Name: Reuben Quesadillas
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large flour tortillas; 1 cup cooked corned beef, thinly sliced or chopped; 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded or sliced; ½ cup sauerkraut, drained and patted dry; 2 tablespoons Thousand Island dressing; 1 tablespoon butter or cooking spray

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal prep.
Crispy and Cheesy – A perfect balance of crunchy tortillas and melty Swiss cheese.
Great Use for Leftovers – A fantastic way to use up extra corned beef.
Less Messy than a Sandwich – Easier to eat while still packing in all the classic Reuben flavors.
Customizable – Adjust ingredients to fit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Large flour tortillas
Cooked corned beef, thinly sliced or chopped
Swiss cheese, shredded or sliced
Sauerkraut, drained and patted dry
Thousand Island dressing
Butter or cooking spray

Directions

Preheat the Pan – Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Assemble the Quesadilla – Spread a thin layer of Thousand Island dressing on one side of a tortilla. Layer Swiss cheese, corned beef, and sauerkraut on half of the tortilla, then fold it in half.
Cook Until Crispy – Lightly butter the skillet and place the quesadilla in the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Slice and Serve – Remove from the pan, let cool slightly, then cut into wedges. Serve with extra Thousand Island dressing for dipping.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2-4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

Turkey Reuben Quesadilla (Rachel Quesadilla) – Substitute corned beef with turkey.
Spicy Version – Add a little horseradish or spicy mustard for a kick.
Extra Crispy – Brush the tortillas with melted butter before grilling for an even crunchier texture.
Low-Carb Option – Use a low-carb tortilla or turn this into a lettuce wrap instead.
Cheese Lovers’ Edition – Add extra Swiss cheese or mix in some cheddar for more melty goodness.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the sauerkraut may release excess moisture when thawed.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until crispy. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes! While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can use cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone.

Do I have to use Thousand Island dressing?

No, you can swap it with Russian dressing, horseradish sauce, or even mustard.

How do I prevent the quesadilla from getting soggy?

Make sure to drain and pat the sauerkraut dry before adding it to the quesadilla.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can assemble the quesadilla ahead and cook it when ready to serve.

What’s the best tortilla size to use?

Large flour tortillas (burrito size) work best for folding and holding the ingredients.

Can I make these in the oven?

Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I add more fillings?

Absolutely! Try adding caramelized onions or pickles for extra flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free tortillas and check that your corned beef and dressing are gluten-free.

What can I serve with Reuben quesadillas?

They pair well with coleslaw, pickles, fries, or a simple green salad.

Can I make this in an air fryer?

Yes! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Conclusion

Reuben Quesadillas are a quick, crispy, and cheesy twist on the classic Reuben sandwich. With all the savory flavors of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing wrapped in a tortilla, they make for a fun and easy meal. Whether you’re looking for a creative way to use leftover corned beef or just craving a delicious snack, this recipe is a must-try!