Name: Easy Beef Reuben Sliders - Quick Game Day Appetizer
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 12 sliders
Ingredients: 14 ounces canned sauerkraut, drained; 2 tablespoons Russian dressing, plus extra for serving; 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional); 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 (optional)

Reuben sliders, oh how we adore you! There’s something undeniably magical about these bite-sized wonders. They take all the beloved flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich – the tangy sauerkraut, the rich corned beef, the creamy Swiss cheese, and that irresistible Thousand Island dressing – and condense them into a perfectly poppable package. It’s no wonder that whenever these are served, they disappear in a flash. What truly sets these Reuben sliders apart is their portability and sheer addictiveness. They’re ideal for game days, parties, or even just a fun weeknight treat. Forget the mess of a full-sized sandwich; these sliders deliver all the satisfaction with none of the fuss, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that always leaves everyone asking for more.

The Ultimate Game Day Snack

Easy to Make, Impossible to Resist

Ingredients:

14 ounces canned sauerkraut
2 tablespoons Russian dressing (or Thousand Island), plus extra for serving
1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional, but highly recommended for that authentic Reuben flavor)
12 Hawaiian rolls (these sweet little buns are perfect for sliders!)
8 slices Swiss cheese (enough to cover the sliders generously)
1/2 pound deli corned beef, thinly sliced (get the good stuff from the deli counter!)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (this is for our delicious topping)
1 & 1/2 tablespoons dried onion soup mix (adds a fantastic savory depth)
1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds (for a little pop of texture and visual appeal)
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional, but adds a lovely fresh finish)

Preparing the Reuben Sliders

Sauerkraut Preparation

The first step to amazing Reuben sliders is getting the sauerkraut ready. Open your 14-ounce can of sauerkraut and drain it thoroughly. You really want to get as much liquid out as possible to avoid soggy sliders. You can do this by pressing it with a spoon in a colander or by squeezing handfuls of it (if you don’t mind getting your hands a little wet). Once drained, place the sauerkraut in a medium bowl.
To the drained sauerkraut, add the 2 tablespoons of Russian dressing (or Thousand Island, if that’s your preference) and the 1/2 teaspoon of caraway seeds, if you’re using them. The caraway seeds are optional, but they really contribute to the classic Reuben taste, so I highly recommend them. Mix everything together until the sauerkraut is evenly coated with the dressing and caraway seeds. Set this mixture aside; it’s going to add a wonderful tangy, savory element to our sliders.

Assembling the Sliders

Now it’s time to build our Reuben sliders! Take your 12 Hawaiian rolls and carefully slice them horizontally in half using a serrated knife. It’s easiest to keep them together as a block while you cut. Once sliced, arrange the bottom halves of the rolls in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure they are snugly packed together.
Next, we’ll layer the delicious corned beef. Evenly distribute the 1/2 pound of thinly sliced deli corned beef over the bottom halves of the Hawaiian rolls. Try to spread it out so each slider gets a good amount of corned beef. Don’t be afraid to fold or overlap the slices to get a nice, hearty layer.
On top of the corned beef, we’re going to add the Swiss cheese. Arrange the 8 slices of Swiss cheese so they cover the corned beef as much as possible. You might need to slightly overlap the cheese slices to ensure good coverage across all the sliders. This cheese will melt into a gooey, delightful layer that binds everything together beautifully.
Now, carefully spread the prepared sauerkraut mixture evenly over the Swiss cheese. Make sure you get a good amount of the sauerkraut onto each slider. This is where that wonderful tangy flavor comes from, balancing the richness of the corned beef and cheese.

Baking and Finishing Touches

We’re almost there! Now it’s time to prepare the topping that makes these sliders truly special. 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 until it’s well combined. The onion soup mix adds a wonderful savory and slightly salty kick, while the poppy seeds add a subtle crunch and visual appeal.
Once the topping is ready, carefully place the top halves of the Hawaiian rolls over the assembled layers in the baking dish. Then, using a pastry brush or a spoon, generously drizzle or brush the melted butter and onion soup mixture over the tops of the rolls. Make sure to get an even coating, as this will make the tops wonderfully golden and flavorful.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the rolls are heated through. The foil helps to steam the rolls and melt the cheese without drying out the tops.
After the initial baking, carefully remove the aluminum foil. Continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are golden brown and slightly crisp. This final step gives them that irresistible baked slider texture.
Once out of the oven, let the Reuben sliders rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making them easier to slice and serve. For an extra touch, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately, with extra Russian dressing on the side for dipping if desired. Enjoy your delicious homemade Reuben sliders!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – a straightforward guide to creating delicious Reuben Sliders! We’ve walked through each step, from preparing the tender corned beef to assembling those perfectly layered sliders that capture all the classic Reuben flavors in a delightful mini package. These Reuben Sliders are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next game day gathering, a fun dinner option for a casual weeknight, or even a unique addition to a party buffet. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Feel free to swap out the rye bread for slider buns or brioche if you prefer a softer texture. For those who love a little heat, a drizzle of sriracha mayo before serving can add a welcome kick. You can also add a touch of dill pickle relish to the Thousand Island dressing for an extra layer of tangy goodness. I encourage you to give these Reuben Sliders a try. They are sure to become a favorite, offering a satisfying and delicious twist on a beloved classic. Enjoy every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these Reuben Sliders ahead of time?

You can assemble the components of the Reuben Sliders ahead of time, such as cooking the corned beef and preparing the dressing. However, to ensure the bread stays fresh and the ingredients don’t become soggy, it’s best to assemble them just before serving. You can warm the assembled sliders briefly in a low oven to meld the flavors.

What other types of cheese can I use for Reuben Sliders?

While Swiss cheese is traditional and pairs beautifully with the other ingredients, you can certainly get creative! Gruyere would offer a nuttier flavor profile, and Provolone can also be a delicious alternative. For a creamier texture, consider a mild Havarti.