Reuben Swiss Wonton Cups

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Looking for an appetizer that combines the bold flavors of a classic deli sandwich with an elegant finger-food format, look no further than the Reuben Swiss Wonton Cups!

These crispy, golden cups deliver all the savory satisfaction of a traditional Reuben, making them an ideal choice for entertaining or game day gatherings.

Did you know that the Reuben sandwich was allegedly invented in the 1920s at a New York deli and has remained a beloved classic ever since? With just a handful of simple ingredients and a quick bake, you can transform wonton wrappers into impressive appetizer cups that taste like deli-counter perfection.

Let’s dive into the ingredients, preparation, and some tips to make these wonton cups shine!

Ingredients for Reuben Swiss Wonton Cups

To create the perfect Reuben Swiss Wonton Cups, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Essential Ingredients

• 24 wonton wrappers square-shaped, thawed if frozen
• 300 g chopped cooked corned beef finely chopped for even distribution
• 150 g sauerkraut squeezed very dry to prevent soggy cups
• 180 g shredded Swiss cheese freshly shredded works best for melting
• 80 g Thousand Island dressing or Russian dressing if preferred
• 60 g diced dill pickles or use pickle relish for finer texture
• 2 teaspoons oil for brushing the wrappers

Optional Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish and color
• Extra Thousand Island dressing for serving alongside
• Coarsely cracked pepper for additional flavor

How to Prepare the Wonton Cups

Here’s how to make the crispy foundation for your filling:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly oil a standard muffin tin with 24 cups, or use two 12-cup tins.
2. Fit the wrappers: Gently press one wonton wrapper into each muffin cup, allowing the corners to extend slightly above the rim for a rustic look.
3. Brush with oil: Use a pastry brush to lightly coat each wrapper with the 2 teaspoons of oil, ensuring even browning.
4. Bake the cups: Bake for 8-10 minutes until the wrappers are golden brown and crispy, then remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes before filling.

Preparing the Reuben Filling

While the cups bake, combine your sandwich components into a cohesive filling:

1. Mix the base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 300 g chopped corned beef, 150 g squeezed sauerkraut, and 60 g diced dill pickles.
2. Add the binder: Stir in the 80 g Thousand Island dressing until everything is evenly coated, about 1-2 minutes of gentle mixing.
3. Season to taste: Taste the filling and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed; the corned beef and dressing provide most of the saltiness.

Assembly: Bringing It All Together

Once your crispy wonton cups are ready, it’s time to fill and finish these appetizers!

1. Fill the cups: Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the Reuben filling into each warm wonton cup, dividing the mixture evenly among all 24 cups.
2. Top with cheese: Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of the shredded Swiss cheese over each filled cup, ensuring even coverage.
3. Final bake: Return the filled cups to the oven for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the filling is heated through.
4. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm, ideally within 5-10 minutes of baking for maximum crispness.

Variations and Customizations

One of the great things about Reuben Swiss Wonton Cups is their versatility!

• Protein swaps: Use pastrami, turkey breast, or roast beef in place of corned beef for different flavor profiles.
• Cheese options: Substitute provolone, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses for the Swiss if you prefer.
• Sauce variations: Try Russian dressing, spicy brown mustard, or a creamy horseradish sauce instead of Thousand Island.
• Vegetable additions: Mix in caramelized onions, roasted peppers, or crispy bacon bits for extra texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cups warm alongside extra Thousand Island dressing or spicy brown mustard for dipping.

Pair them with a crisp side salad, fresh coleslaw, or a light appetizer spread for a complete entertaining experience.

Conclusion

In just a few simple steps, you’ve created a show-stopping appetizer that captures the essence of a deli classic in an elegant, bite-sized format.

These Reuben Swiss Wonton Cups are perfect for entertaining guests, serving at parties, or enjoying as a fun weeknight snack.

Don’t hesitate to get creative with your protein choices, cheese selections, and toppings.

Try them today and discover why this combination of crispy cups, tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese is utterly irresistible!

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I prepare these cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the empty wonton cups up to 2 days ahead and store them in an airtight container, then fill and bake them shortly before serving for maximum crispness.

What if my sauerkraut is too wet?

Place the sauerkraut in a fine-mesh strainer and press it firmly with the back of a spoon or wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess liquid to prevent soggy cups.

Can I use store-bought wonton wrappers that are frozen?

Absolutely, thaw them at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before using, and keep unused wrappers covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out.

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