Crispy Reuben Quesadillas Recipe

Sizzling Reuben Quesadillas Recipe: A Zesty Fusion Delight

Crispy Reuben quesadillas blend classic deli flavors with a cheesy southwestern twist.

Corned beef, sauerkraut, and swiss cheese nestle between tortillas for a mouthwatering fusion.

Melted goodness awaits with each golden-brown bite.

Swiss immigrants would marvel at this creative culinary crossover.

Tangy thousand island dressing adds a zesty punch to every slice.

Perfect for quick lunches or casual dinner gatherings, these quesadillas promise satisfaction.

You’ll want to savor every delectable morsel of this irresistible mashup.

Reuben Quesadillas with Bold Flavor

  • Fusion Fun: Blend classic Reuben sandwich flavors with quesadilla style, creating a mouthwatering twist on traditional comfort food that surprises and delights taste buds.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare this delicious meal in just a few minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous lunch cravings with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Combining beloved ingredients like corned beef, Swiss cheese, and tangy sauerkraut, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for family meals or casual gatherings.
  • Versatile Delight: Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences by swapping ingredients or serving as a hearty appetizer, main course, or game day snack that keeps everyone satisfied.

Ingredients in Reuben Quesadillas

Main Ingredients:
  • Tortillas: Large, soft flour tortillas that provide the base for this fusion quesadilla.
  • Corned Beef: Tender, seasoned meat that brings the classic Reuben sandwich flavor to the dish.
  • Swiss Cheese: Mild, melty cheese that creates a creamy texture and authentic Reuben taste.
  • Sauerkraut: Tangy, fermented cabbage that adds a signature Reuben sandwich zest.
Sauce and Seasoning:
  • Thousand Island Dressing: Creamy, slightly sweet condiment that enhances the overall flavor profile of the quesadilla.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Butter, Vegetable Oil: Used for greasing the skillet and ensuring a golden, crispy tortilla exterior.

How to Prepare Reuben Quesadillas

Step 1: Fire Up the Cooking Surface

Warm a non-stick pan over medium heat and delicately coat with a thin layer of butter or cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Lay the Foundation

Position a soft tortilla onto the heated surface and generously spread Thousand Island dressing across the entire tortilla.

Step 3: Build the Delicious Layers

Arrange the tasty ingredients on one half of the tortilla:
  • Swiss cheese
  • Tender corned beef
  • Tangy sauerkraut

Step 4: Create the Perfect Fold

Gently fold the tortilla in half, softly pressing the edges to create a sealed package of deliciousness.

Step 5: Achieve Golden Perfection

Cook the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes on each side, watching for a beautiful golden-brown color and ensuring the cheese melts into gooey goodness.

Step 6: Repeat the Magic

Duplicate the process with the remaining tortilla and ingredients to create a second mouthwatering quesadilla.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the quesadillas into tempting wedges and serve piping hot, ready to delight hungry guests.

Tips to Maximize Reuben Quesadillas Flavor

  • Swap corned beef with pastrami or turkey for a personalized twist on this classic sandwich-inspired quesadilla.
  • Drain sauerkraut thoroughly to prevent soggy tortillas and ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
  • Use room temperature cheese for even melting and better flavor distribution throughout the quesadilla.
  • Experiment with different types of Swiss cheese like Emmental or Gruyère for a more complex taste profile.
  • Serve with extra Thousand Island dressing on the side for dipping and added tangy flavor.

Flavor Variations to Explore with Reuben Quesadillas

  • Vegetarian Reuben Quesadilla: Replace corned beef with grilled portobello mushrooms or tempeh, maintaining the classic Reuben flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas instead of wheat tortillas and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free certified.
  • Lighter Version: Swap regular Swiss cheese with low-fat Swiss cheese and use Greek yogurt-based Thousand Island dressing for reduced calories.
  • Spicy Southwest Reuben: Add jalapeños or green chiles to the filling and use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of heat.

Side Dishes to Serve with Reuben Quesadillas

  • Deli Diner Delight: Serve these quesadillas as a hearty lunch with a side of crisp dill pickles for added crunch and tang.
  • Pub-Style Platter: Arrange the quesadilla wedges on a wooden board with small ramekins of extra Thousand Island dressing for dipping, perfect for game day or casual gatherings.
  • Cozy Comfort Plate: Pair the quesadillas with a light mixed green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, savory flavors of the corned beef and melted cheese.
  • Brunch Twist: Transform the quesadillas into a weekend brunch star by serving with a fried egg on top and a sprinkle of fresh chives for an elevated morning meal.

Best Storage for Reuben Quesadillas

  • Refrigerate leftover Reuben quesadillas in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
  • Wrap each quesadilla individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing to prevent moisture and preserve texture.
  • Freeze quesadillas by placing parchment paper between each one in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.

FAQs

  • What ingredients make a Reuben Quesadilla different from a traditional Reuben sandwich?

The key difference is using tortillas instead of rye bread, which creates a crispy, fusion-style dish that combines Mexican and deli-style flavors.

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

Yes, you can substitute Swiss cheese with provolone or mild cheddar, which will still provide a similar melty texture and complementary flavor to the corned beef.

  • Is this recipe suitable for people who want a quick meal?

Absolutely! This Reuben Quesadilla takes only about 10 minutes to prepare and cook, making it perfect for a fast lunch or dinner option.

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Crispy Reuben Quesadillas Recipe

Crispy Reuben Quesadillas Recipe


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4.5 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 11 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Reuben quesadillas blend classic deli sandwich flavors into a crispy Mexican-inspired delight. Melted swiss, corned beef, and tangy sauerkraut create a mouthwatering fusion you will crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

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

Filling Ingredients:

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

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon butter or oil (for frying)

Instructions

  1. Preheat a non-stick skillet to medium temperature and apply a thin layer of butter or oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Position a tortilla flat on the heated surface and generously spread Thousand Island dressing across the entire area.
  3. Strategically arrange Swiss cheese on one half of the tortilla, creating an even layer of dairy goodness.
  4. Carefully distribute thin slices of corned beef over the cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
  5. Evenly sprinkle sauerkraut on top of the corned beef, creating a tangy complement to the meat.
  6. Gently fold the tortilla in half, pressing the edges to create a sealed pocket of deliciousness.
  7. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, watching for a golden-brown crispy exterior and fully melted cheese.
  8. Allow the quesadilla to rest for a moment after cooking to set the internal ingredients.
  9. Slice the quesadilla into triangular wedges for easy serving and optimal presentation.
  10. Serve immediately while hot and crisp, optionally accompanied by additional Thousand Island dressing for dipping.

Notes

  • Use high-quality corned beef for maximum flavor, preferably thinly sliced from a deli counter.
  • Drain sauerkraut thoroughly to prevent soggy quesadillas and ensure a crispy texture.
  • Adjust cooking heat to medium-low for even browning and perfect cheese melting without burning the tortilla.
  • Substitute traditional tortillas with low-carb or gluten-free options for dietary accommodations, maintaining the classic Reuben taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 700 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 1250 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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