Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Reuben Pinwheels are a convenient, no-cook appetizer that brings together the rich and savory flavors of a traditional Reuben sandwich—creamy dressing, tangy sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and tender corned beef—all wrapped in soft tortillas. The cream cheese and Thousand Island dressing combination makes the filling smooth and spreadable, while the crunch of sauerkraut adds a perfect balance of texture. These pinwheels are quick to prepare, require no baking, and can easily be made in advance, making them ideal for busy days or special events.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing
- 1/2 cup packed sauerkraut, rinsed and well drained
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 12 ounces thinly sliced deli corned beef (16 slices)
- 8 (9-inch) flour tortillas
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Thousand Island dressing, and sauerkraut. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
- Place a tortilla on a flat surface. Scoop 2 heaping tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture and spread it evenly over one side of the tortilla, almost to the edges.
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded Swiss cheese over the cream cheese mixture.
- Lay 2 slices of corned beef over the cheese. You can tear the slices if needed to fit the tortilla.
- Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and ingredients.
- Once all the tortillas are filled and rolled, chill the pinwheels in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape.
- After chilling, slice each tortilla into 6-8 pinwheels, depending on your preferred size.
- Serve immediately or store in the fridge until ready to enjoy.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including chilling time)
Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortillas to make these pinwheels suitable for a gluten-free diet.
- Add Spices: Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika in the cream cheese mixture.
- Veggie Add-ins: Add sliced pickles, onions, or bell peppers to the filling for a twist on the classic flavor.
- Low-Fat Version: Use low-fat cream cheese and a lighter dressing to make this recipe more health-conscious.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: These pinwheels are best served cold and do not need to be reheated. Simply remove them from the fridge before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Swiss cheese with other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or mozzarella, though Swiss is traditional for a Reuben.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, chilling the pinwheels in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before slicing helps them hold their shape, making them perfect for preparing in advance.
3. Can I use a different type of meat instead of corned beef?
You can substitute the corned beef with pastrami or even turkey for a different take on the Reuben flavors.
4. Can I make these with gluten-free tortillas?
Yes, simply swap the regular flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas to make this dish suitable for those on a gluten-free diet.
5. How long should I refrigerate the pinwheels before slicing?
Refrigerating the pinwheels for 30 minutes helps them hold their shape and makes them easier to slice.
6. Can I freeze these pinwheels?
While these pinwheels are best served fresh, you can freeze them before slicing. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, freeze, and slice them after thawing in the fridge for a few hours.
7. How can I add more flavor to the cream cheese mixture?
Add a bit of horseradish or mustard to the cream cheese mixture for an extra tangy kick.
8. Can I use a different dressing than Thousand Island?
Yes, you can substitute with Russian dressing or even make your own homemade version for a more personalized touch.
9. Can I serve these warm?
Reuben Pinwheels are typically served cold, but you can warm them up slightly in a microwave if you prefer.
10. How do I make sure the pinwheels don’t unroll?
Be sure to spread the cream cheese mixture all the way to the edges of the tortilla, then roll tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help the pinwheels set and hold their shape.
Conclusion
Reuben Pinwheels are an easy, portable, and delicious twist on a classic Reuben sandwich. With creamy, flavorful filling and crispy tortillas, they’re perfect for any occasion—from casual get-togethers to more formal gatherings. Plus, they’re quick to make and can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether served at a party or as a snack, these pinwheels are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Reuben Pinwheels
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Reuben Pinwheels are a portable and bite-sized twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, combining creamy dressing, tangy sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and corned beef wrapped in soft tortillas.
Ingredients
8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing
1/2 cup packed sauerkraut, rinsed and well drained
2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
12 ounces thinly sliced deli corned beef (16 slices)
8 (9-inch) flour tortillas
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Thousand Island dressing, and sauerkraut. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
- Place a tortilla on a flat surface. Scoop 2 heaping tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture and spread it evenly over one side of the tortilla, almost to the edges.
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded Swiss cheese over the cream cheese mixture.
- Lay 2 slices of corned beef over the cheese. You can tear the slices if needed to fit the tortilla.
- Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and ingredients.
- Once all the tortillas are filled and rolled, chill the pinwheels in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape.
- After chilling, slice each tortilla into 6-8 pinwheels, depending on your preferred size.
- Serve immediately or store in the fridge until ready to enjoy.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas.
Add spices such as cayenne pepper or paprika to the cream cheese mixture for an extra kick.
Make a veggie version by adding sliced pickles, onions, or bell peppers to the filling.
For a lighter option, use low-fat cream cheese and a reduced-fat dressing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
