If you love the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich but want to enjoy them in a fun, handheld form, then this Reuben-Stuffed Crescent Rolls Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. These golden, flaky crescent rolls are packed with gooey Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and savory corned beef, making each bite a perfect balance of melty, tangy, and meaty goodness. Plus, they’re quick to whip up and guaranteed to become a crowd-pleaser whether for game day, a casual dinner, or a creative appetizer idea.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these irresistible crescent rolls, you’ll only need a handful of simple but essential ingredients that each bring their unique touch of flavor, texture, and color. The Swiss cheese adds that creamy melt, sauerkraut delivers a tangy punch, and the corned beef brings a juicy, rich heartiness. Let’s take a closer look:
- 12-oz can crescent rolls: This is the flaky, golden vessel that holds all your tasty fillings together — Pillsbury Grands work wonderfully.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese: Perfect for melting and giving a mellow, nutty richness to every bite.
- 1/2 cup sauerkraut (squeezed dry): Adds that signature tang and a little crunch; make sure it’s well-drained so the dough doesn’t get soggy.
- 3 large slices corned beef (roughly chopped): The star protein with hearty, savory flavor that’s classic Reuben.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: For brushing on top to give the crescent rolls that irresistible golden sheen and extra flavor.
- Dried basil (or parsley, chives, etc., optional): A sprinkle of green to brighten and freshen the look and taste, but totally optional.
- Thousand Island dressing: The ultimate dipping sauce that makes each bite sing with creamy, tangy goodness.
How to Make Reuben-Stuffed Crescent Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F, or simply follow the temperature instructions provided on your crescent roll package. This step ensures the perfect baking environment so the rolls come out crisp and golden without burning or undercooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough and Filling
Unroll the crescent roll dough and gently separate it into triangles. On the wide end of each triangle, layer about a tablespoon each of shredded Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, chopped corned beef, then another tablespoon of Swiss cheese. This layering ensures that melty cheese surrounds the filling, locking it in place while baking.
Step 3: Roll Up and Seal
Carefully roll up each triangle starting from the wide end toward the point, sealing the edges tightly to prevent the cheese and meat from oozing out during baking. Don’t worry if they look a bit irregular — these rolls are all about the delicious filling inside!
Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place your nicely sealed crescent rolls on a lined or lightly greased baking sheet, spacing them just enough to allow for a little expansion without sticking together. This stage keeps your rolls from becoming a messy clump in the oven.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake at 350 F for 12-15 minutes or until the tops turn a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on them near the end to avoid overbaking — you want that flaky, buttery texture with melty cheese inside.
Step 6: Add a Butter Glaze and Herbs
As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush the tops with melted butter to boost flavor and give a lovely shine. Sprinkle with dried basil, parsley, or chives if you like, but this step is totally optional and only enhances the presentation and aroma.
Step 7: Serve Warm with Thousand Island Dressing
Serve the Reuben-Stuffed Crescent Rolls Recipe immediately while warm, alongside a small bowl of Thousand Island dressing for dipping. The creamy, tangy dip perfectly complements the savory rolls, making the flavor experience complete.
How to Serve Reuben-Stuffed Crescent Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling fresh herbs like parsley or chives over the rolls just before serving brightens the dish visually and adds a hint of fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. A little paprika dusted on top also adds a nice color contrast and a subtle smoky note, if you want to get fancy.
Side Dishes
These rolls are fantastic on their own but pair beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides. Try a simple coleslaw for crunch and tang or a light green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy, cheesy rolls. Pickles always work great on the side for that classic Reuben experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the rolls on a wooden board with small dipping bowls for Thousand Island and maybe some spicy mustard for guests to mix it up. You can also cut each roll in half diagonally to create bite-size appetizers or arrange them on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and pickled vegetables for a show-stopping party platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Reuben-Stuffed Crescent Rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop a little more after resting, but be sure to reheat them properly to bring back the flakiness.
Freezing
If you want to save them for a later treat, these rolls freeze well. Wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, so you can enjoy the delicious Reuben-Stuffed Crescent Rolls Recipe anytime with minimal effort.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the frozen rolls in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 10-12 minutes until heated through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the dough flaky rather than soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different cheese instead of Swiss?
Absolutely! Gruyere or mozzarella make great substitutes if you prefer a milder or stretchier cheese, though Swiss provides that classic nutty flavor that complements the Reuben filling perfectly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap out the corned beef for a plant-based deli slice or sautéed mushrooms for a smoky, meaty texture. Adding extra sauerkraut and cheese helps keep them flavorful and satisfying.
Can I prepare these ahead and bake them later?
Definitely. You can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them on a baking sheet covered with plastic wrap for up to a day, then bake when ready. This is great for busy days or entertaining.
What if I don’t like Thousand Island dressing?
No worries! A good Russian dressing, honey mustard, or even a tangy ranch can work wonderfully as a dip. The choice is yours to complement your personal taste.
Can I make these gluten-free?
While traditional crescent roll dough isn’t gluten-free, there are several gluten-free crescent roll brands available that you can use as substitutes. Be sure to follow the baking directions on their packages for best results.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, flaky crescent roll filled with all the delicious elements of a classic Reuben sandwich. This Reuben-Stuffed Crescent Rolls Recipe is perfect for when you want to mix things up and impress your friends or family with something cozy and comforting. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. Give it a go and watch how quickly these rolls disappear!
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Reuben-Stuffed Crescent Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Reuben-Stuffed Crescent Rolls are a delicious, bite-sized twist on the classic Reuben sandwich. Featuring tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough, they bake to a golden perfection and are best enjoyed warm with a side of Thousand Island dressing for dipping. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these rolls combine savory flavors with easy prep and quick baking.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 12-oz can crescent rolls (Pillsbury Grands recommended)
- 1 1/2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup sauerkraut, squeezed dry
- 3 large slices corned beef (about 3 ounces), roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Dried basil (or parsley, chives, optional)
- Thousand Island dressing (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), or follow the temperature indicated on your crescent roll package for best results.
- Prepare Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles as per the package instructions.
- Add Fillings: On the wide end of each triangle, place about 1 tablespoon of shredded Swiss cheese, 1 tablespoon of well-drained sauerkraut, 1 tablespoon of roughly chopped corned beef, and another tablespoon of cheese on top.
- Roll and Seal: Roll up each triangle starting from the wide end, enclosing the fillings inside. Ensure the edges are sealed tightly to prevent cheese from oozing out during baking. The shape might not look like a traditional crescent, but the flavor inside is what counts.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sealed rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking.
- Bake: Bake the stuffed rolls at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes, or according to the crescent roll package directions, until the tops are golden brown.
- Finish with Butter and Herbs: Immediately after removing the rolls from the oven, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with dried herbs like basil, parsley, or chives if using. This step is optional but adds extra flavor and a glossy finish.
- Serve: Serve the warm rolls with Thousand Island dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy them as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Squeeze the sauerkraut well to remove excess moisture, which helps prevent soggy rolls.
- Ensure the cheese and dough edges are well sealed to avoid filling leakage during baking.
- Feel free to customize the herbs according to your preference or omit them entirely.
- These rolls are best served fresh and warm but can be reheated briefly in the oven.
- Use quality corned beef and Swiss cheese for the best flavor.
- Thousand Island dressing is traditional for dipping but can be substituted with Russian dressing or your favorite sauce.
