Baked Reuben Sliders with Thousand Island Glaze
Baked Reuben Sliders with Thousand Island Glaze are a delightful and comforting treat that has become a staple in many households, especially during get-togethers. These little bite-sized sandwiches contain all the flavors of a classic Reuben but are incredibly easy to make. With their gooey Swiss cheese, salty corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Thousand Island glaze, they offer a delicious balance of tastes and textures that will keep you going back for more. Imagine the buttery goodness that envelops each slider as it bakes, turning into a warm, melty snack that’s impossible to resist.
Table of Contents
I first stumbled upon this recipe during a casual Saturday night hangout with friends. We were craving something hearty yet simple to make, and Baked Reuben Sliders were the answer! Everyone was instantly drawn in by their inviting aroma, and as we gathered around to taste them, I realized that this dish perfectly encapsulates comfort food at its finest. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish, give these sliders a try—you won’t regret it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: In just 25 minutes, you can serve up these sliders hot and ready!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of salty corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and rich Swiss cheese creates an explosion of flavor.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: These sliders look adorable and inviting, perfect for a party platter or game day feast.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy them as a snack, a quick lunch, or a fun appetizer at your next gathering.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easy to modify—think gluten-free rolls or vegan cheese to suit dietary needs!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 Hawaiian-style sweet rolls: The key to that soft, sweet bite, these rolls provide a perfect base for the sliders. If you prefer a savory touch, try using whole grain or potato rolls.
- ½ cup Thousand Island dressing: This dressing elevates the flavor, balancing the richness of the meat and cheese. For a homemade touch, combine mayo, ketchup, relish, and a dash of vinegar.
- ½ pound corned beef, sliced thin: The classic meat for Reubens, corned beef adds a savory depth. You can substitute with pastrami for a twist or even turkey for a lighter version.
- 1 pound sauerkraut, drained: This adds tanginess and a crunchy texture. For a milder flavor, rinse the sauerkraut before adding.
- ¼ pound Swiss cheese, sliced: Melty Swiss cheese ties all the ingredients together. Feel free to swap it with Gruyère or provolone for different flavor notes.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Brushing the tops of the rolls with butter gives them that golden finish that’s so irresistible. For a lighter option, use olive oil instead.
How to Make Baked Reuben Sliders with Thousand Island Glaze
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees F and get that aroma flowing early! Butter the bottom of a 9-inch x 13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add a touch of flavor.
Assemble the Bottoms: Place the bottoms of the Hawaiian-style sweet rolls in the prepared baking dish. These will hold all the fantastic fillings, so settle them carefully.
Spread the Dressing: Spread ¼ cup of Thousand Island dressing evenly across the roll halves. This acts as a flavor booster, soaking into the bread while it bakes.
Layer the Goodness: Lay the thinly sliced corned beef over all the rolls, ensuring each slider has ample meat. Then, spread the well-drained sauerkraut over the corned beef. Finally, add Swiss cheese slices on top, creating layers that guarantee gooeyness.
Top It Off: Spread the remaining Thousand Island dressing on the inside of the top halves of the rolls. Place them atop the cheese, sealing in all that delicious flavor.
Brush with Butter: Using a pastry brush, gently spread the melted butter over the tops of the rolls. This will help them brown beautifully and become even more appetizing.
Bake: Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melting and the rolls are golden on top. Keep an eye on it, the smell will be incredible!
Serve Warm: Once golden and bubbly, remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Cut each slider apart, then serve them warm on a plate. Enjoying them fresh from the oven is simply the best!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Baked Reuben Sliders in an airtight container at room temperature for a few hours. For longer storage, refrigerate in a container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them in a tightly wrapped container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes, until warm throughout and the cheese is gooey. Be aware that freezing may alter the texture slightly, but adding a dash of extra butter or dressing when reheating can refresh the flavors.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Double-check the sauerkraut is well-drained to prevent soggy sliders. Rinsing can help tame the acidity too!
- For best results, let the butter come to room temperature before brushing it on the rolls.
- If stacking the sliders too high in the baking dish, they might take longer to heat through. Keep an eye on them!
- Consider adding a sprinkle of caraway seeds on top before baking for that authentic Reuben flavor.
- Making these ahead? Assemble them and cover until you’re ready to bake for fresh sliders in no time.
There’s so much to love about these Baked Reuben Sliders with Thousand Island Glaze. From the ease of preparation to the irresistible blend of flavors, they help create delicious memories with friends and family. Don’t hesitate to tweak the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs; the sky’s the limit! So go ahead, gather your loved ones, and feast on this delightful dish—you’ll be glad you did!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make Baked Reuben Sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sliders and assemble them beforehand, then cover and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes! While Swiss cheese is traditional, feel free to experiment with Gruyère, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just ensure it melts well!
What can I serve with these sliders?
Baked Reuben Sliders pair perfectly with a side of potato chips, pickles, or a fresh salad. They also make an excellent appetizer at parties!
Are there vegetarian options?
You can easily make these sliders vegetarian by switching out the corned beef for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative. Just make sure to use vegetarian-friendly Thousand Island dressing!
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📖 Recipe Card
Baked Reuben Sliders with Thousand Island Glaze
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Baked Reuben Sliders with Thousand Island Glaze offer a delicious twist on a classic favorite. With layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, and gooey Swiss cheese, this dish makes a fantastic quick dinner or snack, perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 12 hawaiian-style sweet rolls cut in half to make tops and bottoms
- ½ cup thousand island dressing
- ½ pound corned beef sliced thin
- 1 pound sauerkraut drained
- ¼ pound swiss cheese sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter the bottom of a 9-inch x 13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange the bottoms of the rolls in the prepared dish.
- Spread 1/4 cup of Thousand Island dressing over the roll bottom halves.
- Layer the corned beef slices evenly over the rolls, followed by the sauerkraut, and then the Swiss cheese slices on top.
- Spread the remaining Thousand Island dressing over the inside of the top halves of the rolls and place them on top of the Swiss cheese.
- Brush the tops of the rolls with the melted butter using a pastry brush.
- Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely.
- Remove from the oven and cut each slider apart before serving warm.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the amount of Thousand Island dressing to your taste.
For extra flavor, consider toasting the rolls lightly before assembling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
