Name: Reuben Egg Rolls with Thousand Island Dip Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 egg roll wrappers; 2 tablespoons oil (for cooking); Thousand Island dressing (for serving); 500 grams corned beef (approximately 10 slices); ½ cup Swiss cheese (or mozzarella cheese, approximately 5 slices); ½ cup sauerkraut

If you love the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich but crave something a bit more fun to snack on, you’re going to adore this Reuben Egg Rolls with Thousand Island Dip Recipe. Crispy on the outside and packed with that savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melty Swiss cheese center, these egg rolls bring deli goodness straight to your fingertips!

On a white plate with a blue center, there are several golden brown baked pastries. One pastry is split in half and placed standing upright in the middle, showing three main layers: the outer crust is a shiny, light brown baked pastry dough; inside it has a thick layer of pinkish-red meat with a fibrous texture, and a layer of shredded white cabbage-like vegetable surrounding the meat on both sides. A small metal bowl with creamy, light orange dipping sauce sits in front of the pastries. In the background, there is a white and blue checkered cloth on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Reuben Egg Rolls with Thousand Island Dip Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Reuben Egg Rolls with Thousand Island Dip Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Reuben Egg Rolls with Thousand Island Dip Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of these Reuben egg rolls — they're such a perfect appetizer or snack, whether you’re hosting friends or just craving something delicious at home.

Easy to Make: Minimal prep with simple ingredients you might already have on hand.
Multiple Cooking Methods: Whether you want to air fry, pan-fry, or bake, these egg rolls adapt perfectly for your kitchen setup.
Classic Flavors in Handheld Form: All the beloved Reuben ingredients wrapped up in crispy, golden egg roll wrappers.
Perfect Dipping Sauce: The tangy Thousand Island dip takes these bites to the next level every single time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, here’s a quick heads-up on what you’ll need and why each ingredient is essential. Shopping tip: You’ll find the egg roll wrappers refrigerated near tofu and salad dressings, and the rest is pretty straightforward from your deli and cheese section.

Flat lay of a neat stack of thin, square egg roll wrappers, a small pile of diced pinkish corned beef pieces, a small heap of shredded pale yellow Swiss cheese, a small mound of light beige sauerkraut strands, a small white ceramic bowl filled with glossy golden cooking oil, and a small white bowl containing creamy pale pink Thousand Island dressing, all elements fresh and natural, arranged symmetrically with perfect proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Egg roll wrappers: These are the crunchy, golden shells that hold all the delicious filling — make sure to keep them refrigerated until ready to use.
Oil for cooking: Whether frying or brushing for the air fryer or oven, oil helps you get that perfect crispy exterior.
Thousand Island dressing: A classic dip that’s creamy, tangy, and the ideal partner for these egg rolls.
Corned beef: The star protein, diced into bite-sized pieces to fill each roll with that savory, hearty flavor.
Swiss cheese (or mozzarella): Swiss gives the traditional tang, but mozzarella is a great mild substitute that melts beautifully.
Sauerkraut: Adds the essential tangy crunch and authentic Reuben zing to every bite.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about the Reuben Egg Rolls with Thousand Island Dip Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you're adjusting the filling, trying different cooking methods, or sneaking in extra veggies, these egg rolls are a fun canvas for personalization.

Gluten-Free Twist: I swapped out the traditional egg roll wrappers for rice paper rolls once, cutting the cooking time down to just 3 minutes per side. The texture was lighter, and they were just as crispy — perfect for friends who avoid gluten.
Cheese Swap: While Swiss cheese is classic here, I’ve often used mozzarella for a milder flavor that melts beautifully. It’s a great option if you want to keep the focus on the corned beef and sauerkraut.
Veggie Boost: Sometimes I add finely shredded carrots or chopped green onions to the filling for an extra layer of freshness and crunch. It adds color and a subtle sweet bite.
Cooking Methods: Each method has its perks. The air fryer gives a fast, crispy finish without much oil, perfect for a weeknight snack. Stove top frying offers that authentic deep-fried crunch, while baking is a hands-off, healthier alternative when you want less oil.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Reuben Egg Rolls with Thousand Island Dip Recipe

A white plate with a blue center holds several golden brown baked pockets with a crispy texture. One pocket is cut open to show three main layers inside: a thin, crispy outer crust, a thick middle layer of pink cured meat, and a bottom layer of shredded pale cabbage-like vegetable. Next to the pockets is a small silver cup filled with a creamy light orange dipping sauce with small green and orange flecks. In the background, there is a white marbled surface and a white and blue checkered cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare the Filling with Care

Start by dicing about 500 grams of corned beef into small, bite-sized pieces — this helps ensure every bite is packed with savory flavor. Dice or shred half a cup of Swiss cheese (or mozzarella, if you prefer a milder taste). In a medium bowl, gently mix the corned beef, cheese, and half a cup of sauerkraut until everything is evenly combined. The sauerkraut adds that tangy punch that makes this recipe shine, so don’t skip it!

