Name: Best Reuben Sliders- Quick & Easy Beef Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 sliders
Ingredients: 14 ounces canned sauerkraut, drained; 2 tablespoons Russian dressing, plus extra for serving; 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds; 12 Hawaiian rolls; 8 slices Swiss cheese; 1/2 pound deli corned beef, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 & 1/2 tablespoons dried onion soup mix; 1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds; Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Reuben sliders are more than just a miniature version of a classic sandwich; they are a flavor explosion waiting to happen, a bite-sized delight that captures all the beloved components of its full-sized predecessor. Why do we adore Reuben sliders so much? It’s the perfect harmony of tangy sauerkraut, savory corned beef, creamy Swiss cheese, and that signature Thousand Island dressing, all nestled between slices of toasted rye bread. What truly makes these Reuben sliders special is their inherent portability and the fact that they allow for perfect portion control, making them an ideal appetizer for parties, a fun weeknight meal, or a delightful snack any time of day. Get ready to discover how to craft these irresistible morsels that are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients:

14 ounces canned sauerkraut
2 tablespoons Russian dressing (or Thousand Island dressing), plus extra for serving
1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional, but highly recommended for authentic flavor)
12 Hawaiian rolls (sweet slider rolls work beautifully here)
8 slices Swiss cheese
1/2 pound deli corned beef, thinly sliced
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 & 1/2 tablespoons dried onion soup mix
1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional, for a touch of color and freshness)

Preparation and Assembly

This recipe for Reuben Sliders is surprisingly simple, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The key to these sliders is layering the flavors just right, so let’s get started!

Step 1: Preparing the Sauerkraut

The first step to achieving that classic Reuben taste is to prepare the sauerkraut. Open your 14-ounce can of sauerkraut and drain it thoroughly. This is a crucial step, as excess moisture can make your sliders soggy. I like to place the drained sauerkraut in a fine-mesh sieve and press down on it gently with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. Once well-drained, transfer the sauerkraut to a medium bowl. Add the 2 tablespoons of Russian dressing (or Thousand Island dressing, if you prefer that tang) and the optional 1/2 teaspoon of caraway seeds. If you’re a fan of caraway seeds, don’t skip them; they impart a lovely aromatic note that’s quintessential to a Reuben. Stir everything together until the sauerkraut is evenly coated with the dressing and caraway seeds. Set this mixture aside for now.

Step 2: Assembling the Slider Bases

Now, let’s work on the foundation of our delicious Reuben Sliders. Take your 12 Hawaiian rolls and, using a serrated knife, carefully slice them in half horizontally. It’s helpful to keep the top halves together and the bottom halves together. Place the bottom halves of the rolls, cut side up, onto a baking sheet. This will serve as the base for our sliders. Don’t worry if they don’t fit perfectly; we’ll trim any excess later if needed. The sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls is a fantastic counterpoint to the savory fillings.

Step 3: Layering the Savory Fillings

This is where the magic of the Reuben really comes together. On top of the bottom halves of the Hawaiian rolls, begin extract by layering the thinly sliced deli corned beef. Try to distribute the corned beef as evenly as possible across all the rolls, creating a substantial layer. You want a generous amount of corned beef on each slider. Next, carefully spoon the prepared sauerkraut mixture over the corned beef. Again, aim for an even distribution so that each slider gets a good portion of the tangy sauerkraut. This combination of salty corned beef and zesty sauerkraut is what makes a Reuben so irresistible.

Step 4: Adding the Cheese and Top Halves

The next layer is the cheese, and for Reuben Sliders, Swiss cheese is the traditional and best choice. Place two slices of Swiss cheese on top of the sauerkraut for each slider. You might need to overlap them slightly depending on their size. Once the cheese is in place, carefully place the top halves of the Hawaiian rolls onto the cheese. Gently press down on the assembled sliders to compact them slightly. This will help them hold together during the baking process. At this point, your sliders are almost ready for their savory topping!

Step 5: Creating the Flavorful Butter Topping and Baking

Now for the final, flavorful touch that elevates these sliders from good to spectacular. In a small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter with the 1 & 1/2 tablespoons of dried onion soup mix and the 1/2 teaspoon of poppy seeds. Stir this mixture well until all the ingredients are incorporated. This buttery concoction is what will give our sliders their golden-brown, crispy edges and infuse them with an incredible savory aroma. Using a pastry brush or a spoon, generously brush this butter mixture evenly over the tops of all the Hawaiian rolls. Make sure to get good coverage on each roll. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking sheet with the prepared sliders into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The aroma that will fill your kitchen during this time is simply divine! Once baked, remove the sliders from the oven. If you’re using fresh chopped parsley, sprinkle it over the tops of the sliders for a vibrant, fresh finish. Serve the Reuben Sliders immediately, with extra Russian or Thousand Island dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy these delightful bites of classic Reuben flavor in slider form!

Conclusion:

There you have it – the ultimate guide to creating delicious and impressive Reuben Sliders! We’ve walked through each step to ensure your sliders are packed with that classic Reuben flavor: savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, rich Swiss cheese, and that essential Thousand Island dressing, all nestled within soft slider buns. These little bites are perfect for any occasion, from game day gatherings and casual parties to a fun weeknight meal. Serve them alongside a crisp coleslaw, some dill pickle spears, or a side of seasoned potato wedges for a complete and satisfying experience.

Don’t be afraid to get creative! You can easily adapt this Reuben Sliders recipe to suit your preferences. Try using rye bread for the buns, adding a touch of Dijon mustard to the filling, or even experimenting with different types of cheese. The most important thing is to have fun in the kitchen and enjoy the process. We encourage you to give these Reuben Sliders a try – they’re sure to become a new favorite!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the best way to reheat Reuben Sliders?

For the best results, reheat your Reuben Sliders in a preheated oven at around 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps to crisp up the buns slightly and melt the cheese. You can also briefly microwave them, but be mindful that the buns might become a bit softer.

Can I prepare the components of Reuben Sliders ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare most components of the Reuben Sliders in advance. Cook and shred the corned beef, mix the Thousand Island dressing, and drain the sauerkraut a day or two ahead. However, it’s best to assemble and bake the sliders just before serving to prevent the buns from getting soggy.