Simple and Savory Reuben Sliders Recipe You Need to Try
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a delightful main dish for your next gathering, look no further than Reuben Sliders! These bite-sized sandwiches are a perfect combination of flavors, packed with tender corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, and tangy sauerkraut, all nestled in a buttery, toasted slider bun. They’re easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and guaranteed to be a hit at any event, from casual parties to game days or even a cozy family dinner.
The best part? These Reuben Sliders can be prepared in a flash, making them an ideal choice for those last-minute get-togethers. They offer all the rich flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich but in a mini, more shareable form, perfect for serving a crowd. Plus, with their crisp, golden crust and oozy cheese, each bite is sure to delight your taste buds and leave everyone coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Reuben Sliders
There are so many reasons why Reuben Sliders are destined to become one of your favorite recipes. First and foremost, they bring together the irresistible flavors of a traditional Reuben sandwich but in a bite-sized form that’s perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a casual dinner with friends, these sliders are sure to impress.
One of the key reasons you’ll love this recipe is its versatility. The ingredients are simple and easy to find, and the sliders can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences. If you’re not a fan of corned beef, you can easily swap it out for another protein, such as turkey or chicken. The Swiss cheese is a classic, but you can opt for a different melty cheese like provolone or cheddar if that’s more your style.
Another great thing about these Reuben Sliders is that they’re quick and simple to make. Unlike many slider recipes that require hours of preparation, this one comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s an ideal dish when you’re pressed for time but still want to serve something hearty and delicious.
Finally, these sliders are an absolute crowd-pleaser. They’re perfect for feeding a large group of guests, and they’re guaranteed to disappear quickly! Their combination of crispy buns, savory meat, gooey cheese, and tangy sauerkraut makes them an irresistible choice for any occasion.
What You’ll Need
Before you start making these mouthwatering Reuben Sliders, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need. This recipe is designed to be simple and straightforward, so you won’t need any unusual or hard-to-find items. Most of these ingredients can be picked up at your local grocery store, ensuring that you can whip up these sliders whenever the craving hits.
Ingredients:
- Slider Buns: 12 soft and small slider buns or rolls, perfect for creating individual sandwiches.
- Corned Beef: 1 pound of sliced corned beef (you can use deli-style or homemade if preferred).
- Swiss Cheese: 12 slices of Swiss cheese (melt-friendly options like provolone or cheddar also work well).
- Sauerkraut: 1 cup of drained sauerkraut. It adds a tangy and slightly sour flavor that balances the richness of the beef and cheese.
- Russian or Thousand Island Dressing: ½ cup. This creamy dressing gives the sliders their signature taste, blending the flavors perfectly.
- Butter: ¼ cup, melted. You’ll brush this over the tops of the buns before baking to get that golden, crispy texture.
- Dijon Mustard: 2 tablespoons for an extra kick of flavor.
That’s it! These ingredients are essential to creating the rich, savory, and satisfying flavors of Reuben Sliders, with just the right balance of tanginess, creaminess, and meltiness.
How to Make Reuben Sliders
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to make these delicious Reuben Sliders. This recipe is incredibly easy and can be prepared in just a few simple steps. Follow the instructions below to create sliders that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the buns will toast perfectly while the ingredients melt together.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized pan with a bit of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Sliders:
- Slice the slider buns in half horizontally to form sandwich tops and bottoms.
- Lay the bottom halves of the buns into the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
- Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on each bottom half of the buns.
- Add a slice of Swiss cheese on top of the buns, followed by a generous layer of corned beef. You want to make sure the beef is spread evenly so that every bite is full of flavor.
- Spoon about a tablespoon of sauerkraut onto each slider, distributing it evenly.
- Spread a small amount of Russian or Thousand Island dressing on top of the sauerkraut, ensuring each slider gets a creamy, tangy bite.
- Finally, place a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each slider’s filling, and place the top half of the buns onto each one.
- Brush with Butter: Once your sliders are assembled, drizzle the melted butter over the top of the buns. This will help them achieve a nice golden color as they bake.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes or until the tops of the buns are golden brown and the cheese has melted.
- Serve: Once the sliders are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Slice them into individual servings, and they’re ready to serve!
Serving and Storage Tips for Reuben Sliders
Reuben Sliders are best served fresh out of the oven while they’re warm and the cheese is perfectly melted. However, they can also be prepared in advance, making them a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
Serving Tips:
- Serve Warm: For the ultimate Reuben Slider experience, serve them warm. The buttery, toasted buns and gooey cheese create a combination that’s hard to resist.
- Pair with Sides: These sliders are great on their own, but they’re even better when paired with simple sides. Consider serving them with crispy potato wedges, a tangy pickle platter, or a light green salad to balance the richness of the sliders.
- Finger Food: Since these sliders are bite-sized, they’re perfect for parties, gatherings, and game days. Serve them on a platter or with small toothpicks for easy picking.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: If you happen to have leftovers, store the sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for about 2-3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the sliders in the oven for the best texture. Wrap them loosely in aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the sliders are heated through and the cheese has melted again.
- Freezing: You can also freeze Reuben Sliders for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap each slider tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat from frozen, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Mistakes to Avoid for Reuben Sliders
While making these delicious Reuben Sliders is fairly simple, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for to ensure your sliders turn out perfectly every time.
1. Using Dry or Stale Buns:
One of the keys to a perfect Reuben Slider is the freshness of the buns. Avoid using stale or dry slider buns as they can make the sliders less enjoyable. Soft, fresh buns will help retain moisture and provide that ideal texture once they’re toasted.
