Reuben Egg Rolls Recipe

Reuben Egg Rolls: The Ultimate Party Appetizer

If you love the savory, tangy flavors of the classic Reuben sandwich, you’ll be delighted by Reuben egg rolls. This creative appetizer fuses the hearty sandwich’s fillings—tender corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut—with the irresistible crunch of an egg roll wrapper. Fried (or air-fried) to golden perfection and served with homemade Russian dressing for dipping, these bites are perfect for game days, holiday buffets, family parties, or whenever you crave something satisfyingly different.

What Are Reuben Egg Rolls?

Reuben egg rolls take inspiration from the famous delicatessen sandwich. Instead of stacking ingredients between slices of rye, everything is rolled into a wrapper and fried for a crispy exterior. With melty Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and corned beef all hugging together in each bite, these egg rolls offer the essence of a Reuben in a fun, poppable format.

Ingredients

For the best Reuben egg rolls, use high-quality components. Here’s everything you’ll need:

For the Egg Rolls:

• 12 egg roll wrappers
• 12 oz. thinly sliced corned beef (from the deli, cut or shredded as needed)
• 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
• 1 1/2 cups sauerkraut, thoroughly drained and patted dry
• 1 tsp. caraway seeds (optional) for that classic rye bread aroma
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten (for sealing the wrappers)
• Vegetable oil, for frying or air-frying
• Nonstick cooking spray if using the air fryer

For the Russian Dressing (Dipping Sauce):

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup chili sauce
• 1 tbsp. drained horseradish
• 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp. onion powder
• 1/2 tsp. paprika
• 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

How to Make Reuben Egg Rolls

1. Prepare Your Filling:
   • Lay out your egg roll wrappers in a diamond orientation (points up and down).
   • Place about 1 ounce of corned beef in the center.
   • Add 2 tablespoons of Swiss cheese.
   • Spoon on a scant 2 tablespoons of sauerkraut (make sure it’s well drained).
   • Sprinkle with a pinch of caraway seeds if you want the classic Reuben rye flavor.
2. Wrap the Egg Rolls:
   • Brush the edges of the wrapper with beaten egg.
   • Fold left and right points of the wrapper in toward the center.
   • Fold up the bottom, then roll the wrapper toward the remaining point to form a tight cylinder.
   • Seal the edge. Place each finished roll under a dry towel to prevent drying.
3. Make the Russian Dressing:
   • Whisk together the mayonnaise, chili sauce, horseradish, vinegar, onion powder, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl.
   • Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve (can be made a few days in advance).
4. Cook the Egg Rolls:
   

   Shallow Frying

   • Preheat oven to 250°F to keep cooked egg rolls warm.
   • Heat 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat (target: 350°F).
   • Fry 4 egg rolls at a time, turning occasionally, until golden brown (1-2 minutes per batch).
   • Transfer to a wire rack on a baking sheet and keep warm in the oven.
   • Repeat with remaining egg rolls.

   Air Fryer Method

   • Preheat air fryer to 380°F. Spray rolls with nonstick cooking spray or brush with vegetable oil.
   • Arrange egg rolls in a single layer. Air fry for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and golden.

   Baking Method

   • Place egg rolls on a lined baking sheet. Spray with cooking spray or brush lightly with oil.
   • Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, turning once, until crisp and golden brown.
5. Serve:
   • Serve immediately with the Russian dressing on the side for dipping.

Tips for Perfect Reuben Egg Rolls

• Drain and Dry the Sauerkraut: Wet sauerkraut will make wrappers soggy. Squeeze and pat it dry thoroughly.
• Don’t Overstuff: Using too much filling makes wrapping tricky and causes leaks.
• Seal Edges Tightly: Use the beaten egg and a gentle press to keep the filling inside during frying.
• Keep Uncooked Rolls Covered: Use a dry towel to keep wrappers from drying out as you work.
• Batch Fry: Only add a few rolls at once if frying to avoid drastic temperature drops in the oil.

Flavor Variations and Add-Ons

• Spicy Kick: Add diced pickled jalapeños inside each roll or hot sauce to the Russian dressing.
• Creamy Bite: Blend a little softened cream cheese with the Swiss in the filling for extra richness.
• Alternative Meats: Try pastrami instead of corned beef for a new spin.
• Change the Dipping Sauce: Serve with Thousand Island dressing, horseradish sauce, or honey mustard if desired.

Serving Suggestions

• Appetizer Plate: Arrange on a platter with a bowl of dressing or horseradish sauce in the center.
• Party Platter: Pile high on a tray garnished with fresh parsley or caraway seeds.
• Game Day Snack: Serve alongside other bar-style snacks such as wings, sliders, and chips.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make Reuben Egg Rolls in advance?

Yes! Assemble the egg rolls up to 4 hours ahead, stack in a single layer, cover with a towel, and chill until ready to cook. Fry just before serving for the crispiest result. Alternatively, you can freeze uncooked, wrapped rolls in an airtight container for up to a month. Fry directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cook time.

How do I keep the egg rolls from bursting open during frying?

Ensure you seal the wrapper edges with enough egg wash and roll them snugly (but not overly tight). Don’t overfill. Always fry with the seam-side down first.

Can I use a different cheese or dressing?

Absolutely. While Swiss cheese and Russian dressing are traditional, you can use provolone, mozzarella, or even sharp cheddar. Thousand Island or horseradish mayo also work well for dipping.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a 350°F oven or air fryer until hot and crispy (about 8-10 minutes). Avoid microwaving, as that softens the egg roll wrappers and can make them soggy.

Nutrition Information

*Nutrition will vary based on ingredients and preparation method. For more precise results, use a nutrition calculator with your specific brands and amounts.

More Egg Roll Ideas to Try

• Cheeseburger Egg Rolls: Seasoned ground beef, pickles, and cheddar cheese.
• Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls: Shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and blue cheese.
• Vegetarian Egg Rolls: Shredded cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, mushrooms, ginger, and garlic.
• Sweet Egg Rolls: Apple pie or blueberry pie fillings wrapped and fried for dessert.

Share and Enjoy!

Reuben egg rolls are an easy yet impressive appetizer, combining everything you love about deli sandwiches with the crave-worthy crunch of a classic egg roll. Whether you’re hosting a big event or looking for a creative snack, this recipe is sure to delight your guests and become a new favorite.