Reuben Quesadillas Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the irresistible combination of crispy tortillas, gooey cheese, and savory fillings in these Reuben Quesadillas. Imagine the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich—tangy sauerkraut, salty corned beef, and creamy Thousand Island dressing—brought together in a golden, melty quesadilla. Perfect for a quick lunch or a fun twist on dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

I first created this dish on a whim after St. Patrick’s Day, looking for a way to repurpose leftover corned beef. Now, it’s a staple in our household whenever we’re craving comfort food with a creative spin. Let’s dive into why these Reuben Quesadillas deserve a spot on your table.

Why You’ll Love This Reuben Quesadillas Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to fusion dish! These Reuben Quesadillas take all the best parts of the classic sandwich and make them even more accessible and fun.

First off, they’re incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip these up in under 20 minutes. They’re perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without the hassle.

They’re also versatile. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or catering to dietary preferences, this recipe can easily be adapted to suit your needs. Swap the corned beef for turkey or skip the meat altogether for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Lastly, the crispy, cheesy goodness of these quesadillas is pure comfort food at its finest. Each bite is bursting with flavor, from the zesty sauerkraut to the creamy dressing, making them an instant hit with kids and adults alike.

Ready to give these a try? Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Reuben Quesadillas lies in the combination of classic Reuben ingredients with the simplicity of quesadilla-making. Each element is carefully chosen to deliver maximum flavor and texture.

Flour tortillas are the base of this recipe. Their pliability and mild flavor make them the perfect canvas for the bold Reuben fillings. Opt for large, burrito-sized tortillas to hold everything together.

Corned beef is the star of the show. Thinly sliced corned beef adds a salty, savory richness that defines the Reuben experience. You can use deli-sliced corned beef or leftovers from a roast—either works beautifully.

Swiss cheese melts perfectly and provides that signature nutty flavor. It pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients, creating a gooey, indulgent filling.

Sauerkraut brings a tangy punch that cuts through the richness of the cheese and beef. Make sure to drain it well before using to avoid soggy quesadillas.

Thousand Island dressing acts as both a binder and a flavor booster. Spread it inside the quesadilla for a creamy, slightly sweet contrast to the savory elements. Keep some extra on the side for dipping!

If you have a nonstick skillet or griddle, you’re all set to create perfectly golden quesadillas with minimal cleanup.

How To Make These Reuben Quesadillas

Creating these mouthwatering quesadillas is as simple as layering ingredients and cooking them to perfection. Let’s break it down step by step.

Start by heating a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. While the skillet warms up, assemble your quesadillas. Lay one tortilla flat and spread a thin layer of Thousand Island dressing over half of it.

Next, layer on the Swiss cheese, followed by a generous portion of sliced corned beef. Add a small handful of well-drained sauerkraut and finish with another layer of cheese. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.

Place the quesadilla in the preheated skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, pressing down lightly with a spatula to ensure even browning and melty cheese. You’ll know it’s ready when the tortilla is golden and crisp.

Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and fillings. To serve, slice each quesadilla into wedges and pair with a side of extra Thousand Island dressing or even a dollop of sour cream.

From start to finish, these quesadillas are ready in no time, making them a fantastic option for a quick meal.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (though they tend to disappear quickly!), these quesadillas store beautifully. Let them cool completely before wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic wrap.

In the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, which helps maintain their crispiness.

In the freezer, you can store them for up to two months. Flash-freeze the wedges on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes.

Avoid microwaving to maintain the crispy texture that makes these quesadillas so delightful!

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to get creative with your ingredients.

For a lighter version, use whole-grain tortillas and swap in reduced-fat Swiss cheese or turkey slices instead of corned beef.

If you’re vegetarian, skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers. They’ll provide a hearty, flavorful alternative.

Want to add a little heat? Try mixing a dash of hot sauce into the Thousand Island dressing or sprinkling in some chopped jalapeños for a spicy twist.

For a gourmet upgrade, experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or Havarti. They melt beautifully and add a sophisticated flair.

No sauerkraut on hand? Substitute with thinly sliced pickles or coleslaw for a similar tangy crunch.

The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own!

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