Zesty Reuben Quesadillas Recipe: A Playful Twist on a Classic

Craving a delightful fusion of classic deli Reuben sandwiches with zesty quesadilla magic?

Melted swiss cheese and tender corned beef nestle between crispy tortillas in this mouthwatering mashup.

Tangy sauerkraut adds a punchy kick that dances across your taste buds.

Thousand island dressing brings a creamy, rich complement to the robust flavors.

Layers of savory ingredients create a perfect handheld meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Quick to assemble and even faster to devour, these Reuben quesadillas will become your new comfort food obsession.

Prepare to wow everyone at the table with this irresistible culinary creation.

Ingredients for Reuben Quesadillas

• Flour Tortillas: Large, soft tortillas that serve as the foundation for the quesadillas.

• Corned Beef: Salty and tender meat that provides the classic Reuben sandwich flavor.

• Swiss Cheese: Mild and melty cheese that adds creamy texture and traditional Reuben taste.

• Sauerkraut: Fermented cabbage that brings a sharp and sour element to the quesadilla.
• Thousand Island Dressing: Creamy condiment that offers a rich and tangy flavor profile.

• Butter: Helps create a golden brown and crispy exterior for the quesadillas.

Preparation Steps for Reuben Quesadillas

Step 1: Prepare the Skillet

Heat a large skillet over medium heat to create the perfect cooking surface for your quesadillas.

Step 2: Dress the Tortillas

Spread a delightful layer of Thousand Island dressing on one side of each tortilla, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Layer the Fillings

• Tender corned beef
• Tangy sauerkraut
• Melty shredded Swiss cheese

Step 4: Fold and Seal

Carefully fold the tortilla in half, gently pressing the edges to create a perfect seal that keeps all the tasty fillings inside.

Step 5: Sizzle and Brown

Melt butter in the skillet and cook each quesadilla until it turns a gorgeous golden brown on both sides.

The cheese will become wonderfully melted and gooey, which takes about 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the quesadillas into tempting wedges and serve warm.

Add a side of extra Thousand Island dressing for dipping, creating an irresistible meal that combines the classic Reuben sandwich with the fun of a quesadilla.

Tips for Making Reuben Quesadillas

• Choose sturdy flour tortillas that won't tear easily during cooking and can hold all the delicious fillings.
• Pat sauerkraut dry with paper towels to prevent soggy quesadillas and ensure a crispy texture.
• Use medium-low heat to prevent burning while allowing cheese to melt completely and tortillas to turn golden brown.
• Place cheese directly next to the tortilla to help it melt faster and create a better binding for the filling.
• Use unsalted butter for even browning and control over the saltiness, enhancing the overall taste of the quesadillas.

Variation Ideas for Reuben Quesadillas

• Vegetarian Reuben Quesadilla: Replace corned beef with grilled portobello mushrooms or seitan for a meat-free version that maintains the classic flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Lighter Reuben Quesadilla: Swap butter for olive oil spray and use low-fat Swiss cheese to create a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Substitute sauerkraut with roasted red peppers and add a sprinkle of za'atar seasoning for a unique Mediterranean-style quesadilla.

Serving Suggestions for Reuben Quesadillas

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange quesadilla wedges on a rustic wooden board with small dipping bowls of Thousand Island dressing, creating an eye-catching appetizer spread.
• Deli-Style Accompaniment: Serve alongside crisp dill pickles and a light coleslaw to complement the rich, tangy flavors of the Reuben quesadilla.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Cut into smaller bite-sized triangles for easy sharing during sports watch parties or casual gatherings, perfect for finger food lovers.
• Brunch Twist: Pair with a simple mixed green salad and a cold beer or bloody mary for a hearty weekend lunch that brings classic deli flavors to the table.

Storage Tips for Reuben Quesadillas

• Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual quesadillas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain best quality and taste.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place quesadillas on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwave to keep tortillas from getting soggy.
• Warm quesadillas in a lightly buttered skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, restoring their original crispiness and melty cheese texture.

FAQs

• What makes Reuben Quesadillas different from traditional Reuben sandwiches?

These quesadillas combine the classic Reuben sandwich flavors in a crispy tortilla format, offering a fun twist on the traditional deli-style sandwich with a Mexican-inspired cooking method.

• Can I use a different type of cheese if I don't have Swiss cheese?

While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can substitute with provolone or mild cheddar cheese to achieve a similar melty texture and complementary flavor profile.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare the quesadillas ahead of time and reheat them in a skillet or oven, making them a convenient option for quick lunches or easy dinners.

Reuben Quesadillas Recipe Overview

• Quick Fusion Flavor Twist: Transform the classic Reuben sandwich into a crispy, cheesy quesadilla that brings exciting new life to a beloved deli favorite.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Whip up this delicious meal with just a few simple ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Combine the tangy sauerkraut, rich corned beef, and melty Swiss cheese in a handheld format that appeals to both kids and adults, creating an instant family favorite.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Easily adaptable for lunch, dinner, or game day snacking, these quesadillas offer a fun and delicious way to enjoy traditional Reuben flavors in a new, exciting format.

Reuben Quesadillas Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Reuben quesadillas blend classic American deli flavors with Mexican-style cooking techniques. Melted swiss cheese, corned beef, and tangy sauerkraut create a delicious fusion you will crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup corned beef, thinly sliced or shredded
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded

Condiments and Toppings:

• 1/2 cup sauerkraut, drained
• 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (2 tbsp) butter, for frying

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious griddle or skillet, warming it to medium heat for optimal toasting.
2. Generously apply Thousand Island dressing across one entire surface of each tortilla, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Distribute corned beef slices evenly on one half of the tortilla, creating a substantial protein foundation.
4. Strategically layer sauerkraut atop the corned beef, spreading it uniformly for balanced flavor distribution.
5. Sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese generously over the sauerkraut, ensuring complete coverage for maximum melting potential.
6. Carefully fold the tortilla in half, creating a half-moon shape and gently pressing the edges to secure the filling.
7. Melt butter in the heated skillet, allowing it to coat the cooking surface evenly and prevent sticking.
8. Carefully place the quesadilla in the buttered skillet, cooking for approximately 3-4 minutes until the exterior turns a rich golden brown.
9. Flip the quesadilla with precision, cooking the opposite side until equally crisp and the cheese melts completely.
10. Remove from heat, allowing slight cooling before slicing into wedge-shaped portions.
11. Serve immediately with additional Thousand Island dressing on the side for enhanced dipping pleasure.

Notes

• Swap traditional tortillas with gluten-free alternatives for celiac or gluten-sensitive diners, ensuring everyone can enjoy this tasty fusion dish.
• Control cooking temperature carefully to prevent burning, as butter can quickly brown and create bitter flavors that overshadow delicate ingredients.
• Drain sauerkraut thoroughly before adding to prevent excess moisture from making quesadillas soggy, maintaining a crispy golden exterior.
• Experiment with different cheese variations like smoked Gouda or aged cheddar to create unique flavor profiles while maintaining the classic Reuben sandwich essence.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 870 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg