If you’re on the hunt for something fun, crispy, and packed with comfort-food goodness, I’ve got you covered with this absolutely irresistible Pastrami Reuben Egg Rolls Recipe. Imagine the classic Reuben sandwich flavors all rolled up in a crunchy egg roll wrapper—golden outside, melty and tangy inside—and that dreamy Russian dressing that ties everything together. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them for every casual dinner or game day snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crunchy meets melty: The perfect crispy egg roll wrapper with that oozy Swiss cheese and savory pastrami combo is such a win.
- Easy to make at home: Minimal ingredients and instructions make this a quick recipe that feels fancy without the fuss.
- Healthier twist: You can air fry or bake these instead of deep-frying, so you keep the flavor but lighten the load.
- Versatile and fun: Great as party appetizers, game day snacks, or a unique dinner that satisfies those Reuben sandwich cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together beautifully to deliver all the classic Reuben flavors inside a satisfyingly crisp shell. Try to source good-quality pastrami for the best flavor, and don’t be shy about using Jarlsberg or your favorite Swiss cheese variety—it melts like a dream.
- Sauerkraut: Be sure to squeeze out excess liquid to avoid soggy egg rolls.
- Egg roll wrappers: Look for round or square wrappers; they both work well here.
- Pastrami: Chopped; fresh deli-style pastrami gives that authentic taste.
- Swiss cheese: Jarlsberg works great because it melts smoothly and adds nuttiness.
- Water: For sealing the egg roll edges—just plain water is perfect.
- Olive oil spray: Helps achieve a beautiful golden crust when baking or air frying.
- Mayonnaise: Use light mayo for the tasty Russian dressing without heaviness.
- Ketchup: Adds that tangy sweetness to the sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce: Brings depth and subtle umami notes.
- Horseradish: Just the right kick for that Reuben zing.
- Hot sauce: I love Frank’s Red Hot here—it amps up the heat perfectly.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed to brighten the dressing flavors.
- Onion powder: A subtle but essential spice to round out the sauce.
- Kosher salt: Enhances everything without overpowering.
Variations
I love to switch things up with this Pastrami Reuben Egg Rolls Recipe—it’s so easy to tweak based on what you have or your family’s preferences. Don’t be afraid to customize to make it your own!
- Vegetarian Version: I’ve tried swapping pastrami for smoked mushrooms or tempeh for a smoky, meat-free twist that still nails that umami.
- Spicy Kick: Adding extra hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne to the filling amps things up for folks who love their heat.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with provolone or mozzarella if Swiss isn’t your thing—I found that Jarlsberg is my favorite for melt and flavor, but you might discover a new fave!
- Cooking Method: While I love air frying for that crunch with less oil, baking these at 400°F on a parchment-lined sheet sprayed with olive oil gives equally tasty results.
How to Make Pastrami Reuben Egg Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Sauerkraut and Station Your Ingredients
One key to success with these egg rolls is draining the sauerkraut well. Grab a clean kitchen towel and really squeeze out as much liquid as you can—that keeps the egg rolls nice and crispy. Then chop your pastrami, shred the Swiss cheese, and set out a small bowl of water nearby for sealing the wrappers. Having everything ready makes the rolling process a breeze.
Step 2: Fill and Roll the Egg Rolls
Lay an egg roll wrapper down with the point facing you (it looks like a diamond). Spoon about 2 tablespoons pastrami, 2 tablespoons cheese, and 2 tablespoons sauerkraut on the bottom third of the wrapper. Now, fold the bottom point up over the filling, then brush your finger dipped in water along the edges. Fold in the left and right corners, then carefully roll it up tight towards the top point—like a little burrito. I found this technique keeps everything neatly inside without leaking during cooking.
Step 3: Cook to Crispy Perfection
Once all your egg rolls are wrapped, give them a light spray of olive oil for even browning. For the crispiest results without deep frying, I air fry these at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. If you don’t have an air fryer, no worries—baking on a parchment-lined tray at the same temperature for 12-15 minutes works beautifully, just keep an eye to avoid over-browning.
Step 4: Whip Up the Russian Dressing
While your egg rolls cook, mix a quick Russian dressing by combining light mayo, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, hot sauce, lemon juice, onion powder, and a pinch of kosher salt. This sauce is the magic touch that takes these egg rolls from tasty to downright addictive. I always taste and adjust the heat level at this stage—it’s all about balancing the tangy and spicy flavors.
Pro Tips for Making Pastrami Reuben Egg Rolls Recipe
- Sauerkraut Drainage: I can’t stress this enough—wringing out your sauerkraut is what keeps your egg rolls perfectly crispy.
- Rolling Technique: Folding corners in before rolling helps avoid filling spillage and creates that neat cylindrical shape.
- Cooking Method Choice: Tried air frying first and fell in love with the crispy shell without extra oil, but baking works well too—just watch your timing.
- Sauce Balance: Adjust the hot sauce in the Russian dressing to your family’s heat preference to avoid overpowering the classic flavors.
How to Serve Pastrami Reuben Egg Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
I love to serve these egg rolls with a dollop of the Russian dressing right on the side for dipping, sprinkled with some chopped fresh parsley or chives for a little color and freshness. A few pickle slices alongside really amp up the deli-vibe and add a nice acidic crunch that balances the richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
For sides, my family goes crazy for simple potato chips or a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the egg rolls’ richness. If you want something heartier, roasted veggies or even a warm bowl of matzo ball soup makes a fun contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, I like to slice these egg rolls diagonally so the cheesy filling peeks out, then arrange them around a platter with small bowls of Russian dressing and spicy mustard. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time and feels like a special treat without much extra work.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (they rarely last long in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep them a bit crisper, I recommend placing a paper towel in the container to absorb moisture.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these egg rolls before with great results. Just freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you want to enjoy them later, no need to thaw—just air fry or bake straight from frozen with a few extra minutes on the timer.
Reheating
To reheat and keep that crispy outside, I always pop reheated egg rolls back in the air fryer or oven at about 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Microwaving makes them soggy, so I avoid that whenever possible.
FAQs
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Can I use corned beef instead of pastrami in this Pastrami Reuben Egg Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! Corned beef makes a delicious substitution if pastrami isn’t available. The flavor profile is similar enough to keep that classic Reuben taste, though it’s a bit milder. Just make sure to chop it finely so it rolls up well inside the egg rolls.
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What’s the best way to prevent the egg rolls from bursting open while cooking?
Filling the egg rolls too full or rolling them loosely are common causes of bursting. Make sure to evenly distribute filling without overstuffing, and fold the edges tightly with a dab of water to seal well. Also, using egg roll wrappers that aren’t dried out helps prevent cracking.
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Can I deep fry these for a more authentic crunch?
Yes, if you don’t mind the extra oil, deep-frying is a classic way to get ultra-crispy egg rolls. Heat oil to around 350°F and fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Just remember to drain on paper towels to remove excess oil before serving.
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Is there a gluten-free alternative for the egg roll wrappers?
Gluten-free egg roll wrappers can be hard to find, but some specialty stores and online retailers offer them. Alternatively, you could try using rice paper wrappers for a gluten-free take, though the texture will be different. Just handle gently to avoid tearing.
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How long does it take to make Pastrami Reuben Egg Rolls Recipe from start to finish?
This recipe is a total winner for convenience—about 15 minutes to prep and roll, plus 10 minutes cooking time. You’re looking at roughly 25 minutes from start to finish, perfect for satisfying those Reuben cravings quickly!
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Pastrami Reuben Egg Rolls Recipe pulls together familiar deli flavors with a playful twist. When I first made these, they were a total hit with my family, and I’ve been making them ever since for casual gatherings and comfort food nights. They’re easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough to share. I hope you have as much fun making them—and eating them—as I do!
Print
Pastrami Reuben Egg Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 egg rolls (4 servings, 2 egg rolls each)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Crispy, golden Pastrami Reuben Egg Rolls filled with flavorful pastrami, sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese, served with a tangy homemade Russian dressing. This recipe offers a healthier twist by using an air fryer or baking for cooking, delivering all the classic Reuben flavors in a fun and crunchy handheld appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Egg Rolls
- 1 1/2 cups sauerkraut
- 8 egg roll wrappers
- 6 ounces pastrami, chopped (or corned beef)
- 1 cup shredded reduced-fat Swiss cheese (such as Jarlsberg)
- Olive oil spray
- Small bowl of water (for sealing)
Russian Dressing
- 1/4 cup light mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon horseradish
- Dash of hot sauce (Frank’s Red Hot recommended)
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch kosher salt
Instructions
- Prepare Sauerkraut: Using a clean kitchen towel, squeeze the excess liquid from the sauerkraut thoroughly to prevent sogginess inside the egg rolls. Set aside.
- Assemble Egg Rolls: Place one egg roll wrapper on a clean, dry surface with corners oriented like a diamond. Layer 3/4 ounce (approximately 2 tablespoons) of chopped pastrami, 2 tablespoons shredded Swiss cheese, and 2 tablespoons of the drained sauerkraut on the bottom third of the wrapper.
- Roll Egg Rolls: Carefully lift the bottom corner nearest to you and fold it over the filling. Dip your finger into the bowl of water and moisten the edges of the wrapper to help seal it. Fold in the left and right corners toward the center and continue to roll up tightly to form a neat cylinder. Repeat this process with remaining wrappers and filling.
- Cook the Egg Rolls: Lightly spray each rolled egg roll with olive oil on all sides. Arrange the egg rolls in a single layer in an air fryer basket or on a baking sheet if baking. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through. If baking, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes until crisp and browned.
- Make Russian Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together light mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, hot sauce, lemon juice, onion powder, and a pinch of kosher salt until well combined.
- Serve: Serve the hot, crispy Pastrami Reuben Egg Rolls immediately with the prepared Russian dressing for dipping and enjoy the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich in a fun, finger-food format.
Notes
- For best results, thoroughly drain and squeeze sauerkraut to avoid soggy egg rolls.
- These egg rolls can be cooked in an air fryer for a healthier alternative or baked in the oven if preferred.
- Feel free to substitute pastrami with corned beef for a different Reuben variation.
- The Russian dressing adds a creamy and tangy complement, but you can also use Thousand Island dressing if desired.
- These egg rolls make a great appetizer or party snack paired with a cold beverage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 egg rolls with 1 tablespoon sauce
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1297 mg
- Fat: 9.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
