Mini Reuben Bites: The Perfect Party Appetizer
Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further than these adorable mini Reuben bites! These tiny sandwiches pack all the classic Reuben flavors – corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing – into a bite-sized package. They’re perfect for parties, game day gatherings, or even a simple weeknight snack. This recipe provides detailed instructions and tips to ensure your mini Reubens are a guaranteed hit.
## Why You’ll Love These Mini Reubens
* **Easy to Make:** With just a handful of ingredients and simple assembly, these mini Reubens come together quickly.
* **Crowd-Pleasing Flavor:** The combination of savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Swiss cheese, and zesty Russian dressing is irresistible.
* **Perfect for Parties:** Their small size makes them ideal for serving at parties or gatherings.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences.
* **Make Ahead:** You can assemble the mini Reubens ahead of time and bake them just before serving.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these ingredients:
* **Cocktail Rye Bread:** This is the foundation of our mini Reubens. You can find cocktail rye bread at most grocery stores. If you can’t find it, you can use regular rye bread and cut it into small squares or circles using a cookie cutter.
* **Corned Beef:** Thinly sliced corned beef is essential for the authentic Reuben flavor. Look for high-quality corned beef at your deli counter.
* **Sauerkraut:** Make sure to drain the sauerkraut well to prevent soggy mini Reubens. You can also squeeze it gently to remove excess moisture.
* **Swiss Cheese:** Swiss cheese adds a creamy and nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients. Use thinly sliced Swiss cheese.
* **Russian Dressing:** This creamy and tangy dressing is the signature sauce for Reubens. You can use store-bought Russian dressing or make your own (recipe included below).
* **Butter:** Melted butter is used to brush the tops of the mini Reubens, giving them a golden-brown color and a slightly crispy texture.
### Detailed Ingredient List:
* 1 loaf (about 16 ounces) cocktail rye bread, sliced
* 1 pound thinly sliced corned beef
* 1 (14-ounce) can sauerkraut, well drained and squeezed dry
* 8 ounces thinly sliced Swiss cheese
* 1 cup Russian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
* 4 tablespoons butter, melted
## Homemade Russian Dressing Recipe
While store-bought Russian dressing works perfectly fine, making your own adds a special touch and allows you to customize the flavor to your liking.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup ketchup
* 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
* 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
* 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1/4 teaspoon paprika
* Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients.
2. Stir well until everything is thoroughly combined.
3. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more horseradish for extra spice or more ketchup for a sweeter flavor.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper (optional, but recommended for easy cleanup)
* Small bowl (for melted butter)
* Pastry brush
* Small knife or offset spatula
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create delicious mini Reuben bites:
**1. Prepare the Ingredients:**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
* Melt the butter in a small bowl.
* Drain the sauerkraut well and squeeze it dry to remove excess moisture. This is crucial to prevent soggy mini Reubens.
* If using store-bought Russian dressing, have it ready. If making homemade, follow the recipe above and let it chill for at least 30 minutes.
**2. Assemble the Mini Reubens:**
* Lay out the cocktail rye bread slices on the prepared baking sheet.
* Spread a thin layer of Russian dressing on each slice of bread. Don’t use too much, or the bread will become soggy.
* Top each slice of bread with a small amount of corned beef. You may need to fold or cut the corned beef to fit.
* Add a small amount of drained sauerkraut on top of the corned beef.
* Top with a small piece of Swiss cheese. Again, you may need to cut or fold the cheese to fit.
**3. Bake the Mini Reubens:**
* Brush the tops of the mini Reubens with the melted butter. This will give them a golden-brown color and a slightly crispy texture.
* Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is lightly toasted.
**4. Serve:**
* Remove the mini Reubens from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
* Serve warm and enjoy!
## Tips for Perfect Mini Reubens
* **Don’t Overload the Bread:** Using too much of any ingredient can make the mini Reubens soggy and difficult to handle. Use a light touch with the Russian dressing, corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese.
* **Drain the Sauerkraut Well:** As mentioned earlier, draining the sauerkraut is crucial. Use your hands to squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your mini Reubens will taste. Opt for high-quality corned beef, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing.
* **Adjust the Baking Time:** The baking time may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the mini Reubens and bake them until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is lightly toasted.
* **Make Ahead:** You can assemble the mini Reubens ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. For example, you could add a sprinkle of caraway seeds or use a different type of cheese.
## Variations and Substitutions
* **Turkey Reubens:** Substitute the corned beef with thinly sliced turkey for a lighter version.
* **Vegetarian Reubens:** Use marinated tempeh or grilled portobello mushrooms in place of the corned beef.
* **Different Cheese:** Try using Gruyere or provolone cheese instead of Swiss.
* **Spicy Reubens:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Russian dressing or use a spicy sauerkraut.
* **Different Bread:** While cocktail rye bread is traditional, you can use pumpernickel or sourdough bread as a substitute.
## Serving Suggestions
These mini Reuben bites are delicious on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to take them to the next level:
* **Serve with Pickles:** A side of dill pickles or cornichons adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the mini Reubens.
* **Serve with Potato Chips:** Classic potato chips are always a good choice.
* **Serve with Coleslaw:** Creamy coleslaw complements the flavors of the Reuben perfectly.
* **Serve with a Soup or Salad:** For a heartier meal, serve the mini Reubens with a bowl of tomato soup or a side salad.
* **Arrange on a Platter:** Arrange the mini Reubens on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving.
## Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover mini Reubens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They may become slightly soggy, but they will still be edible.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the mini Reubens in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a microwave, but they may become even soggier.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
* Calories: 150-200
* Fat: 8-12g
* Saturated Fat: 4-6g
* Cholesterol: 30-40mg
* Sodium: 300-400mg
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g
* Fiber: 1-2g
* Sugar: 3-5g
* Protein: 6-8g
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
**Q: Can I make these ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can assemble the mini Reubens ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.
**Q: Can I freeze these?**
A: Freezing is not recommended as the bread and sauerkraut may become soggy upon thawing.
**Q: Can I use regular rye bread instead of cocktail rye?**
A: Yes, you can use regular rye bread and cut it into small squares or circles using a cookie cutter.
**Q: What can I use if I don’t have Russian dressing?**
A: You can substitute with Thousand Island dressing, although the flavor will be slightly different.
**Q: Can I add more spice to these?**
A: Yes, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Russian dressing or use a spicy sauerkraut.
**Q: My mini Reubens are soggy. What did I do wrong?**
A: The most common cause of soggy mini Reubens is not draining the sauerkraut well enough. Make sure to squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. Also, avoid using too much Russian dressing.
## Conclusion
These mini Reuben bites are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. With their classic Reuben flavors and bite-sized format, they’re sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy these irresistible little sandwiches!