Crispy Deli-Style Reuben Egg Rolls

Alright, let’s talk about a little appetizer magic that’s crispy on the outside, melty on the inside, and 100% drool-worthy: Reuben Egg Rolls. If you’re already a fan of the classic Reuben sandwich, imagine all that savory, cheesy, tangy goodness—corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and creamy dressing—wrapped up in a golden, crunchy egg roll shell. Yeah, I know. Game-changer. These are the kind of bites that disappear the second they hit the table, and trust me, they’re ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re hosting friends, whipping up something fun for game day, or just craving a comfort food twist, this one’s a winner. Let’s get rolling (pun absolutely intended)!

Why You’ll Love Crispy Deli-Style Reuben Egg Rolls

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile:

Perfect for weeknight snacks or show-stopping party starters. Picture this: a tray of these crispy beauties served hot with a side of Thousand Island dipping sauce—crowd. goes. wild.

Budget-Friendly:

Uses simple deli staples you probably already have in the fridge. No need to go on a scavenger hunt for fancy ingredients—just good ol’ reliable favorites.

Quick and Easy:

Minimal prep and maximum flavor. You can have a batch ready in under 30 minutes, which is a huge win when you want to impress without the stress.

Customizable:

You can totally make these your own—switch up the meat, cheese, or add a little spice if you’re feeling bold. They’re the kind of recipe that plays nice with substitutions.

Crowd-Pleasing:

They’re crispy, cheesy, savory, and just plain fun to eat. Everyone loves finger food, and this one hits all the right notes with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of these Reuben Egg Rolls—they pack all the flavor of a deli sandwich into a perfect little handheld snack. Let’s break it down:

Corned Beef:

The savory, salty heart of the Reuben. Use deli-sliced or leftover corned beef—either way, it brings big flavor.

Swiss Cheese:

Nutty, melty, and absolutely essential for that signature Reuben vibe. When it melts inside the egg roll, it’s pure magic.

Sauerkraut:

That tangy crunch balances out the richness perfectly. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture to avoid soggy rolls.

Egg Roll Wrappers:

Your crispy vessel of joy. These fry up beautifully golden and give the perfect crunch in every bite.

Thousand Island Dressing:

Creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet—perfect for dipping, and you can even sneak a bit inside the roll for extra flavor.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment:

If frying, heat your oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F. For a lighter version, preheat your air fryer or oven to 400°F. Preheating ensures that golden, crispy texture we all love.

Combine Ingredients:

In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped corned beef, shredded Swiss cheese, and drained sauerkraut. Stir until evenly mixed but not mushy—this filling should still have some texture.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:

If frying, have a plate lined with paper towels ready to absorb excess oil. For baking or air frying, lightly grease your tray or basket.

Assemble the Dish:

Lay an egg roll wrapper in a diamond shape. Spoon some of the filling near the center, fold the bottom corner up over the filling, tuck in the sides, and roll it up tightly. Seal the top corner with a dab of water.

Cook to Perfection:

Fry each egg roll in hot oil for about 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and crispy. For oven or air fryer, cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp.

Finishing Touches:

Let the egg rolls rest for a minute or two after cooking so they’re not molten lava inside. It’s worth the wait, promise.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve hot with a side of Thousand Island dressing for dipping. Bonus points if you add pickles or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on the plate for extra flair.

How to Serve Crispy Deli-Style Reuben Egg Rolls

These crispy bites of bliss are super versatile, but here are some serving ideas to make them shine:

Fresh Salads:

A side salad with mustard vinaigrette or dill dressing balances out the richness beautifully.

Crusty Bread:

If you’re turning this into a larger meal, a basket of rye bread on the side leans into the deli vibe perfectly.

Creamy Accompaniments:

Besides Thousand Island, horseradish mayo or spicy mustard also make amazing dipping sauces.

Vegetable Sides:

Roasted Brussels sprouts, pickled veggies, or a crunchy slaw all work wonderfully to round out the plate.

As a Standalone:

Honestly? They’re perfect just as they are. Garnish with chives or parsley and call it a day.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Prep Ahead:

You can assemble the egg rolls a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. Just fry or bake right before serving for the best texture.

Spice It Up:

Add a bit of diced jalapeño or spicy mustard to the filling for a little heat if you like things zippy.

Dietary Adjustments:

For a vegetarian version, sub corned beef with seasoned mushrooms or jackfruit. For gluten-free, look for GF egg roll wrappers.

Storage Tips:

Store cooked egg rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crispiness.

Double the Batch:

These freeze beautifully before frying. Just line them on a tray, freeze solid, then store in a freezer bag. Fry straight from frozen—no need to thaw!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute corned beef with pastrami or turkey?
A1: Absolutely! Pastrami adds a smoky twist, and turkey gives it a lighter spin—both are tasty alternatives.

Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prep and roll them a few hours ahead. Just keep them chilled until ready to cook.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the crispiest results.

Q4: Can I freeze these egg rolls?
A4: Yes! Freeze them uncooked for up to 3 months. Fry or bake straight from frozen, just add a couple extra minutes of cook time.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat these?
A5: Oven or air fryer at 375°F for about 6–8 minutes will get them hot and crispy again.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! Just keep the assembled rolls under a damp towel while you finish the rest so they don’t dry out.

Q7: Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
A7: You can try using low-carb wrappers or lettuce leaves, but you’ll lose the crispiness. Still tasty though!

Q8: What side dishes go well with this recipe?
A8: Pickles, coleslaw, fries, or a tangy salad are all fantastic pairings.

Q9: How can I make this dish healthier?
A9: Bake or air fry instead of deep frying, and use lean meats or reduced-fat cheese if you’d like to lighten things up.

Q10: What’s the best cookware for this recipe?
A10: A heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer works great for frying, and an air fryer is perfect for a lighter version.

Conclusion

These Crispy Deli-Style Reuben Egg Rolls are the perfect mix of comfort food and finger food—with bold, nostalgic flavors wrapped in golden crunch. They’re easy to make, even easier to eat, and guaranteed to be the first thing gone at any party or dinner. So grab those egg roll wrappers and get rolling—because once you try these, there’s no going back.

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