2. Overstuffing the Sliders:
It’s tempting to add more ingredients for a bigger bite, but overstuffing the sliders can lead to a messy situation. It can also cause the buns to fall apart or the filling to spill out during baking. Be sure to follow the ingredient measurements and distribute the filling evenly to keep the sliders intact and easy to handle.
3. Skipping the Butter:
The butter brushed on top of the buns before baking plays an important role in achieving that crispy, golden crust. Skipping this step may result in sliders that are too soft or lack the satisfying crunch that makes them irresistible. Don’t skimp on the butter for the best results!
4. Not Draining the Sauerkraut:
Sauerkraut is a crucial component of Reuben Sliders, but it’s important to make sure it’s well-drained before adding it to the sliders. Excess moisture from the sauerkraut can make the buns soggy, which will affect the texture of your sliders. Gently press out any excess liquid before spreading it on the buns.
5. Forgetting the Mustard:
Dijon mustard adds a unique flavor that balances out the richness of the cheese and meat. If you skip this, your sliders may be lacking that signature tangy kick. Be sure to add it for the full flavor experience!
Tips and Tricks for Reuben Sliders
Making Reuben Sliders is easy, but a few extra tips and tricks can elevate your dish and ensure that each bite is perfect. Here are some helpful pointers to keep in mind:
1. Use Freshly Sliced Corned Beef:
While pre-sliced deli corned beef is convenient, freshly sliced corned beef from the deli counter can take your sliders to the next level. The texture and flavor of freshly cut meat are often superior, ensuring a more satisfying bite. If you’re preparing homemade corned beef, make sure it’s thinly sliced for the best results.
2. Customize the Cheese:
Swiss cheese is a classic choice for Reuben sandwiches, but feel free to mix it up! You can try other meltable cheeses like provolone, mozzarella, or even a blend of cheeses for a unique twist. If you prefer something a little sharper, cheddar is a great option that pairs well with the tangy sauerkraut.
3. Make Your Own Russian Dressing:
While store-bought Russian or Thousand Island dressing is convenient, making your own dressing can add a personal touch and enhance the flavor of your sliders. Mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, a little horseradish, and some pickle relish for a quick homemade alternative that tastes fresher and more vibrant.
4. Toast the Buns First (Optional):
If you want an extra crispy crust, toast the slider buns in a dry skillet for a minute or two before assembling the sliders. This will give the buns an additional layer of crispness that will hold up even better when baking.
5. Add a Touch of Garlic:
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding some garlic powder or minced garlic to the melted butter that you brush onto the buns. The garlic will infuse into the bread, adding a savory layer to complement the richness of the filling.
Suggestions
Reuben Sliders are incredibly versatile, and you can adjust the recipe to suit various preferences or dietary needs. Here are some great suggestions for making the recipe your own:
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1. Vegetarian Reuben Sliders:
If you want to make these sliders vegetarian, simply swap the corned beef for a meatless option. You can use tempeh, seitan, or even a hearty portobello mushroom to replace the meat. Just make sure to season the replacement protein with a good amount of flavor to mimic the savory depth of corned beef.
2. Gluten-Free Version:
For a gluten-free version, opt for gluten-free slider buns, which are now widely available in most grocery stores. Make sure that your dressing and other ingredients are also gluten-free to ensure that every part of the slider is safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
3. Add Some Spice:
If you like a little heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to your Reuben Sliders. The spicy kick will pair wonderfully with the creamy dressing and tangy sauerkraut, giving your sliders an exciting new flavor profile.
4. Try a Slider Platter:
For larger gatherings, serve your Reuben Sliders on a platter alongside other slider varieties, such as chicken sliders or veggie sliders. This allows your guests to sample a variety of flavors while still enjoying the signature Reuben taste.
FAQ
As with any popular recipe, there are always a few questions that arise. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about making Reuben Sliders.
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1. Can I make Reuben Sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely! Reuben Sliders are a great make-ahead option. You can assemble them up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply cover the sliders with foil and bake as instructed. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are refrigerated.
2. Can I freeze Reuben Sliders?
Yes, you can freeze these sliders! After assembling them, wrap the entire dish in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to eat, bake them from frozen by adding 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time. Freezing is a great option for prepping meals in advance or saving leftovers.
3. Can I use a different type of meat?
While corned beef is the traditional choice for Reuben Sliders, you can use other deli meats like pastrami or roast beef if you prefer. Just make sure the meat you choose complements the tangy sauerkraut and creamy dressing for the best flavor balance.
4. Can I use a different cheese?
Swiss cheese is the classic choice for Reuben sandwiches, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Provolone, cheddar, or even a combination of cheeses will work well, though each will bring a slightly different flavor profile.
5. Can I make these sliders in a slow cooker?
While these sliders are best baked in the oven for a crispy, golden crust, you could make a slow-cooker version by layering the sliders in the cooker and heating on low for 2-3 hours. However, the buns won’t be as crispy, and the texture will be different than when baked in the oven.
Conclusion
Reuben Sliders are a perfect blend of savory, tangy, and creamy flavors, making them an irresistible choice for parties, game days, or a cozy family dinner. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a delicious meal at home, these sliders are sure to be a hit with everyone.
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With simple ingredients, easy preparation, and plenty of opportunities for customization, these sliders are not only a crowd-pleaser but also a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again. Serve them with your favorite sides, or enjoy them on their own—either way, you’ll be savoring every bite.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and make these delicious Reuben Sliders today!
