Irresistible Reuben Wonton Purses: The Ultimate Appetizer for Any Occasion
Discover the magic of these delightful Reuben Wonton Purses – crispy wonton wrappers generously filled with the classic Reuben combination of savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Swiss cheese, all baked to golden perfection in a mini muffin pan. These bite-sized treasures are not just appetizers; they are a culinary experience, perfectly encapsulating the beloved flavors of the iconic Reuben sandwich in a fun, handheld format. Ideal for gatherings, game days, or as a festive St. Patrick’s Day treat, these Reuben Wonton Purses are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and become your go-to recipe for delicious, easy-to-make snacks.
These Reuben Wonton Purses aren’t just an appetizer; they are a celebration of flavor and convenience. Imagine serving these exquisite “pots of gold,” brimming with Reuben goodness, at your next party. They are incredibly simple to prepare, yet offer a sophisticated taste that will impress every guest. With minimal prep time and a straightforward baking process, you can effortlessly create a dish that stands out. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a more formal event, these crispy, cheesy, and savory bites are a fantastic way to elevate your appetizer game. Their charming purse-like shape adds a touch of elegance, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious.
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Frank’s Kraut is the esteemed sponsor behind “REUBEN MADNESS,” an annual celebration dedicated to honoring the unparalleled deliciousness of the Reuben Sandwich and all its glorious variations. This month-long tribute culminates on National Reuben Day, March 14th, a date circled on calendars by Reuben enthusiasts everywhere. Frank’s Kraut, renowned for its superior quality sauerkraut, champions this culinary event, and as a passionate advocate for all things Reuben, I am thrilled to join them in celebrating this iconic sandwich throughout the entire month. Their commitment to tradition and flavor makes them the perfect partner for exploring new and exciting ways to enjoy Reuben-inspired dishes.
Embrace the “Reubenize Everything” Philosophy
The spirit of Reuben Madness encourages a bold and creative approach to cooking: the belief that you can infuse the irresistible flavors of a Reuben into virtually any dish. From casseroles to dips, and now to these innovative wonton purses, the possibilities are endless. If we can transform a humble wonton into a savory Reuben delight, what other culinary boundaries can we push? This philosophy invites home cooks to experiment, innovate, and bring the distinctive taste of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing to unexpected places. It’s about taking a classic and giving it a fresh, exciting twist.
The Legendary Reuben Sandwich: A Hometown Classic
The Reuben sandwich holds a special place in culinary history, proudly originating right here in my hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. This now-iconic American deli sandwich masterfully combines layers of tender corned beef, crisp sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and creamy Thousand Island dressing, all nestled between slices of toasted rye bread. Its balanced profile of savory, tangy, and rich flavors has made it a timeless favorite across the nation. My blog features loads of Reuben Recipes, each exploring different facets of this beloved combination, while Frank’s Kraut offers an abundance of additional ideas on their website, ensuring you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy the Reuben.
^LOVE Them? PIN Them before you go!^
While traditional wonton wrappers don’t come in a rye bread form, which is a key component of the classic Reuben, we’ve found a delicious way to compensate for this missing element. In these Reuben Wonton Purses, the absence of rye is more than made up for with an extra dose of rich, melted cheese. Specifically, I’ve added a touch of cream cheese to the filling, which lends an incredible creaminess and depth that makes these little bundles something truly special. As an afterthought, a sprinkle of toasted rye bread crumbs could provide that authentic rye essence for a future experiment, offering another layer of flavor and texture. For now, the creamy cheese works wonders, ensuring each bite is perfectly balanced and utterly satisfying.
During the testing phase, I experimented with two different baking methods for these wonton purses. One batch was baked with the tops left open, while the other was gently sealed. The results were clear: the open-topped versions simply didn’t achieve the desired crispiness around the edges, and their overall presentation lacked the polished, appealing look I was aiming for. The sealed purses, however, baked up beautifully, holding their shape and developing a wonderfully crispy texture that perfectly complemented the savory filling. This small detail significantly enhances both the eating experience and the visual appeal, making them perfect for serving at any event.
