Irresistible Reuben Sliders That Will Change Your Snack Game Forever
I have to be honest with you—I didn’t even know I needed Reuben sliders in my life until I made them for the first time.
It started with a craving for something cheesy, meaty, and comforting, but I didn’t want to make a big heavy sandwich.
That’s when I thought—what if I take everything I love about a classic Reuben and turn it into little sliders?
And let me tell you, the result was so good that I couldn’t stop eating them. They’re warm, cheesy, tangy, buttery, and the perfect bite every single time.
That’s why I want to share this recipe and all the little tricks that make these sliders unforgettable.
If you’re a fan of quick party food, tailgating snacks, or just want an easy family dinner, you’re going to love these Reuben sliders as much as I do.
What Are Reuben Sliders?
Reuben sliders are basically mini sandwiches made on slider buns or Hawaiian rolls. They’re loaded with the same classic Reuben ingredients: corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing. Instead of building one big sandwich, you bake them in a casserole-style dish so they’re warm, melty, and buttery on top.
It’s the perfect way to serve a crowd because you can make a whole tray at once without building each sandwich one by one. They’re bite-sized, super filling, and pack all the flavors of a deli Reuben into a handheld snack.
Why Reuben Sliders Are So Addictive
There are a lot of reasons these sliders are loved by everyone:
- Melty cheese with every bite – The Swiss melts beautifully and pulls apart like pizza.
- Tangy sauerkraut – Cuts through the richness and balances the flavors.
- Savory corned beef – Thinly sliced and layered so every bite is meaty.
- Buttery golden tops – The secret to making sliders taste like restaurant-quality snacks.
- One-pan magic – Easy to make, easy to serve, and zero stress when cooking for guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these delicious Reuben sliders, you don’t need anything fancy. Here’s what I always use:
- 1 pack of slider buns or Hawaiian rolls – Soft, slightly sweet rolls work the best.
- 1 pound thinly sliced corned beef – Deli style or leftover corned beef from dinner.
- 10–12 slices Swiss cheese – Melts perfectly and gives that true Reuben flavor.
- 1 cup sauerkraut – Drained well so the bread doesn’t get soggy.
- 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing – Creamy, tangy, and the perfect spread.
- 1/4 cup melted butter – For brushing on top.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds extra flavor to the buttery topping.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – Rounds out the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or poppy seeds – For garnish and a little crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Rolls
Start by cutting the whole sheet of slider buns in half horizontally. Don’t separate them—keep them together like one big sandwich. Place the bottom half in a greased baking dish.
2. Spread the Dressing
Take your Thousand Island dressing and spread a good layer over the bottom buns. This is the base flavor that makes the sliders taste like real Reubens.
3. Layer the Meat
Add the sliced corned beef on top of the dressing. Don’t be shy here—pile it up so every bite has enough meat.
4. Add the Sauerkraut
Make sure your sauerkraut is drained well, then spread it evenly over the meat. This adds tang and crunch without making the bread soggy.
5. Add the Cheese
Layer slices of Swiss cheese over the sauerkraut. Cover everything so when it melts, it holds the sliders together.
6. Top and Season
Place the top half of the slider buns over the cheese. Mix the melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley, then brush it generously over the tops of the rolls.
7. Bake
Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 5–7 minutes until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted.
8. Serve
Once baked, let the sliders cool for just a couple of minutes. Then slice them into individual sliders and serve warm.
My Personal Tips for the Best Sliders
- Toast the bottoms first – If you’re worried about sogginess, toast the bottom half of the rolls before layering.
- Add extra dressing for dipping – Serve a little bowl of Thousand Island on the side.
- Switch up the bread – Hawaiian rolls are sweet, but brioche or pretzel slider buns also taste amazing.
- Experiment with cheese – Swiss is classic, but provolone or mozzarella also work if you want something different.
- Make ahead – Assemble them in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake when you’re ready.
Variations to Try
Turkey Reuben Sliders (Rachel Sliders)
Use sliced turkey instead of corned beef for a lighter version. This is sometimes called a “Rachel.”
Pastrami Reuben Sliders
Swap corned beef with pastrami if you love a smoky, peppery kick.
Keto Reuben Sliders
Use low-carb slider buns or even wrap everything in cabbage leaves for a lighter version.
Extra Cheesy Reuben Sliders
Double up the cheese layer so it’s gooier and more indulgent.
When to Serve Reuben Sliders
One of the best parts about these sliders is how versatile they are. You can serve them for so many occasions:
- Game day or tailgating snacks – They’re perfect finger food.
- Family dinners – A fun twist when you want something quick.
- Potlucks or parties – Easy to transport and reheat.
- St. Patrick’s Day – The best way to use up leftover corned beef.
Why You’ll Love Sharing These
Every time I’ve made Reuben sliders for family or friends, they disappear within minutes. People love that they’re familiar yet a little different from the usual sliders. They feel comforting and homemade but still fancy enough for a party spread.
The best part? They look like you put in way more effort than you actually did. That’s always a win.
FAQs About Reuben Sliders
1. Can I use leftover corned beef?
Yes! Leftover corned beef works perfectly for this recipe and makes the sliders taste even better.
2. What’s the best bread for sliders?
Hawaiian rolls are the most popular because they’re soft and slightly sweet. But brioche or dinner rolls also work.
3. How do I keep sliders from getting soggy?
Drain the sauerkraut well and toast the bottom buns lightly before layering. That helps keep the bread firm.
4. Can I make Reuben sliders ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble them up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover with foil and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
5. What cheese works best?
Swiss is classic, but you can also use provolone, mozzarella, or even cheddar for a twist.
6. Can I freeze Reuben sliders?
Yes. Bake them first, then let cool and wrap tightly. Reheat in the oven when ready to eat.
7. How many sliders should I make per person?
Plan about 2–3 sliders per person if serving as a snack, or 4–5 if serving as a main dish.
8. Can I add mustard?
Absolutely. A thin layer of Dijon or spicy mustard adds another punch of flavor.
9. How long do leftovers last?
They keep in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
10. Are these good for kids?
Yes! Kids love the cheesy, buttery rolls. If they don’t like sauerkraut, you can leave it off.
Final Thoughts
Reuben sliders are one of those recipes that make you wonder why you didn’t try them sooner. They’re quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the game, or just want a cozy dinner, these sliders check every box.
Once you make them, don’t be surprised if they become your go-to recipe for every gathering. They’re that good.
