Irresistible Reuben Pinwheels: Your Ultimate St. Patrick’s Day Appetizer
Delight your guests with these exquisite Reuben Pinwheels, a sensational appetizer where flaky puff pastry embraces a rich blend of tangy sauerkraut, savory corned beef, creamy Swiss, and luscious cream cheese. Baked to golden perfection and served with a side of homemade Thousand Island dressing for dipping, these pinwheels offer all the classic Reuben flavors in a convenient, bite-sized form. They are the ideal addition to any party spread, especially for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or any gathering where you crave that iconic Reuben taste.
Celebrate National Reuben Month with a Twist
March isn’t just for leprechauns and shamrocks; it’s also National Reuben Month! This timing couldn’t be more perfect, as grocery stores nationwide stock their shelves with an abundance of corned beef, gearing up for St. Patrick’s Day festivities. For many families, including mine, corned beef is a beloved staple, extending far beyond a single holiday meal. While a traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner is a St. Patrick’s Day must-have, we often enjoy this comforting dish multiple times throughout the year. Its hearty, savory flavor makes it a versatile ingredient, perfect for creating delicious meals and exciting leftovers.
The Versatility of Reuben Flavors: Beyond the Sandwich
The beauty of corned beef lies in its incredible adaptability, especially when combined with the classic Reuben ensemble. I always make extra corned beef, knowing that the leftovers are destined for greatness in other Reuben-inspired creations. Who can resist the temptation of transforming a classic sandwich into innovative dishes? If you haven’t ventured beyond the traditional Reuben sandwich, you’re truly missing out!
Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of Reuben Pizza, where the tangy kraut and savory meat meld with melted cheese on a crispy crust. Or perhaps a decadent Reuben Stuffed Baked Potato, a hearty meal packed with all your favorite flavors. These dishes prove that the Reuben’s iconic combination of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing is a culinary powerhouse, ready to elevate almost any meal. Our Reuben Pinwheels are yet another testament to this versatility, offering a charming and convenient way to enjoy these beloved tastes.
The Secret Ingredient: Frank’s Kraut and Its Health Benefits
A true Reuben, in any form, simply isn’t complete without the distinctive tang of sauerkraut. That’s why I always ensure my pantry is well-stocked with plenty of Frank’s Kraut. Its crisp texture and perfectly balanced sourness are essential for satisfying any Reuben craving. And honestly, sometimes I find myself enjoying a spoonful of it plain – it’s just that good, and incredibly good for you!
Sauerkraut, a fermented cabbage dish, boasts an impressive array of health benefits that make it much more than just a tasty condiment. Did you know that a single serving of sauerkraut provides a significant portion of your daily recommended intake of Vitamin C? This vital nutrient plays a crucial role in bolstering our immune system. Vitamin C actively stimulates the production of white blood cells, which are the body’s primary defense against infections. Furthermore, it aids in cellular regeneration and repair, helping your body maintain its health and vitality. Beyond immunity, Vitamin C is a key player in the formation of collagen, a foundational protein essential for almost every part of our body, including our organs, blood vessels, skin, hair, muscles, and bones. Incorporating sauerkraut into your diet can also contribute to a healthy gut microbiome, thanks to the beneficial probiotics formed during its fermentation process. These live bacteria support digestive health, enhance nutrient absorption, and can even influence overall well-being. So, every bite of these Reuben Pinwheels not only tantalizes your taste buds but also delivers a dose of wholesome goodness.
Creating the Perfect St. Patrick’s Day Appetizer
With National Reuben Month and St. Patrick’s Day converging in March, I wanted to craft an appetizer that beautifully celebrates both themes. These Reuben Pinwheels were born from that idea, designed to be not only a homage to the beloved Reuben but also a fantastic, crowd-pleasing addition to your holiday festivities. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. You can opt for convenience by using deli-style corned beef, as I did here, or make the most of your leftovers from a traditional corned beef dinner. Both options yield equally delicious results, ensuring that no flavorful morsel goes to waste.
Imagine the delightful anticipation as guests spot these golden, swirled pastries on your appetizer platter. They offer the hearty, savory flavors of a Reuben sandwich in an elegant, easy-to-handle form. The flaky puff pastry provides a delicate contrast to the robust filling, making each bite a delightful experience. These pinwheels are designed to be a conversation starter, a dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Their vibrant appearance and irresistible aroma make them a focal point of any gathering, perfect for sharing with family and friends during your St. Patrick’s Day celebration or any special occasion.
Effortless Assembly for Maximum Flavor
Creating these delightful Reuben Pinwheels is surprisingly simple, thanks to the magic of puff pastry. Start by gently unfolding a sheet of thawed puff pastry onto your workspace. A light dusting of flour or a piece of parchment paper will prevent sticking. Next, a creamy and tangy mixture of softened cream cheese and a touch of our Homemade Thousand Island Dressing is spread evenly over the pastry. This creates a rich base that moistens the pastry and infuses every bite with a delightful zest. Don’t forget to reserve some of that luscious Thousand Island dressing – it’s absolutely essential for dipping!
Once your creamy layer is set, generously sprinkle chopped corned beef, a layer of vibrant Frank’s Kraut, and a generous amount of shredded Swiss cheese. These layers ensure a burst of classic Reuben flavor in every swirl. Carefully roll the pastry up, jelly-roll style, creating a tight log. After a brief chill to firm it up, slice the log into individual pinwheels. A quick brush with egg wash gives them a beautiful golden sheen during baking. Pop them into the oven, and in mere minutes, you’ll have a batch of perfectly baked, golden-brown pinwheels ready to impress!
These pinwheels are truly amazing, a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. The flaky exterior gives way to a warm, savory, and tangy filling that’s utterly irresistible. I sincerely wish I could pass one through your screen right now for you to experience this deliciousness firsthand!
Dive Deeper into the Reuben Legacy: History and Innovation
If you’re as enamored with Reubens as we are, you might be curious about their origins. The Reuben sandwich actually boasts a couple of compelling origin stories, depending on who you ask! One popular tale credits Reuben Kulakofsky, a Lithuanian-Jewish grocer in Omaha, Nebraska, in the early 20th century, while another gives credit to Arnold Reuben, owner of Reuben’s Delicatessen in New York City. Regardless of its precise birth, this iconic sandwich has cemented its place in American culinary history.
But the Reuben experience doesn’t have to stop at the sandwich. We encourage you to learn all about the rich history of the Reuben and discover endless possibilities on how to “Reubenize” anything! From hearty casseroles to creative appetizers, the classic combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing can be adapted to almost any dish, bringing that distinctive, craveable flavor profile to your kitchen. Exploring these variations opens up a world of culinary adventures, ensuring that every meal can have a touch of Reuben magic.
Ready to Create Your Own Reuben Pinwheels?
Now that you’re well-acquainted with the deliciousness and versatility of Reuben Pinwheels, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking! These easy-to-make appetizers are sure to be a hit, whether you’re hosting a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, a casual get-together, or simply looking for a fantastic snack. Let’s make some magic in the kitchen!
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Print Recipe
Reuben Pinwheels
10 minutes
15 minutes
25 minutes
Appetizers & Snacks
German/American
Reuben Pinwheels
20
Pinwheels
91
kcal
Michaela Kenkel
Ingredients
- 1 sheet Puff Pastry thawed
- 1 egg + 1 Tablespoon water, beaten to make an egg wash
- 3 Tablespoons cream cheese softened
- 2 Tablespoons Thousand Island Dressing
- 1/2 cup corned beef chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup Frank’s Sauerkraut
- Homemade Thousand Island Dressing for dipping
Instructions
- Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet onto your counter. You can lightly flour the surface, or roll out onto a piece of parchment paper like I do. Lightly roll to flatten creases, without making it any larger.
- Brush with egg wash. Reserve egg wash.
- Mix together cream cheese and Thousand Island Dressing, spread over puff pastry.
- Top with corned beef, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese.
- Roll toward you “jelly roll” style. Wrap in plastic wrap and place in the fridge for a couple of hours.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Remove plastic wrap and slice roll into 20 1/2″ pieces. Place on parchment lined baking sheet. Brush tops with reserved eggwash.
- Bake for 15 minutes — serve warm or room temperature with Homemade Thousand Island Dressing.
Nutrition
Serving:
1
|
Calories:
91
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
2
g
|
Protein:
4
g
|
Fat:
8
g
|
Saturated Fat:
3
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
4
g
|
Cholesterol:
27
mg
|
Sodium:
197
mg
|
Sugar:
1
g
—
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