Irresistible Reuben Pizza Rolls: Your Ultimate Guide to a Delectable Twist on a Classic Sandwich
Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary culinary adventure! These **Reuben Pizza Rolls** are a spectacularly delicious take on the beloved classic Reuben sandwich. Imagine succulent corned beef, creamy Swiss cheese, and tangy sauerkraut, all snuggled within a crispy, golden-baked pizza dough crust. It’s an individual-sized marvel that brings all the iconic flavors of a Reuben into an exciting, easy-to-eat format.
The results are truly magical: warm, savory bites of heaven, perfectly portioned, and incredibly satisfying. Each roll is a miniature explosion of flavor, especially when dipped into a rich and creamy Thousand Island dressing. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a dish you’ll want to make again and again!
What Are Reuben Pizza Rolls?
You might have heard these delightful creations referred to by various names: **Reuben Pizza Rolls**, **Reuben Roll-ups**, or even **Reuben Stromboli**. Regardless of what you choose to call them, their essence remains the same: a brilliant fusion of two comfort food favorites – the robust Reuben sandwich and the universally loved pizza. By encasing the traditional Reuben fillings in pizza dough, we create a handheld, bakeable snack or meal that’s both fun to make and incredibly satisfying to eat.
This recipe offers immense versatility. Serve them whole for a hearty lunch or dinner, perhaps alongside a fresh salad or some potato chips. Or, for a fantastic party appetizer or finger food, simply slice them into smaller, bite-sized pieces. They’re perfect for game nights, casual gatherings, or any time you want to impress your guests with minimal effort.
The Perfect St. Patrick’s Day Treat and Leftover Solution
These **Reuben Roll-ups** are particularly popular around St. Patrick’s Day, offering a creative and festive way to enjoy the holiday’s traditional flavors. But their usefulness doesn’t stop there! They are also an ingenious method for utilizing any leftover corned beef you might have from your holiday feast. Instead of the same old sandwich, transform your leftovers into these exciting rolls for a fresh, new meal that feels anything but recycled. It’s a fantastic way to minimize food waste while maximizing deliciousness!
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Reuben Pizza Rolls
This section provides detailed ingredient notes and helpful substitution options. For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the comprehensive printable recipe card located at the end of this post.
- Pizza Dough: Convenience is key here! We recommend using good quality, pre-made pizza dough from your local grocery store. This could be refrigerated dough in a can or fresh dough from the deli section. However, if you’re a seasoned baker and have a favorite homemade pizza dough recipe, feel free to use that for an extra touch of personalization. Ensure it’s at room temperature before rolling for easier handling.
- Corned Beef: For the best flavor and texture, opt for thinly sliced, deli-style corned beef. Its tender nature ensures it integrates beautifully into the roll without being too chewy. If you’re using leftover cooked corned beef, make sure to chop or shred it into small, manageable pieces so it distributes evenly and doesn’t tear the dough.
- Swiss Cheese: The quintessential companion to corned beef, Swiss cheese adds that signature nutty, melty goodness. Sliced Swiss from the deli works wonderfully, as it lays flat and melts evenly. If you only have shredded Swiss, that will also work; just be mindful not to overpack the rolls. Other great cheese options include Gruyere or even a sharp white cheddar if you prefer.
- Sauerkraut: This is where the tangy kick comes from! The most crucial step with sauerkraut is to **drain it as much as possible**. Excess liquid is the enemy of a crispy crust and can lead to soggy rolls. I highly recommend pressing the sauerkraut firmly into a fine-mesh strainer or even squeezing it dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to remove every last drop of moisture.
- Thousand Island Dressing: This creamy, slightly sweet, and tangy dressing binds all the flavors together. It’s not just for dipping; a little mixed in with the sauerkraut adds a wonderful depth. If you prefer, Russian dressing is an excellent alternative, offering a slightly spicier, horseradish-infused profile. You can even whip up your own homemade version for an elevated touch!
How to Make Reuben Pizza Rolls: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these easy step-by-step photos and instructions to create your delicious Reuben Pizza Rolls. For the complete, printable recipe with precise measurements, scroll down to the recipe card below.
Step 1: Prepare the Sauerkraut Mixture
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the well-drained sauerkraut with the Thousand Island dressing. Stir them together until the sauerkraut is thoroughly coated. This step infuses the sauerkraut with flavor and helps it stay moist without adding excess liquid. Set this mixture aside for a moment.
Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Dough
On a lightly floured surface (or a baking mat), roll out your pizza dough into a large rectangle. Aim for dimensions of approximately 12 inches by 9 inches. The thickness should be even across the entire sheet. Once rolled, use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to divide the dough into eight equal rectangles. This ensures consistent sizing for your rolls.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Take each individual rectangle of pizza dough and begin layering your fillings. First, place a portion of the corned beef, then a generous spoonful of the sauerkraut and dressing mixture, and finally, a piece of Swiss cheese. Be careful not to overfill, as this will make rolling difficult and can cause the rolls to burst open during baking.
