Inspired by the legendary deli sandwich, these Reuben Sliders are a revelation, layering creamy Swiss cheese with savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and zesty Russian dressing. Baked to golden, melted perfection, they transform into an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering, looking for the ultimate game day snack, or simply seeking a fun and flavorful way to utilize leftover corned beef, these easy-to-make sliders are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

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Irresistible Reuben Sliders: A Modern Twist on a Classic Deli Favorite

The Reuben sandwich stands as a towering icon in American deli cuisine, renowned for its hearty layers and unmistakable flavor profile. Our Reuben Sliders pay homage to this classic, capturing its essence in a more approachable, bite-sized format. While not a traditional “Reuben” in the strictest sense—which typically features rye bread, a griddled press, and is served piping hot and crisp—our slider rendition brings its own delightful charm and convenience to the table. This recipe offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy those beloved flavors of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing, reimagined for effortless enjoyment.

For those interested in mastering the original, robust Reuben, you can explore a classic Reuben Sandwich recipe. But today, we’re embracing innovation with these baked sliders, designed for ease, adaptability, and maximum flavor. The foundation of these sliders lies in soft, pillowy Hawaiian rolls. While traditional rye slider rolls remain elusive in commercial markets (and a homemade version is still a work in progress!), the subtle sweetness of Hawaiian rolls offers a beautiful counterpoint to the savory and tangy fillings, creating a truly harmonious taste experience that often surprises and delights.

These Reuben Sliders are more than just a recipe; they’re a solution for memorable entertaining. They shine as the star of your game day spread, making them an ideal snack for watching sports with friends and family. Beyond their party appeal, they also serve as an ingenious and incredibly delicious way to use up leftover corned beef, especially after St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. With minimal prep time and straightforward assembly, these sliders consistently earn rave reviews and disappear quickly in any household.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Reuben Sliders

Crafting these delectable Reuben Sliders requires a careful selection of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving that signature taste. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for choosing the best:

• King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls or Savory Butter Rolls: The foundation of our sliders! Both varieties of King’s Hawaiian rolls are excellent choices. The Original Sweet Rolls introduce a delightful hint of sweetness that beautifully complements the salty corned beef and tangy Russian dressing, creating a balanced flavor profile. If you prefer a less sweet base, the Savory Butter Rolls offer a rich, buttery taste that works equally well. Their soft, fluffy texture is key to the melt-in-your-mouth experience of these baked sliders.
• Corned Beef: The star protein of our Reuben sliders. You have the option of using thinly-sliced deli corned beef or homemade corned beef brisket. From my experience, homemade corned beef, often prepared from a brisket, offers a richer flavor and more tender texture that elevates these sliders. If you’re purchasing from a deli, ask for a high-quality corned beef brisket, sliced as thinly as possible. Thin slices ensure easier eating and allow the flavors to meld seamlessly within the slider.
• Swiss Cheese: Essential for its creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor that beautifully melts into the sandwich. While Emmentaler is the traditional Swiss cheese for a classic Reuben, any thinly sliced Swiss cheese variety will work wonderfully. Look for good quality, pre-sliced Swiss or purchase a block and slice it yourself for optimal freshness and thickness control. The cheese acts as a delicious binder, holding all the ingredients together.
• Russian Dressing: This creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy dressing is a non-negotiable component, providing that distinctive Reuben zest. You can opt for a high-quality store-bought Russian dressing, or for an even more authentic and fresh flavor, I highly recommend making your own using my Homemade Russian Dressing recipe. Preparing the dressing a day in advance allows the flavors to fully meld, enhancing its complexity. If buying, Ken’s Steakhouse Russian Dressing is a personal favorite. Thousand Island dressing can also be used as a close substitute if Russian dressing is unavailable.
• Sauerkraut: This fermented, finely-cut cabbage adds a crucial salty and tangy counterpoint to the richness of the corned beef and cheese. The key to successful sauerkraut in sliders is proper draining. Be sure to drain it exceptionally well from its brine, even pressing out excess liquid, to prevent the sandwiches from becoming soggy during baking. A dry sauerkraut ensures a crispier texture and concentrated flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted unsalted butter forms the base of our savory topping. When brushed over the rolls, it not only adds a rich, buttery flavor but also helps the rolls toast to a beautiful golden brown and crisp texture in the oven. Using unsalted butter gives you control over the overall sodium content of the dish.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Just a small amount of this complex sauce is added to the butter mixture, imparting a fantastic depth of sweet, salty, and savory umami flavor. It’s a secret ingredient that subtly enhances the overall profile of the sliders without overpowering them.
• Dried Minced Onion: This ingredient brings a sharp yet sweet onion flavor to the butter sauce and adds a pleasant, subtle texture to the tops of the sliders. If you don’t have dried minced onion on hand, a ¼ teaspoon of onion powder can be substituted in a pinch, though the minced variety offers a superior textural element.
• Poppy Seeds and Caraway Seeds: These seeds are crucial for replicating the classic “seeded rye” experience on our Hawaiian rolls. Poppy seeds contribute a lovely crunch and visual appeal to the butter sauce, while caraway seeds, with their distinctive aromatic and slightly bitter notes, beautifully mimic the traditional flavor of rye bread, elevating these sliders beyond expectation.

