These crispy Reuben Wonton Cups take the beloved flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich and transform them into a bite-sized, party-ready snack. With crunchy wonton wrappers, gooey melted Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and flavorful corned beef, every bite is packed with savory goodness.
Perfect for gatherings, game days, or even as an indulgent snack, these wonton cups are simple to prepare yet incredibly delicious. The balance of textures—from the crispy shell to the creamy, cheesy filling—makes them a must-try appetizer that will impress your guests. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven with a touch of Thousand Island dressing for the ultimate Reuben experience.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 12 wonton wrappers
- 1 cup cooked corned beef, finely chopped
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup sauerkraut, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a muffin tin and press a wonton wrapper into each cup to form a shell.
- Brush the wonton wrappers with melted butter and bake for 5-7 minutes until lightly golden.
- In a mixing bowl, combine corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, and Dijon mustard.
- Fill each wonton cup with the Reuben mixture, pressing it gently to fit.
- Sprinkle with caraway seeds if desired.
- Bake for another 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 150 kcal | Servings: 12 cups
When it comes to party appetizers, snackable finger foods always steal the show. If you’re a fan of the classic Reuben sandwich, you’re in for a treat! These Reuben Wonton Cups take the same rich, tangy, and savory flavors of the beloved deli sandwich and transform them into perfectly crisp, bite-sized cups.
Crispy wonton wrappers hold a delicious filling of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing, offering the perfect balance of crunch and creaminess. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, looking for an easy appetizer for a family gathering, or simply craving a quick and tasty snack, these wonton cups are guaranteed to be a hit.
The History Behind the Reuben Sandwich
The Reuben sandwich is an iconic American deli staple, believed to have originated in the early 20th century. While its exact origins remain debated, one popular story credits Reuben Kulakofsky, a grocer in Omaha, Nebraska, for creating it during a poker game at the Blackstone Hotel in the 1920s. Others believe that Arnold Reuben, owner of Reuben’s Delicatessen in New York City, invented the sandwich in the early 1900s.
No matter its origins, the Reuben sandwich became widely popular across the United States, known for its irresistible combination of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing grilled between slices of rye bread. This wonton cup variation offers the same delicious flavors in a more convenient and crispy form.
Why This Recipe is the Best
- Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re planning a Super Bowl party, holiday gathering, potluck, or casual snack night, these Reuben Wonton Cups are an ideal choice. Their small size makes them perfect for sharing, and they’re easy to eat without utensils. - Crispy and Crunchy Perfection
The wonton wrappers crisp up beautifully in the oven, giving these cups a satisfying crunch that complements the gooey, cheesy filling. Unlike the traditional Reuben sandwich, which can sometimes get soggy, these bites stay crisp and delicious. - Simple and Quick to Make
With just a few basic ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you can whip up a batch of these flavorful wonton cups. They require minimal prep time, making them perfect for last-minute entertaining. - Great Use for Leftover Corned Beef
If you have leftover corned beef from a holiday meal or a deli run, this is the perfect way to use it. The combination of corned beef and Swiss cheese melts beautifully into the crispy wonton shells. - Customizable to Your Taste
You can easily tweak this recipe based on your preferences. Want more cheese? Go for it! Prefer pastrami over corned beef? That works, too. You can even try a spicier version by adding a kick of horseradish or spicy mustard.
Health Benefits of This Recipe
While Reuben Wonton Cups are undeniably indulgent, they also come with some surprising benefits:
- High in Protein – Corned beef and Swiss cheese provide a good amount of protein, helping to keep you full and satisfied.
- Fermented Sauerkraut Benefits – Sauerkraut is a probiotic-rich food that supports gut health and digestion.
- Portion-Control Friendly – Unlike a full-sized Reuben sandwich, these wonton cups offer a more controlled serving size, making it easier to enjoy in moderation.
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s why each ingredient plays a key role in making these Reuben Wonton Cups so delicious:
- Wonton Wrappers – These create the perfect crispy base that holds all the flavorful ingredients together.
- Corned Beef – The star of the dish, this cured beef delivers salty, savory, and slightly tangy flavors.
- Swiss Cheese – Known for its creamy texture and slightly nutty taste, Swiss cheese melts beautifully into the filling.
- Sauerkraut – This tangy, fermented cabbage adds acidity and balances the richness of the meat and cheese.
- Thousand Island Dressing – A creamy, slightly sweet dressing that brings all the ingredients together with a signature Reuben taste.
- Dijon Mustard – Adds a touch of sharpness and depth to the filling.
- Caraway Seeds (Optional) – If you love the taste of rye bread in a classic Reuben sandwich, caraway seeds mimic that flavor beautifully.
- Butter – Brushing the wonton wrappers with melted butter helps them achieve a golden, crispy texture.
- Fresh Parsley – A simple garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Reuben Wonton Cups
- Preheat and Prep – Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin.
- Crisp the Wonton Cups – Press a wonton wrapper into each muffin cup, brush with melted butter, and bake for 5-7 minutes until lightly golden.
- Prepare the Filling – In a bowl, mix chopped corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, and Dijon mustard.
- Assemble the Cups – Spoon the mixture into each wonton cup and sprinkle with caraway seeds (if using).
- Bake to Perfection – Return to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve – Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these crispy Reuben Wonton Cups as an appetizer for game nights, holiday gatherings, or cocktail parties.
- Pair them with extra Thousand Island dressing or spicy mustard for dipping.
- Enjoy them with a light side salad for a well-rounded meal.
- Serve them alongside beer or cocktails—the flavors pair perfectly with a cold beverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can pre-bake the wonton cups and store them in an airtight container. When ready to serve, fill them with the Reuben mixture and bake until heated through.
Can I use different cheese?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can experiment with cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone for a different taste.
What can I use instead of corned beef?
If you’re not a fan of corned beef, you can substitute it with pastrami, roast beef, or even turkey for a milder flavor.
Are these freezer-friendly?
Reuben Wonton Cups are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze them before baking the second time. Store them in an airtight container and bake them directly from frozen when needed.
Final Thoughts
These Reuben Wonton Cups are an absolute must-try if you love bold, savory flavors with a crispy crunch. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a quick snack, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Try making a batch today and watch them disappear in minutes!
Conclusion
Reuben Wonton Cups are the ultimate fusion of crispy, cheesy, and tangy flavors, making them a standout appetizer for any occasion. They bring all the delicious elements of a classic Reuben sandwich into a bite-sized, crunchy wonton cup that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a fun snack, or simply craving something unique and flavorful, these cups are sure to impress.
With their quick preparation time, customizable ingredients, and perfect balance of textures, Reuben Wonton Cups offer both convenience and gourmet appeal. Pair them with your favorite dips, serve them at gatherings, or make them ahead for a stress-free entertaining option. No matter how you enjoy them, these savory, crispy bites are guaranteed to be a crowd favorite!