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!
How to Make Crispy Savory Reuben Egg Rolls
- Mix the corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, Thousand Island dressing, and caraway seeds in a bowl.
- Lay an egg roll wrapper on the counter in a diamond shape and place about 1/4 cup of filling just below the center.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, fold in the sides, and roll up tightly. Brush the top corner with beaten egg to seal. Repeat with the remaining wrappers.
- Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F. Fry the egg rolls in batches, turning, for 3 to 4 minutes, until deep golden.
- Drain on a rack or paper towels. Serve hot with extra Thousand Island dressing and chopped parsley.
- Air fryer option: spray the rolls with oil and cook at 390°F for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway.
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 350°F / 175°C) 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, Gruyère, 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 400°F (200°C), brush the egg rolls lightly with oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
Crispy Savory Reuben Egg Rolls
These crispy savory Reuben egg rolls pack the classic sandwich into a crunchy wrapper. Squeeze the sauerkraut dry and chop the corned beef finely so the filling rolls easily and does not leak during cooking.
Ingredients
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- 8 ounces chopped corned beef
- 1 cup drained sauerkraut
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/3 cup Thousand Island dressing
- Oil for frying or brushing
Instructions
- Mix corned beef, sauerkraut, cheese, and dressing.
- Fill and roll the wrappers, sealing the edges with water.
- Fry at 350°F until golden, or brush with oil and air-fry at 390°F until crisp.
- Rest briefly and serve with extra dressing.
Tips and storage
Do not overfill the wrappers, and keep unused wrappers covered with a damp towel. Serve with homemade Thousand Island dressing, slow-cooker corned beef, or bread and butter pickles. Refrigerate cooked rolls for two days and reheat in a hot oven. Use the USDA safe temperature chart for reheating meat. Can I freeze them? Freeze uncooked rolls in a single layer, then cook from frozen with extra time.
Serving notes
Let the filling cool before rolling so the wrappers stay firm. Serve the egg rolls with extra dressing and a crisp pickle. Reheat leftovers on a rack in a 400°F oven rather than the microwave so the coating remains crunchy. Can I bake them from frozen? Yes, brush with oil and allow extra time until the center is hot.
Drain sauerkraut very well before mixing so the wrappers remain crisp.
