Flaky Reuben Rolls

Category: Quick and Easy Appetizers

Wrap corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing in crescent dough for a flaky twist on the Reuben. Great for parties or a quick bite.

Emily Watson
By Emily Watson Emily Watson
Last updated on Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:21:30 GMT
Golden croissants stuffed with sauerkraut and cheese on a tray, garnished with parsley. Pin
Golden croissants stuffed with sauerkraut and cheese on a tray, garnished with parsley. | thefamilycooks.com

Tasty Reuben Crescent Bites for St. Patrick's Day

I whipped up these treats when I was looking for a creative spin on the traditional Reuben sandwich for our St. Patrick's Day get-together. Something magical happens when those flaky crescents wrap around hot corned beef, gooey Swiss cheese and zesty sauerkraut. They've now become the snack everyone asks for at our parties, delivering all that wonderful Reuben flavor in a neat, handheld form.

A Crowd-Pleaser That's Quick to Prepare

The beauty of these bites is how they turn a classic sandwich into something you can easily share. I'm thrilled they come together fast with basic ingredients, making them perfect for any event. They never let you down whether you're throwing a St. Patrick's Day bash or just want those signature Reuben tastes in these delightful little packages.

Your Shopping List

  • Thousand Island Dressing: Gives you that signature Reuben flavor.
  • Corned Beef: Look for thinly sliced options.
  • Sauerkraut: Brings that distinctive tangy bite.
  • Swiss Cheese: Creates that dreamy melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Crescent Roll Dough: Your simple, ready-to-use wrapper.

Time to Assemble

Get Your Dough Ready
Set those triangles out evenly on your cookie sheet.
Spread Some Dressing
Put a thin layer on each triangle as it packs plenty of flavor.
Stack Your Ingredients
Place your corned beef, cheese and sauerkraut in neat piles.
Wrap and Cook
Gently roll everything up then bake until they turn a nice golden color.

When to Enjoy Them

These goodies taste incredible straight from the oven when the cheese is still stretchy and the outside is crispy and golden. I've noticed they're at their best when fresh, so I always plan to pull them out just as friends walk through the door.

Ways to Switch It Up

I'll occasionally use rye-based dough for a more authentic flavor. My friends who don't eat meat love them with cooked mushrooms instead of corned beef. Adding some caraway seeds on the outside brings an amazing extra kick.

Complete Your Irish Feast

We like to have these with other Irish dishes like smooth colcannon or tender slow-cooked corned beef. They go great with a hot Irish coffee or your go-to Irish beer for the full experience.

Answers to Your Questions

You can definitely use homemade dough but it'll take longer to prep. They won't taste as good if you make them too far ahead, so we always cook them right before eating. We love having extra Thousand Island dressing nearby for dipping. Don't be afraid to try different add-ins like pickles or sliced onions.

A plate of golden crescent rolls stuffed with cheese and ham, topped with fresh parsley. Pin
A plate of golden crescent rolls stuffed with cheese and ham, topped with fresh parsley. | thefamilycooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ Why are my rolls turning out soggy?

Be sure to fully drain the sauerkraut and blot it dry with paper towels. Too much moisture can make the dough soggy.

→ Can I prepare these in advance?

You can get the ingredients ready ahead of time, but bake them fresh for the crispiest texture and best flavor.

→ Could I use cooked corned beef leftovers?

Absolutely! Chop or shred the leftovers into small pieces so they roll up neatly inside the dough.

→ What would go well with these rolls?

Pair them with some extra Thousand Island dressing for dipping, or add a light salad or chips for a full meal.

→ Can I freeze these after baking?

While freezing is possible, it can mess with the roll and kraut textures. It's best to bake and enjoy them warm and fresh.

Flaky Reuben Rolls

Golden crescent rolls stuffed with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, corned beef, and creamy Thousand Island. A tasty spin on an old favorite.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
25 mins
By Emily Watson: Emily Watson

Recipe Category: Appetizers

Skill Level: Beginner

Cuisine Type: American

Makes: 8 Serves (8 rolls)

Dietary Preferences: ~

What You’ll Need

01 1/3 cup drained sauerkraut that's dry.
02 3/4 cup Swiss cheese, shredded.
03 1/4 cup of Thousand Island dressing.
04 8 ounces of crescent roll dough.
05 1/4 pound corned beef, torn into pieces.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Set your oven to 375°F. Lay parchment paper on your baking sheet.

Step 02

Pull apart dough into 8 triangles. Spread on a tiny bit of dressing, then layer on the meat, cheese, and sauerkraut.

Step 03

Starting from the wide part, roll them up. Add any cheese that fell off to the top.

Step 04

Bake for 10 to 20 minutes or until they're a light golden color.

Additional Notes

  1. Great choice for celebrating St. Patrick's Day.
  2. Make sure you squeeze out any extra moisture from sauerkraut.
  3. Tastes best when warm.
  4. Leftover corned beef works perfectly.
  5. Ideal appetizer or a hearty snack.
  6. Quick dinner idea for busy nights.

Essential Tools

  • Sheet for baking.
  • Parchment to line tray.
  • Spoons for measuring ingredients.
  • Cups for measuring.

Allergen Information

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Contains dairy (Swiss cheese).
  • Includes wheat (crescent dough).
  • May contain eggs (present in crescent rolls).

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These details are for guidance only and don't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 220
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 8 g