“Did you hear the sizzle?” I overheard my neighbor mutter as the aroma of baked sliders wafted through the air. It turned out to be my new obsession: Reuben Sliders, a delightful twist on the classic sandwich that I couldn’t resist making. These little bites are an easy appetizer with all the elements of a traditional Reuben sandwich—think tender corned beef, zesty sauerkraut, and velvety Swiss cheese, all nestled between soft Hawaiian rolls. Not only are they perfect for tailgating or holiday gatherings, but they also offer a convenient way to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, you can customize your sliders with different breads and meats for a personal touch! Intrigued? Let’s dive into the recipe that promises to make your next get-together a hit! Why Are Reuben Sliders a Must-Try? Unforgettable flavors: Each bite offers a harmonious blend of savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese that transports you straight to comfort food heaven. Quick and easy: This recipe comes together effortlessly, making it a perfect solution for last-minute gatherings. Customizable: Swap ingredients to create your unique twist! Try turkey pastrami or even a vegetarian option to cater to all taste buds. Perfect for sharing: With their bite-sized nature, these sliders are a crowd-pleaser, ideal for tailgates, parties, or family gatherings. Make-ahead magic: Prep these sliders in advance, store them in the fridge, and pop them in the oven when you’re ready, freeing you up to enjoy your party. Reuben Sliders Ingredients For the Sliders • King’s Hawaiian Rolls – These soft, sweet rolls create the perfect base; consider using rye bread slider buns for a traditional flavor. • Pastrami or Roast Beef – Adds savory depth to each slider; you can swap in turkey pastrami for a lighter twist. • Sauerkraut – Provides a tangy kick, but be sure to drain and squeeze it dry to prevent sogginess! • Swiss Cheese – Melts beautifully for that gooey goodness; Gruyère is a great alternative for a unique flavor. For the Sauce • Thousand Island Dressing – Delivers creaminess and tang that pairs perfectly; Russian dressing can be used for a different flair. • Butter – Adds richness and golden color; margarine works well as a dairy-free substitute. • Worcestershire Sauce – Enhances that umami flavor; simply omit it if you need a gluten-free version. For Seasoning • Dried Minced Onion & Garlic – These add depth of flavor to your sliders; if desired, fresh versions can be used for a more vibrant taste. • Poppy Seeds – Adds a lovely visual touch and slight crunch; feel free to skip if you’re not a fan. For Garnish • Fresh Parsley – A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens up the sliders for a nice finish! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Savory Reuben Sliders Step 1: Preheat Your Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature will ensure that your Reuben Sliders bake evenly, becoming beautifully golden brown on the outside. While the oven heats up, gather your ingredients and equipment to streamline your cooking process, making it smooth and enjoyable. Step 2: Prepare the Sauerkraut Next, drain the sauerkraut well and squeeze out any excess moisture. This step is crucial to avoid soggy sliders, ensuring that the filling maintains a delightful texture. Once dried, set the sauerkraut aside so it’s ready to layer in your sliders. Step 3: Assemble the Slider Base Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, creating a top and bottom layer. Spread a generous amount of Thousand Island dressing on both cut sides of the rolls. This creamy base will enhance the flavors of your Reuben Sliders and create a delicious binding between the ingredients. Step 4: Layer the Fillings On the bottom half of the rolls, layer the pastrami or your choice of meat evenly. Follow this with the prepared sauerkraut, ensuring an even distribution, and then top with slices of Swiss cheese. Place the top half of the rolls over the filling, completing the assembly for your delectable Reuben Sliders. Step 5: Prepare the Butter Mixture In a small bowl, melt your butter and mix in Worcestershire sauce, dried minced onion, and garlic. This flavorful mixture will add richness and umami to the sliders. Brush this blend generously over the top of the assembled slider buns, making sure to coat them well for a beautiful glaze. Step 6: Bake the Sliders Cover the assembled sliders with aluminum foil and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted. The foil helps steam the sliders, keeping them moist while creating a lovely crust on top. Step 7: Slice and Serve Once baked, remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool slightly before slicing them into individual portions. Serve warm