Sizzling Reuben Quesadillas Recipe: Tangy Deli Fusion Magic

Crafting a mouthwatering Reuben quesadillas fusion sparks unexpected culinary excitement in my kitchen.

Corned beef, sauerkraut, and swiss cheese create a delightful twist on classic sandwich flavors.

Melted goodness awaits between crispy tortilla layers that crackle with each bite.

Deli-style ingredients dance together in a quick, satisfying meal you can whip up in minutes.

Swiss and russian dressing add tangy complexity to this playful dinner option.

Crisp edges and gooey center promise a delectable experience that transforms ordinary weeknight cooking.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and prepare for a flavor adventure that will become your new comfort food obsession.

Reasons To Love Reuben Quesadillas

• Craft a Spicy Flavor Explosion: Experience a mouthwatering combination of Italian sausage, crushed tomatoes, and red pepper flakes that delivers an incredible taste sensation in every bite.
• Master a Quick Weeknight Winner: Create a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that even beginner cooks can nail perfectly.
• Transform Ordinary Ingredients: Elevate basic pantry staples into a creamy, indulgent pasta dish that feels like a gourmet restaurant experience right in your own kitchen.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adjust the spice level by controlling red pepper flakes, making this recipe adaptable for different taste preferences and heat tolerances.

What Goes Into Reuben Quesadillas

• Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas that serve as the crispy, golden wrapper for the quesadilla.

• Corned Beef: Tender, salty meat that provides the classic Reuben sandwich protein.
• Sauerkraut: Tangy, fermented cabbage that adds a traditional Reuben flavor profile.
• Swiss Cheese: Mild, melty cheese that creates a rich and creamy texture.

• Thousand Island Dressing, Butter or Oil: Creamy dressing that adds zesty moisture and helps create a golden, crisp exterior when cooking.

How To Make Reuben Quesadillas

Step 1: Prepare Flavor Base

Grab your tortillas and generously spread Thousand Island dressing across one side of each tortilla, creating a tangy and creamy foundation for your quesadillas.

Step 2: Build Delicious Layers

• Corned beef
• Sauerkraut
• Shredded Swiss cheese

Cover the filled tortilla with another tortilla, positioning the dressing side downward.

Step 3: Sizzle and Crisp

Heat a skillet over medium temperature and add a touch of butter or oil to create a golden, crispy exterior.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Carefully place the quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side.

Watch for a beautiful golden-brown color and ensure the cheese melts completely into a gooey, irresistible texture.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the quesadilla into wedge-shaped pieces and serve immediately while warm.

Offer additional Thousand Island dressing on the side for an extra burst of flavor and dipping pleasure.

Helpful Hints For Reuben Quesadillas

• Swap traditional sauerkraut with pickled cabbage for a milder tangy flavor that suits sensitive palates.
• Drain sauerkraut thoroughly to prevent soggy quesadillas and ensure crispy, golden-brown tortillas.
• Use a nonstick skillet or cast-iron pan to achieve even browning and prevent sticking during cooking.
• For gluten-free version, replace wheat tortillas with corn tortillas or gluten-free alternatives.
• Experiment with different cheese options like sharp cheddar or provolone for unique flavor variations.

Creative Twists For Reuben Quesadillas

• Pastrami Power: Swap corned beef with thinly sliced pastrami for a robust, peppery flavor profile that adds extra zest to the classic Reuben combination.
• Mediterranean Melt: Replace sauerkraut with chopped kalamata olives and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired quesadilla with tangy Mediterranean notes.
• Veggie Reuben: Substitute corned beef with roasted portobello mushrooms or seasoned plant-based protein for a vegetarian version that maintains the traditional Reuben taste.
• Spicy Southwest: Incorporate diced green chilies and pepper jack cheese to give the quesadillas a southwestern kick while keeping the core Reuben ingredients intact.

Best Pairings With Reuben Quesadillas

• Classic Deli Style Plating: Serve quesadillas on a rustic wooden board with a small ramekin of Thousand Island dressing, creating a deli-inspired presentation that highlights the recipe's nostalgic flavors.
• Game Day Party Appetizer: Cut quesadillas into smaller triangular bites, arrange on a large platter with toothpicks, perfect for casual gatherings where guests can easily grab and enjoy these handheld treats.
• Brunch Fusion Delight: Pair quesadillas with a light mixed green salad and garnish with fresh chopped herbs, transforming the dish into a satisfying weekend brunch option that bridges breakfast and lunch.
• Picnic Perfect Wrap: Pack cooled quesadilla wedges in a portable container with extra dressing on the side, making an excellent portable lunch for outdoor adventures or workplace meal prep.

Keeping Reuben Quesadillas Fresh

• Place leftover quesadillas in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture.
• Wrap individual quesadilla wedges tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed quesadillas in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Alternatively, use a toaster oven or air fryer to restore crispiness and prevent sogginess.

FAQs

• Are Reuben Quesadillas similar to a traditional Reuben sandwich?

Yes, they combine the classic Reuben sandwich ingredients like corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese, but use a quesadilla format for a fun twist on the original.

• Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?

You can prepare them in advance and reheat in a skillet or oven, but they’re best enjoyed fresh and crispy right after cooking.

• What type of tortillas work best for this recipe?

Flour tortillas are ideal because they crisp up nicely and hold the fillings well without falling apart during cooking.

• Is this recipe good for a quick meal?

Absolutely! These quesadillas take about 15 minutes to prepare and cook, making them perfect for a quick lunch or dinner option.

Reuben Quesadillas Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

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

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Description

Reuben quesadillas blend classic deli sandwich flavors with crispy tortilla comfort. Melted swiss cheese, corned beef, and tangy sauerkraut create a delicious fusion you’ll savor with each bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz corned beef (thinly sliced)
• 1 1/2 cups (170 g) Swiss cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) Thousand Island dressing
• 1 cup (240 ml) sauerkraut (drained)
• 4 large flour tortillas
• Butter or oil (for cooking)

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Instructions

1. Generously coat one side of each tortilla with Thousand Island dressing, ensuring complete and even coverage.
2. Arrange corned beef slices evenly across half of the tortillas, creating a uniform base layer.
3. Distribute sauerkraut over the corned beef, spreading it to cover the meat completely.
4. Sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese generously over the sauerkraut to ensure maximum cheese coverage.
5. Place the remaining tortillas on top, with the dressing side facing down, creating a sealed quesadilla package.
6. Warm a skillet over medium heat, adding a thin layer of butter or oil to prevent sticking.
7. Carefully transfer the assembled quesadillas to the heated skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the bottom tortilla turns golden brown and crispy.
8. Gently flip the quesadillas and cook the opposite side for an additional 3-4 minutes, ensuring the cheese melts completely and the tortilla achieves a uniform golden color.
9. Remove from heat and let rest for a minute to allow cheese to set.
10. Slice each quesadilla into wedges using a sharp knife.
11. Serve immediately with additional Thousand Island dressing on the side for dipping.

Notes

• Swap traditional tortillas with gluten-free or low-carb options for dietary restrictions.
• Use lean corned beef or turkey pastrami for a lighter protein alternative that reduces overall fat content.
• Create a quick homemade Thousand Island dressing using mayo, ketchup, and pickle relish for fresher flavor and less processed ingredients.
• Pan-toast quesadillas with minimal butter or use a non-stick cooking spray to reduce additional calories while maintaining a crispy texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1100 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg