Name: Reuben Egg Rolls with Sauerkraut and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 13 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 egg roll wrappers; 2 tablespoons oil (for cooking); Thousand Island dressing (for serving); 500 grams corned beef (approximately 10 slices); ½ cup Swiss cheese (or mozzarella cheese, approximately 5 slices); ½ cup sauerkraut

If you love the classic Reuben sandwich, then you're going to fall head over heels for this Reuben Egg Rolls with Sauerkraut and Cheese Recipe. Crispy on the outside, gooey and packed with that iconic combo of corned beef, Swiss cheese, and tangy sauerkraut—these egg rolls are pure appetizer perfection!

The image shows a white plate with a blue inner surface, holding five golden-brown baked pockets. One pocket is opened and held above a small bowl of light orange, creamy sauce, showing layers inside: thin layers of white cabbage-like filling and pink shredded meat tightly packed. The pockets have a slightly blistered, shiny crust. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a white and blue checkered cloth in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Reuben Egg Rolls with Sauerkraut and Cheese Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Reuben Egg Rolls with Sauerkraut and Cheese Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Reuben Egg Rolls with Sauerkraut and Cheese Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, every time I whip up these Reuben egg rolls, they're gone before I even have a chance to sit down. They're hands down one of my favorite appetizers to make when I want something fun, flavorful, and a tiny bit indulgent.

Easy to Make: Requires just a few straightforward ingredients and minimal prep time.
Versatile Cooking Methods: You can air fry, pan-fry, or bake them—whatever suits your kitchen setup.
Iconic Flavor Combo: Brings together corned beef, Swiss (or mozzarella) cheese, and sauerkraut in a delightfully crispy package.
Perfect for Sharing: Great as finger food for parties, snacks, or an impressive appetizer.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s chat about the ingredients for a moment. You can usually find egg roll wrappers in the refrigerated section near tofu or salad dressings—don’t skip the corned beef slices for that authentic flavor punch! The Swiss cheese adds that classic Reuben creaminess, but mozzarella works too if that's what you have on hand.

Flat lay of a neat stack of translucent, square egg roll wrappers, a small heap of diced pinkish-red corned beef, a small pile of shredded cream-colored Swiss cheese, a small mound of pale, finely shredded sauerkraut, a few whole smooth brown eggs, and a small white ceramic bowl filled with pale orange Thousand Island dressing, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Egg roll wrappers: These give you that perfectly crispy shell that holds all the delicious filling inside.
Oil (for cooking): Helps get the egg rolls golden brown, whether you're air frying, pan frying, or baking.
Thousand Island dressing: The quintessential dip for Reuben flavors; tangy and creamy to complement the rolls.
Corned beef: The star protein packed with savory flavor, diced for easy rolling and even distribution.
Swiss cheese (or mozzarella cheese): Adds melty richness; Swiss keeps it classic, mozzarella offers a milder twist.
Sauerkraut: Brings that punch of tang and crunch that balances the richness of beef and cheese.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Reuben Egg Rolls with Sauerkraut and Cheese Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to tweak the cheese, add some spice, or make it gluten-free, you can tailor these crispy delights to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Swap the Cheese: I personally love using Swiss cheese for that classic Reuben flavor, but sometimes I switch it up with mozzarella for a milder, creamier texture. It melts beautifully and pairs well with the tangy sauerkraut.
Add a Kick: Feeling adventurous? Try stirring in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dollop of spicy mustard to the filling for a little heat and extra zing.
Gluten-Free Option: For friends who avoid gluten, rice paper rolls are a fantastic alternative. Just reduce the cooking time to 2-3 minutes per side until crispy, and you’re all set.
Veggie Twist: If you want to lighten things up, swap out corned beef for a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions. It’s surprisingly satisfying and still packed with flavor.
Seasonal Flair: During the holidays, I like adding a sprinkle of caraway seeds to the filling to give it that authentic Reuben touch that reminds me of festive dinners.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Reuben Egg Rolls with Sauerkraut and Cheese Recipe

A plate with several golden brown fried pockets filled with layers of pinkish cured meat and white shredded cabbage or sauerkraut; one pocket is cut open and placed in the front showing three clear layers: a crispy, browned outside crust, a middle layer of pale sauerkraut, and a thick layer of pink cured meat inside. Next to the pockets, there is a small metal cup filled with a creamy beige sauce with tiny green and orange specks. The round plate is white on the edges and blue in the center, set on a white marbled surface, with a blue and white checkered cloth in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Perfectly Prep the Filling

Start by dicing the corned beef into bite-sized pieces — this helps every bite have a good balance of meat. Next, dice or shred your Swiss or mozzarella cheese, depending on your preference. In a medium bowl, mix the corned beef, cheese, and sauerkraut until everything is evenly combined. You’ll notice the tangy aroma of the sauerkraut blending with the rich cheese — it’s the start of something delicious!

