Reuben Crescent Rolls: A Twist on the Classic Sandwich
If you love the rich, savory flavors of a Reuben sandwich, but are looking for a fun and easy way to enjoy it, then Reuben Crescent Rolls are the perfect solution. These bite-sized, golden, and flaky crescents are filled with all the classic Reuben ingredients—corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and a tangy Thousand Island dressing. The crescent roll dough adds a buttery, flaky texture that complements the salty, savory filling.
Perfect for appetizers, game day snacks, or a quick weeknight dinner, these Reuben Crescent Rolls are as satisfying as they are delicious. Whether you’re making them for a party or as a weeknight meal, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. In this article, we’ll break down how to make these easy, tasty rolls and give you some tips on how to take them to the next level.
🧑🍳 What Are Reuben Crescent Rolls?
Reuben Crescent Rolls are a creative, bite-sized version of the classic Reuben sandwich. Traditionally, a Reuben sandwich is made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing on rye bread, and then grilled. However, by swapping out rye bread for crescent roll dough, you get a delicious, flaky, and fun twist on the original recipe.
These rolls are perfect for anyone who loves the classic Reuben but wants something easier to make, or for those who just enjoy trying new and creative twists on old favorites. With the combination of savory, creamy, and tangy flavors in every bite, they’re hard to resist.
🍴 Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is easy to make with just a few ingredients you likely already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough (8 rolls): The dough is the base of the recipe, creating a golden, flaky outer layer that wraps around the filling.
1/2 lb corned beef, thinly sliced: The star ingredient, giving the rolls that classic Reuben flavor. You can use deli-style corned beef or leftover corned beef from a previous meal.
1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded: Swiss cheese adds creaminess and a mild, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the salty corned beef.
1/2 cup sauerkraut, drained and patted dry: Sauerkraut gives the rolls the tanginess they need to mimic the flavors of a Reuben sandwich.
2 tablespoons Thousand Island dressing (or Russian dressing): The creamy, tangy dressing is a Reuben essential and provides the signature flavor you expect in a Reuben sandwich.
1 tablespoon butter, melted: Brushing the crescent rolls with butter before baking gives them a golden-brown finish.
1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional, for garnish): Caraway seeds are traditionally found in rye bread and can be added to the crescent rolls for authenticity and extra flavor.
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Reuben Crescent Rolls is quick and easy, and the whole recipe can be done in about 20 minutes. Here’s how to make these tasty little bites of heaven:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This will help the rolls cook evenly and prevent them from sticking.
2. Prepare the Crescent Rolls
Unroll the crescent roll dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Do not separate the dough into individual rolls yet. Keep the dough as flat triangles. This step is essential because you’ll be using the full triangle to hold the filling.
3. Assemble the Rolls
On each crescent roll triangle, spread about 1/2 teaspoon of Thousand Island dressing. Be sure to spread it evenly across the dough for a consistent flavor in every bite.
Then, layer with a slice or two of corned beef, a generous spoonful of sauerkraut, and a sprinkle of shredded Swiss cheese. Make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed to ensure each roll has the perfect amount of filling.
4. Roll and Seal
Carefully roll up each crescent triangle starting from the wide end and rolling it toward the narrow tip. Press the edges slightly to seal the roll and ensure the filling stays inside during baking. You don’t want any of the delicious filling escaping!
5. Bake
Once all the rolls are assembled and sealed, brush the tops of the crescent rolls with melted butter. The butter will help the rolls achieve that golden, crispy texture.
If desired, sprinkle caraway seeds on top of each roll for an authentic Reuben flavor. This step is optional, but if you love caraway seeds, they add a lovely touch!
Place the rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and crispy. You’ll know they’re done when they are beautifully browned on top.
6. Serve
Once the Reuben Crescent Rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two before serving. These rolls are best enjoyed while still warm.
You can serve them as an appetizer, snack, or main dish. For extra flavor, serve them with more Thousand Island dressing on the side for dipping.
🍽️ Tips for Perfect Reuben Crescent Rolls
Dry the Sauerkraut: It’s important to drain and pat dry the sauerkraut before using it. This prevents the rolls from getting soggy and ensures the filling stays in place.
Customize the Filling: Feel free to get creative with your filling. You can swap the Swiss cheese for another type of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, or add some pickles for an extra tangy kick.
Make Mini Versions: If you want to serve these as appetizers for a crowd, you can cut the crescent dough into smaller triangles before assembling. This will give you mini Reuben Crescent Rolls that are perfect for snacking.
Use Leftover Corned Beef: These rolls are a great way to use up any leftover corned beef from a St. Patrick’s Day meal or a family dinner. Just slice it thinly and add it to the rolls!
Make Ahead: You can assemble the rolls ahead of time, place them on the baking sheet, and cover them with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, just pop them in the oven for a quick bake.
Check the Rolls Early: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking your Reuben Crescent Rolls after about 8 minutes of baking. You want them to be golden brown and crispy, but not overdone.
🥄 Final Thoughts
Reuben Crescent Rolls are a fun, creative twist on the classic Reuben sandwich. With their flaky, buttery crescent roll dough and savory, tangy filling, these rolls are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re entertaining guests or just looking for a quick and easy meal.
The combination of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing inside the golden, flaky dough delivers all the comfort and flavor of a traditional Reuben sandwich in every bite.
So, preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a delicious treat that will become a new family favorite. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or even as a meal, these Reuben Crescent Rolls will certainly leave everyone wanting more.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yields: 8 rolls
Calories: Approximately 220-250 kcal per roll
Enjoy these delicious Reuben Crescent Rolls with a side of dipping sauce and some crispy fries, and you’ll have a meal everyone will rave about! 🍽️