Crispy Savory Reuben Egg Rolls: Your Ultimate Game Day Appetizer!

Are you ready to take your appetizer game to the next level? Forget the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary with these incredible Savory Reuben Egg Rolls! Imagine all the iconic flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich – tangy sauerkraut, savory corned beef, melty Swiss cheese, and creamy Thousand Island dressing – all wrapped up in a perfectly crispy, golden egg roll. It’s a match made in culinary heaven, ideal for game days, parties, or simply a fun weeknight snack.

This recipe transforms a beloved deli staple into an exciting, hand-held delight. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and the warm, flavorful filling is simply irresistible. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, making you the hero of any gathering with minimal effort.

Why You'll Love These Savory Reuben Egg Rolls

These aren't just any egg rolls; they're a flavor explosion waiting to happen! Here's why they're destined to become a new favorite:

  • Irresistibly Crispy: The egg roll wrappers fry up to a perfect golden crisp, providing that satisfying crunch with every bite.
  • Flavor-Packed Filling: We're talking tender corned beef, zesty sauerkraut, rich Swiss cheese, and a hint of caraway seeds, all brought together by that signature Thousand Island dressing.
  • Easy to Make: Don't be intimidated by rolling! With a little practice, you'll be wrapping these like a pro in no time.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it's a casual get-together, a sophisticated appetizer spread, or a cozy family dinner, these egg rolls fit right in. For another savory meal idea, check out our recipe for How to Make Satisfying Melty Cheese Beef Wraps.

The History of the Reuben Sandwich

The Reuben sandwich itself has a fascinating, debated history, with claims of origin stretching from Omaha, Nebraska, to New York City. Regardless of its true birthplace, this iconic combination of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing (often interchangeable with Thousand Island) grilled between slices of rye bread has captured hearts for generations. Our egg roll version pays homage to this classic, offering a fresh, fried twist. You can learn more about its origins on Wikipedia.

Essential Ingredients for Your Reuben Egg Rolls

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to deliciousness. You'll need:

For the Egg Rolls:

  • 12 egg roll wrappers
  • 1 lb corned beef, finely chopped
  • 1 cup sauerkraut, well-drained and chopped
  • 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
  • 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing
  • 1 tbsp caraway seeds
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

For Serving (Optional):

  • Extra Thousand Island dressing
  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Using quality ingredients makes all the difference. Ensure your corned beef is finely chopped for easy rolling and even distribution of flavor. Don't forget to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the sauerkraut to prevent soggy egg rolls!

Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Crispy Reuben Egg Rolls

Follow these simple steps to create these irresistible appetizers. It’s easier than you think!

Expert Tips for Perfect Egg Rolls

  • Don't Overfill: It's tempting to pack in the filling, but too much will make the egg rolls difficult to seal and prone to bursting during frying.
  • Seal Tightly: Use the egg wash generously on the edges to ensure a secure seal. This prevents the filling from escaping.
  • Even Frying: Don't overcrowd your skillet. Fry in batches to maintain consistent oil temperature and ensure even browning.
  • Drain Properly: Place fried egg rolls on a wire rack set over paper towels. This allows air to circulate, keeping them crispy and preventing them from getting soggy.

Variations and Customizations

While the classic Reuben combo is fantastic, feel free to get creative:

  • Meat Swap: Try pastrami, cooked turkey, or even a vegetarian plant-based corned beef alternative.
  • Cheese Change: Gruyère, provolone, or even a sharp cheddar can be delightful.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to your filling for a little kick.
  • Air Fryer Option: For a healthier alternative, lightly spray the assembled egg rolls with cooking oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. This method also works wonders for other savory bites like our Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine.

These Savory Reuben Egg Rolls are guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering. They're fun to make, even more fun to eat, and pack a punch of flavor that will leave everyone asking for the recipe. So, gather your ingredients, get rolling, and prepare for rave reviews!

FAQs

Can I prepare Reuben egg rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the egg rolls up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, separating layers with parchment paper. Fry just before serving for the best crispy texture.

What's the best way to ensure crispy Reuben egg rolls?

For ultimate crispiness, make sure your oil is heated to the correct temperature (around 350u00b0F / 175u00b0C) and don't overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary, and drain on a wire rack over paper towels to allow excess oil to drip off.

Are there any substitutions for corned beef or Swiss cheese?

Absolutely! You can use thinly sliced pastrami or even cooked turkey for the meat. For cheese, provolone, Gruyu00e8re, or a sharp white cheddar can make excellent alternatives to Swiss cheese.

Can I bake these egg rolls instead of frying?

While frying yields the crispiest result, you can bake them. Preheat your oven to 400u00b0F (200u00b0C), brush the egg rolls lightly with oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.

Print
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Savory Reuben Egg Rolls


  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 egg rolls 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

Crispy egg rolls filled with savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melty Swiss cheese, and creamy Thousand Island dressing.


Ingredients

Scale

12 egg roll wrappers
1 lb corned beef, finely chopped
1 cup sauerkraut, well-drained and chopped
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing
1 tbsp caraway seeds
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Vegetable oil, for frying


Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped corned beef, well-drained and chopped sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, Thousand Island dressing, and caraway seeds. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 2: Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with a corner pointing towards you. Place approximately 1/4 cup of the filling mixture slightly below the center of the wrapper.
Step 3: Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper up over the filling. Then, fold the left and right corners inward towards the center, ensuring the filling is snug. Roll the wrapper tightly upwards towards the remaining top corner.
Step 4: Dip your finger in the beaten egg and lightly brush the top corner of the wrapper. Press gently to seal the egg roll securely. Repeat this process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
Step 5: Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep pot over medium heat to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place 3-4 egg rolls into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
Step 6: Fry the egg rolls for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to carefully turn them and ensure even cooking.
Step 7: Remove the fried egg rolls from the oil and place them on a wire rack set over a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining egg rolls.
Step 8: Serve the Savory Reuben Egg Rolls hot, ideally with extra Thousand Island dressing for dipping and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish, if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

For best results, ensure your sauerkraut is very well-drained to prevent the egg rolls from becoming soggy. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of caraway seeds.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 egg roll
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg