Reuben Corned Beef Sliders

These Reuben sliders bring together everything I love about classic deli flavors in a compact shareable bite They are the perfect easy appetizer for parties or a cozy family meal with all the tang and richness of a traditional Reuben but less fuss and cleanup

The first time I made these sliders for game night they disappeared faster than anything else on the table Now I am expected to bring them to every gathering

Ingredients

• Kings Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls: Soft pillowy texture provides the perfect balance to salty beef and tangy kraut Check for freshness and avoid overly squished packages
• Deli Sliced Corned Beef: Choose lean slices with some marbled fat They give the sliders that signature Reuben flavor Use leftover cooked corned beef if available
• Thousand Island or Russian Dressing: Creamy tangy base that brings everything together Go for a brand you love or make your own
• Sauerkraut: Well drained to avoid soggy sliders Adds brightness and tang Look for kraut with minimal preservatives for the freshest taste
• Swiss Cheese: Mild but melts beautifully It forms those gooey layers every Reuben needs Choose real Swiss not processed singles
• Salted Butter: Adds richness and helps the tops crisp nicely Use high quality for best flavor
• Garlic Powder: Savory punch to the butter topping Pick a fresh jar if yours has been sitting in the cupboard
• Worcestershire Sauce: Gives that extra umami kick to the butter layer
• Everything Bagel Seasoning: Crunchy herby topping with sesame and poppy seeds adds the perfect finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Oven and Rolls:

Set your oven to three hundred and fifty degrees so it has a chance to heat evenly Grab a sharp bread knife and carefully slice the whole package of sweet rolls in half horizontally Try to keep the top and bottom halves together to make assembly easier Lay just the bottom half in an oven safe tray or baking dish

Assemble the Layers:

Start by spreading a light layer of your dressing over the bottom rolls Use a spoon or spatula to spread evenly Next lay the corned beef slices so they cover every inch of the bread If using thicker leftover beef try to pull or shred it slightly for easier layering Top this with half of the Swiss cheese slices for a gooey foundation

Add the Sauerkraut and More Cheese:

After the cheese spoon the well drained sauerkraut across the top pressing lightly so it stays in place Add another generous drizzle of dressing Spread out the rest of the Swiss cheese over the sauerkraut for double the melt factor

Close the Sliders:

Carefully set the top half of the buns back over the stack Line them up so everything fits neatly and nothing hangs over the sides

Make and Brush the Butter Topping:

Melt the salted butter in a small bowl either on the stove or in the microwave Once melted whisk in the garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce Use a pastry brush to liberally coat the tops of the rolls ensuring every bit gets some of the flavorful butter

Finish with Topping and Bake:

Sprinkle a thick coating of Everything Bagel Seasoning over the buttered tops Cover the tray tightly with foil to keep the moisture in Place into the preheated oven and bake for about twenty five to thirty minutes Check that the cheese is melted and the sliders are heated through Remove foil and bake another three to five minutes if you want the tops extra golden

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My favorite part has to be the buttery crisp tops with all that seasoned crunch I remember my kids sneaking in just to pick off the bagel seasoning from the cooling tray It is become a game to see who gets the very first one

Storage Tips

Cool leftovers and store them in an airtight container in the fridge They will stay tasty for up to three days Reheat in the oven at three hundred degrees just until warm This keeps the bread from getting rubbery and brings back the melty cheese

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want a lighter version swap out rye rolls or whole grain sliders for sweet rolls Turkey pastrami works great in place of corned beef You can also substitute provolone or even sharp cheddar if you are not a fan of Swiss

Serving Suggestions

These sliders are wonderful with pickles and kettle chips on the side Try cutting them into smaller squares for bite sized party nibbles They also pair well with a crisp green salad for a balanced dinner

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Cultural Context

The Reuben sandwich is an American deli classic with roots going back nearly a century Originally invented in either New York or Omaha the combination of corned beef sauerkraut Swiss cheese and special sauce has become a cultural staple Sliders bring all those flavors into a fun party food format

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use leftover corned beef?

Absolutely! Leftover cooked corned beef works perfectly and adds even more flavor to the sliders.

→ What is the best bread for these sliders?

Soft King's Hawaiian sweet rolls hold up well to baking and offer a balance of texture and slight sweetness.

→ Can I substitute Swiss cheese?

Yes, Gruyère or provolone can be used for a similar melt and flavor profile, but Swiss is classic for this combination.

→ How do I prevent sogginess?

Drain and squeeze sauerkraut well before layering, and avoid overloading with dressing to keep the sliders crisp.

→ Is it possible to make these ahead?

Assemble the sliders up to the baking step; cover and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best results.