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Bite-sized Reuben corn beef sliders bring together all the beloved flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich in a fun and shareable form. Warm, thinly sliced corned beef pairs perfectly with tangy sauerkraut and creamy Thousand Island or Russian dressing, all nestled between soft Hawaiian rolls. Swiss cheese melts beautifully over the layers while a seasoned butter topping with Everything Bagel seasoning adds a crisp, flavorful finish. These sliders bake up gooey and golden making them an irresistible snack or appetizer for any gathering.
The first time I made these sliders for game night they disappeared faster than anything else on the table. Now they are a must have at every gathering I attend and people often ask for the recipe.
Ingredients
- Kings Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls: Provides a soft and pillowy texture that balances perfectly with the saltiness of the beef and tang of the sauerkraut. Choose fresh rolls that are not squished.
- Deli sliced corned beef: Offers the signature Reuben flavor. Pick lean slices marbled with some fat for juiciness. Leftover cooked corned beef works great too and is an excellent use of leftovers.
- Thousand Island or Russian dressing: Adds a creamy tang that brings the whole sandwich together. Use your favorite brand or make your own for a personal touch.
- Sauerkraut: Must be well drained to prevent soggy sliders. It delivers brightness and a classic Reuben tang. Opt for kraut with minimal preservatives for the freshest flavor.
- Swiss cheese: Is mild yet melts beautifully creating those gooey layers essential in a Reuben. Always pick real Swiss cheese over processed slices.
- Salted butter: Brings richness and helps crisp the tops during baking. Using high quality butter makes a noticeable difference.
- Garlic powder: Adds a savory punch to the butter topping. Freshly opened jars give the best flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce: Elevates the butter mix with a deep umami kick.
- Everything Bagel seasoning: Delivers a crunchy herby topping full of sesame and poppy seeds rounding out every bite.
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Rolls:
- Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit allowing it to heat evenly while you prep the sliders. Using a sharp bread knife carefully slice the entire package of sweet rolls horizontally. Keep the top and bottom halves together to make assembly easier and lay the bottom half in an oven safe tray or baking dish.
- Assemble the Layers:
- Spread a light layer of dressing evenly over the bottom rolls using a spoon or spatula. Next layer the corned beef slices to cover all the bread. If your corned beef slices are thick gently pull or shred them to make layering easier. Place half of the Swiss cheese slices over the beef to create a gooey base.
- Add the Sauerkraut and More Cheese:
- Spoon the well drained sauerkraut evenly on top of the cheese pressing lightly so it stays in place. Drizzle more dressing over the sauerkraut then spread the remaining Swiss cheese on top for an extra melty finish.
- Close the Sliders:
- Carefully place the top halves of the buns over the layers lining them up neatly so nothing hangs over the edges.
- Make and Brush the Butter Topping:
- Melt the salted butter in a small bowl either on the stove or in the microwave. Whisk in garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce until combined. Use a pastry brush to generously coat the tops of the rolls with the flavorful butter.
- Finish with Topping and Bake:
- Sprinkle a thick coating of Everything Bagel seasoning over the buttered tops to add delicious crunch and flavor. Cover the tray tightly with foil to retain moisture and place it into the preheated oven. Bake for about twentyfive to thirty minutes until the cheese is melted and the sliders are heated through. Remove the foil and bake for an additional three to five minutes if you prefer your tops extra golden and crisp.
My favorite part has to be the buttery crisp tops with that seasoned crunch from the Everything Bagel seasoning. I have fond memories of my kids sneaking into the kitchen just to pick off the crunchy bits from the cooling tray. It turned into a playful contest of who could snag the very first sprinkle.
Storage Tips
Allow any leftover sliders to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay enjoyable for up to three days. When ready to eat reheat the sliders in a three hundred degree oven until warmed through. This method keeps the bread from turning rubbery and restores the melted cheese's luscious texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
For a lighter twist swap the sweet Hawaiian rolls for rye rolls or whole grain slider buns. Turkey pastrami makes a delicious substitute for corned beef adding a leaner protein option. If Swiss cheese is not your favorite provolone or sharp cheddar can be used providing a slightly different yet equally enjoyable melt and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sliders alongside crunchy pickles and kettle cooked potato chips to complement their rich flavors. Cutting them into smaller squares makes perfect bite sized nibbles for parties. Pairing the sliders with a crisp green salad can turn them into a more balanced and satisfying meal.
These Reuben sliders are perfect for parties and reheat well for quick meals. Serve warm and enjoy the buttery crisp tops.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use leftover corned beef?
Absolutely! Leftover corned beef works great and enhances the flavor in these sliders.
- → What bread works best?
Soft Hawaiian sweet rolls provide the perfect balance of texture and sweetness for these sliders.
- → Any cheese substitutions possible?
Gruyère or provolone are good alternatives though Swiss melts best and complements the flavors traditionally.
- → How to avoid soggy sliders?
Drain sauerkraut thoroughly and apply dressing sparingly to keep the sliders crisp and not soggy.
- → Can these be prepared ahead?
Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate before baking; bake right before serving for best results.
- → What does everything bagel seasoning add?
It provides a crunchy, savory topping that enhances the buttery finish with notes of sesame, garlic, and poppy seeds.