Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Mini Reuben Appetizers are not only easy to make but also bursting with bold, delicious flavors. The hearty rye bread, savory corned beef, and melt-in-your-mouth Swiss cheese are balanced by the crunch of cole slaw and the tangy bite of Thousand Island dressing. These mini bites are the perfect combination of texture and taste, making them a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s sure to disappear quickly. Whether you're hosting a party or just craving a tasty snack, this appetizer brings the Reuben sandwich experience in a convenient, bite-sized form.
Ingredients
- 15 pieces Rye Bread (we used Pepperidge Farm Rye)
- 8 slices Corned Beef from the deli or cook your own
- 1 (8 oz) package cole slaw mix
- 4 slices Swiss Cheese
- 2 tablespoons Rice Wine Vinegar
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- Thousand Island Dressing
- 15 Sweet Pickles for garnish
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lay the rye bread slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until slightly crispy.
- While the bread is toasting, slice the corned beef into smaller pieces to fit the bread slices.
- In a small bowl, combine the cole slaw mix with rice wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss it well to ensure even distribution of seasoning.
- Once the bread is toasted, remove it from the oven. On each piece of rye bread, place a slice of corned beef, followed by a piece of Swiss cheese.
- Put the assembled pieces back in the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven and top each mini Reuben with a spoonful of cole slaw and a drizzle of Thousand Island dressing.
- Garnish each appetizer with a sweet pickle on top.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 15 mini appetizers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Add Sauerkraut: For a more traditional Reuben flavor, you can substitute cole slaw for sauerkraut. It adds an extra tang and pairs perfectly with the corned beef.
- Different Bread: While rye bread is traditional, you can experiment with different types of bread like whole wheat or sourdough for a unique twist.
- Lighter Option: Use low-fat Swiss cheese and opt for a light version of Thousand Island dressing for a healthier variation.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover mini Reuben appetizers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the mini Reubens on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the bread may lose some crispness.
FAQs
Can I make these Mini Reuben Appetizers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the appetizers just before serving. You can also assemble them and store them in the fridge until ready to bake.
Can I use pre-made cole slaw instead of making my own?
Yes, pre-made cole slaw will work just fine if you're looking for a quicker option.
What can I use instead of Thousand Island dressing?
If you don’t have Thousand Island dressing, you can use Russian dressing or even a mixture of mayo and ketchup for a similar flavor.
Can I make these without cheese?
Yes, if you prefer a dairy-free version, you can skip the Swiss cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Can I freeze Mini Reuben Appetizers?
It's not recommended to freeze these appetizers as the bread may become soggy when reheated. They are best enjoyed fresh.
Can I make these without pickles?
You can skip the pickles if you’re not a fan, but they do add a nice tangy contrast to the richness of the corned beef and cheese.
What’s the best way to serve Mini Reuben Appetizers?
These appetizers are best served warm, straight from the oven. You can serve them on a platter with extra Thousand Island dressing on the side for dipping.
How can I make these spicier?
If you like spice, add a bit of hot sauce or Dijon mustard to the Thousand Island dressing to give your mini Reubens a little extra heat.
Can I make these with turkey instead of corned beef?
Yes, you can use turkey instead of corned beef for a lighter version of the appetizer.
How do I know when the mini Reubens are done baking?
The mini Reubens are done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is slightly crispy around the edges.
Conclusion
Mini Reuben Appetizers are a delicious, crowd-pleasing treat that brings the flavors of the classic Reuben sandwich into a bite-sized form. They’re simple to prepare, customizable, and full of savory goodness. Perfect for parties or just a fun snack, these little appetizers are sure to become a new favorite.
Mini Reuben Appetizers
- Total Time: 25minutes
- Yield: 15 Servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mini Reuben Appetizers are a perfect finger food, bringing the classic Reuben sandwich to a bite-sized treat. With savory corned beef, Swiss cheese, tangy cole slaw, and Thousand Island dressing, these mini sandwiches are full of bold, mouthwatering flavors. They're ideal for parties, game days, or any gathering, offering a fun and easy-to-make snack that will disappear in no time.
Ingredients
- 15 pieces Rye Bread (Pepperidge Farm Rye)
- 8 slices Corned Beef (deli or homemade)
- 1 (8 oz) package cole slaw mix
- 4 slices Swiss Cheese
- 2 tablespoons Rice Wine Vinegar
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- Thousand Island Dressing
- 15 Sweet Pickles (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Toast the rye bread on a baking sheet for 5 minutes or until slightly crispy.
- Slice corned beef into smaller pieces to fit the bread.
- Mix cole slaw with rice wine vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Top each piece of toasted bread with corned beef and Swiss cheese.
- Bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven and top with cole slaw and Thousand Island dressing.
- Garnish with a sweet pickle.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Variations: You can substitute cole slaw for sauerkraut for a more traditional Reuben. Experiment with different breads like sourdough or whole wheat for a twist. For a lighter version, opt for low-fat cheese and dressing.
- Storage/Reheating: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