Step 4: Roll and Seal
Starting from one of the shorter ends of the dough rectangle, carefully roll up the dough. As you roll, gently tuck in the sides to ensure that all the delicious ingredients are securely enclosed within the dough. This creates a neat, tightly packed roll. Once rolled, place each **Reuben Roll-up** seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet (lined with parchment paper and lightly sprayed with nonstick cooking spray).
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the rolls in a preheated oven (typically 425°F/220°C, but check your recipe card for exact temperature) for 12 to 14 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they are done when the pizza dough crust turns a beautiful golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly. The aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the **Reuben Pizza Rolls** from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set and prevents any burnt tongues! Serve them warm, ideally with an extra side of Thousand Island dressing for dipping. The combination of the warm, savory roll and the cool, creamy dressing is simply divine.
Tips for the Best Reuben Pizza Rolls
- Don’t Skip Draining the Sauerkraut: This cannot be stressed enough. Excess moisture will make your dough soggy and prevent it from getting crispy. Squeeze it really, really well!
- Room Temperature Dough: Cold pizza dough is harder to roll and more prone to snapping back. Let it sit out on the counter for 30 minutes to an hour before you start.
- Even Thickness: Roll your dough to an even thickness to ensure uniform baking. Thicker spots might be undercooked, while thinner spots could burn.
- Don’t Overfill: While tempting, too much filling can cause the rolls to burst during baking. A moderate amount is best for easy rolling and a good crust-to-filling ratio.
- Secure the Seam: Make sure the seam side of the roll is placed down on the baking sheet. This helps prevent it from unraveling as it bakes. You can also pinch the ends closed slightly.
- Brush with Egg Wash (Optional): For an extra golden and slightly crispier crust, you can whisk an egg with a tablespoon of water and brush it over the rolls before baking.
- Adjust Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary. Keep an eye on your rolls. If they’re browning too quickly, you might lower the temperature slightly or cover loosely with foil. If they’re not golden after 14 minutes, give them a few more minutes.
Variations and Substitutions
- Cheese Alternatives: While Swiss is classic, Provolone, Gruyere, or even a sharp white cheddar can offer interesting flavor profiles.
- Meat Options: If corned beef isn’t your preference, try thinly sliced pastrami for a similar, yet distinct flavor. Cooked turkey can also be used for a “Rachel” roll-up twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your sauerkraut mixture or a dash of hot sauce to your Thousand Island dressing for a little heat.
- Homemade Dressing: Elevate your rolls by making your own Thousand Island or Russian dressing. It’s surprisingly simple and tastes fresher.
- Vegetarian Version: For a plant-based option, substitute the corned beef with thinly sliced portobello mushrooms (sautéed first) or a plant-based “corned beef” alternative.
Storage and Reheating
These **Reuben Roll-ups** are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers are still delicious! Refrigerate any remaining rolls in an airtight container for up to two days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through and the crust is crisp again. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the crust soggy.
Serving Suggestions
While the **Reuben Pizza Rolls** are fantastic on their own, especially with extra Thousand Island dressing for dipping, here are some ideas to complete your meal:
- Classic Accompaniments: Serve them alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
- St. Patrick’s Day Sides: If celebrating, pair them with traditional sides like roasted cabbage and potatoes, or a hearty potato soup.
- Soup and Salad Combo: They make a great accompaniment to a bowl of creamy tomato soup or a flavorful French onion soup.
- Sweet Finish: Follow your savory meal with a festive dessert like Baileys Poke Cake or Lucky Charms Sheet Cake for a truly special occasion.
Reuben Pizza Rolls
Author: Jaclyn
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough store-bought or homemade, at room temperature
- 1 cup sauerkraut extremely well drained, pressed dry
- 2 Tablespoons Thousand Island dressing (plus extra for dipping)
- 1 pound deli-style corned beef thinly sliced (or leftover, chopped)
- 4 slices Swiss cheese cut in half (or 1 cup shredded)
- Nonstick cooking spray or parchment paper for baking sheet
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper and lightly spritz with nonstick cooking spray; set aside. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
-
In a medium bowl, stir to thoroughly combine the well-drained sauerkraut and the 2 Tablespoons of Thousand Island dressing. Ensure the sauerkraut is coated evenly. Set aside.
-
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12 inches by 9 inches, maintaining an even thickness. Cut the dough into eight equal rectangles using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
-
To the center of each piece of dough, add a portion of corned beef, followed by a spoonful of the sauerkraut mixture, and then a piece of Swiss cheese. Be mindful not to overfill the edges.
-
Carefully roll up the pizza dough from one short end to the other, gently tucking in the sides as you roll to ensure the ingredients are securely held inside. Pinch the ends if desired for extra sealing.
-
Place the assembled rolls on the prepared baking sheet with the seam-side down to prevent them from opening during baking. Leave a little space between each roll.
-
Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the dough turns a beautiful golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Serve warm, with additional Thousand Island dressing for dipping, if desired. Enjoy your delicious Reuben Pizza Rolls!
Notes
Storage: Refrigerate any leftover Reuben Pizza Rolls in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat in the oven for best results to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
Share your delicious creations with me on Instagram @crayonsandcravings and follow on Pinterest @crayonsandcravings for even more recipe inspiration and tasty ideas!
Pin Recipe
Leave A Review
