Reuben Egg Rolls: A Crispy, Cheesy Twist on a Classic Sandwich

Take everything you love about a classic Reuben sandwich—savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melty Swiss cheese, and creamy Thousand Island dressing—and wrap it in a crispy, golden egg roll wrapper. These Reuben egg rolls are the ultimate appetizer or game-day snack, delivering all the flavors of a deli-favorite sandwich in a crunchy, handheld bite.

Perfect for parties, holidays, or when you’re craving something indulgent, these egg rolls are easy to make and even easier to eat. Serve them with extra Thousand Island or spicy mustard for dipping, and watch them disappear in no time!

Ingredients

For the Egg Rolls:

• 12 egg roll wrappers
• 1 cup cooked corned beef, chopped (or pastrami for a smokier flavor)
• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
• 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup Thousand Island dressing (plus more for dipping)
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional, for an authentic rye bread flavor)
• 1 egg, beaten (for sealing the wrappers)
• 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Dipping Sauce:

• ½ cup Thousand Island dressing
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra tang)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Drain the sauerkraut well by pressing out excess liquid with paper towels. This prevents soggy egg rolls.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing. Mix until evenly combined.

Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls

1. Lay an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface with one corner pointing toward you (like a diamond).
2. Place 2 tablespoons of the filling in the center.
3. Fold the bottom corner up over the filling, then fold in the sides like an envelope.
4. Roll the egg roll tightly, sealing the edge with a little beaten egg to keep it from unraveling.
5. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.

Step 3: Fry the Egg Rolls

1. Heat 2 cups of vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet to 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully place 3–4 egg rolls at a time into the hot oil, frying until golden brown and crispy (about 3–4 minutes per side).
3. Remove and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Mix Thousand Island dressing and Dijon mustard for a tangy dipping sauce.
2. Serve the crispy egg rolls hot with the dipping sauce on the side.
3. Enjoy immediately for the best crunch!

Notes

• If you don’t want to fry, you can bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through, or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.
• For extra crunch, lightly spray the egg rolls with cooking spray before baking.
• Pastrami can be used instead of corned beef for a smokier taste.

Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 egg rolls
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American, Irish-inspired
• Diet: Contains Dairy
• Keywords: Reuben egg rolls, crispy Reuben appetizer, corned beef egg rolls

Helpful Tips for Perfect Reuben Egg Rolls

Making Reuben egg rolls is simple, but following these pro tips will ensure they turn out crispy, flavorful, and absolutely delicious every time!

1. Prevent Soggy Egg Rolls

• Drain the sauerkraut well – Excess moisture can make the filling too wet, leading to soggy egg rolls. Use paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
• Don’t overload the filling – Too much filling makes it harder to roll tightly and may cause leaks while frying. Stick to about 2 tablespoons per egg roll.

2. Use Fresh Egg Roll Wrappers

• If your wrappers are too dry, they will crack when rolling.
• Keep unused wrappers covered with a damp towel while assembling to prevent them from drying out.

3. Roll the Egg Rolls Tightly

• Loose rolls allow oil to seep inside, making them greasy.
• Roll firmly but gently, tucking in the sides as you go.
• Seal the edges with beaten egg or a cornstarch-water mixture to keep them from unraveling.

4. Fry at the Right Temperature

• The ideal frying temperature is 350°F (175°C).
• If the oil is too hot, the wrappers will burn before the inside is heated.
• If the oil is too cool, the egg rolls will absorb too much oil and become greasy.

Tip: Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain the correct oil temperature!

5. Test-Fry One Egg Roll First

Before frying the whole batch, fry one egg roll first to check for seasoning, texture, and proper sealing. Adjust as needed!

6. How to Bake or Air Fry for a Healthier Option

• Baking:
  • Brush with oil or melted butter and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Air Frying:
  • Spray lightly with cooking spray and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.

7. Make Them Ahead of Time

• Assemble up to 24 hours in advance – Store uncooked egg rolls in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Freeze for later – Lay assembled egg rolls on a baking sheet, freeze for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry from frozen, adding an extra 1–2 minutes to the cooking time.

8. Serve Immediately for Maximum Crunch

• Reuben egg rolls are best served fresh and hot.
• If you need to keep them warm before serving, place them on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven to maintain crispiness.

9. Experiment with Fillings

• Swap corned beef for pastrami for a smokier flavor.
• Add a pinch of horseradish for extra zing.
• Mix in cream cheese for an extra creamy texture.

10. Serve with the Right Dipping Sauce

• Classic: Thousand Island dressing.
• Zesty: Spicy mustard or horseradish sauce.
• Bold: Russian dressing with a dash of hot sauce.

Storage Instructions for Reuben Egg Rolls

Reuben egg rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers or want to prepare them ahead of time, here’s how to store and reheat them properly while keeping them crispy and delicious.

