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 tablespoons oil (for cooking); Thousand Island dressing (for serving); 500 grams corned beef (approximately 10 slices), diced into bite-sized pieces; ½ cup Swiss cheese (or mozzarella cheese, approximately 5 slices), diced or shredded; ½ cup sauerkraut

If you love a good twist on classic comfort food, you’re going to adore this Reuben Egg Rolls with Sauerkraut Recipe. It’s like taking your favorite Reuben sandwich, giving it a crispy, golden egg roll makeover, and pairing it with tangy Thousand Island dressing. Trust me, it’s a total game-changer for your appetizer lineup!

On a white plate with a blue center, there are several golden brown baked pastries. One pastry is split in half and placed standing upright in the middle, showing three main layers: the outer crust is a shiny, light brown baked pastry dough; inside it has a thick layer of pinkish-red meat with a fibrous texture, and a layer of shredded white cabbage-like vegetable surrounding the meat on both sides. A small metal bowl with creamy, light orange dipping sauce sits in front of the pastries. In the background, there is a white and blue checkered cloth on a white marbled surface. 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 remember the first time I made these Reuben egg rolls—they disappeared faster than I could plate them! There’s something so satisfying about the crispy wrapper giving way to the melty cheese, savory corned beef, and the zing of sauerkraut inside.

Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for impromptu gatherings or snacks.
Versatile Cooking Methods: Air fryer, stovetop, or oven—you choose what works best for you.
Crispy & Flavorful: Crispy exterior balanced with a classic Reuben filling that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Great for Sharing: Makes 12 delicious egg rolls—perfect for parties or game day.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Picking fresh, high-quality ingredients really makes all the difference here. You’ll want good corned beef that’s flavorful but not too salty, some melty Swiss (or mozzarella) cheese, and sauerkraut that adds just the right amount of tang. Grab your egg roll wrappers from the refrigerated section—usually near the tofu or salad dressings.

Flat lay of a neat stack of thin, square egg roll wrappers, a small pile of diced pinkish corned beef pieces, a small heap of shredded pale yellow Swiss cheese, a small mound of light beige sauerkraut strands, a small white ceramic bowl filled with glossy golden cooking oil, and a small white bowl containing creamy pale pink Thousand Island dressing, all elements fresh and natural, arranged symmetrically with perfect proportions, placed 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: The crispy shell that holds everything together—make sure to keep them covered so they don’t dry out while assembling.
Corned beef: The star protein, diced for bite-sized goodness and authentic Reuben flavor.
Swiss cheese (or mozzarella): Adds creamy, melty richness to balance the savory meat.
Sauerkraut: This tangy fermented vegetable brings that classic Reuben zing and a bit of texture contrast.
Oil (for cooking): Essential for crisping up your egg rolls whether you air fry, pan-fry, or bake them.
Thousand Island dressing: The perfect dip with a creamy and tangy kick that completes this flavor-packed appetizer.

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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 parts about this Reuben Egg Rolls with Sauerkraut Recipe is how you can easily tailor it to your preferences and pantry staples. Whether you want to keep it classic, make a gluten-free version, or experiment with cheese varieties, these crispy delights welcome your creativity!

Cheese Swap: I’ve tried swapping the Swiss cheese with mozzarella for a milder, gooey texture, and it worked beautifully—still melty and rich, just a bit softer in flavor.
Gluten-Free Twist: Using rice paper rolls instead of egg roll wrappers gave these a lighter crunch and they cooked up quickly in just about 3 minutes per side. It’s a perfect swap if you’re gluten-sensitive but still craving that crispy bite.
Extra Crunch: For an even crispier crust, I like brushing the egg rolls with a little extra oil before air frying or oven baking. It adds a beautiful golden finish that’s hard to resist.
Veggie Boost: Sometimes I sneak in a bit of finely shredded cabbage or thinly sliced pickles to add extra crunch and a fresh zing that complements the sauerkraut perfectly.
Serving Ideas: Besides the classic Thousand Island dressing, try spicy mustard or a creamy horseradish dip for a punchy contrast that brightens up the flavors.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Reuben Egg Rolls with Sauerkraut Recipe

A white plate with a blue center holds several golden brown baked pockets with a crispy texture. One pocket is cut open to show three main layers inside: a thin, crispy outer crust, a thick middle layer of pink cured meat, and a bottom layer of shredded pale cabbage-like vegetable. Next to the pockets is a small silver cup filled with a creamy light orange dipping sauce with small green and orange flecks. In the background, there is a white marbled surface and a white and blue checkered cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by dicing the corned beef into bite-sized pieces—about 500 grams or roughly 10 slices worth. Then dice or shred about ½ cup of Swiss cheese or mozzarella cheese, depending on your preference. Add ½ cup of sauerkraut and mix everything together in a medium bowl until well combined. The filling should have a balanced mix of savory beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melty cheese, ready to offer that classic Reuben sandwich flavor in a hand-held form.

Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls

Place 1 to 2 tablespoons of the prepared filling right in the center of each egg roll wrapper. To seal them perfectly, dip your finger in water and moisten the edges of the wrapper. Fold two opposite corners toward the center, then roll up tightly to ensure the filling won’t leak during cooking. Repeat with the rest of the wrappers, and your egg rolls are all set!

Step 3: Choose Your Cooking Method

Air Fryer: Brush both sides of each egg roll with 2 tablespoons of oil. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until beautifully golden brown and crispy. This method gives you that perfect crunch with minimal mess.

Stovetop: Heat oil in a deep pot over medium heat. Fry egg rolls in small batches for about 5 minutes until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Oven: Brush egg rolls with oil on both sides, arrange on a foil-lined sheet pan or on a rack, and bake at 400°F for 15 minutes. Flip halfway through and brush with more oil if needed to get an even golden crust.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

After cooking, let the egg rolls cool for 2 to 3 minutes. This resting time lets the filling settle and ensures you won’t burn your mouth with hot cheese and meat. Serve the egg rolls warm alongside tangy Thousand Island dressing for dipping — the perfect partner to all that savory goodness.

Top Tip

These tips will help you get perfectly crispy, flavorful Reuben Egg Rolls with Sauerkraut every time — no soggy wrappers or runaway filling here!

Seal Well: I always make sure to moisten the edges of the egg roll wrapper with water and roll tightly to keep all that delicious filling tucked inside without any leaks during cooking.
Brush with Oil: Brushing each side of the egg rolls with a little oil before air frying or baking makes all the difference in achieving that golden, crispy exterior.
Flip Halfway: Whether air frying or oven baking, flipping the egg rolls halfway through the cooking time ensures even crispiness all around.
Let Them Rest: Patience is key — allowing the egg rolls to cool for 2 to 3 minutes before digging in prevents burning your mouth with the hot filling inside.

How to Serve Reuben Egg Rolls with Sauerkraut Recipe

In this image, a white bowl filled with cooked rice is on a wooden board placed over a white marbled surface. On top of the rice, there are scattered pieces of chopped pink ham and small yellow cheese cubes. A woman's hand is stirring the mixture using a spoon, while another woman's hand holds the side of the bowl. The bowl's inside is a light contrasting color, and the whole scene feels casual and kitchen-like. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and freshness. A few pickle slices on the side echo that classic Reuben sandwich vibe and add a tangy crunch that pairs beautifully with the savory rolls.

Side Dishes

These egg rolls make a fantastic appetizer or party snack but also pair wonderfully with a simple coleslaw, kettle-cooked potato chips, or even a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to balance out the richness. Classic dill pickles or mustard dipping sauce are also excellent accompaniments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store any leftover Reuben egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days—perfect for quick snacks or lunches throughout the week.

Freezing

To freeze, place the assembled, uncooked egg rolls on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm (about 1 hour). Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, no need to thaw—simply add a couple extra minutes to the cooking time until golden and crispy.

Reheating

Reheat leftover egg rolls in the air fryer or oven at 400°F for about 5 to 7 minutes or until heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving since it tends to make the wrappers soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of cheese in the Reuben Egg Rolls with Sauerkraut Recipe?

Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional, mozzarella works well too, and you can even try provolone or a mild cheddar for a different flavor profile.

What’s the best way to prevent the egg rolls from bursting open during cooking?

Make sure the wrappers are sealed tightly by moistening the edges with water before rolling and avoid overfilling each wrapper. This keeps the filling secure as they cook.

Can I bake these instead of air frying?

Yes! Brush the egg rolls with oil on both sides and bake them at 400°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through until they turn golden and crispy.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Definitely. You can use rice paper rolls instead of egg roll wrappers and reduce the cooking time to 3 minutes per side or until crispy to make it gluten free.

Final Thoughts

Making Reuben Egg Rolls with Sauerkraut is such a fun and tasty twist on a classic sandwich. With crispy wrappers and melty, savory filling, they’re sure to become a favorite crowd-pleaser. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to whip up a batch soon — enjoy every delicious bite!