Mini Reubens Recipe

Zesty Mini Reubens Recipe: The Ultimate Party Bite

Sandwiches can spark serious excitement, especially when loaded with classic Reuben recipe magic that melts hearts and satisfies hunger.

Small bites pack big flavor in these miniature delights.

Crisp bread meets tender corned beef, creating a perfect handheld treat that’s both elegant and comforting.

Tangy sauerkraut and rich swiss cheese add layers of deliciousness to every single bite.

These mini Reubens deliver restaurant-quality taste right from your kitchen.

Guests will adore these bite-sized wonders that transform ordinary appetizers into memorable moments.

Prepare to become the star of your next gathering with this irresistible crowd-pleaser.

Mini Reubens: Big Flavor In Every Bite

  • These mini Reubens are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering, delivering big flavor in adorable bite-sized portions that everyone will love.
  • Swap ingredients or adjust quantities to match personal preferences, making this recipe incredibly flexible for different tastes and dietary needs.
  • Prepare these delightful appetizers in just a few minutes, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality starter that looks and tastes impressive.
  • Ideal for game day, cocktail parties, or casual get-togethers, these mini Reubens offer a sophisticated twist on classic comfort food that'll have guests asking for the recipe.

Ingredients Behind Classic Mini Reubens

Main Ingredients:
  • Cocktail Rye Slices: Small, bite-sized bread that serves as the base for these delightful mini sandwiches.
  • Corned Beef: Tender, flavorful meat that provides the classic Reuben sandwich protein.
  • Swiss Cheese: Mild and melty cheese that adds a creamy texture to the mini appetizers.
  • Sauerkraut: Tangy fermented cabbage that brings a traditional Reuben flavor profile.
Condiment:
  • Thousand Island Salad Dressing: Creamy and zesty sauce that enhances the overall taste of the mini Reubens.
Optional Garnish:
  • Chopped Fresh Parsley, Chives: Herbs that can add a fresh, decorative touch to the finished appetizers.

Handy Tools For Mini Reuben Success

  • Baking sheet: Essential for arranging and broiling mini Reubens.
  • Broiler: Key for melting cheese and creating a golden, crispy top.
  • Measuring spoons: Perfect for precise dressing application.
  • Spatula or tongs: Helpful for transferring and serving mini sandwiches.

Building Delicious Mini Reubens, The Easy Way

Step 1: Fire Up the Broiler

Get your oven’s broiler ready by turning it on and positioning the rack about 4-5 inches from the heat source.

This will ensure perfect melting and toasting.

Step 2: Build Flavor-Packed Bite-Sized Sandwiches

Gather your ingredients:
  • Cocktail rye bread slices
  • Thousand island salad dressing
  • Corned beef
  • Sauerkraut
  • Swiss cheese

Start by laying out the cocktail rye bread slices on a baking sheet.

Spread a generous dollop of thousand island dressing on each slice.

Carefully fold corned beef to perfectly fit the bread and place it on top of the dressing.

Sprinkle a small mound of sauerkraut over the meat.

Crown each mini Reuben with a slice of Swiss cheese that matches the bread’s size.

Step 3: Broil to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet under the broiler and watch carefully.

Let the mini Reubens cook for 3-5 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden blanket and the edges of the bread turn delightfully crispy.

Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the mini Reubens from the oven and transfer to a serving platter.

These bite-sized delights are best enjoyed immediately while they’re warm and the cheese is still gooey.

Perfect for parties, appetizers, or a quick snack!

Tips For Toasty, Melty Mini Reubens

  • Watch carefully during broiling to prevent burning, as Swiss cheese melts quickly and can turn brown in seconds.
  • Use cocktail rye for perfect bite-sized appetizers that are easy to serve and eat at parties or gatherings.
  • Choose high-quality, tangy sauerkraut for authentic flavor and drain excess liquid to prevent soggy bread.
  • Swap corned beef with turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for dietary preferences without losing traditional Reuben taste.
  • Spread thousand island dressing evenly to ensure each mini Reuben gets consistent flavor in every delicious bite.

Mini Reuben Makeovers For Party Platters

  • Gluten-Free Mini Reubens: Replace cocktail rye with gluten-free bread slices, ensuring the same delicious flavor for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegetarian Mini Reubens: Swap corned beef with thin slices of roasted portobello mushrooms or plant-based deli slices for a meat-free alternative.
  • Low-Carb Mini Reubens: Use cucumber rounds or lettuce leaves instead of bread as a base, keeping the classic Reuben taste while reducing carbohydrate intake.
  • Turkey Reuben Bites: Substitute corned beef with lean sliced turkey for a lighter protein option that maintains the sandwich's signature zesty profile.

Creative Serving For Reuben Sandwich Fans

  • Cozy Game Night Bites: Perfect for sharing these mini Reubens during board game sessions with friends, adding delicious finger food to your entertainment.
  • Cocktail Party Stunner: Impressive appetizer that looks elegant and tastes amazing, sure to wow guests at your next social gathering with minimal preparation effort.
  • Lunch Box Surprise: Pack these compact sandwiches for a delightful midday meal that stays warm and maintains its crispy texture, making colleagues jealous of your gourmet lunch.
  • Quick Family Snack: Kids and adults will love these bite-sized treats that combine savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted cheese in one irresistible package.

Mini Reuben Storage Hacks For Crunchy Results

  • Store leftover mini Reubens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them in a single layer to prevent sogginess and maintain their crispy texture.
  • Warm mini Reubens in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Place them on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil to prevent cheese from burning and bread from drying out.
  • Crisp up mini Reubens in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. This method restores the original crunchiness and melts the cheese perfectly.

FAQs

  • What are cocktail rye slices?

Small, bite-sized pieces of rye bread perfect for appetizers and mini sandwiches, typically around 2-3 inches wide and sold in most grocery stores’ bakery sections.

  • Can I make these Mini Reubens ahead of time?

Prepare the assembled slices just before broiling to keep bread crisp and prevent sogginess. You can pre-chop ingredients, but don’t assemble until right before cooking.

  • What if I don't like sauerkraut?

You can substitute with coleslaw or pickled cabbage for a similar tangy flavor, or simply omit it if you prefer a more mild taste.

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Mini Reubens Recipe

Mini Reubens Recipe


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4.5 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 14 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Delightful mini reubens bring classic deli flavors into bite-sized appetizers perfect for parties. Savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted swiss cheese create irresistible flavor combinations you’ll crave.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound deli sliced corned beef
  • 1 pound sliced Swiss cheese
  • 1 (1 pound) loaf cocktail rye bread

Condiments and Toppings:

  • 1 cup thousand island dressing
  • 1 (16 ounce) jar sauerkraut, rinsed and well drained

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven broiler to high heat, ensuring optimal temperature for quick melting and toasting.
  2. Line a baking sheet with cocktail rye bread slices, creating a neat arrangement for uniform cooking.
  3. Spread a thin layer of thousand island dressing across each bread slice, ensuring complete coverage.
  4. Carefully fold corned beef to perfectly fit the bread’s dimension, creating a compact meat layer.
  5. Distribute sauerkraut evenly over the corned beef, providing a tangy complement to the meat.
  6. Top each mini reuben with a precisely cut Swiss cheese slice, covering the entire surface.
  7. Position the baking sheet under the broiler, maintaining a consistent distance from the heat source.
  8. Monitor closely for 3-4 minutes, watching the cheese melt and edges turn golden brown.
  9. Remove immediately when cheese becomes bubbly and slightly crisp at the edges.
  10. Transfer mini reubens to a serving platter, ensuring they remain warm and appetizing.
  11. Serve immediately to enjoy the optimal texture and temperature of the melted cheese and warm ingredients.

Notes

  • Customize bread choice by using gluten-free rye or sourdough for dietary restrictions.
  • Reduce sodium by selecting low-sodium corned beef and draining sauerkraut before adding.
  • Control portion sizes by using smaller bread slices or mini cocktail rye for lighter appetizers.
  • Enhance flavor profile by adding a light sprinkle of caraway seeds or chopped fresh dill on top before broiling.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Broiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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