Step 2: Wrapping Up the Egg Rolls

Place 1 to 2 tablespoons of your filling right in the center of each egg roll wrapper. Dip your finger in water and moisten the edges of the wrapper — this is key to sealing your roll tight so it doesn’t unravel during cooking. Fold two opposite corners toward the center, then roll tightly to enclose the filling. Repeat until all twelve egg rolls are assembled. Don’t worry if they look imperfect — they’ll still taste amazing!

Step 3: Cooking the Egg Rolls to Crispy Perfection

Brush both sides of each egg roll with a little oil to ensure a golden, crispy finish. If you’re using an air fryer, heat it to 400°F and cook the egg rolls for about 10 minutes, until they’re beautifully golden and crispy. Need an alternative? Heat oil in a deep pot on medium, then fry the egg rolls in batches for about 5 minutes until golden brown. Or, for a hands-off approach, bake them on a foil-lined sheet pan at 400°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through and brushing with oil again as needed.

Step 4: Cool and Serve with a Tangy Dip

Once cooked, let the egg rolls rest for 2-3 minutes — the filling will be piping hot straight out of the fryer or oven. Serve them alongside tangy Thousand Island dressing for dipping. The creamy, slightly sweet sauce complements the savory, tangy filling perfectly. Now, dig in and enjoy every crispy, melty bite!

Top Tip

Making Reuben Egg Rolls with Sauerkraut and Cheese Recipe is such a fun and tasty endeavor, and a few little tricks can really elevate your results. These tips come from lots of experimenting to get that perfect crispy exterior and satisfyingly melty inside.

Keep wrappers moist: I always dip my finger in water and carefully moisten the edges of each wrapper before rolling to make sure the egg rolls seal tightly and don’t unravel during cooking.
Balance the filling: Combining diced corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut evenly ensures every bite has that classic Reuben flavor without overwhelming the wrapper or making it soggy.
Oil is your friend: Whether air frying or baking, brushing both sides of the egg rolls with oil helps achieve that gorgeous golden crispiness.
Don’t overcrowd the cooking surface: Especially when frying or air frying, giving each roll plenty of space lets the heat circulate evenly so they cook consistently and crisp up perfectly.

How to Serve Reuben Egg Rolls with Sauerkraut and Cheese Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with light beige rice at the bottom. On top of the rice, there are small pieces of light yellow cheese and uneven, thin slices of pink ham scattered over the surface. A woman's hand is holding the bowl steady from the left side, while another woman's hand is stirring the ingredients with a spoon inside the bowl. The bowl is placed on a wooden board, which is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To brighten up these rich, meaty egg rolls, sprinkle with a little fresh chopped parsley or dill for a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma. A few thin slices of pickle on the side can also echo traditional Reuben flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve your egg rolls alongside creamy coleslaw or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. Potato chips or sweet potato fries also make fantastic crunchy companions. And of course, a small bowl of tangy Thousand Island dressing for dipping ties all the flavors together perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Reuben Egg Rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They maintain their flavor well, but the wrapper crisps up best when freshly cooked.

Freezing

You can freeze these egg rolls before cooking! Arrange assembled, unbaked egg rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, air fry or bake at 400°F for about 5–7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the wrappers soggy and chewy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional for Reuben flavors, mozzarella works well too. You could also try provolone for a slightly different but delicious melt.

Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?

You can make a gluten-free version by substituting the egg roll wrappers with rice paper rolls and adjusting the cooking time to 2-3 minutes per side or until crispy.

What’s the best cooking method to get crispy egg rolls?

Air frying at 400°F for 10 minutes gives a perfectly crispy texture without extra oil. Baking with oil brushed on both sides works well too, though it takes a bit longer. Stove top frying is great if you prefer traditional frying.

Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Yes! The filling can be mixed and stored in the fridge a day ahead. Just assemble the egg rolls right before cooking for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

Reuben Egg Rolls with Sauerkraut and Cheese Recipe are such a delightful twist on a classic sandwich, perfect for family gatherings, game days, or any time you crave that flavorful combo rolled into a crispy treat. With just a little prep and your preferred cooking method, you’ll have a crowd-pleaser in no time. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do!