for the best experience, and consider pairing with pickles for a refreshing crunch. These Reuben Sliders are sure to be a hit at any gathering! Reuben Sliders Variations & Substitutions Feel free to unleash your culinary creativity by customizing these delicious sliders to suit your taste! Turkey Pastrami: For a lighter dish, swap corned beef for turkey pastrami. This variation still delivers on flavor while trimming calories. Different Bread: Use rye bread slider buns instead of Hawaiian rolls for a traditional Reuben experience. Expect a more robust flavor with every bite! Vegetarian Delight: Replace the meat with roasted vegetables or tempeh to create a scrumptious veggie version. Each bite will burst with amazing flavors while being meat-free! Cheese Options: Experiment with cheddar or pepper jack cheese instead of Swiss. It’s a delightful twist that adds a bold, spicy kick! Sauce Substitute: If you’re not a fan of Thousand Island, try using Russian dressing for a uniquely tangy taste that still harmonizes beautifully with the other flavors. Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a zesty heat that elevates your sliders to a whole new level! Poppy Seed Twist: For a more visually appealing slider, sprinkle additional poppy seeds on top before baking for a lovely crunch and presentation. Herb Garnish: Elevate the flavors by using fresh dill instead of parsley for a fragrant touch that perfectly complements the tangy sauerkraut. Each variation invites you to explore flavors that fit your palate, making these Reuben Sliders a dish you can endlessly adapt! For more twist inspiration, check out our guide to creative slider toppings or learn to whip up a smooth homemade Thousand Island dressing that can elevate your sliders even further! Make Ahead Options These Reuben Sliders are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can assemble the entire slider, cover them, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Start by preparing the sauerkraut and squeezing out excess moisture to maintain that delightful texture. Keep the butter mixture separate until you’re ready to bake; this ensures that the sliders stay crispy and fresh. When you’re ready to serve, simply brush the butter mixture over the sliders and pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes until golden brown. This simple prep in advance makes mealtime effortless, delivering just as delicious sliders with minimal effort on the day of your gathering! Expert Tips for Reuben Sliders • Squeeze Sauerkraut Dry: Ensure you remove excess moisture from the sauerkraut to prevent soggy sliders; this keeps them crispy and delightful. • Perfect Choice of Rolls: While King’s Hawaiian rolls are great, rye bread slider buns enhance the traditional Reuben taste—try both for variety! • Flavor Variations: Don’t hesitate to experiment! Swap in turkey pastrami or even pepper jack cheese for a twist on the classic Reuben Sliders. • Optimal Baking Time: Cover the sliders with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking; uncovering them for the last 10 allows for a perfect golden crust. • Make-Ahead Option: Assemble your sliders ahead of time, cover tightly, and refrigerate; just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve! What to Serve with Savory Reuben Sliders Looking to create a memorable meal that complements the flavors of these bite-sized delights? Crunchy Pickles: The tangy crunch of pickles provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the sliders, enhancing each bite. They offer a satisfying crunch that balances the softness of the sliders. Coleslaw: A crisp coleslaw adds a delightful crunch and a touch of creaminess, making it a fantastic side for these hearty sliders. The slight sweetness in coleslaw perfectly complements the tangy sauerkraut. Sweet Potato Fries: The crispy sweetness of sweet potato fries provides a deliciously contrasting flavor to the savory taste of Reuben Sliders. Their crispy exterior pairs perfectly with the warm, gooey sliders, making for a wonderful pairing. Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad enhances the meal’s heartiness and brings a classic side flavor that aligns beautifully with the Reuben’s rich notes. The comforting texture of potato salad adds an extra layer of satisfaction. Beer: A light lager or cream ale pairs wonderfully, cutting through the richness of the sliders while complementing their savory flavors with effervescent refreshment. It’s a perfect drink to elevate your meal experience. Dessert: End the meal with something sweet, like brownies or a chocolate mousse. Their richness provides a nice contrast to the savory sliders, giving your gathering a well-rounded touch of indulgence. Fresh Green Salad: A light, vibrant salad with a citrus dressing adds freshness and a burst of color to your meal, making it feel balanced and bright in contrast to the heavier sliders. Apple Slices with Cheese: Slices of crisp apple paired with sharp cheddar create a sweet and savory combination that beautifully complements the flavors of Reuben Sliders, bringing a refreshing bite to the table. How to Store and Freeze Reuben Sliders Fridge: Store any leftover Reuben Sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Freezer: If you want to freeze sliders, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then in foil, storing them for up to 2 months. Reheating: For the best results, reheat frozen Reuben Sliders in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Make-Ahead: You can assemble your Reuben Sliders a day in advance, store them covered in the fridge, and bake when ready to serve. Reuben Sliders Recipe FAQs How do I select the right sauerkraut? Absolutely! When choosing sauerkraut, look for a brand that appears fresh and vibrant, without excessive liquid. If it has dark spots or unappealing smells, it may have gone bad. I recommend checking the label for preservatives and ingredients – the simpler, the better! What is the best way to store leftover Reuben Sliders? To keep your sliders fresh, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I often separate them with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. Just remember, for the best texture, they are best enjoyed as fresh as possible! Can I freeze Reuben Sliders? Yes, you can! For freezing, wrap each slider individually in plastic wrap and then in foil. This method protects them from freezer burn and preserves flavor. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat them in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed and crispy. What if my sliders are too soggy? If your Reuben Sliders come out soggy, it’s likely due to excess moisture in the sauerkraut or they weren’t baked properly. To avoid this, always squeeze out the extra liquid from sauerkraut before adding, and cover them with foil during the early baking phase, uncovering them towards the end for a crispy finish. Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind? Very! If anyone has gluten sensitivities, make sure to use gluten-free buns and avoid Worcestershire sauce, as many brands contain gluten. For dairy-free options, margarine or dairy-free cheese can replace regular butter and Swiss cheese, respectively. It’s always a good idea to ask about any allergies before serving. Can I prepare Reuben Sliders ahead of time? The more the merrier! You can assemble your Reuben Sliders a day in advance. Layer them as instructed, cover them tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate them. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop them into a preheated oven and bake. This makes it super convenient for gatherings and you’ll have more time to enjoy with your guests. Delicious Reuben Sliders for Your Next Tailgate Party Reuben Sliders are a must-try appetizer that perfectly combines savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 50 minutes mins Servings: 12 slidersCourse: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Sliders12 rolls King's Hawaiian Rolls or rye bread slider buns1 lb Pastrami or Roast Beef can substitute with turkey pastrami1 cup Sauerkraut drained and squeezed dry8 oz Swiss Cheese or Gruyère cheeseFor the Sauce1/2 cup Thousand Island Dressing or Russian dressing1/4 cup Butter or margarine as a dairy-free substitute1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce omit for gluten-freeFor Seasoning1 tbsp Dried Minced Onion1 tbsp Dried Minced Garlic1 tbsp Poppy Seeds optionalFor Garnish2 tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped Equipment ovenbaking dishmixing bowlAluminum foil Method Assembly InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).Drain the sauerkraut well and squeeze out any excess moisture.Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally and spread Thousand Island dressing on both cut sides.Layer the pastrami, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese in the bottom half of the rolls.Melt butter and mix in Worcestershire sauce, minced onion, and garlic, then brush over the assembled slider buns.Cover the sliders with aluminum foil and bake for about 30 minutes.Remove sliders from the oven, let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm. Nutrition Serving: 1sliderCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 12gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 4IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 8mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a preheated oven for best results. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!