Reuben Tortilla Wraps: A Delicious Twist on a Classic

I can still picture my Grandpa Joe, his eyes twinkling behind his thick glasses, carefully constructing a Reuben sandwich. He’d meticulously layer the corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss, a smear of Thousand Island dressing holding it all together. The satisfying crunch as you bit into the toasted rye was always the best part. While I loved those sandwiches, they could be a bit unwieldy! This Reuben tortilla wrap reimagines that classic in a hand-held, easy-to-eat package, perfect for a quick lunch or a game-day snack.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 13 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Yield: 4-6 wraps
• Dietary Type: N/A

Ingredients

• 6 flour tortillas
• 1 lb sliced deli corned beef
• ½ lb Swiss cheese
• 1 (10 ½ ounce) can sauerkraut
• 12 tablespoons Thousand Island dressing
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Equipment Needed

• Frying pan
• Microwave
• Paper towels

Instructions

1. Begin by draining the sauerkraut thoroughly. You can press it gently to remove excess moisture. This prevents the tortillas from getting soggy.

2. Wrap the flour tortillas in damp paper towels. This step is crucial for making them pliable and preventing them from cracking when rolled.

3. Microwave the wrapped tortillas for 1 minute. The steam will soften them perfectly.

4. Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Ensure the pan is hot before adding the wraps to get a nice, even browning.

5. Now, assemble the Reuben wraps. On each heated tortilla, layer the corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese. Don’t overfill them, or they’ll be difficult to roll and fry.

6. Roll each tortilla tightly like a burrito, tucking in the sides as you go.

7. Carefully place the rolled tortillas in the heated frying pan. Fry on both sides until golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side, but keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

8. Serve the Reuben tortilla wraps immediately, with plenty of Thousand Island dressing on the side for dipping.

9. For added flavor, you can add a bit of Thousand Island dressing directly inside the tortilla before rolling it up. Be careful not to use too much, or the wrap will become too wet.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For a crispier tortilla, try pressing the wraps down in the pan with a spatula while they are frying.
• If you don’t have time to microwave the tortillas, you can heat them individually in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side.
• To prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and burning, reduce the heat to medium-low while frying.
• For a more intense flavor, try using a high-quality Swiss cheese with a sharper bite.
• If you want to prepare the wraps ahead of time, you can assemble them and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to fry them. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
• Consider adding a thin layer of Dijon mustard to the tortilla before adding the other ingredients for an extra kick.
• Some people enjoy adding a bit of caraway seeds to their reuben, either mixed in with the sauerkraut or sprinkled on top of the corned beef.
• For a vegetarian option, substitute the corned beef with marinated tempeh or grilled portobello mushrooms.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Reuben tortilla wraps immediately while they are hot and the cheese is melted. They are best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for 2-3 days.

To reheat, you can microwave them for a minute or two, but the tortillas may become a bit soft. For a crispier result, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. You can also reheat them in an air fryer.

These wraps are not ideal for freezing as the sauerkraut can become watery upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	863.2 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	550 g	64%
Total Fat	61.1 g	94%
Saturated Fat	21 g	105%
Cholesterol	175.8 mg	58%
Sodium	2612.1 mg	108%
Total Carbohydrate	37.1 g	12%
Dietary Fiber	4 g	16%
Sugars	10.3 g	41%
Protein	40.9 g	81%

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Reuben: Add a dash of hot sauce or some sliced jalapenos to the filling for a spicy kick.
• Turkey Reuben: Substitute the corned beef with sliced turkey for a lighter option.
• Vegan Reuben: Use vegan corned beef substitute, vegan Swiss cheese, and vegan Thousand Island dressing to make a completely plant-based version.
• Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere or Emmental, for a unique flavor.
• Rye Tortillas: If you can find them, rye tortillas would add a nice depth of flavor.
• Grilled Reuben: After rolling, brush the tortillas with melted butter and grill them on an outdoor grill for a smoky flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use different types of tortillas?
A: Yes, you can use any type of tortilla you prefer, such as whole wheat or corn tortillas. However, flour tortillas are generally the most pliable and work best for rolling.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: You can assemble the wraps ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator, but they are best when fried fresh.

Q: What if I don’t have Thousand Island dressing?
A: You can use Russian dressing as a substitute. Alternatively, you can make your own Thousand Island dressing by combining mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce.

Q: How do I prevent the tortillas from sticking to the pan?
A: Make sure your pan is properly heated and lightly oiled before adding the wraps. Using a non-stick pan will also help.

Q: Can I bake these instead of frying them?
A: Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted. However, they will not be as crispy as when fried.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Reuben tortilla wrap recipe brings you as much joy as it brings me. It’s a fun and easy way to enjoy the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich in a convenient and delicious format. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions to create your own perfect Reuben wrap. I would love to hear your feedback and suggestions in the comments below. Enjoy!