Name: Reuben Egg Rolls 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 craving a fun twist on a classic deli favorite, this Reuben Egg Rolls Recipe is just the thing. Imagine all the tangy sauerkraut, savory corned beef, and melty Swiss cheese you love, wrapped up in a crispy golden egg roll. It’s a handheld party in every bite!

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

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of these Reuben egg rolls—they’re my go-to when I want something crispy, cheesy, and full of that iconic Reuben flavor without the hassle of assembling a sandwich. Plus, they’re a crowd-pleaser that feels fancy but is super easy to make!

Perfectly portable: Enjoy all the flavors of a Reuben sandwich in a fun, handheld form.
Quick and easy prep: Ready in just 20 minutes, these egg rolls make weeknight cooking a breeze.
Customizable filling: Swap in mozzarella if you prefer a milder cheese or try gluten-free wrappers.
Versatile cooking methods: Air fry, bake, or deep-fry depending on your kitchen setup and cravings.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When gathering your ingredients for these Reuben egg rolls, you’ll want fresh egg roll wrappers and classic Reuben staples—you can find most of these at your local grocery store. Pro tip: check the refrigerated section near tofu and salad dressings for the wrappers.

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: These form the crispy, golden shell that holds all that yummy filling together perfectly.
Oil: Essential for brushing and frying to get that irresistible crunch and golden color.
Thousand Island dressing: The classic dip that balances the tangy and savory filling so beautifully.
Corned beef: The star protein, rich and flavorful, diced for easy rolling.
Swiss cheese: Melts smoothly and adds that signature nutty flavor synonymous with Reuben sandwiches.
Sauerkraut: Brings the tang and texture that make every bite sing with authentic Reuben vibes.

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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

The beauty of this Reuben Egg Rolls Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you want to spice things up, keep it classic, or adapt it for special diets, these egg rolls welcome your creative touch.

Vegetarian Variation: Swap the corned beef for sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions to capture that savory depth without meat. I tried this once for a lunch with friends who prefer meatless dishes, and it was a hit—the umami flavors melded perfectly with the sauerkraut and cheese.
Cheese Options: While Swiss cheese gives that iconic Reuben flavor, mozzarella works well if you want a milder cheese. I sometimes mix in a little shredded cheddar for extra richness when I’m feeling indulgent.
Gluten-Free Twist: Use rice paper rolls instead of egg roll wrappers for a gluten-free version. Just be sure to reduce cooking time to 3 minutes per side in the air fryer or pan—this keeps them crispy without burning. I made this swap once for a family gathering, and everyone loved how light and crispy they turned out.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a small spoonful of horseradish sauce into the filling for a little kick. It’s a delicious way to bring some heat to these otherwise mellow bites.
Seasonal Flair: Toss in some thinly sliced fresh apple or caramelized onions for a sweet contrast when the seasons turn cooler. I’ve found that adding a hint of sweetness nicely balances the tangy sauerkraut.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Reuben Egg Rolls 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 the size of small cubes—to ensure every bite is packed with that savory meat. Similarly, dice or shred your Swiss cheese so it melts perfectly inside. In a medium bowl, combine the corned beef, cheese, and sauerkraut, then mix gently until everything is evenly distributed. You’ll notice the tangy aroma of sauerkraut melding with the hearty corned beef—it’s the signature scent of what’s to come!

Step 2: Assemble Your Egg Rolls

Lay out your egg roll wrappers on a clean surface. Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of filling into the center of each wrapper. The filling should be generous but not overstuffed—this will help the rolls seal properly without bursting during cooking. Dip your finger in water and lightly moisten the edges of the wrapper. Fold in two opposite corners toward the center, then roll tightly from one end to the other to seal. Trust me, sealing well is key to keeping that melty goodness inside!

Step 3: Cook the Egg Rolls

I prefer the air fryer method for a quick, less oily finish. Brush both sides of each egg roll with about a tablespoon of oil—this promotes that irresistible golden crisp. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, or until the egg rolls turn a luscious golden brown. Don’t rush it! The crisp exterior signals that the inside is perfectly hot and melty.

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also fry them on the stovetop: heat oil in a deep pot over medium heat and cook the egg rolls in small batches for about 5 minutes until golden and crisp. Alternatively, oven-baking works beautifully too—just brush the egg rolls with oil on both sides, arrange them on a foil-lined sheet pan or rack, and bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway and brushing with more oil if needed.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

After cooking, let your egg rolls rest for about 3 minutes. This cooling time means the filling sets slightly, making each bite safer and more enjoyable. Serve them alongside classic Thousand Island dressing for dipping—this creamy, tangy sauce is the perfect partner to your crispy Reuben Egg Rolls. Grab one, dip, and enjoy the handheld Reuben experience like never before!

Top Tip

Getting these Reuben Egg Rolls just right means balancing crispy exteriors with a perfectly melty, savory filling. Here are some insider tips that make all the difference.

Even Filling Distribution: I like to dice the corned beef and cheese into small, uniform pieces so every bite has a little bit of everything without overwhelming the wrapper.
Proper Sealing Technique: Moistening the wrapper edges just enough with water helps seal the egg rolls snugly. Too much water can make the wrapper soggy, which I’ve definitely learned to avoid!
Oil Brushing for Crispiness: Brushing the egg rolls lightly with oil on both sides before air frying ensures they crisp evenly without needing deep frying.
Don’t Rush Cooling: Letting the egg rolls cool for 3 minutes after cooking avoids burning your mouth while still enjoying them warm and melty inside.

How to Serve Reuben Egg Rolls 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 some chopped fresh parsley or dill for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A few thin slices of pickles on the side add a tangy crunch that complements the sauerkraut beautifully. You can even add a lemon wedge to brighten up the plate.

Side Dishes

Classic sides like kettle-cooked potato chips, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad work perfectly here. For a heartier meal, consider serving with baked sweet potato fries or even a creamy cucumber salad to balance the saltiness of the corned beef.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Reuben Egg Rolls in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They'll keep well for up to 3 days, making for a delicious next-day snack or lunch.

Freezing

You can freeze the uncooked assembled egg rolls by laying them out in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They'll keep for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, cook them straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Reheating

To reheat leftover cooked egg rolls, air fry at 400°F for around 5 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Alternatively, warm them in a 400°F oven for 10 minutes, flipping halfway to retain that golden crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cheese for this Reuben Egg Rolls Recipe?

Absolutely! Swiss cheese is traditional, but mozzarella or even provolone works well if you prefer a milder, stretchy cheese. Just use about ½ cup diced or shredded cheese for the perfect melt.

What’s the best way to avoid soggy egg rolls?

Be sure to drain the sauerkraut well to remove excess moisture before mixing it into the filling. Also, brushing the egg rolls with oil and air frying or baking at a high temperature (400°F) helps create that crisp outer layer.

Can I make these egg rolls gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute rice paper rolls for egg roll wrappers and reduce cooking time to about 3 minutes per side or until crispy. This keeps the egg rolls tasty and gluten-free.

Is air frying the best cooking method for these Reuben Egg Rolls?

Air frying at 400°F for 10 minutes gives a wonderfully crisp texture with less oil than deep frying. However, stovetop frying and oven baking are delicious alternatives depending on your equipment and preference.

Final Thoughts

These Reuben Egg Rolls are a fantastic way to bring the iconic flavors of a Reuben sandwich into a fun, handheld treat. With their crispy exterior and melty, tangy filling, they never fail to impress whether you're serving them at a casual get-together or just craving something special at home. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do—happy cooking and even happier eating!