2 cups, finely chopped): Tender and flavorful, it’s the star protein of this dish.
- Sauerkraut (1 cup, drained and squeezed dry): Adds the tart and tangy punch that balances the richness.
- Swiss cheese (1 cup shredded): Melts beautifully and brings a nutty, smooth flavor.
- Thousand Island dressing (1/4 cup plus extra for dipping): Creamy, sweet, and tangy, it ties all the flavors together.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Necessary for creating that golden, crunchy finish on the egg rolls.
How to Make Reuben Egg Rolls: A Crispy Twist on a Classic Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by combining the finely chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, and a generous 1/4 cup of Thousand Island dressing in a bowl. Stir everything together gently so that each bite delivers a perfect mix of all those delicious flavors. Make sure the sauerkraut is well drained to avoid soggy egg rolls.
Step 2: Rolling the Egg Rolls
Lay an egg roll wrapper flat on a clean surface with one corner pointing towards you, forming a diamond shape. Spoon about two tablespoons of your flavorful filling onto the center of the wrapper. Carefully fold the bottom corner up over the filling, fold the sides inward snugly, and roll it tightly towards the top corner, sealing the edge with a little dab of water. Repeat this process with all the wrappers and filling until you have a dozen ready to go.
Step 3: Frying to Perfection
Heat about two inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Working in batches, gently place the egg rolls into the hot oil. Fry them for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are a beautiful golden brown and irresistibly crispy. Use tongs to transfer the cooked egg rolls to a paper towel-lined plate so they can drain any excess oil, ensuring every bite remains crunchy.
Step 4: Optional Baking Method
If you prefer to skip frying, brush each egg roll lightly with oil and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for 18 to 20 minutes. Flip them halfway through to achieve an evenly crisp exterior. Baking is a great alternative that still delivers on texture and flavor.
How to Serve Reuben Egg Rolls: A Crispy Twist on a Classic Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Reuben Egg Rolls further, consider sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or a bit of cracked black pepper on top right after frying. These simple garnishes add a fresh, vibrant touch that contrasts beautifully with the rich filling. A small ramekin of extra Thousand Island dressing for dipping is a must-have on the side, mirroring the classic Reuben experience.
Side Dishes
Because these egg rolls are packed with bold flavors, pairing them with light, refreshing sides works perfectly. Crisp celery sticks, dill pickle slices, or a simple mixed green salad with a bright vinaigrette can balance the richness and add some crunch. For a heartier meal, try serving alongside a creamy coleslaw or a bowl of hot, comforting tomato soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, cut the Reuben Egg Rolls into bite-sized pieces and serve on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking. You can also offer a trio of dipping sauces: classic Thousand Island, spicy mustard, and even a smoky chipotle mayo for guests who like to mix things up. Lining a rustic wooden board with parchment paper and arranging the rolls with colorful garnishes makes for an inviting, shareable presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Reuben Egg Rolls can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To keep their crispiness intact, avoid stacking them too tightly and place parchment paper between layers if needed. When ready to enjoy again, reheating properly will bring back that satisfying crunch.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these egg rolls ahead of time, assemble and roll them, then freeze individually on a tray until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to one month. Do not thaw before cooking; simply fry or bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
The best way to reheat Reuben Egg Rolls is in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness. Preheat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and warm the egg rolls for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that delightful crunchy exterior intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional and melts beautifully, you can substitute with Gruyère or even a mild cheddar for a slightly different flavor. Just make sure it melts well and complements the other ingredients.
Is there a vegetarian version of Reuben Egg Rolls?
Yes! You can swap the corned beef for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative. Keep the sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing for that classic flavor, and you’ll have a satisfying vegetarian twist.
Can I bake these egg rolls instead of frying?
Definitely. Baking is a great option if you want to reduce oil usage. Just brush the rolls lightly with oil and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
How do I prevent the egg roll wrappers from tearing?
Make sure to work with fresh, pliable wrappers and avoid overfilling. Lightly dampening the edges with water helps seal without ripping. If wrappers dry out, cover them with a damp towel while you work.
What’s the best dipping sauce for Reuben Egg Rolls?
Classic Thousand Island dressing is the perfect match, mirroring the original sandwich’s flavors. You can also experiment with spicy mustard or a creamy horseradish sauce for an extra kick.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about Reuben Egg Rolls: A Crispy Twist on a Classic Recipe that takes familiar flavors and turns them into finger-licking snacks that everyone will love. Whether you’re making them for a crowd or a cozy night in, these egg rolls bring together the best of corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese wrapped in a crunchy, golden exterior. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and discover your new favorite way to enjoy the iconic Reuben! Happy cooking and snacking!
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Reuben Egg Rolls: A Crispy Twist on a Classic Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 egg rolls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
Reuben Egg Rolls offer a crispy and delicious twist on the classic Reuben sandwich. These golden-fried appetizers combine tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and creamy Thousand Island dressing wrapped in crispy egg roll wrappers, making them perfect for parties or a tasty snack.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 1/2 cups cooked corned beef, finely chopped
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing (plus more for dipping)
Wrapper and Frying
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine the finely chopped corned beef, well-drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, and 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing. Mix thoroughly to blend all flavors.
- Assemble the egg rolls: Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface oriented in a diamond shape with a corner facing you. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling onto the center of the wrapper. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly towards the top corner. Seal the edge with a small dab of water to keep it closed. Repeat until all wrappers and filling are used.
- Heat the oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or saucepan and heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature for even frying.
- Fry the egg rolls: Fry the egg rolls in batches, turning occasionally to cook evenly for 3 to 4 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are crispy on all sides.
- Drain and serve: Remove the cooked egg rolls from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot with extra Thousand Island dressing for dipping.
Notes
- To bake instead of fry, brush egg rolls lightly with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping.
- For faster prep, use deli-sliced corned beef and pre-shredded Swiss cheese.
- Ensure sauerkraut is very well drained to avoid soggy egg rolls.
- The recipe yields 12 egg rolls, perfect for sharing as an appetizer.
