Reuben Egg Rolls: A Crispy Twist on a Classic Recipe
If you’re craving comfort food with a clever spin, you’re going to fall in love with Reuben Egg Rolls: A Crispy Twist on a Classic. Picture all the beloved flavors of a traditional Reuben sandwich—corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and creamy Thousand Island dressing—tucked inside a golden, crunchy egg roll wrapper. Each bite is a burst of nostalgia, with a satisfying crunch and a warm, cheesy middle that makes them just perfect for parties, snacks, or whenever you need a craveable treat. This is truly the kind of recipe you’ll want to make over and over again!

Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make Reuben Egg Rolls: A Crispy Twist on a Classic, but each one brings something essential to the table. These easy-to-find staples blend together for that unmistakable flavor, texture, and gooey goodness that make this recipe such a favorite!
- Egg roll wrappers: These act as the crispy envelope that hugs all the fillings and fries up beautifully golden every time.
- Corned beef (cooked & finely chopped): The salty, savory foundation—use leftover homemade corned beef or grab deli slices for convenience.
- Sauerkraut (drained & squeezed dry): Adds a tangy bite and just the right level of moisture—be sure to squeeze it well to avoid soggy egg rolls.
- Shredded Swiss cheese: Melts into creamy strings that glue everything together and deliver that signature Reuben flavor.
- Thousand Island dressing (plus more for dipping): Offers creamy, sweet-tangy zip to the filling and pairs perfectly as a dip.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Gives the egg rolls their irresistible crunch—choose a neutral oil like canola or peanut.
How to Make Reuben Egg Rolls: A Crispy Twist on a Classic
Step 1: Mix Up the Filling
Start by stirring together the chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and that splash of Thousand Island dressing in a mixing bowl. This step is as easy as tossing a salad, and mixing it well ensures every bite is full of flavor and texture. Don’t forget to really squeeze your sauerkraut—keeping everything just moist enough for a creamy, juicy filling!
Step 2: Roll Those Egg Rolls
Set up your egg roll wrappers on a clean work surface, arranging them in a diamond orientation with a corner facing you. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the filling onto the center of each wrapper. Fold the bottom corner up and over the filling, then tuck in both sides snugly and roll all the way up. Seal the final corner with a little dab of water—this keeps your Reuben Egg Rolls: A Crispy Twist on a Classic from unraveling during cooking.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or saucepan and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer if you have one—the right temperature guarantees the wrappers sizzle up perfectly crispy and don’t soak in excess oil.
Step 4: Fry to Perfection
Add the egg rolls in batches so you don’t crowd the pan. Fry, turning occasionally with tongs, for about 3 to 4 minutes. They’ll puff and turn a mouthwatering golden brown with little bubbly blisters. Move them to a paper towel-lined plate as soon as they’re crisp, and let them cool for just a minute before serving hot.
Step 5: Serve (and Eye That Dip!)
Arrange your piping hot egg rolls on a platter and serve with extra Thousand Island dressing for dipping. You’ll want to have napkins handy—and maybe a few friends to share them with, because these disappear fast!
How to Serve Reuben Egg Rolls: A Crispy Twist on a Classic

Garnishes
For a fun finishing touch, sprinkle your Reuben Egg Rolls: A Crispy Twist on a Classic with chopped fresh parsley or chives. A tiny dusting of caraway seeds is also lovely, echoing that classic rye bread note you’d find in a traditional Reuben sandwich. You can even swirl a bit of extra Thousand Island over the platter for a festive look.
Side Dishes
Since these egg rolls are hearty, serve them with something fresh for balance—think crisp coleslaw, a simple green salad, or petite pickles on the side. For game day, a pile of kettle chips works great too. You can easily round out the meal to suit any occasion!
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful! Stack the egg rolls in a basket lined with wax paper for a pub-style appetizer. Slice them on a diagonal and serve upright on a tray for cocktail hour elegance. Or offer a build-your-own station with mini bowls of different dips—Thousand Island, spicy mustard, or even horseradish cream—for a fun party twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have extras (though it’s rare!), pop cooled Reuben Egg Rolls: A Crispy Twist on a Classic into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’ll stay tasty and are easy to revive to crispy glory.
Freezing
For a prep-ahead snack, freeze the uncooked, rolled egg rolls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, fry straight from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
Reheating
To crisp up leftover egg rolls, bake them in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or air fry if you prefer—either method brings back that irresistible crunch. Microwaving is quick, but the wrapper can lose some crispiness, so the oven or air fryer is your friend here.
FAQs
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely! Brush the rolled egg rolls lightly with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll come out wonderfully crisp with less mess and fuss, making them a great option for lighter snacking.
What if I can’t find corned beef?
Deli corned beef slices work great, or you can substitute with pastrami for a slightly different but still classic flavor. No matter what, that savory deli-style meat is key for capturing the Reuben spirit in Reuben Egg Rolls: A Crispy Twist on a Classic.
How do I keep the egg rolls from getting soggy?
The trick is to thoroughly drain and squeeze any excess liquid out of your sauerkraut, and don’t overload the wrappers with filling. Seal them tightly so the steam doesn’t seep in and sog the crisp shell while frying.
Are these good made ahead for a party?
Yes—they’re perfect for party prep! Assemble and refrigerate the uncooked egg rolls a few hours in advance, then fry just before serving. Or freeze them for a longer lead time and fry straight from the freezer.
Can I use other cheeses?
Swiss cheese is classic for that signature Reuben taste, but provolone or even mozzarella can work if you need to improvise. Just aim for cheese that melts well and brings a bit of creamy, nutty flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you love comfort food with a playful twist, do yourself a favor and try Reuben Egg Rolls: A Crispy Twist on a Classic. They’re crispy, cheesy, savory, and the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Dive in, share them at your next gathering, and watch how quickly this recipe becomes a new favorite in your kitchen!
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Reuben Egg Rolls: A Crispy Twist on a Classic Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 egg rolls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Reuben Egg Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, featuring a crispy egg roll wrapper filled with savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing. These crispy appetizers are perfect for parties or a fun snack.
Ingredients
Egg Rolls:
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- 1 1/2 cups cooked corned beef, finely chopped
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing, plus more for dipping
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Mix Filling: Combine chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing in a bowl.
- Fill Wrappers: Place an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface, add filling, and roll tightly, sealing edges with water.
- Fry: Heat oil to 350°F, fry egg rolls until golden brown and crispy, then drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with extra Thousand Island dressing for dipping.
Notes
- To bake instead of fry, brush egg rolls with oil and bake at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- For convenience, use deli corned beef and pre-shredded cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 egg roll
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg