The Best Reuben Quesadillas Recipe: Crispy, Cheesy Comfort

Crafting delectable reuben quesadillas brings together a mouthwatering fusion of classic deli flavors and cheesy comfort.

Corned beef, swiss cheese, and tangy sauerkraut nestle between crispy tortillas for an irresistible twist.

Layers of rich ingredients promise a quick meal that satisfies serious hunger pangs.

Salty, creamy, and crunchy elements dance across your palate with each bite.

Inspired by the beloved sandwich, this recipe reimagines traditional deli fare in a handheld format.

Melted cheese and robust flavors create a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for casual dinners or game day snacking.

You’ll fall in love with this ingenious culinary crossover that promises to become a new favorite.

Creative Spins On Reuben Quesadillas

• Vegetarian Reuben Quesadilla: Replace chicken with roasted portobello mushrooms or tempeh for a plant-based protein option.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use corn tortillas instead of wheat tortillas and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Southwest Reuben: Add jalapeños and swap Thousand Island dressing with chipotle mayo for a fiery kick.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace tortillas with large lettuce leaves and use a low-carb Russian dressing substitute.

Serving Suggestions For Reuben Quesadillas

• Deli-Style Delight: Serve these quesadillas alongside crisp dill pickles and extra Thousand Island dressing for dipping, capturing the classic Reuben sandwich flavors.
• Hearty Lunch Combo: Pair with a light coleslaw or simple green salad to balance the rich, cheesy quesadilla and create a satisfying meal that's perfect for lunch or casual dinner.
• Game Day Appetizer: Cut into smaller triangles and arrange on a platter with additional dipping sauces, making these quesadillas an excellent shareable snack for sports gatherings or movie nights.
• Picnic Perfect: Wrap individual quesadilla wedges in parchment paper for an easy-to-pack portable lunch that maintains its delicious flavor and texture when taken on outdoor adventures.

Best Storage For Reuben Quesadillas

• Store leftover Reuben quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Wrap each quesadilla individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side to restore crispiness and maintain the melted cheese texture.
• For a quick microwave option, heat for 30-45 seconds, then briefly crisp in a hot skillet to prevent soggy edges.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in Reuben Quesadillas?

The key ingredients are tortillas, shredded chicken, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, Thousand Island dressing, and butter or oil for cooking.

• Is this recipe a traditional Reuben sandwich?

No, this is a fusion recipe that combines the classic Reuben sandwich flavors with a quesadilla format, creating a unique and delicious twist on the original.

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute shredded chicken with corned beef or pastrami to make it more similar to a traditional Reuben sandwich.

• Do I need any special cooking equipment for this recipe?

You only need a basic skillet or griddle to cook the quesadillas, making it a simple and easy recipe to prepare at home.

Reuben Quesadillas That Impress Taste Buds

• Fusion Flavor Adventure: Combines classic Reuben sandwich flavors with quesadilla format, creating a mouthwatering twist on traditional comfort food.
• Quick Meal Magic: Requires minimal cooking skills and can be prepared super fast, perfect for busy home cooks wanting a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Appeals to various tastes by merging Mexican and deli-style cuisine, making it an excellent choice for casual gatherings, game nights, or family dinners.
• Versatile Customization: Allows easy ingredient swaps like using different proteins or adjusting cheese types, enabling personal creativity while maintaining the core recipe's delicious essence.

Ingredients For Reuben Quesadillas

• Tortillas: Soft, flexible wraps that serve as the base for the quesadilla.
• Shredded Chicken: Tender, cooked chicken that provides protein and flavor.
• Swiss Cheese: Creamy, mild cheese that melts beautifully and adds richness.
• Sauerkraut: Tangy, fermented cabbage that gives a traditional Reuben sandwich twist.

• Thousand Island Dressing: Creamy, zesty sauce that adds signature Reuben sandwich flavor.

• Butter, Vegetable Oil: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior for the quesadilla.

Step-By-Step Reuben Quesadillas Guide

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Surface

Heat a skillet over medium heat to prepare for your delicious Reuben Quesadilla adventure.

Step 2: Spread the Flavor Base

Generously coat each tortilla with Thousand Island dressing, creating a tangy foundation for your quesadilla.

Step 3: Build Your Quesadilla Layers

• Shredded chicken
• Tangy sauerkraut
• Melty Swiss cheese

Step 4: Create the Quesadilla Shape

Fold the tortilla in half, transforming it into a perfect semicircle packed with mouthwatering ingredients.

Step 5: Sizzle and Cook

Add a touch of butter or oil to the heated skillet, then place the quesadilla in the pan.

Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown and the cheese melts into gooey perfection.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the quesadilla from the skillet, slice into tempting wedges, and serve while warm for maximum deliciousness.

Tricks To Perfect Reuben Quesadillas

• Swap chicken with corned beef for an authentic Reuben flavor that brings classic deli vibes to your quesadilla.
• Use low-fat Swiss cheese and Greek yogurt-based dressing to create a lighter, healthier version of this indulgent dish.
• Drain sauerkraut thoroughly to prevent soggy quesadillas and ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
• Let quesadillas rest for a minute after cooking to help cheese set and prevent burning your mouth.
• Add a sprinkle of caraway seeds for an extra traditional Reuben sandwich taste that elevates the entire dish.

Crispy Reuben Quesadillas Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 16 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Reuben quesadillas blend classic deli sandwich flavors with melted cheese and crispy tortillas. Corned beef, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing create a delicious fusion you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 cup shredded cooked chicken (or turkey)

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 4 tablespoons Thousand Island dressing
• 2 tablespoons butter or oil for cooking

Wrap and Vegetable:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained

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Instructions

1. Preheat a large non-stick skillet to medium heat for optimal quesadilla preparation.
2. Generously coat one side of each tortilla with Thousand Island dressing, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Distribute shredded chicken evenly across half of the tortilla, creating a substantial protein base.
4. Spread sauerkraut over the chicken layer, providing a tangy and textural component.
5. Sprinkle Swiss cheese across the filling, allowing it to melt and bind the ingredients together.
6. Carefully fold the tortilla into a half-moon shape, encasing the fillings securely.
7. Lightly grease the skillet with butter or oil to prevent sticking and enhance golden browning.
8. Cook the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes on each side, watching for a crispy, golden-brown exterior and fully melted cheese.
9. Transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board and slice into triangular wedges for easy serving.
10. Plate the warm quesadillas immediately, ensuring the cheese remains gooey and the filling stays hot.

Notes

• Swap chicken with corned beef for a traditional Reuben flavor profile that stays true to the classic sandwich.
• Use gluten-free tortillas to make this recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities or celiac disease.
• Consider reducing the dressing amount if you prefer a lighter, less rich quesadilla experience.
• For extra crispiness, press the quesadilla gently with a spatula while cooking to ensure even browning and a crunchy exterior.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg