If you're a fan of the reuben sandwich classic, these Reuben Sliders with Smoky Russian Dressing are going to steal your heart (and maybe your game day menu too). They pack all the bold, tangy, cheesy, meaty goodness of a traditional ruben sandwich recipe best served warm—just shrunk down into addictive little slider form. Whether you're planning a party, a casual dinner, or simply craving something indulgent and satisfying, these mini sandwiches deliver major flavor with minimal fuss. The real star here? A smoky, creamy homemade Russian dressing that brings everything together in each gooey, toasted bite.
Reuben Sliders with Smoky Russian Dressing
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 12 sliders (serves 4-6)
Baking dish or sheet pan A 9x13-inch baking dish works perfectly for assembling and baking the sliders. If you're doubling the recipe, use a sheet pan.
Mixing bowl For the russian dressing.
Pastry Brush To brush melted butter onto the tops of the buns.
Knife or bread knife For slicing the slider buns as a group.
Foil For tenting the sliders while they bake (to avoid over-toasting).
For the Sliders
- 12 slider buns Hawaiian rolls work beautifully, but any soft dinner roll will do
- ¾ lb sliced corned beef thinly sliced, deli-style
- ½ lb sliced Swiss cheese
- 1 cup sauerkraut well-drained and lightly squeezed dry
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted (for brushing the buns)
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds optional, for extra rye-bread flavor
For the Smoky Russian Dressing
- This creamy sauce is the game-changer—think of it as a punchy cousin of the russian salad dressing often found in homemade reuben sandwiches.
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish drained
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Make the Smoky Russian Dressing
Start by preparing the reuben sandwich sauce. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and garlic. Add salt and pepper to taste.
This homemade russian dressing is smoky, tangy, and has just the right amount of bite. If you’re making extra for later, store it in an airtight container in the fridge—it’s also excellent on burgers and even grilled chicken.
Step 2: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the entire block of slider buns horizontally—don’t separate the rolls yet. You’ll have a top slab and a bottom slab. Place the bottom slab in your baking dish.
Step 3: Layer the Good Stuff
Spread a generous amount of smoky russian dressing across the bottom buns. Lay down an even layer of corned beef (or turkey if you're going for a turkey reuben sandwich variation). Top with Swiss cheese, followed by the drained sauerkraut.
Before placing the top buns on, you can spread more dressing on the inside of the top slab if you’re a sauce-lover.
Step 4: Toast to Perfection
Put the top buns in place and brush them with melted butter. Sprinkle with caraway seeds if desired—this little detail gives a nod to the rye bread typically used in a best reuben sandwich.
Tent loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Remove from the oven, let cool for a minute or two, then use a knife or spatula to separate into individual sliders. Serve warm with extra russian salad dressing or a side of pickles.
Pairings
These reuben sliders pair well with both casual sides and bold accompaniments:
- Crispy oven fries or sweet potato wedges – For a classic diner vibe.
- A light slaw – Something acidic like apple-cabbage slaw balances out the richness.
- Beer – A malty amber ale or a dark stout pairs beautifully with the salty meat and creamy sauce.
- Pickles or pickled onions – The acidity contrasts perfectly with the cheese and corned beef.
- Texas roadhouse italian dressing-style salad – A crunchy iceberg salad tossed in a tangy, garlic-forward dressing adds a fresh element that cuts through the richness.
FAQs
1. What kind of meat should I use for Reuben sliders?
Corned beef is traditional and delivers that authentic reuben sandwich taste. Look for thinly sliced deli-style meat. If you prefer a leaner or milder option, try turkey breast for a turkey reuben sandwich. It’s still flavorful and pairs well with the same ingredients.
2. Can I use store-bought Russian dressing?
You absolutely can, but making it from scratch lets you adjust the flavor to your liking. Many store-bought versions of russian dressing or russian salad dressing lean sweet or bland. This smoky version offers a punchier, deeper flavor that makes these sliders stand out.
3. How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?
The key is draining the sauerkraut well and lightly toasting the sliders in the oven. If you’re worried about moisture, you can also add a thin layer of cheese underneath the sauerkraut to act as a barrier.
4. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders up to a day in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate, but hold off on the melted butter and baking until just before serving. This keeps the buns from becoming soggy and ensures they toast properly.
5. Can I use rye bread instead of slider buns?
Absolutely. If you're going for more of a traditional reuben sandwich recipe, slice small pieces of rye bread and treat them like open-faced sliders or make mini grilled rubens sandwich style using a skillet. It’s a fun way to bridge the classic with the modern.
