Homemade Reuben Pinwheels

Reuben pinwheels are a delightful twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, blending all the beloved flavors into a bite-sized appetizer perfect for parties or casual get-togethers. These crispy and savory pinwheels are made with flaky puff pastry instead of bread, making them a unique and elegant option for entertaining. With corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing wrapped in golden pastry, every bite is a delicious explosion of flavor that will leave your guests wanting more. This easy-to-follow recipe is not only quick to prepare, but it’s also packed with the rich tastes of a traditional Reuben.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed as a party appetizer, a snack, or even a main dish paired with a side salad. The use of puff pastry makes these pinwheels light and flaky, unlike traditional sandwiches. They’re simple to prepare and only take about 30 minutes from prep to oven—perfect for busy weeknights! Plus, they can be made ahead of time and baked just before your guests arrive, ensuring a fresh and hot dish straight out of the oven. The combination of tangy sauerkraut, savory corned beef, and creamy Swiss cheese is irresistible and sure to impress everyone at your gathering.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Thawed Puff Pastry: Make sure your puff pastry is fully thawed before starting—this ensures even baking and easy rolling.

Drain Sauerkraut Thoroughly: Squeeze out excess moisture from the sauerkraut so the pinwheels don’t get soggy.
Experiment with Dressings: If you want to mix things up, try using Thousand Island dressing or your homemade dressing.
Slice Evenly: For uniform baking and presentation, slice the rolled log into 1-inch thick pinwheels.

Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so check the pinwheels around the 20-minute mark to avoid over-baking.

Ingredients

The following ingredients will yield approximately 20 pinwheels:

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

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your homemade Reuben pinwheels:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick.
Step 3: Spread Russian dressing evenly over the puff pastry sheet.

Step 4: Layer the sliced corned beef evenly over the dressed pastry.
Step 5: Add the drained sauerkraut on top of the corned beef, followed by the shredded Swiss cheese.
Step 6: Roll the pastry tightly into a log, sealing the edges with a bit of the beaten egg wash.

Step 7: Slice the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels.
Step 8: Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 9: Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the remaining egg wash.

Step 10: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pinwheels are golden and puffed.
Step 11: Let cool for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I prepare these pinwheels in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the pinwheels ahead of time, place them on a baking sheet, cover them, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.

2. Can I use different ingredients?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute turkey, pastrami, or different types of cheese to cater to your taste preferences.

3. How do I store leftover pinwheels?

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

4. Can I freeze the pinwheels?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pinwheels. Just bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

5. What can I serve with Reuben pinwheels?

Pair them with a side of pickles or a light salad for a complete meal. They also go well with extra Russian or Thousand Island dressing for dipping.

Conclusion

Homemade Reuben pinwheels are a fun and delicious twist on a traditional favorite, perfect for entertaining or snacking. With their crispy puff pastry exterior and savory filling of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese, these pinwheels are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Follow this easy recipe and impress your guests with a delightful appetizer that brings all the classic Reuben flavors in a simple, portable form. Whether for a party, game day, or a family dinner, these pinwheels are the perfect addition to your recipe repertoire.