If you love the iconic flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich but are looking for a fun, crowd-pleasing twist, this Reuben Sliders Recipe is exactly what you need. These mini sandwiches stack tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Swiss cheese, and zesty Thousand Island dressing between soft dinner rolls. The whole batch bakes with a flavorful buttery topping until golden, sending irresistible aromas through your kitchen and making them perfect for parties, family dinners, or casual get-togethers. Get ready to fall in love with a slider version of a deli favorite that’s packed with all the right flavors and textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but absolutely essential to nail that perfect balance of tangy, savory, and creamy that defines the Reuben Sliders Recipe. Each item plays a vital role, from the crisp sauerkraut adding a pop of acidity to the melted Swiss cheese bringing that rich, gooey goodness.
- 12 dinner rolls: Soft rolls provide the perfect handheld base without overpowering the flavors inside.
- 8 ounces corned beef: Ready-to-eat, thinly sliced deli corned beef delivers tender, savory meatiness.
- 8 ounces Swiss cheese slices: Melts beautifully and adds a mild, nutty flavor that complements the meat.
- 3/4 cup Thousand Island or Russian dressing (divided): Adds tang and creaminess, binding all the components together.
- 1 (14-ounce) container sauerkraut: Drained and patted dry, it introduces just the right tang and crunch.
- 6 tablespoons butter (melted): Combined with spices to create a flavorful golden crust on top.
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard: Enhances depth with a sharp, slightly spicy kick.
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onion: Brings subtle sweetness and savoriness.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, aromatic hint.
- 3/4 teaspoon caraway seeds (divided, optional): Offers a classic Reuben flavor note with its unique earthy aroma.
- 1/4 teaspoon poppy seeds: Sprinkled on top for a slight crunch and appealing finish.
- 1/8 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors beautifully.
How to Make Reuben Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Prep Again
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s nice and ready. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray—this will keep your sliders from sticking and help them bake evenly. Then, slice all 12 dinner rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves in your baking dish with the cut side facing up, ready for that incredible layering.
Step 2: Build the Base Layer
Spread 2 to 3 tablespoons of the Thousand Island or Russian dressing over the bottom halves of the rolls. This dressing acts as a tangy, creamy foundation that soaks deliciously into the bread as it bakes, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Layer the Swiss, Meat, and Sauerkraut
Next, add half of your Swiss cheese slices over the dressing-covered rolls. Layer the corned beef evenly on top—this meat is tender, salty, and perfect for this Reuben Sliders Recipe. In a separate bowl, toss your well-drained sauerkraut with one-third cup of dressing and half a teaspoon of caraway seeds if you’re using them. Spread this tangy mixture over the meat, then top with the remaining Swiss cheese slices. This creates a lush, melty middle packed with classic Reuben goodness.
Step 4: Add the Tops and More Dressing
Spread the remaining dressing on the cut sides of the top halves of the rolls, then place them on top of the cheese layer, pressing down gently so everything comes together snugly. The doubled dressing ensures your sliders have flavor from every angle.
Step 5: The Magic Topping
Now for the buttery topping that makes these sliders unforgettable. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, dried minced onion, garlic powder, the last quarter teaspoon of caraway seeds (if using), poppy seeds, and salt. Brush this savory mix evenly over the tops of the rolls. This step is where aroma and appearance elevate the sliders from great to absolutely drool-worthy.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes so the cheese melts and the flavors meld. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the tops turn golden brown and irresistibly crisp. Once out of the oven, slice into individual sliders and serve warm for the ultimate Reuben experience.
How to Serve Reuben Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or finely chopped dill can add a pop of color and a hint of freshness that brightens the rich flavors. A few extra caraway seeds on top invite guests to enjoy that signature Reuben aroma right away.