Ingenious Rye Flavor Workaround: Caraway Seeds
As mentioned, the rye component is traditionally crucial to a Reuben. While we can’t use rye bread for the wonton wrapper, there’s a brilliant workaround to infuse that distinctive rye flavor: caraway seeds. Caraway seeds are often used to season traditional rye breads, providing that warm, slightly peppery, anise-like note that is instantly recognizable. You can easily incorporate this flavor by using a Swiss cheese that already contains caraway seeds, or simply by adding a quarter teaspoon of caraway seeds directly into your filling mixture if you have them in your pantry. Not only do caraway seeds perfectly complement the other Reuben ingredients, but they also offer a fantastic, authentic taste profile without altering the texture of your wonton purses. This ingenious addition ensures that even without rye bread, you achieve an unmistakably Reuben experience.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that caraway seeds are naturally gluten-free, making this a safe and delicious flavor enhancement for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
Essential Ingredients for Your Reuben Wonton Purses:
- Corned Beef: The heart of any Reuben, finely chopped for easy incorporation.
- Frank’s Kraut: For that quintessential tangy crunch, ensure it’s well-drained.
- Wonton Wrappers: The crisp shell that holds all the deliciousness.
- Swiss Cheese: Shredded for optimal melt and flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Softened, adding a creamy richness that elevates the filling.
- Thousand Island Dressing: The signature creamy, zesty dressing that ties all the flavors together.
- Scallions: Finely sliced for a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
- Caraway Seed (optional): A fantastic way to introduce the classic rye bread flavor.
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these mouthwatering Reuben Wonton Purses. You’ll need shredded Swiss cheese, softened cream cheese, rich Thousand Island Dressing, perfectly drained and finely chopped Frank’s Kraut, tender corned beef, and fresh scallions. The caraway seeds, while not pictured here, are an excellent optional addition to enhance that classic Reuben flavor profile. You can typically find wonton wrappers fresh in the produce section of your local grocery store, making them an accessible and easy-to-use ingredient for this recipe.
One of the beauties of this recipe is its versatility and convenience. I often prepare extra corned beef for dinner, knowing that the leftovers will be perfect for making these delicious wonton purses the next day. This not only makes meal planning efficient but also ensures that no savory bit goes to waste. If you don’t have homemade corned beef on hand, don’t worry! High-quality deli corned beef, finely chopped, works absolutely wonderfully as a quick and easy substitute. The key is to ensure it’s cut into small, manageable pieces that will blend seamlessly into the filling and fit perfectly within the wonton wrappers.
Once all your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to create the savory heart of your Reuben Wonton Purses. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded Swiss cheese, well-drained sauerkraut, finely chopped corned beef, Thousand Island dressing, sliced scallions, and the optional caraway seeds. Mix everything thoroughly until all components are well integrated and evenly distributed. This ensures that every bite of your wonton purse will be bursting with the balanced and familiar flavors of a classic Reuben. Then, using a cookie scoop (a small or medium one works best for portion control), add a consistent ball of this delicious filling to the center of each wonton wrapper, ensuring uniform sizing for even baking.
Do not underestimate the importance of this crucial step – it truly makes a difference in the final outcome. Through my own trials, I found that skipping this part led to less satisfying results. Before gently pressing each wonton wrapper into the cavities of your mini muffin tin, take a pastry brush and lightly moisten the edges of each wrapper with a little water. This simple act of dampening the edges acts as a natural adhesive, helping the wonton wrappers to adhere better to the muffin tin and, more importantly, to themselves once folded. This ensures they maintain their shape beautifully during baking and create that perfect ‘purse’ effect, yielding a much happier and more aesthetically pleasing result.
When placing the moistened wonton wrappers into the mini muffin tin, exercise a gentle hand. The wrappers are delicate, and pressing too firmly could easily create a hole in the bottom, leading to leakage of the delicious filling during baking. The goal is to create a small cup or pocket. Once the wrappers are nestled in their spots, proceed to fill each with one scoop of your prepared Reuben mixture. Distribute the filling evenly to ensure each purse is generously packed with flavor and cooks uniformly. The combination of gentle handling and precise filling will contribute to perfectly formed and incredibly tasty appetizers.
Now comes the artistic touch that transforms these into true “purses.” Slightly dampen your fingertips with a little water – this helps prevent the wrappers from sticking to your fingers and aids in sealing. Carefully pinch the edges of the wonton wrapper together, bringing them up over the filling. Then, give them a gentle twist at the top to secure the filling inside and create that signature purse-like shape. Before baking, give the tops a light spray with non-stick cooking spray; this encourages a beautiful golden-brown crust and extra crispiness. This recipe yields a generous two dozen delectable wonton cups, perfect for sharing or savoring yourself.
Serving Suggestions & Variations: Elevating Your Reuben Wonton Experience
These delightful Reuben Wonton Purses are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for a variety of occasions. Serve them hot, fresh out of the oven, perhaps with a small bowl of extra Thousand Island dressing for dipping – a fantastic way to enhance their classic flavor. They make an excellent appetizer for holiday parties, especially for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, bringing a festive and delicious touch to your spread. For casual gatherings, like game nights or family get-togethers, they are an instant hit that’s easy to eat while mingling.
Looking to customize? Consider these variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for those who love a little heat.
- Cheesy Boost: Experiment with different cheese blends. A mix of Swiss and Gruyère could add an even richer, nuttier flavor.
- Rachel Style: For a “Rachel” twist, substitute pastrami for corned beef and add a touch of creamy coleslaw (well-drained!) to the mix.
- Gourmet Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or finely chopped chives after baking can add a pop of color and freshness.
You can also prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply fill the wonton wrappers and proceed with the recipe. If you have any leftovers, they can be gently reheated in a toaster oven or air fryer to regain their delightful crispiness.
See All of My Reuben Recipes
Why These Reuben Wonton Purses Will Be Your New Favorite Appetizer
There are countless reasons to fall in love with these Reuben Wonton Purses. First and foremost, they offer an incredibly quick and easy way to enjoy the complex flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich without the need for a full meal. Their convenient bite-sized format makes them the ultimate party food – perfect for guests to grab and enjoy while mingling. The combination of crispy wonton, savory corned beef, tangy kraut, and gooey Swiss cheese creates a textural and flavorful experience that is simply irresistible. They are also incredibly versatile, fitting seamlessly into various occasions, from festive holiday gatherings to casual weeknight snacking. The charm of their “purse” shape adds a whimsical touch, making them visually appealing and a definite conversation starter. Forget complicated appetizers; these Reuben Wonton Purses deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your guests.
Take some time to visit Frank’s Kraut to discover their wide range of premium sauerkraut products and find out where you can purchase the best sauerkraut on the planet. While you’re there, be sure to explore their extensive collection of creative Reuben recipes, offering even more inspiration for your culinary adventures. Don’t forget to follow them on social media – Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter – to stay updated on their latest recipes, tips, and promotions!
See All of My Recipes Using Frank’s Kraut
EVERYTHING ABOUT THE REUBEN SANDWICH & HOW TO REUBEN-IZE EVERYTHING
Love Reubens and want to deepen your appreciation for this culinary icon? Explore the fascinating history of the Reuben sandwich, including its intriguing origin stories that vary depending on who tells them. This comprehensive guide will teach you all about the essential components of a classic Reuben and, most excitingly, how to “Reubenize” virtually anything! Unlock a world of flavor by transforming everyday dishes into Reuben-inspired masterpieces, from dips and casseroles to unexpected treats. Discover innovative techniques and creative ingredient swaps to infuse your cooking with that unmistakable Reuben zest, making every meal an exciting adventure.
Who’s ready to make some incredibly delicious Reuben Wonton Purses today? Let’s get cooking! 
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Print Recipe
Reuben Wonton Purses
Ingredients
- 24 wonton wrappers
- 1/2 pound corned beef chopped finely
- 1/2 cup Frank’s Kraut drained and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese softened
- 2 Tablespoons Thousand Island dressing
- 2 green onions, sliced tops only
- 1/4 teaspoon caraway seeds optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
- Using a pastry brush, lightly moisten the outside edges of each wonton wrapper with water. Gently press each wrapper into the individual cups of a mini muffin tin, forming a small cup or basket.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded Swiss cheese, well-drained and finely chopped Frank’s Kraut, finely chopped corned beef, Thousand Island dressing, sliced green onions, and optional caraway seeds. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Using a small cookie scoop, add one ball of the prepared Reuben filling to each wonton wrapper in the muffin tin. Dampen your fingers with water, then carefully pinch the top edges of each wonton wrapper together and give them a slight twist to seal the filling inside, creating a “purse” shape.
- Lightly spray the tops of the filled wonton purses with non-stick cooking spray for a golden-brown finish.
- Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the tops are beautifully golden brown and crispy. Serve warm.