Few dishes inspire as much passion as the classic Reuben sandwich—layers of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing, all grilled between slices of rye bread. Now, imagine that iconic flavor combo wrapped in a crispy egg roll shell, fried (or baked) to golden perfection, and served with a side of extra dressing for dipping.
Reuben Egg Rolls are the perfect party appetizer, game-day snack, or indulgent treat. They combine the best of deli flavors with the crunch of an egg roll, creating a bite-sized version of the beloved sandwich that’s impossible to resist.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- Why Reuben Egg Rolls are a must-try
- Step-by-step instructions for perfect homemade egg rolls
- Air fryer and baking options for a lighter version
- Creative twists and dipping sauce ideas
Why You’ll Love Reuben Egg Rolls
1. The Perfect Flavor Fusion
- All the salty, tangy, cheesy goodness of a Reuben in crispy, handheld form.
- The egg roll wrapper adds a satisfying crunch that takes the sandwich to the next level.
2. Great for Parties & Game Day
- Easy to make in big batches—guests will devour them!
- Serve with extra Russian or Thousand Island dressing for dipping.
3. Customizable Cooking Methods
- Deep-fried for maximum crispiness.
- Air-fried or baked for a lighter (but still delicious) version.
4. Leftover-Friendly
- Use up leftover corned beef, sauerkraut, or Swiss cheese from St. Patrick’s Day or deli nights.
Classic Reuben Egg Rolls Recipe
Ingredients (Makes 12 egg rolls)
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked corned beef, chopped or shredded
- 1 ½ cups sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
- 1 ½ cups Swiss cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup Russian or Thousand Island dressing
- 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional, for extra rye flavor)
For Assembly:
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
For Serving:
- Extra Russian dressing
- Spicy mustard or horseradish sauce
- Pickles or fresh dill (optional garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling
- In a bowl, mix corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, dressing, and caraway seeds (if using).
- Taste and adjust seasoning—add more dressing if needed.
2. Fill & Roll the Egg Rolls
- Lay an egg roll wrapper diagonally on a clean surface.
- Place 2-3 tbsp of filling near the bottom corner.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides.
- Roll tightly, sealing the edge with beaten egg.
- Repeat until all wrappers are filled.
3. Fry to Golden Perfection
- Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry egg rolls in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
4. Alternative Cooking Methods
- Air Fryer: Spray with oil and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Oven-Baked: Brush with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping once.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
- Slice diagonally and serve with extra dressing for dipping.
- Garnish with pickles or fresh herbs for a deli-style touch.
5 Delicious Variations to Try
1. Pastrami Reuben Rolls
- Swap corned beef for pastrami and add a touch of spicy brown mustard.
2. Vegetarian Reuben Rolls
- Use marinated tempeh or mushrooms instead of meat.
3. Spicy Sriracha Reuben
- Mix sriracha into the dressing for a kick.
4. Breakfast Reuben Rolls
- Add scrambled eggs to the filling for a morning twist.
5. Reuben Dip Egg Rolls
- Fill with a cream cheese-based Reuben dip for extra gooeyness.
Pro Tips for the Best Reuben Egg Rolls
🔥 Keep Oil Hot – Maintain 350°F (175°C) for crispy, non-greasy rolls.
🧀 Cheese Melt Hack – Let filling cool slightly before rolling to prevent leaks.
🥬 Sauerkraut Trick – Squeeze out excess liquid to avoid soggy wrappers.
🍽 Make-Ahead Friendly – Freeze unbaked rolls, then fry straight from frozen (add 1-2 extra minutes).
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser
Reuben Egg Rolls are irresistibly crispy, savory, and packed with flavor. They’re:
✅ Perfect for parties, game day, or a fun twist on leftovers
✅ Easy to customize with different meats or vegetarian options
✅ Guaranteed to disappear fast!