The Best Reuben Quesadillas Recipe: Savory Fusion Made Simple

Crafting delectable reuben quesadillas merges classic deli flavors with playful Mexican-inspired street food.

Corned beef and sauerkraut nestle between crispy tortilla layers, creating a mouthwatering fusion.

Melted swiss cheese adds rich, creamy texture to each bite.

Tangy thousand island dressing provides a zesty punch that cuts through the meat’s richness.

Crisp edges and gooey interior promise a satisfying culinary adventure for sandwich and quesadilla enthusiasts alike.

Packed with bold ingredients and simple preparation, this dish brings excitement to your dinner routine.

Grab a skillet and let the flavor exploration begin!

Why Reuben Quesadillas Work Every Time

• Quick Fusion Delight: Transforms classic Reuben sandwich flavors into an easy, handheld quesadilla that combines American and Mexican culinary styles for a fun twist.
• Speedy Weeknight Meal: Requires only 15-20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy families seeking a delicious dinner without complicated preparation.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Merges beloved Reuben sandwich ingredients with crispy quesadilla format, creating a universally appealing dish that satisfies both kids and adults with familiar, comforting flavors.
• Minimal Kitchen Skills Needed: Beginner-friendly recipe that demands basic cooking techniques like spreading, layering, and pan-frying, allowing even novice cooks to create a restaurant-worthy meal with confidence.

Reuben Quesadillas Core Ingredients

• Flour Tortillas: Soft, pliable base for holding all the delicious Reuben ingredients together, perfect for a crispy quesadilla texture.

• Corned Beef, Swiss Cheese: Classic Reuben sandwich combo with tender, salty meat and rich, melty cheese that creates a hearty flavor profile. Choose high-quality deli corned beef for best results.

• Sauerkraut, Thousand Island Dressing, Butter: Tangy sauerkraut adds traditional Reuben sandwich signature taste, creamy dressing brings zesty moisture, and butter helps achieve golden, crisp exterior when cooking. Select well-drained sauerkraut to prevent soggy quesadillas and use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.

Reuben Quesadillas Cooking Steps

Step 1: Dress the Tortillas

Slather Thousand Island dressing generously across one side of each tortilla, creating a creamy base for your flavor-packed quesadillas.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Layers

• Swiss cheese
• Corned beef
• Sauerkraut

Distribute these ingredients evenly to ensure a perfect bite every time.

Step 3: Create the Quesadilla Sandwich

Top the layered ingredients with the remaining Swiss cheese, then crown with the second tortilla, dressing side facing down to seal in the goodness.

Step 4: Prepare the Skillet

Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt butter, creating a golden, crispy cooking surface for your quesadillas.

Step 5: Cook to Perfection

Gently place one quesadilla in the skillet, cooking for 2–3 minutes per side.

Press lightly with a spatula to help the cheese melt and the tortilla turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 6: Repeat the Cooking Process

Repeat the cooking method with the second quesadilla, adding more butter to the pan if needed to maintain that perfect crispy texture.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the quesadillas into wedges and serve warm, ready to delight your taste buds with a classic Reuben-inspired twist.

Reuben Quesadillas – Quick Tips for Perfect Browning

• Pat sauerkraut dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and avoid making quesadillas wet.
• Let cheese sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking to ensure smooth, even melting.
• Swap corned beef with pastrami, turkey, or tempeh for vegetarian/diet-specific variations.
• Use medium-low heat to achieve golden-brown tortillas without burning while ensuring cheese melts completely.
• Cut quesadillas diagonally for attractive triangular wedges and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for color and flavor.

Reheat Quesadillas And Keep Them Crisp

• Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping them flat to prevent sogginess.
• Warm quesadillas in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring crispy exterior and melted cheese.
• Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 10 minutes, placing quesadillas on a baking sheet for even heating.
• Use a dry skillet or parchment paper to maintain the crisp texture and prevent moisture buildup.

Flavor Friends for Reuben Quesadillas

• Pairing Pickled Pleasure: Crisp Dill Pickle Spears add a tangy crunch that perfectly complements the rich, savory Reuben Quesadillas.
• Beer Buddy Boost: Select a cold, hoppy German-style pilsner to cut through the quesadilla's richness and enhance the corned beef's robust flavor.
• Zesty Sidekick Salad: Whip up a light cabbage and apple coleslaw dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the quesadilla's heavy, melted cheese and meat.
• Smooth Comfort Companion: Pour a glass of chilled Russian vodka to cleanse the palate and provide a smooth counterpoint to the quesadilla's bold, hearty profile.

Reuben Quesadillas with Cheesy Fusion Twists

• Vegetarian Reuben Quesadilla: Replace corned beef with roasted portobello mushrooms or seitan for a plant-based protein option that maintains the classic Reuben flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Wrap Alternative: Swap tortillas with large lettuce leaves or low-carb cauliflower wraps to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the traditional taste intact.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free tortillas and confirm Thousand Island dressing is certified gluten-free to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Lighter Dairy Option: Substitute Swiss cheese with low-fat mozzarella or dairy-free cheese alternatives for those watching calories or following vegan dietary restrictions.

FAQs

• What makes Reuben Quesadillas different from a traditional Reuben sandwich?

This fusion recipe combines the classic Reuben sandwich flavors with the crispy, cheesy format of a quesadilla, offering a fun twist on the traditional deli-style sandwich.

• 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 to maintain a similar melting quality and complementary flavor profile.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

These quesadillas are best enjoyed fresh and hot, but you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble quickly when ready to cook for a faster meal preparation.

• How can I make this recipe more diet-friendly?

You can use low-fat Swiss cheese, lean corned beef, whole wheat tortillas, and a lighter version of Thousand Island dressing to create a healthier alternative to the original recipe.

Reuben Quesadillas Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Reuben quesadillas blend classic deli flavors into a crispy, melty masterpiece of comfort cuisine. Sauerkraut, corned beef, and swiss cheese create a delightful fusion where Jewish and Mexican culinary traditions meet with irresistible deliciousness you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

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

Condiments and Additions:

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

Cooking Ingredient:

• 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking)

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Instructions

1. Generously coat one side of each tortilla with tangy Thousand Island dressing, ensuring complete surface coverage.
2. Distribute shredded Swiss cheese evenly across two tortillas, creating a delicate cheese foundation.
3. Layer thinly sliced corned beef atop the cheese, covering the entire tortilla surface.
4. Spread sauerkraut uniformly over the corned beef, providing a zesty and textured element.
5. Sprinkle remaining Swiss cheese on top of the sauerkraut for additional melty richness.
6. Carefully place the remaining tortillas on top, positioning the dressing-coated side downward to create sealed quesadillas.
7. Preheat a skillet over medium heat and melt half the butter, creating a golden cooking surface.
8. Gently place one quesadilla into the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the tortilla transforms into a crispy, caramelized golden brown.
9. Apply light pressure with a spatula to enhance even cooking and cheese melting.
10. Flip the quesadilla and cook the opposite side for an additional 2-3 minutes until achieving consistent golden coloration.
11. Repeat the cooking process with the second quesadilla, adding more butter if the skillet becomes dry.
12. Remove from heat, allow to rest briefly, then slice into triangular wedges.
13. Serve immediately while warm and cheese remains luxuriously melted.

Notes

• Experiment with different types of tortillas like whole wheat or gluten-free for diverse dietary needs.
• Drain sauerkraut thoroughly to prevent soggy quesadillas and ensure a crispy texture.
• Use lean corned beef to reduce overall fat content without compromising flavor.
• For vegetarian version, replace corned beef with roasted portobello mushrooms or plant-based protein alternatives.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1180 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg