Craving that messy, deli-style Reuben sandwich but staying keto? You’re not alone. Instead of longing for rye bread, why not roll all the classic flavors up, bake until crispy, and savor the moment without breaking your keto goals?
These Crispy Keto Reuben Roll-Ups pack all the iconic tastes—salty corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Russian dressing—while skipping the carb-heavy bread.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Keto
A traditional Reuben sandwich is almost perfect—until rye bread adds unwanted carbs. This keto roll-up keeps the essence of the Reuben alive with a low-carb, satisfying twist:
- Minimal carbs: No bread or flour fillers, just wholesome ingredients.
- High-fat and filling: Swiss cheese, corned beef, and Russian dressing combine for a meal that keeps you full and energized.
- Gut-friendly tang: Sauerkraut adds zest and beneficial probiotics without extra carbs.
Best of all, it doesn’t taste like a “keto substitute.” It’s a clever, tasty upgrade.
Essential Ingredients and Their Role
Corned Beef
Your star ingredient. Choose deli-style corned beef with a simple ingredient list to avoid hidden sugars that can derail keto.
Swiss Cheese
A keto favorite—melty, nutty, and firm enough to hold everything together. Opt for full-fat Swiss for maximum flavor and keto benefits.
Sauerkraut
No Reuben is complete without tangy sauerkraut. Pick no-sugar-added versions and make sure to drain it thoroughly to prevent soggy roll-ups.
Sugar-Free Russian Dressing
This creamy, slightly sweet dressing defines the Reuben’s flavor. Use a sugar-free dressing (store-bought or homemade) to enjoy all the taste without the carbs.
Comparing Flavor, Texture & Satisfaction to the Original
No rye bread? No problem. These roll-ups bring their own delicious magic:
- True-to-Reuben flavor: The classic combination shines through, no compromise.
- Crispy and melty texture: Baking creates a golden crust with a warm, gooey center—every bite feels like the best grilled Reuben.
- Filling and satisfying: This combo is rich and hearty, keeping hunger at bay longer than you’d expect.
Tips for Perfect Roll-Ups
This recipe is simple but these tips elevate it:
- Use thin slices: Thin corned beef and Swiss cheese roll up easily and crisp beautifully.
- Drain sauerkraut well: Essential to avoid sogginess.
- Preheat your oven: A hot start ensures crispy, golden results.
- Roll tightly: Keeps fillings secure and prevents any messy ‘Reuben nachos.’
Meal Prep, Storage, and Reheating
Ideal for easy meal prep:
- Make ahead: Assemble uncooked roll-ups and store airtight in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Freeze: Freeze before baking, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Bake to reheat:
- From fridge: 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes
- From frozen: 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes
An air fryer can also quickly re-crisp leftovers, but the oven offers consistent results.
Serving Suggestions
Versatile and delicious, serve these roll-ups as:
- Lunch or dinner: Accompanied by a fresh green salad, pickles, or roasted veggies.
- Appetizers: Offer extra Russian dressing for dipping at your next gathering.
- Snack: When craving a savory, satisfying keto-friendly bite beyond cheese sticks.
Not traditional, but absolutely keto-friendly and delicious. Enjoy these Crispy Keto Reuben Roll-Ups anytime you want a taste of deli comfort without the carbs.
Crispy Keto Reuben Roll-Ups
Equipment
- baking sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Paper towels
- Oven
Ingredients
For the Reuben roll-ups
- 1 pound thin-sliced deli corned beef check for no added sugar, slices about sandwich thickness
- 8 ounces Swiss cheese slices full-fat, sliced thin, about 8 slices
- 1 cup sauerkraut no-sugar-added, well drained and squeezed dry
- 2 tablespoons butter melted, for brushing
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds optional, for classic rye flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the sugar-free Russian dressing
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise full-fat
- 3 tablespoons no-sugar-added ketchup
- 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish no-sugar-added, or finely chopped dill pickles
- 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish no-sugar-added, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika or regular paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add the sauerkraut to a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels and squeeze firmly to remove as much liquid as possible, then set it aside.
- In a small bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, no-sugar-added ketchup, dill pickle relish, prepared horseradish, smoked paprika, and sea salt until smooth, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Lay the corned beef slices out on a cutting board or work surface and place a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each, folding the cheese if needed so it stays inside the edges of the meat.
- Spread a thin layer of the sugar-free Russian dressing over each slice of Swiss cheese, reserving some dressing for serving if desired.
- Divide the well-drained sauerkraut evenly among the slices, piling it in a narrow strip along one short edge of each stack so it is easy to roll.
- Starting from the sauerkraut side, roll each stack up tightly into a compact log, tucking in any stray sauerkraut so it stays enclosed as it bakes.
- Place the roll-ups seam side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one so the edges can crisp.
- Brush the tops and sides of the roll-ups with the melted butter, then sprinkle the caraway seeds and black pepper evenly over the top for added flavor.
- Bake the roll-ups for 15 to 18 minutes until the cheese is melted, the edges of the corned beef are browned and crispy, and the centers are heated through.
- Let the roll-ups rest on the baking sheet for 3 to 5 minutes to firm up slightly, then transfer to a serving platter and serve warm with any remaining Russian dressing for dipping.
Notes
Nutrition