Crafting Your Own Delicious Reuben Sliders: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making these Reuben Sliders is a straightforward process, designed for efficiency without compromising on flavor. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfect, golden, and gooey sliders every time.

Step 1: Preparing the Rolls for Optimal Texture

The secret to preventing soggy sliders, especially when loaded with juicy fillings like corned beef and sauerkraut, is a light pre-toasting of the rolls. This crucial first step creates a protective barrier and adds a desirable textural contrast. Begin by using a sharp serrated knife to carefully slice the entire package of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, separating the tops and bottoms while keeping each half intact as a single slab. This ensures easier assembly and keeps the sliders connected for baking.

Arrange these halves, cut sides facing up, on a sturdy baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the oven under the broiler for just 1-2 minutes, or until the rolls are lightly golden and slightly crisp. Positioning the rack about 6 inches from the broiler element (usually the second position from the top) works best. Exercise extreme caution and vigilance during this step. Rolls can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in mere seconds. Do not, under any circumstances, walk away from the oven; your full attention is required to achieve that ideal golden hue.

Once toasted, lightly oil a rectangular glass or ceramic baking dish with cooking spray. A dish measuring at least 10.5×7.5 inches is ideal, such as the Staub Ceramics Rectangular Baking Dish. A standard 13×9 inch baking dish, like the one pictured, also works perfectly, providing ample space for your slider creation.

Step 2: Layering the Flavors for the Ultimate Slider Experience

With your rolls prepped and ready, it’s time for the exciting part: assembling the layers that will create your irresistible Reuben Sliders. Precision in layering ensures every bite is packed with balanced flavor and texture.

Start by placing the toasted bottom halves of the rolls, cut side up, into your prepared baking dish. Evenly spread half of the rich and tangy Russian dressing over these bottoms, ensuring every square inch gets a generous coating. This acts as a moisture barrier and a foundational flavor layer. Next, create a solid base of creamy Swiss cheese by arranging half of your thinly sliced cheese over the dressing. This initial cheese layer is vital, as it helps prevent the corned beef from making the bread soggy.

On top of the Swiss cheese, evenly distribute the thinly sliced corned beef. You want a consistent layer, so each slider gets its fair share of savory meat. Following the corned beef, spread the well-drained sauerkraut. Remember, the drier the sauerkraut, the better the final texture of your sliders will be, avoiding any unwanted sogginess. Finally, place the remaining Swiss cheese slices over the sauerkraut. This “double-cheese” strategy is intentional: the cheese on the bottom protects the bread, and the cheese on top melts to bind the entire filling, ensuring your sliders stay perfectly intact when sliced and served.

To complete the assembly, spread the remaining Russian dressing on the cut side of the top halves of the rolls. Gently place these dressing-side down over the layered fillings. Your sliders are now a beautiful stack, ready for their savory topping and bake!

Step 3: Crafting the Irresistible Butter Topping

Before these assembled beauties hit the oven, they receive a special butter topping that adds incredible flavor, aids in browning, and incorporates those classic “rye bread” notes. In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, Worcestershire sauce, dried minced onion, poppy seeds, and caraway seeds. The Worcestershire sauce provides a savory depth, while the minced onion adds a subtle aromatic sweetness. The poppy and caraway seeds are essential for mimicking the characteristic flavor and texture of traditional seeded rye bread, making these Hawaiian roll sliders truly sing with Reuben authenticity.

