Reuben Quesadillas Recipe

What happens when you combine the bold, tangy flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich with the melty goodness of a quesadilla? You get Reuben Quesadillas—a crispy, cheesy, and downright delicious twist on a deli favorite. With tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Swiss cheese, and a hint of Thousand Island dressing, these quesadillas are the ultimate fusion comfort food.

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I first created this recipe during a leftover corned beef experiment, and it instantly became a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer for game day, these quesadillas are sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Reuben Quesadilla

If you’re a fan of Reuben sandwiches, this quesadilla recipe will blow you away. Here’s why it’s so special:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, these quesadillas are perfect for busy weeknights.
• Melty and Crispy: Each bite is a satisfying combo of gooey cheese and golden, crispy tortillas.
• Perfect for Sharing: Serve these as an appetizer, snack, or main course for your next gathering.
• Great Use for Leftovers: Got extra corned beef or sauerkraut? This recipe is an easy and delicious way to use them up.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Reuben Quesadillas comes from combining classic Reuben ingredients with a Tex-Mex twist. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Tortillas: Use large flour tortillas for the perfect crisp texture. For smaller portions, opt for fajita-sized tortillas.
• Corned Beef: Thinly sliced corned beef works best for easy layering. Deli-sliced corned beef or leftover homemade corned beef are both great options.
• Swiss Cheese: This creamy, nutty cheese melts beautifully and gives the quesadillas their signature flavor. Shredded or thinly sliced cheese both work well.
• Sauerkraut: Drain and pat the sauerkraut dry to avoid soggy quesadillas. The tangy flavor is essential for that Reuben vibe.
• Thousand Island Dressing: A drizzle of this creamy, tangy dressing adds the perfect finishing touch. You can use store-bought or homemade.
• Butter or Oil: To achieve that golden, crispy tortilla, lightly coat the pan with butter or oil before cooking.

Optional additions like caramelized onions or a sprinkle of caraway seeds can enhance the flavor even further!

How to Make Reuben Quesadillas

Making Reuben Quesadillas is as simple as layering, cooking, and enjoying. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Drain and pat dry the sauerkraut to remove excess moisture. Shred or slice the Swiss cheese if it’s not pre-prepped, and slice the corned beef into bite-sized pieces for even distribution.

2. Assemble the Quesadilla

Lay a tortilla flat and sprinkle a thin layer of Swiss cheese over half. Add a layer of corned beef, followed by a small handful of sauerkraut. Drizzle lightly with Thousand Island dressing, then top with more cheese. Fold the tortilla in half to create a half-moon shape.

3. Cook the Quesadilla

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small pat of butter or a drizzle of oil. Place the folded quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden and crispy and the cheese has melted.

4. Slice and Serve

Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it cool slightly. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice it into wedges. Serve with extra Thousand Island dressing or Dijon mustard for dipping.

Pro Tip: For a crowd, assemble multiple quesadillas in advance and cook them in batches. Keep them warm in a 200°F oven until ready to serve.

Storage Options

Reuben Quesadillas are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored and reheated for another tasty snack.

• Refrigerate: Store cooled quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in a toaster oven for a few minutes to regain the crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the tortillas soggy.
• Freezing: While not ideal for sauerkraut, you can freeze assembled, uncooked quesadillas. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store for up to 1 month. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Variations and Substitutions

Make this recipe your own with a few fun twists:

• Turkey Reuben Quesadilla: Substitute corned beef with sliced turkey for a lighter option.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and load up on caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and extra cheese.
• Spicy Kick: Add a few slices of pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha for heat.
• Different Cheeses: Try Gruyère, Havarti, or cheddar for a unique flavor twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas to make the recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Experiment with ingredients to create your own signature quesadilla masterpiece!

Conclusion

These Reuben Quesadillas are the perfect combination of tangy, cheesy, and crispy. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a snack, or a fun dinner, they’re sure to impress. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your rotation.

So grab your skillet, layer up those classic Reuben flavors, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food fusion. One bite, and you’ll be hooked!

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