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Ultimate Reuben Egg Rolls: Crispy, Savory & Insanely Easy Appetizer

Are you ready to elevate your appetizer game with a dish that combines classic deli flavors with an irresistible crispy crunch? Look no further than these incredible Reuben Egg Rolls! Taking inspiration from the beloved Reuben sandwich, this recipe ingeniously wraps a savory filling of corned beef (or pastrami!), tangy sauerkraut, and melty Swiss cheese into a golden, crispy egg roll wrapper. They are not just delicious; they’re surprisingly easy to make, making them a fantastic choice for any occasion – from casual weeknight dinners to impressive party appetizers.

The Inspiration: A Twist on a Deli Classic

The classic Reuben sandwich, with its layers of tender corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing, all grilled between slices of rye bread, holds a special place in the hearts of comfort food lovers. This recipe takes all those iconic flavors and reimagines them in a handheld, deep-fried delight. For anyone who adores the rich taste of corned beef and cabbage or the smoky goodness of pastrami, these egg rolls offer a familiar yet exciting culinary experience. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility – whether you prefer the classic corned beef or the robust flavor of pastrami, both work wonderfully to create a truly memorable bite.

Effortless Assembly for Maximum Flavor

Don’t be intimidated by the idea of rolling egg rolls; it’s a remarkably straightforward and enjoyable process. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can assemble a batch of these delectable treats. The key is in arranging your ingredients efficiently and having a small bowl of water nearby to seal the wrappers. This recipe focuses on simplicity without sacrificing any of the deep, satisfying flavors characteristic of a good Reuben.

Beyond Reuben: The Endless Possibilities of Egg Rolls

Once you experience the joy of making these Reuben Egg Rolls, you might just find yourself, like me, falling down the rabbit hole of egg roll experimentation! The versatility of egg roll wrappers is truly endless. After mastering this Reuben version, I’ve gone on to create other incredible variations, including a cheesy cheeseburger version, a zesty taco version, and a hearty steak and cheese version. Each offers a unique flavor profile, proving that almost any delicious filling can be transformed into a crispy, portable egg roll. It’s a fantastic way to get creative in the kitchen and surprise your taste buds!

Serving Suggestions: Dip or No Dip?

While many people enjoy dipping these savory delights in a variety of sauces, they truly stand out on their own. The combination of seasoned meat, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese creates a symphony of flavors that needs no embellishment. Personally, I find a dab of good mustard to be the perfect accompaniment, adding a slight tang and spice that complements the richness of the filling. However, feel free to experiment with your favorite dipping sauces – perhaps a classic Thousand Island or Russian dressing for a more traditional Reuben experience. Ultimately, these egg rolls are so flavorful, they taste outstanding as is, proving that sometimes, less is more!

A Perfect Bite for Any Time of Day

These Reuben Egg Rolls are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for almost any meal or snack occasion. They are substantial enough to be a satisfying lunch or a unique dinner when paired with a light side salad. As an appetizer, they truly shine, bringing a unique and crowd-pleasing option to your table. Imagine serving these at your next game day gathering or a casual get-together – they’re guaranteed to be a hit! The balance of savory, tangy, and crispy textures makes them utterly addictive.

The inspiration for this fantastic recipe dates back to 2011, where I first encountered a similar concept on simplecomfortfood.com. It’s a wonderful blog brimming with great ideas, and I highly recommend checking it out for more culinary inspiration!

Reuben Egg Rolls Recipe

Experience the irresistible combination of a classic Reuben sandwich wrapped in a crispy egg roll. Perfect for appetizers or a fun meal!

Ingredients

1.5 C Sauerkraut: Make sure it’s well-drained and chopped to prevent a soggy filling.
6 oz Corned Beef OR Pastrami: Finely chopped. Choose your favorite deli meat for authentic flavor.
6 slices Swiss Cheese: Cut into strips. Swiss cheese melts beautifully and provides that classic Reuben creaminess.
6 Egg Roll Wrappers: Standard square or round wrappers will work.
1/2 C Water: For sealing the egg roll wrappers.
Oil for Frying: Enough vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for deep frying.

Instructions

Prepare the Oil: Preheat your deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot with oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Combine Filling: In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix the well-drained and chopped sauerkraut with the chopped corned beef or pastrami.
Set Up Rolling Station: Lay an egg roll wrapper in front of you in a diamond shape, with one corner pointing towards you.
Layer the Cheese: Place one strip of Swiss cheese in the bottom third portion of the wrapper, closer to the corner pointing at you.
Add the Filling: Place a generous few tablespoons of the sauerkraut and meat mixture on top of the cheese. Don’t overfill, or it will be hard to roll and may burst.
Add More Cheese: Cover the filling with 2-3 more strips of Swiss cheese, placing them on the sides and top of the filling mound. This ensures melty cheese throughout.
First Fold: Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper tightly over the filling, tucking it in snugly.
Side Folds: Fold in the left and right side corners towards the center, creating an envelope shape.
Seal the Wrapper: Dip your fingers in the water and moisten the remaining top edges of the wrapper.
Final Roll: Roll the wrapper up tightly from the bottom towards the top corner, sealing all the contents inside. Ensure it’s tightly rolled to prevent oil from getting in and filling from escaping.
Fry to Golden Perfection: Carefully place the rolled egg rolls into the preheated oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pot; fry in batches if necessary.
Drain and Cool: Remove the fried egg rolls with a slotted spoon or tongs and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve Carefully: Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. The filling will be EXTREMELY hot.
ENJOY!

Tips for Perfect Reuben Egg Rolls

Drain Sauerkraut Well: Excess moisture can make the egg rolls soggy or cause splattering in hot oil. Squeeze it dry!
Chop Finely: Ensure both the meat and sauerkraut are finely chopped for a smooth, even filling that’s easy to roll and eat.
Don’t Overfill: While tempting, too much filling can lead to wrappers tearing during rolling or frying.
Seal Tightly: A good seal is crucial to keep the delicious filling contained and the egg roll crispy.
Oil Temperature: Maintain a consistent oil temperature of 350°F (175°C). Too low, and they’ll be greasy; too high, and they’ll burn before cooking through.
Batch Fry: Fry in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature and to ensure even cooking.

Creative Variations

These egg rolls are just the beginning! Here are some ideas to spark your culinary creativity:

Cheeseburger Egg Rolls: Seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, pickles, and a touch of onion. Dip in ketchup or special sauce.
Taco Egg Rolls: Spiced ground beef or chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, corn, black beans, and jalapeños. Serve with salsa and sour cream.
Steak & Cheese Egg Rolls: Thinly sliced steak (like Philly cheesesteak), sautéed onions and peppers, and provolone cheese.
Turkey Reuben Egg Rolls: Substitute corned beef with sliced deli turkey for a lighter take.
Vegetarian Reuben Egg Rolls: Use thinly sliced tempeh or a mushroom blend seasoned with caraway seeds as a meat substitute.
Air Fryer or Baked: For a healthier option, brush the rolled egg rolls with a little oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway, or bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden brown, flipping once.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Reuben Egg Rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat and maintain crispiness, it’s best to use an air fryer or oven. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, until heated through and crispy.

Ready to Get Rolling?

These Reuben Egg Rolls are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience! Whether you’re a long-time Reuben fan or just looking for a unique and delicious appetizer, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Gather your ingredients, get ready to roll, and prepare for a burst of savory, crispy goodness in every bite.

Crispy Reuben Egg Rolls