These Mini Reuben Bites are a delicious twist on the classic sandwich! With layers of tender corned beef, savory sauerkraut, and creamy dressing, they are full of flavor.
They are perfect for parties or snacks—who can resist little bites of goodness? I love serving them warm, and they disappear faster than you can say “Reuben!”
Ingredients & Substitutions
White Sandwich Bread: Use any bread, but I love using rye for more traditional flavor. If you want gluten-free, try a gluten-free bread that has a good structure.
Corned Beef or Pastrami: While corned beef is classic, turkey or even roast beef makes a lighter but still tasty option. If vegetarian, try sliced seitan or a veggie meat substitute.
Swiss Cheese: Traditional Swiss cheese adds sweetness. Alternatively, use Gruyère for nuttiness or mozzarella for a mild flavor. Vegan cheese works well too!
Sauerkraut: Drain it well to avoid sogginess. You can substitute with coleslaw mix for crunch without the tang.
Thousand Island Dressing: This is a must! Homemade options boost flavor. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt mixed with ketchup and a dash of pickle juice.
How Do I Roll Up the Mini Reuben Bites Without Them Falling Apart?
Rolling the bites is crucial for keeping all the goodness inside. Here’s how to do it right:
- Flatten the bread slices well; this makes them more flexible.
- Spread the dressing on the bread first as it helps hold things together.
- Layer the fillings—don’t overfill! A small amount goes a long way.
- Roll tightly but gently. If needed, secure with a toothpick to keep the filling in place before breading.
Taking these steps will help ensure your Mini Reuben Bites hold their shape, making them easy to eat! Enjoy these delightful little treats with friends or family.
Mini Reuben Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 slices of white sandwich bread, crusts removed
- 8 slices of thinly sliced corned beef or pastrami
- 4 ounces Swiss cheese, sliced thinly
- 1/2 cup sauerkraut, drained and patted dry
- 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing or Russian dressing
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Butter or oil for greasing and brushing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to bake. With a total time of 35 minutes, you’ll have these delightful bites ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Bread:
With a rolling pin, flatten each slice of bread until it’s quite thin. This will help them roll up nicely. The thinner they are, the easier it is to shape them later!
3. Spread the Dressing:
Evenly spread about 1 teaspoon of Thousand Island dressing over each flattened slice of bread. This adds flavor and helps keep everything together.
4. Layer the Fillings:
On each slice of bread, lay down a slice of corned beef, a small spoonful of sauerkraut, and then a slice of Swiss cheese. Make sure not to overfill, as you want to roll them up easily!
5. Roll Up the Bites:
Carefully roll up each slice of bread tightly around the fillings, pressing gently to seal the edges. If you’re having trouble keeping them together, you can use a toothpick to secure them.
6. Make the Egg Wash:
In a shallow bowl, beat the egg and milk together until well blended. This will help the breadcrumbs stick to the rolls.
7. Prepare the Breadcrumbs:
In a separate shallow dish, pour out the panko breadcrumbs, ready for coating your bites.
8. Coat the Rolls:
Take each rolled sandwich and first dip it into the egg wash, ensuring it’s nicely coated. After that, roll it in the panko breadcrumbs until completely covered.
9. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place the coated rolls seam side down on your prepared baking sheet. This will help them hold their shape while baking.
10. Brush for Browning:
Lightly brush or spray the tops of the rolls with melted butter or oil. This helps them turn golden brown and crispy as they bake.
11. Bake to Perfection:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and the cheese has melted. The aroma will be irresistible!
12. Cool and Serve:
After removing them from the oven, let the Mini Reuben Bites cool slightly. Serve them warm with additional Thousand Island or Russian dressing on the side for dipping.
Enjoy these Mini Reuben Bites! They’re crispy on the outside, filled with melty cheese and savory fillings inside—perfect for sharing (or not!).
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While white sandwich bread is traditional, you can swap it for rye or whole grain bread for added flavor. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to roll without tearing.
How Do I Store Leftover Mini Reuben Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness, or use the microwave for a quick heat-up.
Can I Freeze These Mini Bites?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked Mini Reuben Bites! Assemble them up to the baking step, then place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Is There a Vegetarian Option for This Recipe?
Definitely! Replace the corned beef with a plant-based meat substitute like seitan or tempeh, and ensure the cheese is dairy-free if you want a fully vegetarian version. You can also load up on extra veggies for added texture and flavor!