These crispy baked Reuben egg rolls bring together tangy sauerkraut and melted swiss cheese for a fresh take on a classic meal. They are a light, crunchy alternative to the heavy grilled version. They're a fantastic, less-messy alternative to the classic sandwich and pair wonderfully with a side of thousand island dressing.
Why You'll Love These Baked Egg Rolls
- Crispy Without the Mess: By baking them at a high heat, you get that satisfying crunch without the hassle (or smell) of a deep fryer.
- The Perfect Leftover Makeover: This is the absolute best way to use up leftover corned beef from St. Patrick's Day or a deli platter.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can roll them a day in advance or freeze them for months. They bake up straight from the fridge or freezer.
- Fun Fact!: The Reuben sandwich gets it's origins in Omaha, Nebraska, not Ireland!
What You Will Need for the Irish Egg Rolls
- Corned Beef: This ingredient is the savory heart of the dish. Using leftovers is a smart way to enjoy "real food for real life" while saving money.
- Swiss Cheese: It acts as the binder that holds the meat and kraut together as it melts.
- Egg Roll Wrappers: These thin sheets of dough become remarkably crispy in the oven, offering a lighter alternative to the traditional sandwich.
How to Roll the Reuben Egg Rolls:
Rolling the Egg Rolls (Step-by-Step)
- Position the Wrapper: Place one wrapper on a flat surface in a diamond shape (with a point facing you).
- Add the Filling: Place about 3 tablespoons of the corned beef mixture in the center, shaping it into a small log.
- Fold the Bottom: Fold the bottom corner up and over the filling, tucking it in slightly.
- Fold the Sides: Fold the left and right corners in towards the center, creating an envelope shape.
- Roll and Seal: Roll the wrapper up tightly away from you. Just before you reach the top corner, brush it with a little egg wash to seal the roll shut.
Baking the Reuben Egg Rolls
To get that satisfying crunch without a deep fryer, you can use either your oven or an air fryer. Both methods work well for these family-friendly snacks.
Oven Method
Baking in the oven is a great way to cook a full batch of ten egg rolls at once.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F.
- Prepare the pan: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and apply a thin coating of cooking oil.
- Arrange the rolls: Place the finished egg rolls on the pan with the seam side down.
- Oil the tops: Brush or spray a light coat of oil over the top of each roll to help them brown.
- Initial bake: Bake for 5 to 7 minutes until the wrappers start to turn golden.
- Flip and finish: Turn each egg roll over and bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes.
- Cool: Let them rest briefly before serving with thousand island dressing.
Air Fryer Method
The air fryer is a fast option that produces an exceptionally crispy result.
- Preheat the unit: Set your air fryer to 375°F.
- Arrange in a single layer: Place the egg rolls in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch each other.
- Cook time: Air fry for a total of 8 to 12 minutes.
- Flip halfway: Carefully turn the egg rolls over halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Check for doneness: Remove them once the wrappers are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
Reheating the Reuben Egg Rolls
If you have leftovers, the oven or air fryer is a better choice than a microwave for keeping the wrappers crisp. Heat them at 350°F for about 5 to 10 minutes until they are warmed through and crunchy again.
Reuben ravioli is another great corned beef recipe!
Please visit my appetizer page for more ideas!
FAQ's:
Yes, you can prepare the filling and roll the egg rolls a day in advance. Store the unbaked egg rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, until you are ready to bake them. You can also freeze them for up to two months.
For the crispiest result, it's best to reheat leftover reuben egg rolls in the oven or an air fryer. Place them on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until they are heated through and the wrapper is crispy again.
While Swiss cheese is a key component of a classic reuben and provides a unique flavor, you could substitute it with another good melting cheese like Gruyère or provolone. Keep in mind that this will change the traditional flavor profile.
You can use either corned beef brisket or corned beef lunchmeat for this recipe. The choice depends on your preference and what you have available. Corned beef brisket may offer a more robust flavor, while lunch meat provides a convenient and quick option.
To cook these in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the egg rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
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Recipe
Crispy Baked Reuben Egg Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 pound of sliced corned beef
- ½ pound of shredded swiss cheese
- 1 cup of well drained sauerkraut
- 1 egg yolk
- 10 egg roll wrappers roughly 6 inches x 6 inches
- Olive oil canola oil, or avocado oil
Method
- Place corned beef, swiss cheese, and sauerkraut in a food processor and blend until a rough consistency. Look at the video to check the consistency. If you do not have a food processor, a fine dice will do.
- Place egg yolk in a small bowl and beat with a spoon or fork until smooth.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F
- Spray or brush a thin coating of cooking oil of your choice onto a parchment lined baking sheet.
- It is best at this point to look at the video to see how to make the egg rolls. Place the egg roll wrapper in a diamond shape with one point towards you. Place roughly three tablespoons of the corned beef mixture about three inches away from you towards the center. The mixture needs to be in the shape of the egg roll.
- Place the tip of the wrapper closest to you over the mixture. Fold the left tip in and the right tip in and roll away from you to the furthest tip.Brush the tip of the egg roll furthest away from you with a bit of egg yolk and finish rolling the egg roll. It takes a bit of practice but you will get the hang of it!
- Place the finished egg rolls seam side down (the spot where you added egg). Brush or spray a very thin coat on top of the egg rolls.
- Bake for 5-7 or until the egg rolls start to brown. Turn them over and bake for another 3-5 minutes.
- Cool and serve with thousand island dressing.
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