If you love the flavors of a classic deli sandwich and crave a fun twist on traditional fare, Crispy Reuben Eggrolls are exactly what you need. These handheld delights bring together savory corned beef or pastrami, tangy sauerkraut, and melty Swiss cheese wrapped in a golden egg roll shell — perfect for game days, parties, and casual gatherings. With a crispy exterior and rich, flavorful filling, this recipe turns everyone’s favorite sandwich into irresistible finger food you’ll want to make again and again.
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Why You’ll Love This Twist on a Classic
This version of Crispy Reuben Eggrolls takes all the beloved elements of a traditional Reuben sandwich and transforms them into a crunchy appetizer that’s easy to share. The combination of juicy meat, tangy sauerkraut, and gooey cheese inside a perfectly fried shell delivers layers of flavor and texture in every bite. Whether you’re serving them with dipping sauce at a party or enjoying them as a snack, this recipe is fun, crowd-pleasing, and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Crispy Reuben Eggrolls
• Corned beef or pastrami: adds savory, meaty flavor that’s the heart of the Reuben.
• Sauerkraut: brings tanginess and moisture balance to the rich filling.
• Swiss cheese: melts into creamy goodness and complements the corned beef.
• Dijon mustard: adds a subtle sharpness that brightens each bite.
• Garlic powder: enhances savory depth with a hint of aromatic spice.
• Egg roll wrappers: create that signature crispy shell when fried.
• Vegetable or canola oil: for frying to golden perfection.
• Thousand Island dressing: perfect for dipping and echoes classic Reuben flavors.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions for Dietary Swaps
If you’re tailoring the Crispy Reuben Eggrolls to different tastes or dietary needs, here are a few helpful swaps:
• Turkey pastrami or roast beef – lower-fat alternative to corned beef that still delivers meaty flavor.
• Sauerkraut substitutes – quick pickled cabbage or kimchi can add a tangy twist.
• Cheddar or gouda cheese – rich alternatives to Swiss cheese for a bolder profile.
• Air-fried or baked option – for a lighter take, crisp the egg rolls in an air fryer or oven instead of deep frying.
How to Make Crispy Reuben Eggrolls at Home
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped corned beef or pastrami with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Stir the filling until all ingredients are evenly mixed and aromatic.
- Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with a corner pointing toward you so it forms a diamond shape. Place approximately two tablespoons of the filling in the center of the wrapper.
- Fold the bottom corner of the wrapper up and over the filling, then fold in the left and right corners toward the center. Roll it up tightly toward the top corner — use a little water to seal the edge.
- Repeat the rolling process with the remaining wrappers and filling until all are assembled.
- Heat your oil in a deep skillet or fryer to around 350°F (175°C). Carefully add a few egg rolls at a time and fry until they’re crispy and golden on all sides, about 3–4 minutes.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked egg rolls to a paper-towel lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot with a side of Thousand Island dressing for dipping and enjoy the irresistible crunch and flavor.
Tips & Tricks for Perfectly Crispy Reuben Eggrolls
To make sure your Crispy Reuben Eggrolls turn out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips:
• Do not overfill: Too much filling can cause the egg roll to burst while frying.
• Seal well: Ensure each wrapper is sealed tightly with water to prevent leaks.
• Maintain oil temperature: Keep the oil around 350°F for even browning and crispiness without burning.
• Use high-heat oil: Oils like canola or vegetable have a higher smoke point that’s ideal for frying.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
These crispy treats pair beautifully with classic sides and sauces:
• Coleslaw: adds a cool, crunchy contrast to the rich egg rolls.
• Pickle spears or chips: offer a tangy side that echoes sauerkraut notes.
• Spicy mustard or Russian dressing: delicious alternatives to Thousand Island.
For variations, try adding a sprinkle of caraway seeds to the filling for an extra layer of flavor, or experiment with smoked meats and artisan cheeses for a gourmet twist.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftovers of these Crispy Reuben Eggrolls, they can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them in an air fryer to bring back their crispiness without sogginess.
With their perfect balance of savory, tangy, and crispy, these Crispy Reuben Eggrolls are sure to become a favorite appetizer in your recipe collection.
Final Thoughts on Crispy Reuben Eggrolls
Crispy Reuben Eggrolls are the ultimate mashup of deli comfort food and crunchy appetizer perfection. They deliver everything you love about a traditional Reuben sandwich — savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Swiss cheese, and zesty dressing — wrapped in a golden, crispy shell that’s impossible to resist.
Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a game-day spread, or simply craving something indulgent and satisfying, Crispy Reuben Eggrolls bring bold flavor and texture in every bite. They’re easy to prepare, customizable for different dietary needs, and guaranteed to impress guests with their unique presentation.
From deep-fried to air-fried versions, classic fillings to creative twists, this recipe proves that Crispy Reuben Eggrolls are more than just an appetizer — they’re a crowd-pleasing favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Reuben Eggrolls
Can I make Crispy Reuben Eggrolls ahead of time?
Yes, Crispy Reuben Eggrolls can be assembled several hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator before frying. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and cover lightly with plastic wrap. When ready to cook, fry or air fry directly from chilled. For best results, avoid storing them assembled for more than 24 hours to prevent soggy wrappers.
Can I bake or air fry Crispy Reuben Eggrolls instead of deep frying?
Absolutely. For a lighter version of Crispy Reuben Eggrolls, brush or spray them lightly with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through. In an air fryer, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until golden and crispy. While deep frying gives the crunchiest texture, both alternatives still deliver delicious results.
How do I keep Crispy Reuben Eggrolls from getting soggy?
To keep Crispy Reuben Eggrolls perfectly crisp, make sure to drain the sauerkraut thoroughly before mixing the filling. Excess moisture is the main cause of soggy egg rolls. Also, maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) during frying. After cooking, place them on a wire rack instead of paper towels to preserve their crunch.
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Crispy Reuben Eggrolls
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 egg rolls 1x
Description
Crispy Reuben Egg Rolls combine all the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich—corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and tangy dressing—wrapped in egg roll wrappers and fried until golden and crunchy. They are a perfect party appetizer or game-day snack with a crispy exterior and a savory, melty filling.
Ingredients
- 12 egg roll wrappers
- 1 cup cooked corned beef, finely chopped (about 170 g)
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry (about 140 g)
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (about 110 g)
- 1/3 cup Thousand Island dressing (80 ml)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (15 g)
- 1 tablespoon water (for sealing wrappers)
- 3 cups vegetable oil (720 ml, for frying)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, Thousand Island dressing, and Dijon mustard until well mixed.
- Place one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner facing you.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling mixture onto the center of the wrapper.
- Fold the bottom corner over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll tightly. Brush the top corner with water to seal. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the egg rolls in batches for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve warm with extra Thousand Island or Russian dressing.
Notes
- Make sure the sauerkraut is well drained to prevent soggy egg rolls.
- Egg rolls can be baked or air-fried for a lighter version.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 egg roll
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
