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Bite-sized Reuben sliders bring the classic deli sandwich flavors into a fun and shareable appetizer. Layered with tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy dressing, and melted Swiss cheese on soft Hawaiian rolls, these sliders are baked until golden with a crispy seasoned butter topping. They make for a perfect crowd-pleaser at parties or an easy comfort food for family meals.
I first made these sliders on game night, and they vanished faster than anything else on the table. Now I bring them to every gathering because everyone asks for them.
Ingredients
- Kings Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls: Soft pillowy texture balances the salty beef and tangy sauerkraut. Choose fresh packages without squished or damaged buns
- Deli Sliced Corned Beef: Select lean slices with some marbled fat for an authentic Reuben taste. Leftover cooked corned beef works beautifully
- Thousand Island or Russian Dressing: Provides the creamy, tangy base that ties the flavors together. Use a favorite brand or homemade version
- Sauerkraut: Well drained to prevent sogginess while adding bright tang. Look for kraut with minimal preservatives for best freshness
- Swiss Cheese: Mild and melts beautifully, forming delicious gooey layers. Opt for real Swiss cheese rather than processed slices
- Salted Butter: Adds richness and crisps the tops when brushed on before baking. High quality butter improves flavor
- Garlic Powder: Brings a savory punch to the butter topping. Fresh spices give the best aroma
- Worcestershire Sauce: Gives an umami boost to the butter glaze on top
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: Crunchy and herby topping with sesame and poppy seeds for a perfect finishing touch
Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to three hundred and fifty degrees to ensure even baking. Using a sharp bread knife, carefully slice the whole package of sweet rolls horizontally in half without separating the tops and bottoms completely to make assembly easier. Place only the bottom halves of the rolls in an oven-safe baking dish.
- Assemble the Layers:
- Spread a light layer of dressing over the bottom halves of the rolls with a spoon or spatula to cover evenly. Then layer the corned beef slices so they completely cover the bread surface. If your corned beef is thick or leftover, gently shred or pull it apart for easier layering. Place half of the Swiss cheese slices over the beef to create a gooey base.
- Add the Sauerkraut and More Cheese:
- Drain the sauerkraut thoroughly to avoid soggy sliders. Spoon it evenly over the cheese layer and press lightly so it stays put. Drizzle more dressing on top before covering with the remaining Swiss cheese slices for extra melt and flavor.
- Close the Sliders:
- Carefully place the top halves of the rolls back onto the assembled stack, lining them up so everything stays neat and no ingredients hang out beyond the edges.
- Make and Brush the Butter Topping:
- Melt the salted butter in a small bowl using the stove or microwave. Whisk in the garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce until completely combined. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the top of the rolls with the flavorful butter mixture, making sure to cover every bun.
- Finish with Topping and Bake:
- Sprinkle a thick layer of Everything Bagel Seasoning evenly over the buttered tops. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to trap moisture. Place in the preheated oven and bake for twentyfive to thirty minutes. Check that the cheese has melted and the sliders are heated through. Remove the foil and bake for another three to five minutes if you prefer a more golden and crisp top.
My favorite part is the buttery crisp tops with all that flavorful seasoning. I remember my kids sneaking bites just to pick the seasoning off the cooling tray—it turned into a friendly game to see who got the very first piece.
Storage Tips
Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they will remain tasty for up to three days. To reheat, warm in the oven at three hundred degrees just until heated through. This helps keep the bread soft and the cheese nicely melted instead of rubbery.
Ingredient Substitutions
For a lighter version, try rye rolls or whole grain sliders instead of sweet rolls. Turkey pastrami is a delicious alternative for corned beef. Swiss cheese can be swapped with provolone or sharp cheddar if Swiss is not your thing.
Serving Suggestions
These sliders go wonderfully with crunchy pickles and kettle chips. Cut into smaller squares for easy party bites. They also pair well with a crisp green salad for a more balanced meal.
These Reuben sliders are an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer to make for gatherings. They reheat well and stay flavorful.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use leftover corned beef?
Yes, leftover cooked corned beef works well and adds excellent flavor to these sliders.
- → What bread is best for these sliders?
Soft King's Hawaiian sweet rolls hold up nicely while adding a slight sweetness and pillowy texture.
- → Can Swiss cheese be substituted?
Gruyère or provolone are great alternatives that melt well and complement the flavors, though Swiss is traditional.
- → How to avoid sogginess in the sliders?
Make sure to drain and squeeze the sauerkraut well, and use dressing sparingly to keep the layers crisp.
- → Is it possible to prepare these sliders in advance?
You can assemble the sliders up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best texture.