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Bite-sized Reuben sliders combine the comforting flavors of a classic deli sandwich into an irresistible appetizer or snack. Layers of warm corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy dressing are nestled between soft sweet rolls while Swiss cheese melts beautifully throughout. Finished with a buttery, seasoned topping and baked to golden perfection, these sliders come out flavorful and perfect for sharing with family or friends.
I first made these sliders during a game night gathering and they vanished almost immediately. Now they have become my goto dish whenever friends come over.
Ingredients
- Kings Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls: providing a soft and pillowy texture that balances salty beef and tangy sauerkraut. Look for fresh rolls with no squishing.
- Deli Sliced Corned Beef: ideally lean with some marbled fat for flavor. Using leftover cooked corned beef works perfectly to save time.
- Thousand Island or Russian Dressing: adds a creamy, tangy base that holds all layers together. Choose a brand you enjoy or make your own for extra freshness.
- Sauerkraut: take well drained kraut to avoid soggy sliders while adding brightness and acidity. Fresh kraut with minimal preservatives is best.
- Swiss Cheese: is mild and melts beautifully, creating those gooey layers essential to a Reuben. Opt for real Swiss cheese rather than processed slices.
- Salted Butter: brings richness to the topping and helps create a crisp crust. High quality butter enhances the flavor.
- Garlic Powder: adds a savory punch to the butter mixture. It is worth using a fresh jar to avoid stale flavors.
- Worcestershire Sauce: delivers an umami boost enriching the butter topping.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: provides a crunchy, herby finish with sesame, poppy seeds, and a touch of saltiness.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Set your oven to three hundred and fifty degrees so it has a good chance to heat evenly.
- Prepare Rolls:
- Grab a sharp bread knife and carefully slice the entire package of sweet rolls horizontally, trying to keep the top and bottom halves together for easier assembly. Lay the bottom half of the rolls in an ovensafe dish making sure they fit neatly.
- Spread Dressing and Layer Beef:
- Start by spreading a light layer of your chosen dressing evenly over the bottom rolls using a spoon or spatula. Next, layer the corned beef slices so they cover the entire bread surface. If using thicker leftover beef, gently pull or shred it for easier layering.
- Add Cheese:
- Place half of the Swiss cheese slices on top forming a gooey base.
- Add Kraut and More Dressing:
- Spoon the well drained sauerkraut evenly over the cheese pressing lightly so it stays in place. Add another generous drizzle of dressing over the kraut then spread the remaining Swiss cheese slices on top for a double layer of melty goodness.
- Replace Tops:
- Carefully place the top half of the buns back onto the stack aligning everything neatly so no filling spills out.
- Make Butter Topping:
- Melt the salted butter in a small bowl on the stove or in the microwave. Once melted, whisk in the garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
- Brush and Season:
- Using a pastry brush, liberally coat the tops of the rolls with the flavorful butter ensuring even coverage. Sprinkle a thick layer of Everything Bagel Seasoning over the buttered tops covering every slider as much as possible.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to retain moisture. Place in the preheated oven and bake for about twentyfive to thirty minutes until the cheese is melted and sliders are heated through. Remove the foil and bake for another three to five minutes if you want extra golden, crisp tops.
My favorite part has to be the golden, buttery tops sprinkled generously with Everything Bagel Seasoning. I remember my kids sneaking bites just to pick off those crunchy bits while the sliders cooled. It quickly became a fun game to see who got the very first piece of seasoning.
Storage Tips
Let leftover sliders cool completely before placing them in an airtight container and refrigerating. They stay delicious for up to three days. To reheat, warm in the oven at three hundred degrees until melted and heated through. This method keeps the bread from becoming rubbery while restoring the melty cheese texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap sweet rolls for rye or whole grain slider buns if you want a less sweet bread option. Turkey pastrami or roast beef can replace the corned beef for a different taste. Use provolone or sharp cheddar cheese instead of Swiss for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sliders with crunchy pickle spears and kettle style chips for a satisfying snack. Cut into smaller squares for party finger foods that are easy to share. Pair with a crisp green salad for a wellrounded family meal.
These Reuben sliders are a crowd pleasing appetizer that comes together quickly using store bought ingredients. They reheat well and make a great party or game night snack.
FAQs About This Recipe
- → Can I use leftover corned beef?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked corned beef works perfectly and enhances the flavor in these sliders.
- → What bread works best for these sliders?
Soft King's Hawaiian sweet rolls provide a pillowy texture that balances the salty beef and tangy sauerkraut ideally.
- → Is it possible to substitute the Swiss cheese?
Yes, Gruyère or provolone make great alternatives that melt well and complement the other flavors nicely.
- → How do I prevent sogginess in the sliders?
Drain and squeeze sauerkraut thoroughly before layering, and apply dressing lightly to keep the sliders crisp.
- → Can these sliders be prepared in advance?
You can assemble them up to the baking step, cover tightly, refrigerate, and bake right before serving for best results.