Reuben Sliders Recipe

The irresistible aroma of toasted rye bread, the tangy kick of sauerkraut, and the gooey meltiness of Swiss cheese come together in these mouthwatering Reuben Sliders. These mini-sandwiches pack all the classic flavors of a traditional Reuben into perfect two-bite portions that are ideal for parties, game days, or casual family dinners. The contrast between the savory corned beef, creamy Russian dressing, and crunchy sauerkraut creates a flavor explosion that keeps people coming back for more. You’ll learn how to build these delicious sliders layer by layer and achieve that perfect golden brown finish that makes Reuben Sliders so irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Reuben Sliders are about to become your new favorite party food! First, they’re incredibly versatile – perfect as appetizers, game day snacks, or even a fun family dinner. The contrast between the soft slider buns and the crunchy buttery tops creates a textural wonderland in every bite.

The layers of flavors work in perfect harmony: savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Russian dressing, and nutty Swiss cheese meld together when baked to bubbly perfection. Even better, you can prepare these sliders ahead of time and simply pop them in the oven when guests arrive.

What makes this mini Reuben sandwich recipe truly special is how it transforms a deli classic into a crowd-pleasing finger food without losing any of the authentic taste. The butter-caraway topping adds that final touch that elevates these from simple sandwiches to showstopping treats that disappear from platters within minutes.

Ingredients

For the Reuben Sliders:

• 12 slider buns or Hawaiian sweet rolls (1 package)
• ¾ lb (340g) thinly sliced corned beef
• 8 oz (227g) Swiss cheese slices
• 1 cup (245g) sauerkraut, drained well
• ½ cup (120ml) Russian dressing (homemade or store-bought)

For the butter topping:

• 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) Worcestershire sauce

The corned beef is the star of this recipe – look for high-quality, thinly sliced meat from your deli counter. The sauerkraut adds that essential tanginess, but make sure to drain it thoroughly to prevent soggy sliders. For authentic mini Reuben sandwiches, use Swiss cheese that melts well, and consider making your own Russian dressing for a fresher flavor profile.

Pro Tips

Properly Prep Your Sauerkraut
One of the most critical steps for perfect Reuben Sliders is properly draining your sauerkraut. Place it in a fine-mesh strainer and press with paper towels to remove excess moisture. For extra insurance against soggy bottoms, you can even quickly sauté the drained sauerkraut in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes to evaporate additional moisture. This ensures your sliders remain deliciously crisp rather than disappointingly soggy.

The Perfect Assembly Order Matters
Layer your ingredients strategically to protect the bread from moisture. Start with a thin layer of Russian dressing on the bottom buns, then add cheese, corned beef, sauerkraut, more cheese, and finally more dressing on the top bun. This cheese-meat-sauerkraut-cheese method creates a moisture barrier that keeps your sliders structurally sound.

The Secret to That Perfect Golden Top
Don’t rush the baking process. Cover with foil for the first 10 minutes to help the cheese melt completely, then remove the foil for the final 5-8 minutes until the tops are golden brown and crispy. The butter-caraway topping is what transforms ordinary rolls into that authentic Reuben experience, so make sure to brush it evenly across the entire surface.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, drain your sauerkraut thoroughly using a fine-mesh strainer, pressing down with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Slice your slider buns in half horizontally, keeping them connected if using Hawaiian rolls or a similar pull-apart style. Place the bottom half in a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Create Your Butter Topping
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, caraway seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk well to combine, allowing the flavors to infuse while you assemble your sliders.

Step 3: Layer Your Sliders
Spread half of the Russian dressing evenly across the bottom layer of buns. Next, arrange half of your Swiss cheese slices, covering the entire surface. Add all of your corned beef in an even layer, followed by the well-drained sauerkraut. Top the sauerkraut with the remaining Swiss cheese slices.

Step 4: Finish Assembly
Spread the remaining Russian dressing on the underside of the top buns, then place them over your assembled sliders, completing the sandwiches. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the tops of the buns with your prepared butter mixture, ensuring even coverage right to the edges.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes. This steams the sandwiches, helping the cheese melt completely. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 5-8 minutes until the tops are golden brown and crispy. Let the Reuben Sliders rest for 5 minutes before serving – this helps them set up for easier slicing and serving.

Variations

Turkey Reuben Sliders
For a lighter alternative, substitute the corned beef with thinly sliced turkey breast. This variation, sometimes called a “Rachel,” maintains all the signature flavors while offering a different protein option. The turkey pairs beautifully with the tangy sauerkraut and creamy Russian dressing, creating a slightly less rich but equally delicious mini sandwich experience.

Vegetarian Reuben Sliders
Create a meat-free version by replacing the corned beef with thinly sliced tempeh or seitan that’s been marinated in pickling spices. You can also use vegetarian deli slices as a convenient alternative. Increase the cheese slightly to maintain that satisfying umami flavor, and consider adding a thin layer of caramelized onions to enhance the depth of flavor in these vegetarian Reuben-inspired sliders.

Rye Flavored Sliders
For purists who miss the traditional rye bread experience, brush the inside of your slider buns with caraway-infused butter before assembly and sprinkle additional caraway seeds on top. This simple adaptation brings that distinctive rye bread flavor to your Reuben Sliders while maintaining the convenience and party-friendly format of slider buns.

Storage and Serving

These Reuben Sliders are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the cheese is perfectly melted and the tops are golden crisp. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, cover loosely with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes, removing the foil for the final 2-3 minutes to re-crisp the tops.

For an impressive party spread, serve your sliders alongside crispy potato chips, dill pickle spears, and a side of extra Russian dressing for dipping. They pair beautifully with a cold German-style beer or a crisp apple cider.

For a complete meal, consider serving with a light side salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sliders. These mini Reuben sandwiches also make excellent appetizers before a lighter main course, as their satisfying nature means guests won’t need a heavy entrée to follow.

FAQs

Can I make Reuben Sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the sliders up to 24 hours in advance. Prepare everything as directed but don’t add the butter topping until just before baking. Store assembled sliders covered in the refrigerator, then brush with the butter mixture and bake according to instructions when ready to serve.

Why are my Reuben Sliders soggy?
The most common cause is undrained sauerkraut. Make sure to press as much moisture out as possible. Also, the layering order matters – cheese on both sides of the sauerkraut creates a moisture barrier protecting the bread.

What’s the difference between Russian dressing and Thousand Island?
Russian dressing is typically spicier and less sweet than Thousand Island, with a horseradish or chili sauce kick. However, Thousand Island dressing can be substituted in a pinch for a slightly sweeter flavor profile.

Can I freeze these sliders?
While possible, freezing isn’t recommended as the texture of the sauerkraut and bread will change. If necessary, freeze assembled but unbaked sliders without the butter topping for up to 1 month, thaw completely in the refrigerator, add topping, and then bake.

What can I serve with Reuben Sliders?
Classic accompaniments include potato chips, coleslaw, dill pickles, or a simple green salad. For a more substantial meal, potato salad or German potato salad makes an excellent side dish.

Conclusion

These Reuben Sliders are comfort food at its finest — mini marvels that deliver all the beloved flavors of a classic deli sandwich in perfect party-sized portions. The beautiful contrast between tangy sauerkraut, savory corned beef, melty Swiss cheese, and that distinctive caraway-butter topping creates an irresistible combination that’s greater than the sum of its parts. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, whether for game day celebrations, casual get-togethers, or family meals that need a little something special. These mini Reuben sandwiches might be small in size, but they’re definitely big on flavor!

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