Side Dishes
Pair these sliders with simple sides like crunchy dill pickles, kettle-cooked potato chips, or a crisp green salad. The sliders are rich and flavorful, so light, fresh sides create the perfect balance on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your Reuben sliders on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra dressing for dipping. You can also skewer them with colorful toothpicks to keep every layer together, making them perfect for parties or casual gatherings where bite-size eats reign supreme.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, cover the Reuben Sliders tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making for an easy and satisfying snack or meal the next day.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these later, wrap each slider individually in plastic wrap and then place them together in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy them, just thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
To reheat, place the sliders in a baking dish, cover with foil to keep them moist, and bake at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. For crispy tops, remove the foil for the last 3-5 minutes. This method keeps the cheese melty and the rolls soft yet toasty.
FAQs
Can I make Reuben Sliders Recipe vegetarian?
While the traditional Reuben contains corned beef, you could substitute it with thinly sliced grilled mushrooms or a plant-based deli meat to keep the classic flavors without the meat. Just keep the other ingredients the same for that wonderful tangy and cheesy combo.
What type of bread works best for sliders?
Dinner rolls are ideal because they’re soft and slightly sweet, which balances the savory filling perfectly. You want rolls that hold together but won’t overpower the other flavors—classic slider buns or Hawaiian rolls are fantastic choices too.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time before baking?
Absolutely! You can assemble the sliders a few hours before baking, cover and refrigerate them, then add the topping mixture right before baking. It’s a great way to save time without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
Yes, just swap out the dinner rolls for gluten-free slider buns. Make sure your deli corned beef and other ingredients don’t contain any hidden gluten. This way, you can still indulge in the deliciousness of the Reuben Sliders Recipe without worry.
What can I serve with extra Thousand Island dressing?
Extra dressing is perfect for dipping, adding a creamy, tangy punch to each bite. It also works well drizzled over a simple cabbage slaw or even as a spread for other sandwiches to echo the classic Reuben flavors throughout your meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so wonderful about turning a favorite sandwich into a platter of irresistible sliders. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Reuben Sliders Recipe as much as I do. It’s the kind of cozy, flavor-packed dish that brings people together and leaves everyone asking for more. Give it a try—you might just have your new go-to recipe for entertaining or an easy weeknight treat!
Print
Reuben Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Reuben Sliders featuring layers of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing on buttery dinner rolls, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for parties, game day, or a satisfying snack.
Ingredients
Slider Ingredients
- 12 dinner rolls
- 8 ounces corned beef (ready to eat and thinly sliced from the deli)
- 8 ounces Swiss cheese slices
- 3/4 cup Thousand Island or Russian dressing (divided)
- 1 (14-oz) container sauerkraut (drained and patted dry very well, about 1 cup once dry)
Topping Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon caraway seeds (divided, optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare rolls: Slice the dinner rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves in the prepared baking dish, then spread 2-3 tablespoons of Thousand Island or Russian dressing evenly over them.
- Add filling: Layer half of the Swiss cheese slices over the dressing-covered bottoms. Add a layer of corned beef evenly over the cheese. In a bowl, combine the drained and well-patted dry sauerkraut with 1/3 cup dressing and 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds if using, then spread this mixture evenly over the corned beef. Top the sauerkraut layer with the remaining Swiss cheese slices.
- Add top of rolls: Spread the remaining dressing on the cut side of the top halves of the rolls, then place them on top of the cheese layer to form the sliders.
- Topping: In a small bowl, whisk melted butter with Dijon mustard, dried minced onion, garlic powder, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon caraway seeds if using, poppy seeds, and salt. Brush this butter mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls to add flavor and ensure golden browning.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is melted. Let cool slightly, cut into individual sliders, and serve warm. Extra dressing can be served on the side for dipping if desired.
Notes
- For best results, pat the sauerkraut dry to prevent soggy sliders.
- Caraway seeds are optional but add a traditional Reuben flavor.
- Use fresh dinner rolls for optimal texture and flavor.
- Serve with extra Thousand Island or Russian dressing for dipping.
- These sliders can be assembled a few hours ahead and refrigerated before baking.