Add a small pinch of kosher salt to this mixture, but exercise caution. Corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese are inherently salty, so a little extra goes a long way. Taste the mixture if you like, and adjust accordingly. Once thoroughly mixed, evenly distribute this aromatic butter concoction over the tops of your assembled slider rolls. Use a pastry brush to gently spread the mixture, ensuring it coats the entire surface and seeps into the spaces between the individual rolls. This also helps to evenly distribute the flavorful seeds, guaranteeing every slider gets a perfect crust.

Step 4: Baking to Golden, Melty Perfection

Now it’s time to transform your layered rolls into warm, gooey, and golden Reuben Sliders. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) with the oven rack positioned in the middle. Once the butter topping is applied, cover the baking pan tightly with aluminum foil. Let it stand for about 5 minutes before placing it in the oven. This brief rest allows the butter topping to absorb slightly into the rolls and helps the flavors begin to meld.

Bake the covered sliders for 20 minutes. During this time, the cheese will melt beautifully, and the fillings will heat through evenly. After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil. This step is crucial for achieving that desirable golden-brown and slightly crispy top. Continue baking for an additional 5-8 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are toasted to a perfect golden hue. Keep a close eye on them during this uncovered phase, as oven temperatures can vary.

A quick tip for even baking success: The type of baking dish you use can influence the final result. If you’re utilizing a light-colored ceramic or glass baking dish, the recommended temperature of 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) is perfect. However, if your baking pan has a dark interior, it’s wise to lower the oven temperature slightly to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C). Darker pans absorb more heat and can cause the bottoms of the rolls to cook and brown faster, potentially leading to burning. Always monitor your sliders closely, especially towards the end of the baking time, to prevent over-browning and ensure a uniformly delicious outcome.

Serving Your Delicious Reuben Sliders

Once baked to golden perfection, allow your Reuben Sliders to stand for just a couple of minutes. This short resting period helps the melted cheese and fillings set slightly, making them easier to slice and preventing them from falling apart. Use that same trusty serrated knife to cut through the individual rolls, separating them into single, delightful servings. Just like their larger deli counterpart, these sliders can be a bit wonderfully messy to eat, so be sure to have a generous stack of napkins ready for your guests!

Reuben Sliders are incredibly versatile for serving, adapting perfectly to various mealtime scenarios. If they’re the star of your meal, perhaps for a casual lunch or dinner, plan for 3-4 sliders per person to ensure everyone is satisfied. If you’re incorporating them into a larger spread, such as a festive game day party or a buffet with other sandwiches and appetizers, 1-2 sliders per person generally makes for a good estimate, allowing guests to sample a variety of offerings.

For accompaniments, I love to serve these sliders with classic kettle-cooked potato chips for that satisfying crunch, and crisp kosher dill pickles to cut through the richness. An extra small bowl of Russian dressing on the side is always a welcome addition, perfect for dipping and enhancing the flavors. They also pair beautifully with other deli-inspired sides like creamy potato salad, tangy macaroni salad, or a fresh green salad to lighten the meal.

Variations, Make-Ahead Tips, and FAQs for Reuben Sliders

These Reuben Sliders are fantastic as is, but they also offer a playground for culinary creativity. Here are some common questions and ideas for customizing your slider experience:

• Can I use a different type of meat? Absolutely! While corned beef is traditional, you can easily adapt these sliders. Consider using thinly sliced pastrami for a spicier, smokier flavor, or opting for sliced turkey breast for a lighter alternative. If using deli turkey, a smoked or roasted variety will provide the most flavor. For a truly unique twist, you can even create “Rachel” style sliders by swapping the sauerkraut for a creamy coleslaw, such as my Homemade Coleslaw recipe. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid from the coleslaw thoroughly to prevent sogginess.
• Can I prepare these sliders in advance? Yes, you can assemble Reuben Sliders up to 2 hours before you plan to bake them. Prepare them according to the assembly instructions, but hold off on applying the buttery topping. Cover the baking pan tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove the sliders from the fridge about 20 minutes beforehand to allow them to come closer to room temperature. Then, prepare and brush on the butter sauce, and proceed with the baking instructions as written. This prep-ahead strategy is perfect for entertaining, allowing you to enjoy your guests without last-minute fuss.
• How should I store and reheat leftover sliders? Leftover Reuben Sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. However, it’s worth noting that, like many baked sandwiches, they are prone to becoming a bit soggy upon reheating, and are generally best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. If you do have leftovers you wish to reheat, the best method is to cover them loosely with foil and bake them at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. For a crispier top, remove the foil for the last couple of minutes of baking. An air fryer can also work wonders for reheating, crisping them up beautifully in a few minutes.
• What about making them spicier? To add a kick, you can mix a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce into your Russian dressing. Alternatively, include thinly sliced jalapeños with your corned beef layer for a fresh, spicy bite.
• Can I use a different type of cheese? While Swiss is iconic for a Reuben, feel free to experiment with other meltable cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or even a smoked Gouda for a different flavor dimension.