Short-Term Storage (Refrigerator)

If you have leftover cooked egg rolls:

1. Let them cool completely before storing—this prevents steam from making them soggy.
2. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap.
3. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:

• Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway to crisp them up.
• Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes.
• Avoid the microwave—it will make them soft and chewy instead of crispy.

Freezing Instructions (Long-Term Storage)

Freezing Uncooked Egg Rolls (Best Option!)

1. Assemble the egg rolls, but do not fry or bake them.
2. Place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour (this prevents them from sticking together).
3. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container and store for up to 2 months.

Cooking from Frozen:

• Fry directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C), adding 1–2 extra minutes to the cook time.
• Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–14 minutes.

Freezing Cooked Egg Rolls

1. Let them cool completely.
2. Wrap each egg roll individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
3. Store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating from Frozen:

• Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Air Fryer: Heat at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes.

Can You Store Reuben Egg Rolls at Room Temperature?

• No. Since they contain meat, cheese, and sauerkraut, they should not sit out for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.

Substitutions and Variations for Reuben Egg Rolls

Looking to customize your Reuben egg rolls to fit your taste or dietary preferences? Here are some great substitutions and variations to try!

Substitutions

1. No Corned Beef? Try These Alternatives:

• Pastrami – A smokier, spicier alternative that adds a bold flavor.
• Roast Beef – Milder but still delicious with the sauerkraut and Swiss cheese.
• Turkey or Chicken – A leaner option that works well with the same flavors.
• Vegan “Corned Beef” – Use seitan, jackfruit, or marinated tofu for a plant-based version.

2. No Swiss Cheese? Try These Cheesy Swaps:

• Gruyère – A rich, nutty alternative that melts beautifully.
• Provolone – Milder but still creamy and gooey.
• Mozzarella – For a super melty, stretchy cheese pull.
• Dairy-Free Cheese – Use vegan Swiss-style cheese for a plant-based version.

3. No Thousand Island Dressing? Use These Instead:

• Russian Dressing – Similar to Thousand Island but with more spice.
• Spicy Mustard or Dijon Mustard – Adds tang and a bit of heat.
• Horseradish Mayo – For an extra punch of bold flavor.
• Homemade Thousand Island: Mix mayo, ketchup, relish, and a splash of vinegar for a quick DIY version.

4. No Egg Roll Wrappers? Try These Substitutes:

• Wonton Wrappers – Smaller but great for bite-sized Reuben rolls.
• Spring Roll Wrappers – Thin and crispy but need to be baked or fried.
• Tortillas – Use flour tortillas for a “Reuben taquito” twist.
• Phyllo Dough – Creates a flaky, layered version similar to spanakopita.

Variations

1. Keto & Low-Carb Reuben Egg Rolls

• Skip the wrappers and roll the filling in thin slices of corned beef instead.
• Bake or air fry for a crispy, carb-free alternative.
• Serve with a side of sauerkraut chips for extra crunch.

2. Baked or Air-Fried Reuben Egg Rolls

• Baking:
  • Brush with oil or butter and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Air Frying:
  • Spray lightly with cooking spray and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

3. Spicy Reuben Egg Rolls

• Add a few dashes of hot sauce or sriracha to the filling.
• Use pepper jack cheese instead of Swiss for a spicy kick.
• Mix horseradish into the dressing for extra heat.

4. Reuben Egg Roll Sliders

• Instead of wrapping the filling in an egg roll, pile it onto slider buns and toast them.
• Serve with extra sauerkraut and melted cheese on top.

5. Mini Reuben Bites (Wonton Cups)

• Use wonton wrappers in a muffin tin to create crispy, bite-sized Reuben cups.
• Fill with the Reuben mixture and bake until golden.

6. Breakfast Reuben Egg Rolls

• Add scrambled eggs to the filling for a morning-friendly twist.
• Serve with spicy ketchup or hollandaise sauce for dipping.

7. Vegetarian Reuben Egg Rolls

• Use sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and shredded cabbage instead of corned beef.
• Try plant-based corned beef or tempeh for a meaty texture.
• Use vegan cheese and egg-free wrappers for a fully plant-based version.

8. Extra Crunch Reuben Egg Rolls

• Sprinkle the wrappers with everything bagel seasoning before frying for a flavorful crust.
• Add a few chopped pickles or crispy fried onions to the filling for extra crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Reuben egg rolls ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble them ahead, store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours, and fry when ready.

2. What dipping sauce goes best with them?

Thousand Island dressing is the classic choice, but you can also serve them with spicy mustard, Russian dressing, or horseradish sauce.

3. Can I use something other than Swiss cheese?

Absolutely! Try cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack for a different twist.

4. What’s the best way to reheat them?

For the crispiest results, air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

5. Can I make these vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the corned beef for sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and shredded cabbage for a meat-free version.

Conclusion

Reuben egg rolls are the ultimate crispy, cheesy, flavor-packed appetizer that combines the best parts of a deli sandwich with the satisfying crunch of an egg roll. Whether you’re frying, baking, or air-frying them, they’re guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering.

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