Name: Reuben Egg Rolls with Sauerkraut Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 egg roll wrappers; 2 tablespoon 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're a fan of that iconic Reuben sandwich but love a little twist, you’re in for a treat with this Reuben Egg Rolls with Sauerkraut Recipe. Imagine that savory combo of corned beef, Swiss cheese, and tangy sauerkraut all wrapped in a crispy egg roll—perfect for snacking or entertaining!

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 Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Reuben Egg Rolls with Sauerkraut Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Reuben Egg Rolls with Sauerkraut Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made these Reuben-style egg rolls a handful of times, and every time they disappear faster than I can say “Pass the Thousand Island dressing!” They’re the ultimate game day snack or a fun appetizer that always impresses.

Classic flavors reimagined: All your favorite Reuben sandwich ingredients in a fun, handheld egg roll.
Quick and easy to make: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for last-minute snack cravings.
Flexible cooking methods: Air fry, fry, or bake depending on your preference and kitchen setup.
Perfectly crispy wrapper: The key to that satisfying crunch that keeps you coming back for more.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, you’ll want to hunt down a few key ingredients that bring this recipe to life. Egg roll wrappers are usually in the refrigerated section near tofu or salad dressings, and picking the right cheese makes a big difference!

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 create the crisp, golden exterior that holds all that delicious filling together.
Oil (for cooking): Whether you’re air frying, frying, or baking, a little oil ensures that perfect crunch and golden finish.
Thousand Island dressing: The tangy dip that perfectly complements and balances the rich, savory egg rolls.
Corned beef: The star protein, diced to bite-sized pieces for easy rolling and a satisfying meaty texture.
Swiss cheese (or mozzarella): Swiss gives that classic Reuben flavor, but mozzarella will melt beautifully and still taste amazing.
Sauerkraut: Adds the signature tang and a bit of bite, raising the flavor profile to authentic Reuben status.

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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 Recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative and put your own spin on this classic twist to suit your taste buds or dietary needs.

Vegetarian Variation: Swap the corned beef for sautéed mushrooms or tempeh. I’ve tried this with smoky mushrooms and it delivers a satisfying, savory bite that still pairs wonderfully with the Swiss cheese and sauerkraut.
Cheese Options: While Swiss cheese gives that classic Reuben flavor, mozzarella is a milder alternative that melts beautifully. I’ve also experimented with provolone for a richer taste.
Gluten-Free Alternative: Use rice paper rolls instead of egg roll wrappers and reduce cooking time to 2–3 minutes per side or until they’re crispy. It’s a great swap to keep these Reuben-inspired bites accessible for gluten-sensitive friends.
Cooking Method Flexibility: Whether you prefer air frying for a quick, less oily approach, traditional stovetop frying for that extra crisp, or oven baking for ease, each method yields delicious results depending on your mood or kitchen setup.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Reuben Egg Rolls with Sauerkraut 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: Prepare the Savory Filling

Start by dicing your 500 grams of corned beef into bite-sized pieces so they’re easy to enjoy in each crisp bite. Do the same with your Swiss or mozzarella cheese—either dice it or shred it for better melting. In a medium bowl, gently mix together the corned beef, cheese, and ½ cup of sauerkraut until everything is evenly combined. The tanginess of the sauerkraut perfectly balances the rich meat and cheese, giving your filling that classic Reuben flavor.

Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls

Lay out one egg roll wrapper at a time and spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of your filling into the center. Dip your finger in water and moisten the edges of the wrapper—this acts like glue to seal your egg roll. Fold in the two opposite corners towards the center, then tightly roll to enclose the filling completely. Make sure it’s snug so the filling doesn’t escape while cooking. Repeat this process with the rest of your wrappers until all 12 egg rolls are assembled.

Step 3: Cooking Your Egg Rolls to Golden Perfection

Choose your cooking method based on your preference or available equipment:

Air Fryer: Lightly brush both sides of each egg roll with 2 tablespoons of oil. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes. You can flip halfway through if your air fryer requires it. You’re looking for a crisp, golden exterior.
Stovetop Frying: Heat oil in a deep pot over medium heat. Fry the egg rolls in small batches for about 5 minutes each or until they turn golden brown. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
Oven Baking: Brush each egg roll with oil on both sides. Place them on a foil-lined sheet pan or a baking rack. Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through and brushing with extra oil as needed to keep them crispy.

Step 4: Cool Briefly and Serve

Once cooked, let your Reuben egg rolls cool for 2 to 3 minutes. This short rest time lets the filling set so it won't be scorchingly hot when you bite in. Serve your crispy delights with a side of tangy Thousand Island dressing for dipping — it’s the perfect companion that brings all the flavors together. Enjoy every crunchy, melty bite!

Top Tip

These Reuben Egg Rolls with Sauerkraut Recipe come together beautifully when you keep a few key tips in mind. From prep to cooking, these tricks ensure a crispy, flavorful bite every time.

Keep the Wrapper Edges Moist: Dipping your finger in water and lightly wetting the edges before folding helps the egg roll seal tightly, preventing any filling from leaking during cooking.
Don’t Overstuff the Egg Rolls: Using about 1 to 2 tablespoons of filling per wrapper keeps rolling manageable and ensures even cooking without breaking.
Brush Oil Evenly: Whether air frying or baking, brushing oil on both sides helps achieve that perfect golden brown crunch without deep frying.
Let Them Rest Before Serving: Allow the egg rolls to cool for 2 to 3 minutes after cooking so the delicious filling sets and you avoid any burnt tongues!

How to Serve Reuben Egg Rolls with Sauerkraut 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

Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or dill for a pop of color and a light herbal note that complements the tangy sauerkraut beautifully. A wedge of lemon on the side can also brighten the flavors if desired. Don’t forget the classic accompaniment: a small bowl of tangy Thousand Island dressing for dipping — it’s essential!

Side Dishes

These egg rolls shine as party appetizers but also pair wonderfully with crisp green salads, garlic potato wedges, or a creamy coleslaw. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside a bowl of hot tomato soup or your favorite pickle assortment to stay true to that deli vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Reuben Egg Rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps keep them fresh and stops the wrappers from getting soggy too quickly.

Freezing

To freeze, place uncooked assembled egg rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. When ready to cook, air fry or bake them from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

Reheat leftover egg rolls in an air fryer or oven set to 400°F for about 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the wrapper soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Reuben Egg Rolls vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap out the corned beef for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based deli slice and substitute Swiss cheese with your favorite vegetarian cheese. The sauerkraut and dressing will still deliver that classic tangy flavor.

What’s the best method to cook these egg rolls for crispiness?

Air frying at 400°F for 10 minutes usually yields the crispiest results with less oil compared to deep frying or baking. Flipping halfway through helps ensure even browning.

How do I prevent the egg roll wrappers from tearing?

Handle wrappers gently and avoid overfilling with the mixture. Wetting the edges with water helps seal them tightly to prevent tearing or filling leaking out during cooking.

Can I use a gluten-free wrapper?

Yes! Rice paper rolls are a great gluten-free alternative. Just remember to reduce the cooking time to 2 to 3 minutes per side or until crispy to avoid burning.

Final Thoughts

Reuben Egg Rolls with Sauerkraut Recipe are one of my absolute favorite snacks to whip up when I crave that classic deli taste with a fun, crispy twist. Whether you air fry, bake, or fry them, they come out irresistibly golden and bursting with flavor. Pair them with a tangy Thousand Island dip, and you have a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in just 20 minutes. I hope these tips, serving ideas, and storage tricks make it easier and more enjoyable for you to bring this delicious appetizer to your table — happy cooking!