These easy Reuben Sliders are more than just a recipe; they are a ticket to a delicious, hassle-free meal or party appetizer. Their combination of savory, tangy, and sweet notes on a perfectly toasted bun makes them an unforgettable treat that guests will rave about. Enjoy the process of creating these culinary gems, and savor every last bite!

Reuben Sliders

by Amanda Biddle

Game day or any day, these easy Reuben Sliders are sure to be a hit! Packed with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing, this fun twist on the classic sandwich is great for casual entertaining.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 28 minutes

Total Time: 48 minutes

Servings: 6 servings (2 sliders per serving)

Ingredients

• 1 package King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls or Savory Butter Rolls (12 count)
• ½ pound thinly-sliced corned beef (see note below for best results)
• ½ pound thinly-sliced Swiss cheese
• 6 tablespoons Russian dressing (homemade or quality store-bought)
• 1 cup well-drained sauerkraut (squeeze out excess liquid!)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon poppy seeds
• pinch kosher salt, optional (adjust based on saltiness of corned beef)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) with the rack in the middle position. Lightly spray a 13×9 inch light-colored ceramic or glass baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Slice the package of rolls in half horizontally to create a layer of tops and bottoms. Place the halves on a baking sheet with the cut sides up and broil on high for 1-2 minutes, until lightly toasted. (Broiling times vary greatly. Watch rolls very closely as they can burn quickly. The rack should be about 6 inches from the broiler element.)
3. Place the toasted bottom half of the rolls in the prepared baking dish. Spread them with half (about 3 tablespoons) of the Russian dressing.
4. Layer the ingredients in the following order: half of the Swiss cheese, all of the corned beef, the well-drained sauerkraut, and the remaining Swiss cheese.
5. Spread the cut side of the top half of the rolls with the remaining Russian dressing and carefully place them over the layered sliders.
6. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, dried minced onion, caraway seeds, poppy seeds, and an optional pinch of kosher salt. (Omit or adjust salt based on the saltiness of your corned beef and other ingredients.)
7. Brush the butter mixture evenly over the tops and sides of the assembled rolls, ensuring the seeds are distributed.
8. Cover the pan tightly with foil and let stand for 5 minutes.
9. Bake, covered, for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sliders are heated through.
10. Uncover the pan and continue baking for another 5-8 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are golden brown and slightly crispy.
11. Let the sliders stand for just a couple of minutes after baking. Use a serrated knife to slice them into individual servings. Serve hot with extra Russian dressing on the side for dipping, and a stack of napkins!

Notes

• Corned Beef: Both homemade corned beef brisket or quality deli-sliced corned beef work. For homemade, slice cold for best results, then gently warm before adding to sliders if desired. Pat dry.
• Sauerkraut: This is critical! Thoroughly squeeze out all excess brine from the sauerkraut. Soggy sauerkraut will lead to soggy sliders.
• Russian Dressing: For optimal flavor, make homemade Russian dressing a day ahead. If using store-bought, Ken’s Steakhouse Russian Dressing is highly recommended.
• Baking Dish Color: If your baking dish has a dark interior, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) to prevent the bottom of the rolls from over-browning.
• Variations & Make-Ahead: Refer to the FAQ section above in the article for creative substitutions, make-ahead instructions, and reheating tips.

Nutrition Estimate

Serving: 2 sliders | Calories: 541kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 110mg | Sodium: 998mg | Potassium: 222mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 587IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 360mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

About our recipes

Please note that our recipes have been developed using the US Customary measurement system and have not been tested for high altitude/elevation cooking and baking.

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