Keto Crispy Reuben Roll Ups

The smell of sauerkraut warming in the oven takes me back to my dad's kitchen, where he'd make Reubens every Sunday during football season. I never thought I'd find a way to capture that same tangy, melty comfort without the bread, but these roll ups proved me gloriously wrong. The first time I made them for my keto skeptical brother, he ate three before even realizing they were low carb.

Last winter when my whole family went keto together, we were all missing our favorite comfort foods. These roll ups became our Friday night tradition while watching movies, and honestly, none of us miss the bread anymore. My husband now requests them more often than the original sandwiches.

Ingredients

• 8 slices deli corned beef: Look for quality slices that are thin enough to roll easily but sturdy enough to hold everything together without tearing
• 8 slices Swiss cheese: The nutty, mild flavor perfectly balances the tangy sauerkraut and salty corned beef
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Brushing the tops helps achieve that gorgeous golden crispy exterior we're after
• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry: Squeeze out as much liquid as possible to prevent soggy roll ups
• 1/2 cup sugar-free Russian or Thousand Island dressing: This brings the classic Reuben flavor without the added sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds: Optional but adds that authentic rye bread essence we all love
• Freshly ground black pepper: A few cracks over the top elevates everything

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup later

Layer your ingredients:

Lay out the corned beef slices on a clean surface and place a slice of Swiss cheese on each

Add the sauerkraut and seasonings:

Spread about 2 teaspoons of sauerkraut along the center of each slice and drizzle with a little sugar-free dressing

Roll them up tightly:

Roll each slice up tightly and place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet

Brush with melted butter:

Brush the tops of the roll ups with melted butter for that golden finish

Bake until golden and crispy:

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the roll ups are golden and slightly crispy

Let cool briefly before serving:

Let cool for 2 minutes before serving with extra dressing for dipping

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These have become my go-to whenever I need to bring an appetizer to gatherings because they disappear so fast. Last time I made them for a Super Bowl party, my friend's husband who claims to hate keto food kept going back for thirds.

Making Ahead for Busy Days

You can assemble these roll ups up to 24 hours in advance and keep them tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, just brush with melted butter and pop them in the oven. They might need an extra minute or two if baking cold from the fridge.

Perfect Pairings

I love serving these with a crisp cucumber salad or some pickled vegetables to cut through the richness. A side of sugar-free coleslaw also complements the tangy flavors beautifully. For a complete meal, pair with a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover roll ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to restore that crispy texture. The microwave will make them rubbery, so avoid that method if possible.

• Freeze uncooked roll ups between layers of parchment paper for up to 1 month
• Bake frozen roll ups at 375°F for about 18 to 20 minutes, no thawing needed
• Always add fresh caraway seeds after reheating to bring back that aromatic kick

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There's something deeply satisfying about comfort food that fits your lifestyle without feeling like a compromise. These roll ups prove you don't have to sacrifice flavor or texture to eat the way you want.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I make these Reuben roll ups ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the roll ups up to a day in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Brush with melted butter just before baking, and add an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time if baking them cold from the fridge.

→ What's the best way to drain sauerkraut for roll ups?

Squeeze the sauerkraut thoroughly in your hands or press it through a fine-mesh sieve. Removing excess liquid prevents soggy roll ups and ensures the filling stays contained while baking. For best results, squeeze until no more liquid drips out.

→ Can I freeze these keto roll ups?

Absolutely—freeze the unbaked roll ups on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake frozen roll ups at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, no thawing required. The results remain crispy and delicious.

→ What dipping sauces work well besides Russian dressing?

Sugar-free Thousand Island, creamy horseradish sauce, or even a simple mixture of mayonnaise and ketchup make excellent alternatives. For extra tang, try mixing Greek yogurt with a bit of mustard and dill pickle relish.

→ How do I get the roll ups extra crispy?

After the initial baking time, switch your oven to broil for 1-2 minutes while watching closely. The tops develop a beautiful golden crunch. Alternatively, increase the oven temperature to 425°F and reduce baking time slightly for consistently crispier results.

→ Can I use pastrami instead of corned beef?

Pastrami makes an excellent substitute and adds a smoky, peppery dimension to the dish. Turkey or even roast beef slices also work well if you prefer different flavors. Just ensure the deli meat is thinly sliced for easy rolling.