Name: Pastrami Reuben Egg Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups sauerkraut; 6 ounces pastrami, chopped (or corned beef); 1 cup shredded reduced fat Swiss cheese (preferably Jarlsberg); 8 egg roll wrappers; Small bowl of water (for sealing); Olive oil spray; 1/4 cup light mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 teaspoon horseradish; Dash of hot sauce (Frank’s Red Hot recommended); 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; Pinch kosher salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 5 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this Pastrami Reuben Egg Rolls Recipe with friends and family because it brings together the smoky, savory flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich in a fun and crispy bite-sized form. I find these egg rolls incredibly satisfying with their perfect balance of tangy sauerkraut, melty Swiss cheese, and flavorful pastrami wrapped inside golden, crunchy wrappers. It’s one of those recipes that feels both indulgent and approachable, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating myself to something deliciously different.

Why You'll Love This Pastrami Reuben Egg Rolls Recipe

What really excites me about this recipe is the way the flavors play together: the smoky pastrami mingles beautifully with the sharpness of sauerkraut and the creamy texture of Swiss cheese, and then you get that slight heat and tang from the homemade dressing on the side. Every bite is a delightful combination of textures and tastes that remind me of enjoying a traditional Reuben, but with a crispy twist that makes snacking feel special. I love how the horseradish and Worcestershire in the dressing add a subtle zing, elevating the entire experience.

Another thing I appreciate is how straightforward and speedy this recipe is to put together. From prepping the filling to rolling the egg rolls, everything feels manageable, even on a busy weeknight. I often rely on my air fryer for quick, crispy results without the mess of deep frying, making these perfect for casual get-togethers or game day celebrations. What makes this recipe stand out for me is how adaptable and crowd-pleasing it is — whether you’re feeding four or doubling the batch for a party, it just works every time.

Ingredients You'll Need

Several square pieces of light dough are laid out on a white marbled surface, each topped with two layers of filling. The bottom layer is thin slices of dark pink meat placed near the center bottom of each dough square, while the top layer consists of a mix of shredded pale yellow and off-white cheese, scattered over the meat and covering the middle section of the dough. The dough squares are evenly spaced, showing the texture of each ingredient clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple yet essential for capturing the classic Reuben flavors while ensuring the perfect crispy texture and moist filling inside each egg roll. Each component plays a key role in delivering the taste and mouthfeel that makes these so addictive.

Tip!

You’ll find all ingredient quantities in the recipe card below.

Sauerkraut: Make sure to squeeze out excess liquid to avoid soggy egg rolls.
Pastrami: Chopped finely for easy rolling and even flavor distribution.
Swiss Cheese: I prefer Jarlsberg for its smooth texture and meltability.
Egg Roll Wrappers: Thin and pliable to get that perfectly crisp exterior.
Water: Used for sealing the edges tightly so the filling stays inside while cooking.
Olive Oil Spray: Helps achieve a golden brown crust in the air fryer or oven without deep-frying.
Mayonnaise, Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce, Horseradish: These create the rich, tangy dressing that complements every bite.
Hot Sauce, Lemon Juice, Onion Powder, Kosher Salt: Add layers of flavor and balance the richness.

Directions

Step 1: Start by squeezing the excess liquid out of the sauerkraut using a clean kitchen towel. This step is crucial as it ensures your egg rolls won’t get soggy while cooking.

Step 2: Lay one egg roll wrapper flat on your work surface, positioning it like a diamond shape with a corner pointed toward you.

Step 3: Add about ¾ ounce (roughly 2 tablespoons) of chopped pastrami, 2 tablespoons of shredded Swiss cheese, and 2 tablespoons of the well-drained sauerkraut onto the bottom third of the wrapper closest to you.

Step 4: Carefully fold the bottom corner up and over the filling, wrapping it tightly but gently around the ingredients.

Step 5: Dip your finger into a small bowl of water and moisten the edges of the wrapper to help seal it securely.

Step 6: Fold in the left and right corners toward the center and continue rolling tightly into a neat cylinder. Make sure the seam is sealed well to prevent any filling from escaping while cooking.

Step 7: Repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and filling until all your egg rolls are assembled.

Step 8: For the air fryer method, preheat your air fryer to 370 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray all sides of the egg rolls lightly with olive oil spray and rub the coating evenly with your hands.

Step 9: Air fry the egg rolls in batches for about 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure each side gets that perfect golden brown and crisp texture.

Step 10: While the egg rolls cook, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, hot sauce, lemon juice, onion powder, and a pinch of kosher salt in a small bowl to make the delicious dipping sauce.

Step 11: Serve your Pastrami Reuben Egg Rolls Recipe immediately while hot, either with the dressing drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.

Alternate Oven Method: If you prefer oven-baking, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 12 to 16 minutes, flipping halfway; if frozen, bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway as well.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings, perfect for a small group or family. The prep time is super manageable, clocking in around 10 to 15 minutes if you have your ingredients ready. The cook time depends on your method, roughly 10 minutes in the air fryer or about 12-16 minutes in the oven. Altogether, from start to serving, you’re looking at about 25 minutes total, making it a fantastic last-minute appetizer or quick dinner option. No additional resting or cooling time is needed, so you can dig in as soon as they come out crisp and hot.

How to Serve This Pastrami Reuben Egg Rolls Recipe

The image shows eight golden brown egg rolls inside a black air fryer basket. Each egg roll has a crispy texture with some parts slightly darker from cooking. The egg rolls are arranged in two rows with a slight overlap. The air fryer has a dark control panel with white icons visible at the top. The background surface is white with a marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve these Pastrami Reuben Egg Rolls Recipe, I love pairing them with simple sides that don’t steal the spotlight but enhance the flavors. Classic options like a crisp green salad or baked sweet potato fries balance the richness perfectly. You can also serve them alongside pickles or a tangy slaw to bring more crunch and acidity to the plate.

Presentation-wise, I find arranging them neatly on a platter with a drizzle of the horseradish-mayonnaise dressing or a side ramekin for dipping makes a welcome impression. You can garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a wedge of lemon to add a pop of color and freshness. For parties, serving them warm on a stylish wooden board with toothpicks inserted makes clean and easy finger food that guests love.

For beverages, I often reach for a crisp, dry white wine like sauvignon blanc or a light lager beer — both complement the smoky and tangy notes beautifully. If you want non-alcoholic options, a sparkling lemonade or ginger ale pairs nicely with the bold flavors and keeps the palate refreshed. I recommend serving these egg rolls hot and fresh so you get the full crunch contrasted with the melty, savory filling inside.

Variations

I really enjoy experimenting with this Pastrami Reuben Egg Rolls Recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For example, you can swap pastrami for corned beef if you prefer a slightly different take on the classic deli meat flavor. If you like your egg rolls with a little extra heat, adding jalapeños or spicy mustard to the filling amps up the kick delightfully.

If you’re catering to gluten-free friends, I’ve found using gluten-free egg roll wrappers works well, just make sure to handle them gently as they can be a bit more delicate. For a vegan twist, try substituting the pastrami with smoky marinated tempeh or mushrooms, and replace Swiss cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative that melts nicely. The sauce can be adapted with vegan mayo too, to keep every layer of flavor authentic.

Cooking methods can be varied as well — deep-frying traditional style gives the crispiest results but requires more oil and cleanup. Baking is a great healthier alternative, and air frying is my go-to because it’s quick and yields a crunchy exterior with minimal added fat. Whichever method you choose, the flexibility of this recipe means you can make it your own while retaining those signature Reuben flavors.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Pastrami Reuben Egg Rolls, I recommend letting them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture and prevent sogginess. Stored this way, they keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days without losing too much crispness.

Freezing

This recipe freezes really nicely too. I usually assemble the egg rolls and freeze them uncooked on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just air fry or bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to cook time. Freezing the assembled but unbaked egg rolls preserves their fresh flavor and texture.

Reheating

To reheat leftover or pre-cooked frozen egg rolls, I always recommend using the air fryer or oven to restore that crispy outer shell. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make them soggy and less appetizing. Reheat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes or until sizzling hot and crisp again. This way, you get a taste that's almost as good as fresh off the fryer!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Swiss?

Absolutely! While Swiss or Jarlsberg works wonderfully for melt and flavor, you can substitute Gruyere, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar depending on your preferences. Just choose cheeses that melt well and complement the pastrami’s smoky taste.

What’s the best way to make these egg rolls ahead of time?

I find the best approach is to assemble the egg rolls fully, then freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet before transferring to storage. When ready to serve, you can cook them straight from frozen in the oven or air fryer, which saves prep time and keeps them fresh and crispy.

Can I deep fry these instead of air frying or baking?

Yes, you certainly can! Deep frying will give you an extra crispy and golden crust, but it requires more oil and cleanup. Just heat your oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side, then drain on paper towels.

Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

Definitely. Look for gluten-free egg roll wrappers at specialty grocery stores or online. Just handle them carefully during rolling since they can be more fragile. Also, double-check your sauces and condiments for gluten-containing ingredients.

What’s a good vegetarian alternative to pastrami in this recipe?

I love using smoked or marinated mushrooms, tempeh, or even seitan as a hearty vegetarian substitute. Season them with smoked paprika or liquid smoke to capture that characteristic smoky flavor, and use a plant-based cheese to complete the Reuben vibe.

Conclusion

I truly believe this Pastrami Reuben Egg Rolls Recipe is a fantastic way to reinvent a beloved classic in a fun, crispy format that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re making it for a casual night in or a festive occasion, it’s sure to bring smiles and satisfy those cravings for something hearty, tangy, and utterly delicious. I can’t wait for you to try these at home and make them your own — happy cooking!