Step 2: Assemble Your Egg Rolls Like a Pro

Place one to two tablespoons of your filling in the center of each egg roll wrapper. Here’s a tip: dip your finger in water and run it along the edges of the wrapper — this acts as your glue to seal everything up. Fold two opposite corners toward the center, then roll tightly to enclose the filling. Don’t rush this step; tightly rolled egg rolls keep the filling snug and prevent any leaks during cooking.

Step 3: Choose Your Cooking Method

For that perfectly golden brown and crispy exterior, brush both sides of your egg rolls lightly with oil. If you’re air frying, set your air fryer to 400°F and cook them for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to get an even crisp. Using the stove top? Heat oil over medium heat and fry the egg rolls in small batches for roughly 5 minutes until golden. Or if oven baking is more your style, bake at 400°F for 15 minutes on a foil-lined pan, flipping halfway through and brushing with extra oil as needed. Whichever method you pick, keep an eye out for that beautiful golden color!

Step 4: Cool and Dip

Once cooked, let your Reuben egg rolls rest for 2 to 3 minutes — the filling will be piping hot and a little cooling time keeps things safe and touches up the texture. Serve with a generous side of Thousand Island dressing for dipping, and enjoy the perfect blend of crispy, savory, tangy, and creamy in every bite.

Top Tip

Mastering these little Reuben Egg Rolls with Thousand Island Dip Recipe is all about keeping your egg rolls perfectly crispy while ensuring the filling stays deliciously juicy and cheesy. Here are some tips from my own kitchen adventures that you’ll find handy!

Tight Rolling: Make sure to roll those egg rolls tightly to prevent any filling from leaking out during cooking — it really saves you from a greasy mess!
Don’t Skip the Oil Brush: Brushing oil on both sides before cooking (especially in the air fryer or oven) helps get that gorgeous golden crisp without deep-frying.
Mix Your Filling Evenly: Taking a moment to mix the corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut well means every bite has balanced flavor — no surprises inside!
Cool Before Serving: Let the egg rolls rest for 2 to 3 minutes after cooking because that filling will be piping hot and you want to avoid burning your mouth.

How to Serve Reuben Egg Rolls with Thousand Island Dip Recipe

In this image, a white bowl filled with cooked rice is on a wooden board placed over a white marbled surface. On top of the rice, there are scattered pieces of chopped pink ham and small yellow cheese cubes. A woman's hand is stirring the mixture using a spoon, while another woman's hand holds the side of the bowl. The bowl's inside is a light contrasting color, and the whole scene feels casual and kitchen-like. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives over your egg rolls before serving to add a splash of color and freshness. If you want a little extra tang, a light drizzle of pickle juice or a few thin pickle slices on the side will perfectly complement the sauerkraut and corned beef flavors.

Side Dishes

These Reuben Egg Rolls shine as an appetizer but pair wonderfully with classic deli-inspired sides like a crisp dill pickle spear, kettle-cooked potato chips, or a simple green salad with vinaigrette. Serve alongside a bowl of warm tomato soup or even sweet potato fries for a comforting meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Reuben Egg Rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining good texture and flavor.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead, freeze the assembled but uncooked egg rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once frozen solid. They’ll last up to 1 month. When ready, cook them straight from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Reheating

To reheat cooked egg rolls, the air fryer is your best friend — pop them at 400°F for 3 to 4 minutes until crispy again. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that beautiful crunch!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these Reuben egg rolls vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the corned beef with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based deli meat substitute, and keep the Swiss cheese and sauerkraut for that classic flavor.

What’s the best cooking method for crispy egg rolls without deep frying?

Using an air fryer at 400°F for 10 minutes is a fantastic alternative — it gives you that crispness with far less oil and mess.

Can I use mozzarella cheese instead of Swiss?

Yes! Mozzarella provides a milder, creamier texture that pairs well with corned beef and sauerkraut if you prefer less sharp cheese.

How can I prevent the egg rolls from leaking filling during cooking?

Be sure to wet the wrapper edges before sealing and roll tightly to keep everything sealed inside during cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Reuben Egg Rolls with Thousand Island Dip Recipe is such a fun twist on a classic sandwich. Crispy wrappers, melty cheese, and that savory filling all come together to make a snack or appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re entertaining friends or just craving something comforting at home, these egg rolls don’t disappoint. Wrap them up, dip them generously, and enjoy every delicious bite!