Baked Reuben Sliders with Thousand Island Glaze
Baked Reuben Sliders with Thousand Island Glaze are a classic American favorite that combines the hearty flavors of corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Swiss cheese all nestled between sweet, pillowy rolls. These sliders are the perfect way to enjoy the beloved Reuben sandwich in a bite-sized format, ideal for parties or cozy family gatherings. The distinct, rich taste is elevated by a luscious Thousand Island glaze that adds a delightful tanginess, making every bite unforgettable.
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I still remember the first time I made Baked Reuben Sliders. Set for a game day gathering, I wanted to create something simple yet impressive. As they baked, the kitchen filled with the mouthwatering aroma of melting cheese and toasted buttery rolls—it felt like a warm embrace. Watching my family devour them was pure joy. These sliders are not just crowd-pleasers; they’re also quick to prepare and budget-friendly. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the joy that comes from sharing these delectable treats!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Prep these gems in just 5 minutes and bake for 20 minutes—perfect for last-minute guests!
- Irresistible Flavor: Enjoy the savory combination of crispy corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese, all topped with a sweet and zesty Thousand Island glaze.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: They’re fun, festive, and perfect for parties or casual dinners, sure to impress everyone!
- Flexible Serving: Perfect as an appetizer, main dish, or even a late-night snack—who says sliders are only for game day?
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free by switching out the rolls; you can also look for dairy-free cheese alternatives if needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 Hawaiian-style sweet rolls, cut in half to make tops and bottoms. These soft, sweet rolls provide the perfect bread base for our sliders.
- ½ cup Thousand Island dressing, this creamy dressing adds rich flavor and moisture. If you want a lighter option, try a homemade version using Greek yogurt and relish.
- ½ pound corned beef, sliced thin. The cornerstone of any Reuben, corned beef is flavorful and juicy. For a twist, pastrami can be a delightful substitute.
- 1 pound sauerkraut, drained. This fermented cabbage adds tang and crunch, complementing the beef beautifully. Make sure to drain it well for the ideal texture.
- ¼ pound Swiss cheese, sliced. The creamy, nutty flavors of Swiss cheese melt magnificently in the oven. If you prefer, you can swap it for provolone or even cheese alternatives for lighter sliders.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted. A light buttering on top of the rolls creates a lovely golden crisp when baked, enhancing both flavor and texture.
How to Make Baked Reuben Sliders with Thousand Island Glaze
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures that our sliders bake evenly and helps the cheese melt perfectly.
Prepare Your Dish: Butter the bottom of a 9-inch x 13-inch baking dish. This step keeps the sliders from sticking, and who doesn’t love that little buttery flavor?
Assemble the Bottoms: Place the bottom halves of the Hawaiian rolls neatly in the dish. This forms the base for our delicious fillings to come.
Add the Dressing: Spread ¼ cup of Thousand Island dressing generously over the roll bottoms. This adds a wonderful creamy layer that will enhance every bite.
Layer the Ingredients: Lay the slices of corned beef over all the rolls. Then, spread the drained sauerkraut evenly over the corned beef, and finish by layering the Swiss cheese on top. Each layer contributes to the iconic Reuben flavor.
Top It Off: Next, spread the remaining Thousand Island dressing over the inside of the top halves of the rolls. This ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor before placing them on top of the Swiss cheese.
Butter the Rolls: Use a pastry brush to spread the melted butter over the tops of the rolls. This creates a beautiful golden crust and adds richness to the sliders.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. You’ll know they’re ready when you see the cheese melting and the tops turning golden brown.
Serve Warm: Once baked, remove from the oven and cut each slider apart from the others. Transfer them to a plate and enjoy while warm for the ultimate delicious experience!
Storing & Reheating
If you happen to have leftovers, you can store them at room temperature for a couple of hours. For optimal freshness, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, followed by a freezer-safe container, for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Just keep in mind that the bread may lose some of its crispiness after reheating, but a quick toast can revive that delightful crunch!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid soggy sliders by ensuring the sauerkraut is well-drained. Press it gently to remove excess liquid.
- Use room temperature butter for easy spreading.
- Timing is key! Keep an eye on them in the oven; you want melted cheese but not overly crunchy rolls.
- Feel free to customize! Switch up ingredients—try adding pickles for extra crunch or different cheeses for a unique flavor.
- Let them cool slightly before serving; this helps them hold their shape and makes them easier to eat.
These Baked Reuben Sliders with Thousand Island Glaze are not just a meal; they offer a taste experience that is comforting, nostalgic, and utterly mesmerizing. Don’t shy away from experimenting with flavors and ingredients. Enjoy making them your own, and share the joy with friends and family!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the sliders ahead of time and store them in the fridge before baking. Just be sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the wrap and put them in the oven.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Certainly! While Swiss is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor. Just remember to watch your baking time if you choose a different cheese, as melt times can vary.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
Yes! You can replace the corned beef with roasted vegetables or a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a savory vegetarian option. You may also consider using plant-based cheese substitutes to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
What can I serve with Reuben sliders?
These flavorful sliders pair perfectly with potato chips, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. You can also serve them with extra Thousand Island dressing for dipping—delicious!
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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 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
Baked Reuben Sliders with Thousand Island Glaze are a delightful combination of corned beef, Swiss cheese, and tangy thousand island dressing. Perfect for a quick dinner or easy appetizer, these sliders are sure to please everyone at your table
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 and butter the bottom of a 9-inch x 13-inch baking dish.
- Place the bottoms of the rolls in the baking dish.
- Spread 1/4 cup of Thousand Island dressing on the halves of the rolls at the bottom.
- Layer the corned beef slices over the rolls, followed by spreading the sauerkraut on top.
- Lay the Swiss cheese slices over the sauerkraut.
- Spread the remaining Thousand Island dressing on the inside of the top halves of the rolls and place them on top of the Swiss cheese.
- Brush melted butter over the tops of the rolls using a pastry brush.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is completely melted.
- Take them out of the oven and cut each slider apart from each other. Serve warm!
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding some pickled jalapeños or a sprinkle of caraway seeds.
Make sure to drain the sauerkraut well to avoid soggy sliders.
These sliders can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
