Name: Reuben Egg Rolls with Sauerkraut and Cheese 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 love the classic tangy goodness of a Reuben sandwich but want a fun and crispy twist, then this Reuben Egg Rolls with Sauerkraut and Cheese Recipe is just for you. Imagine all that savory corned beef, melty Swiss cheese, and tangy sauerkraut wrapped in a golden, crunchy egg roll—you’re going to adore 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 with Sauerkraut and Cheese Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Reuben Egg Rolls with Sauerkraut and Cheese Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Reuben Egg Rolls with Sauerkraut and Cheese Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember the first time I made these Reuben egg rolls—it was love at first crispy bite! They’re so easy to whip up, and they bring that familiar Reuben flavor into a totally new shape. Perfect for game day, parties, or just a fun snack.

Classic flavors reinvented: All your favorite Reuben ingredients inside a crispy egg roll shell.
Quick and easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy days or last-minute guests.
Versatile cooking methods: Air fryer, stovetop, or oven—you pick your favorite way to cook.
Perfect party appetizer: Bite-sized and dip-ready with tangy Thousand Island dressing.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Gathering the right ingredients here is key to capturing that iconic Reuben flavor in an easy-to-handle egg roll. You’ll find most of these in any well-stocked grocery store, and a little shopping tip—I like to grab my egg roll wrappers from the refrigerated section near tofu and 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, golden shell that holds all the goodness inside.
Oil: Used to brush on the egg rolls, helping them get that perfect crispy finish whether you air fry or bake.
Thousand Island dressing: The classic tangy dip that’s absolutely essential with Reuben flavors.
Corned beef: The hearty, savory star of the filling that brings authentic Reuben taste.
Swiss cheese (or mozzarella): Melts beautifully, adding creamy richness to each bite.
Sauerkraut: The tangy punch that cuts through the richness, balancing the flavors perfectly.

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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 with Sauerkraut and Cheese Recipe is that it’s a delicious blank canvas! Feel free to tweak the filling or cooking method to suit your taste or dietary needs. Whether you want to make it dairy-free, add some spice, or try a different cooking method, these egg rolls are easy to customize.

Gluten-Free Variation: I swapped out the traditional egg roll wrappers for rice paper rolls and air fried them for just 3 minutes per side. The texture was surprisingly crisp, and it made these egg rolls accessible for gluten sensitive friends without sacrificing flavor.
Cheese Swap: Using mozzarella instead of Swiss cheese gives the filling a mild, melty twist. It’s great if you prefer a less pronounced cheese flavor but still want that gooey texture inside.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling for a subtle heat that complements the tangy sauerkraut perfectly.
Oven Bake Instead of Air Fry: When you don’t have an air fryer handy, the oven method works wonders. Just remember to flip halfway and brush with a little extra oil to keep them nicely crisped up.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Reuben Egg Rolls with Sauerkraut and Cheese 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 with Care

Start by dicing your corned beef into small, bite-sized pieces—this helps the filling distribute evenly inside each egg roll. Next, dice or shred your Swiss (or mozzarella) cheese to a similar size. In a medium bowl, combine the corned beef, cheese, and sauerkraut. Mix everything gently until well combined. The sauerkraut adds a nice balance of acidity and crunch that cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese.

Step 2: Assemble Like a Pro

Lay out one egg roll wrapper at a time on a clean surface. Place 1 to 2 tablespoons of the filling in the center. To seal the egg roll perfectly, dip your finger in water and lightly wet the edges—this keeps them from coming undone when cooking. Fold in two opposite corners toward the center, then roll up tightly, sealing all edges. Repeat with your remaining wrappers and filling. Taking your time here will pay off when your egg rolls hold their shape beautifully.

Step 3: Choose Your Cooking Method

Air Fryer: Brush both sides of each egg roll with oil for that golden, crispy finish. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through if necessary. The result? Crispy, golden egg rolls without the extra grease.

Stovetop Frying: If you prefer traditional frying, heat a few tablespoons of oil in a deep pot over medium heat. Fry the egg rolls in batches for about 5 minutes until they turn golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Oven Baking: For a lighter option or when cooking for a crowd, preheat the oven to 400°F. Brush the egg rolls with oil on both sides and arrange them on a foil-lined sheet pan or a baking rack. Bake for 15 minutes, turning halfway through and brushing with more oil if needed to keep them nice and crispy.

Step 4: Cool and Serve with Love

Once cooked, let your egg rolls rest for 2 to 3 minutes. The filling will be piping hot, so this brief pause prevents burns and lets the flavors settle. Serve them warm with a side of tangy Thousand Island dressing for dipping. Every crunchy bite should be bursting with those classic Reuben flavors—corned beef, Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut—all wrapped up in a perfectly crisp egg roll.

Top Tip

These little delights are all about balance—the right filling, a perfectly sealed wrapper, and just the right amount of crispiness. Here are some tips I’ve picked up to make your Reuben Egg Rolls with Sauerkraut and Cheese Recipe shine every time.

Sealing the Egg Rolls: Make sure to wet the edges of the wrapper thoroughly with water before folding. This simple step ensures your rolls stay tightly sealed and prevents any filling from escaping during cooking.
Even Oil Coating: Whether air frying or baking, brushing both sides of the egg rolls evenly with oil helps achieve that gorgeous golden-brown crunch without sogginess.
Don’t Overfill: Stick to 1 to 2 tablespoons of filling per wrapper. Overstuffing can cause the rolls to burst open when cooking, making a mess and losing that perfect crispy shell.
Let Them Rest: After cooking, give your egg rolls 2 to 3 minutes to cool slightly. The filling is piping hot and needs a moment to set so you avoid any burns—and maximize flavor enjoyment!

How to Serve Reuben Egg Rolls with Sauerkraut and Cheese 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

Add a touch of fresh color and zing by garnishing with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley or chives. A few dill pickle slices on the side can also enhance that classic Reuben flavor profile.

Side Dishes

These egg rolls pair wonderfully with simple, crisp sides like a fresh green salad with vinaigrette, kettle-cooked potato chips for extra crunch, or even a light coleslaw to complement the tangy sauerkraut filling. And of course, don’t forget the classic accompaniment: a small bowl of tangy Thousand Island dressing for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Reuben egg rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep their crispiness, avoid covering them while still warm, and let them cool completely first.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked, fully assembled egg rolls by placing them on a parchment-lined tray and freezing until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 1 month. When ready to cook, air fry or bake them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time until they’re golden and crisp.

Reheating

To reheat and restore that crispy texture, use the air fryer or oven. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and warm the egg rolls for about 5 minutes, or bake in a 400°F oven for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep them crispy!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these Reuben egg rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble them in advance and refrigerate for a few hours before cooking. For even more convenience, freeze the assembled but uncooked egg rolls and cook them straight from frozen when you're ready.

What’s the best method to cook these egg rolls?

Air frying at 400°F for 10 minutes is the quickest, healthiest way to get them perfectly crispy. But stovetop frying and oven baking at 400°F for 5 minutes or 15 minutes respectively are excellent alternatives depending on your equipment.

Can I substitute the cheese in this recipe?

Is there a gluten-free option for these egg rolls?

Definitely! Swap the egg roll wrappers for rice paper rolls and reduce cooking time to 2–3 minutes per side or until crispy. This keeps the Reuben Egg Rolls with Sauerkraut and Cheese Recipe inclusive for gluten-sensitive guests.

Final Thoughts

Reuben Egg Rolls with Sauerkraut and Cheese Recipe bring together classic flavors in a fun and crispy bite that's perfect for appetizers, parties, or a cozy night in. They’re quick to prepare and endlessly satisfying, especially when dipped in that tangy Thousand Island dressing. I hope this recipe inspires you to enjoy a fresh twist on a beloved sandwich — it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!