If you love the iconic tastes of a traditional Reuben sandwich, Crispy Reuben Eggrolls offer a fun and irresistible way to enjoy those classic flavors in handheld form. Combining savory corned beef or pastrami, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and zesty seasonings wrapped in a golden, crunchy egg roll shell, this appetizer proudly delivers big taste and satisfying texture. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or simply craving something crispy and comforting, these egg rolls hit all the right notes.
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Why Crispy Reuben Eggrolls Are a Must-Try Appetizer
Crispy Reuben Eggrolls stand out because they transform the familiar Reuben sandwich profile into bite-sized perfection. They’re crispy on the outside yet gooey and flavorful on the inside, making them crowd-pleasing starters or party snacks. The blend of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese creates a balance of savory, tangy, and creamy that keeps everyone reaching for more. Plus, they’re surprisingly quick to prepare and easily customizable to suit your taste.
Ingredients That Bring This Reuben Inspired Treat to Life
• Corned beef or pastrami: Brings hearty, salty flavor reminiscent of a classic Reuben sandwich.
• Sauerkraut: Adds tang and moisture, but be sure to drain it well to avoid soggy wrappers.
• Swiss cheese: Provides creamy richness and meltiness inside each egg roll.
• Egg roll wrappers: Crisp up beautifully when fried, creating that perfect golden shell.
• Dijon mustard and garlic powder: Layer in subtle spice and depth of flavor.
• Oil for frying: Helps achieve the signature crunch on the outside.
• Thousand Island dressing (for dipping): Complements the savory filling with sweet and tangy notes.
Helpful Ingredient Swaps and Alternatives
If you’re looking to tweak the classic Crispy Reuben Eggrolls, there are several substitutions that work well. Swap Swiss cheese for Gruyère or provolone for a slightly different cheesy profile. Pastrami can replace corned beef for a spicier, deli-style variation. For a lighter take, consider using turkey pastrami or reduced-fat cheese. Want a vegetarian twist? Try seasoned sautéed mushrooms and cabbage instead of meat, keeping sauerkraut for that signature tang.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Perfect Reuben Eggrolls
- Begin by combining chopped corned beef (or pastrami), drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder in a large mixing bowl. Stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Lay an egg roll wrapper flat on your work surface in a diamond shape. Place about two tablespoons of the Reuben mixture in the center.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, tuck in the sides, and roll the wrapper tightly toward the top corner, sealing with a touch of water to ensure it stays closed while frying.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully place a few egg rolls into the hot oil without overcrowding the pan.
- Fry for approximately 3–4 minutes, or until each egg roll is golden brown and irresistibly crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve your Crispy Reuben Eggrolls hot with Thousand Island dressing for dipping.
Expert Tips for Crispy, Non-Greasy Reuben Eggrolls
To ensure perfectly crisp egg rolls, avoid overfilling the wrappers—too much filling can cause them to burst during frying. Always drain sauerkraut thoroughly to minimize excess moisture. If you prefer a lighter version, bake or air fry the egg rolls at roughly 400°F for 15–20 minutes, brushing lightly with oil for that desirable crunch. Keep the oil temperature steady around 350°F to prevent undercooked or overly dark egg rolls.
Serving Suggestions and Flavor Variations
Crispy Reuben Eggrolls pair exceptionally well with classic accompaniments. Offer a trio of dips like traditional Thousand Island, spicy horseradish aioli, or creamy ranch to cater to different palates. Serve them alongside crisp coleslaw or a simple pickle platter to echo the tangy flavors within. For seasonal gatherings, these egg rolls make a festive addition to St. Patrick’s Day menus or game day spreads with hearty beer like an Irish stout.
Storing, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Crispy Reuben Eggrolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. To reheat while preserving crispiness, warm them in an air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes. If you’re meal prepping, you can roll the egg rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them un-fried—just fry them when you’re ready to serve to maintain that perfect crunch.
With the irresistible blend of savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and gooey Swiss cheese wrapped in a crunchy shell, Crispy Reuben Eggrolls elevate an iconic sandwich into snackable deliciousness that’s ideal for parties and everyday cravings alike.
Conclusion
Crispy Reuben Eggrolls are the ultimate fusion appetizer, bringing together the bold flavors of a classic deli sandwich with the irresistible crunch of a perfectly fried egg roll. Each bite delivers savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Swiss cheese, and that signature Reuben-inspired zest wrapped in a golden shell. Whether you serve Crispy Reuben Eggrolls for game day, holiday gatherings, or as a fun dinner side, they never fail to impress.
What makes Crispy Reuben Eggrolls truly special is their versatility. You can fry, bake, or air fry them depending on your preference. You can customize the filling, adjust the seasoning, and experiment with dipping sauces. Most importantly, they offer a creative and memorable way to enjoy the beloved Reuben flavor profile in a crispy, handheld form.
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s bold, crunchy, cheesy, and packed with classic deli flavor, Crispy Reuben Eggrolls deserve a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
FAQs About Crispy Reuben Eggrolls
Can I make Crispy Reuben Eggrolls ahead of time?
Yes, Crispy Reuben Eggrolls can be assembled several hours in advance. Place the rolled egg rolls on a parchment-lined tray, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to fry. For best results, fry them just before serving to maintain that signature crispy texture. You can also freeze assembled egg rolls and fry them straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I bake or air fry Crispy Reuben Eggrolls instead of deep frying?
Absolutely. To bake Crispy Reuben Eggrolls, brush them lightly with oil and bake at 400°F until golden brown and crisp, about 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through. For air frying, cook at 375–400°F for 8–12 minutes, flipping once for even browning. While deep frying gives the crispiest shell, both baking and air frying provide a lighter alternative with excellent crunch.
How do I prevent Crispy Reuben Eggrolls from getting soggy?
The key to crispy, non-soggy Crispy Reuben Eggrolls is properly draining the sauerkraut. Excess moisture can soften the wrapper and cause splitting during cooking. Pat the sauerkraut dry with paper towels before mixing it into the filling. Also, avoid overfilling the wrappers and maintain the correct oil temperature (around 350°F) when frying to ensure a crisp exterior.
More Relevant Recipes
PrintCrispy Reuben Eggrolls
Crispy Reuben Eggrolls are a crunchy, golden appetizer filled with savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and Dijon mustard, all wrapped in egg roll wrappers and fried to perfection. Served with Thousand Island dressing, they deliver classic Reuben sandwich flavor in a handheld, party-ready form.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 egg rolls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup finely chopped corned beef
- 1 cup sauerkraut, well drained and patted dry
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 10 egg roll wrappers
- 1 tablespoon water (for sealing wrappers)
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing (for dipping)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface in a diamond shape. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling into the center.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in both sides. Roll tightly toward the top corner and seal the edge with a little water.
- Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling until all Crispy Reuben Eggrolls are assembled.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry egg rolls in batches for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot with Thousand Island dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Drain sauerkraut thoroughly to prevent soggy egg rolls.
- Do not overfill the wrappers to avoid splitting during frying.
- For baking, brush lightly with oil and bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- For air frying, cook at 375°F for 8–12 minutes, turning once.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat in an air fryer for best crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 egg roll
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
