Hello, food lovers! If you’re a fan of the classic Reuben sandwich, you’re going to love this easy and delightful twist. Homemade Reuben Pinwheels are a bite-sized treat that combines all the delicious flavors of a Reuben in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for parties, appetizers, or even a fun family snack, these pinwheels are sure to impress. Let’s get rolling—literally!
Introduction
Reuben sandwiches have long been a staple of deli cuisine, known for their rich layers of corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melty Swiss cheese, and creamy Russian dressing. This recipe takes those same mouthwatering ingredients and wraps them in buttery puff pastry to create a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want a savory treat, Homemade Reuben Pinwheels deliver all the comforting flavors of the classic sandwich in a fun, portable form.
Ingredients
To make Homemade Reuben Pinwheels, you’ll need the following:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 pound sliced corned beef
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Russian dressing
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How to Make Homemade Reuben Pinwheels
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating these savory pinwheels:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet into an even rectangle. This will ensure a uniform thickness for even baking.
- Spread the Dressing: Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the Russian dressing evenly across the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Layer the Fillings: Lay the sliced corned beef evenly over the dressing, followed by the drained sauerkraut. Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese generously over the top.
- Roll and Seal: Starting from one edge, tightly roll the puff pastry into a log, making sure the filling stays evenly distributed. Use a bit of the beaten egg to seal the edge of the pastry.
- Slice the Pinwheels: With a sharp knife, slice the rolled log into 1-inch thick pinwheels. Aim for even slices to ensure they bake uniformly.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between them to allow for puffing during baking. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the pinwheels in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown and puffed.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pinwheels to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the filling set and make them easier to handle.
Helpful Tips
- Puff Pastry Handling: Keep the puff pastry chilled until you’re ready to use it. Warm pastry can become sticky and difficult to work with.
- Sauerkraut Prep: Be sure to drain and squeeze the sauerkraut well to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.
- Sharp Knife for Slicing: Use a serrated knife for clean, even cuts when slicing the log into pinwheels.
Cooking Tips
Here are a few additional tips for making your Homemade Reuben Pinwheels:
- Cheese Substitutes: While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can try Gruyère or provolone for a slightly different flavor.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the pinwheels up to the slicing step, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This is perfect for parties or events.
- Customize the Fillings: Add a touch of Dijon mustard or even some caramelized onions for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Homemade Reuben Pinwheels are versatile and pair well with a variety of accompaniments:
- Dipping Sauce: Serve with extra Russian dressing or a tangy mustard sauce for dipping.
- Appetizer Spread: Pair with pickles, olives, and crackers for a deli-inspired platter.
- Party Favorite: These pinwheels are an ideal appetizer for gatherings, tailgates, or holiday parties.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an overview of the nutritional content for these Homemade Reuben Pinwheels:
- Calories: 210 per pinwheel
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 370mg
- Potassium: 140mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 6%
- Vitamin C: 8%
- Calcium: 12%
- Iron: 7%
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, place the pinwheels on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through.
Freezing Option: Freeze unbaked pinwheels in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use store-bought Russian dressing?
Absolutely. Store-bought Russian dressing works perfectly, but you can also make your own for a fresher flavor.
What if I don’t have corned beef?
Pastry meats like pastrami or thinly sliced roast beef make great substitutes.
Can I use a different type of pastry?
While puff pastry is ideal for its flakiness, crescent roll dough can be used as an alternative.
Related Recipes
If you love the flavors of a classic Reuben, check out these related recipes:
Conclusion
And there you have it—the ultimate recipe for Homemade Reuben Pinwheels! With flaky pastry, savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melty Swiss cheese, these pinwheels are a true crowd-pleaser. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or party dish, they bring a classic deli flavor to your table in a fun and portable form. Try them out and watch them disappear in no time. Happy cooking!