Name: Best Mini Reuben Sliders- Easy Beef Sandwich Bites
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 sliders
Ingredients: 14 ounces canned sauerkraut, drained; 2 tablespoons Russian dressing (or Thousand Island 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 are an absolute game-changer when it comes to party appetizers or even a fun, casual weeknight meal. Forget the fuss of making a full-sized Reuben sandwich; these miniature marvels deliver all the iconic flavors you love in a perfectly portioned, bite-sized package. We’re talking about that irresistible combination of tangy sauerkraut, savory corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, and creamy Thousand Island dressing, all nestled between slices of toasted rye bread. It’s no wonder these little flavor bombs disappear so quickly! What truly makes these Reuben sliders so special is their adaptability. You can prepare them ahead of time, bake them off just before guests arrive, and enjoy the rave reviews. The sheer convenience, coupled with the intensely satisfying taste, makes them a perennial crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to whip up, proving that big flavor doesn’t always need a big sandwich.

Ingredients:

14 ounces canned sauerkraut
2 tablespoons Russian dressing (or Thousand Island dressing), plus extra for serving
1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional, but highly recommended for authentic flavor)
12 Hawaiian rolls (sweet slider rolls are ideal for a touch of sweetness)
8 slices Swiss cheese (a good quality Swiss cheese will melt beautifully)
1/2 pound deli corned beef, thinly sliced (ask your deli to slice it extra thin for best results)
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, adds a pop of color and freshness)

Preparation and Assembly

Sauerkraut Prep

The first step to achieving perfectly flavorful Reuben sliders is to properly prepare the sauerkraut. Open the 14-ounce can of sauerkraut and drain it thoroughly. For best results, I like to press out as much liquid as possible. You can do this by placing the sauerkraut in a fine-mesh sieve set over a bowl and gently pressing down with the back of a spoon. Alternatively, you can wrap the sauerkraut in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out the excess moisture. Once drained, transfer the sauerkraut to a medium bowl. Add the 2 tablespoons of Russian dressing (or Thousand Island dressing, if you prefer) and the 1/2 teaspoon of caraway seeds, if you’re using them. Stir everything together until the sauerkraut is evenly coated with the dressing and seeds. Set this mixture aside; it’s going to infuse with flavor as it sits.

Butter Mixture Creation

Next, we’ll prepare the magical butter mixture that will transform our Hawaiian rolls into golden, savory delights. In a small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter with the 1 & 1/2 tablespoons of dried onion soup mix. Whisk these together until the soup mix is well incorporated into the butter. This mixture is key to creating that irresistible, slightly crispy, and deeply flavorful crust on the tops of the sliders. The dried onion soup mix adds a concentrated savory and umami punch that complements the corned beef and sauerkraut beautifully. You can also add the 1/2 teaspoon of poppy seeds to this butter mixture at this stage, or sprinkle them on top later. Stirring them in now ensures they’re evenly distributed.

Slider Assembly

Now it’s time to bring all our delicious components together! Take your 12 Hawaiian rolls and, using a serrated knife, carefully slice them in half horizontally, creating a top and bottom for each slider. Lay the bottom halves of the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish or on a large baking sheet. It’s important to keep the rolls intact as much as possible so that when you pour the butter mixture over them, it saturates all the nooks and crannies. Arrange the thinly sliced deli corned beef evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls. Don’t be shy with the corned beef; a generous layer is essential for that classic Reuben flavor. Next, evenly distribute the prepared sauerkraut mixture over the corned beef. Make sure to get a good amount of the dressing and caraway seeds onto each slider. Finally, top the sauerkraut with the 8 slices of Swiss cheese. You can tear the cheese slices to fit if needed, ensuring good coverage over the sauerkraut. Place the top halves of the Hawaiian rolls back onto the assembled sliders.

Baking for Golden Perfection

Once your sliders are fully assembled, it’s time to unleash the oven’s power. Carefully pour the prepared butter mixture evenly over the tops of all the Hawaiian rolls. Try to get as much of the butter and onion soup mixture onto the rolls as possible, as this is what will give them their beautiful golden-brown color and irresistible texture. You can use a pastry brush to help spread the butter mixture if some areas seem dry. Cover the baking dish or baking sheet tightly with aluminum foil. This step is crucial for allowing the sliders to steam and heat through evenly, melting the cheese and infusing the flavors without burning the tops of the rolls. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the rolls are warmed through.

Final Touches and Serving

After the initial baking period, remove the aluminum foil from the sliders. This allows the tops of the rolls to crisp up and turn a beautiful golden brown. Return the uncovered sliders to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the tops are toasted to your liking and the cheese is bubbly and begin extractning to brown in spots. Keep a close eye on them during this final stage to prevent burning. Once they’re out of the oven, let them rest for a minute or two before serving. This allows the flavors to meld further and makes them easier to handle. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, for a touch of color and freshness. Serve the Reuben sliders immediately, with extra Russian or Thousand Island dressing on the side for dipping. These are best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven, for the ultimate flavor and texture experience.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – a simple yet incredibly satisfying way to create delicious Reuben Sliders right in your own kitchen! We’ve walked through each step, ensuring that even if you’re new to slider making, you’ll end up with a batch that’s bursting with classic Reuben flavor. The combination of savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and that irresistible Thousand Island dressing, all nestled between soft slider buns, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re gearing up for a game day, a casual get-together, or just a weeknight craving, these Reuben Sliders are sure to impress. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the serving suggestions – they are wonderfully versatile!

For serving, consider pairing these delightful Reuben Sliders with a crisp coleslaw, some crunchy dill pickle spears, or even a side of seasoned potato wedges. They make for a perfect appetizer or a light meal. When it comes to variations, feel free to experiment! Some people love adding a touch of mustard to their Thousand Island dressing, or perhaps a sprinkle of caraway seeds for an extra authentic touch. You could also try different types of cheese if Swiss isn’t your favorite, though we highly recommend sticking with it for the true Reuben experience. We encourage you to give this recipe a try and make it your own. Happy cooking!

FAQs:

What kind of bread is best for Reuben Sliders?

While classic slider buns are perfect for their size and softness, you can also use small pieces of rye bread, pumpernickel bread, or even Hawaiian sweet rolls for a different flavor profile. The key is a bread that holds up well to the fillings without becoming soggy.

Can I make the Reuben Sliders ahead of time?

You can prepare most of the components ahead of time. Cook the corned beef, mix the sauerkraut and cheese, and prepare the dressing. However, to prevent the buns from getting soggy, it’s best to assemble and toast them just before serving.

What are some good dipping sauces for Reuben Sliders?

While the Thousand Island dressing is built into the slider, extra dipping sauce is always welcome! Besides more Thousand Island, consider a spicy mustard, a tangy ranch, or even a horseradish sauce for those who like a little kick.