Let’s be honest: if you’ve been following a keto lifestyle for a while, you’ve probably gazed longingly at a classic Reuben sandwich and thought, “I miss you.” The good news? This Crispy Keto Reuben Roll-Ups recipe delivers all those beloved flavors without the carbs. Imagine melty Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, savory corned beef, and a keto-friendly Russian dressing, all rolled up and baked to crispy perfection. We’re preserving the heart of the Reuben while bidding farewell to the bread—graciously, of course.
Why These Roll-Ups Work
Why do these roll-ups work so well and actually taste like a real Reuben? Think of this as the keto-friendly hug from your favorite deli sandwich:
- No Bread Needed: Using thinly sliced corned beef or pastrami as the roll-up base, these crispen beautifully in the oven, creating a satisfying outer layer without the bun.
- Perfect Keto Fats: With gooey Swiss and rich keto Russian dressing, these roll-ups deliver the high-fat content keto enthusiasts crave.
- Protein-Packed: Each roll-up is a substantial, protein-rich bite suitable for lunch, dinner, or even quick keto snacking straight from the fridge.
Essential Ingredients
As for ingredients, you need just a few essentials familiar to any Reuben lover:
- Corned Beef or Pastrami: Select thin slices to easily roll and crisp. Corned beef offers classic flavor, pastrami adds a smoky twist.
- Swiss Cheese: Mild, melty, and indispensable, it’s the binding element of this low-carb treat.
- Sauerkraut: Provides the tangy zest; be sure to drain well to avoid soggy roll-ups.
- Keto Russian Dressing: Whip up a homemade version combining mayo, sugar-free ketchup, lemon juice or vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika, or opt for a low-carb store-bought dressing. This creamy, zesty sauce perfectly ties all the flavors together.
Getting That Perfect Crisp
Do these roll-ups live up to their Reuben namesake? Absolutely. You get the savory saltiness of the meat, creamy melted cheese, and that bright sauerkraut bite. The edges crisp up like the best part of grilled cheese, and honestly, the rye bread won’t be missed. Well, maybe just for a moment, but these roll-ups will distract you quickly.
To achieve the ideal crispy texture, follow these tips:
- Use thin meat slices for easier rolling and better crispiness.
- Drain sauerkraut thoroughly by wrapping it in a paper towel and squeezing out excess moisture.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even crisping.
- Bake until cheese bubbles and edges turn golden—your nose will know when they’re done.
Storage and Serving Ideas
Planning ahead? These roll-ups store well up to three days in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in a 350°F oven or quickly pan-sear to restore their crispiness—much better than microwaving. Make more keto Russian dressing and keep it handy for dipping!
When to serve these delicious roll-ups? Anytime!
- Quick Dinner: Pair with a side salad for an effortless keto meal in under 15 minutes.
- Lunch On-The-Go: Wrap in foil and bring to work for guaranteed office envy.
- Party Appetizers: Slice into bite-sized pinwheels, add toothpicks and extra dressing, and watch them disappear fast.
Whether you’re entertaining guests or craving an uncomplicated, satisfying meal on a busy night, these Crispy Keto Reuben Roll-Ups deliver crispy, creamy indulgence that will make you excited about keto lunch and dinner again.
Crispy Keto Rueben Roll-Ups
Equipment
- baking sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing bowl
- spoon
- Paper towels
- Oven
Ingredients
For the Reuben Roll-Ups
- 12 slices thinly sliced corned beef or pastrami deli style, about 1/2 ounce per slice
- 6 slices Swiss cheese cut in half to make 12 smaller pieces
- 3/4 cup sauerkraut well drained and squeezed dry
- 1 tablespoon butter melted, for brushing
- 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds optional, for classic Reuben flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Keto Russian Dressing
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sugar-free ketchup
- 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish or finely chopped dill pickle no sugar added
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce sugar-free if available
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or sweet paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the sauerkraut in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towel and squeeze firmly to remove as much moisture as possible, then set aside.
- In a small bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, dill pickle relish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and salt until smooth, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Lay the corned beef or pastrami slices flat on a cutting board and place one half slice of Swiss cheese along one edge of each slice.
- Spoon a small amount of the keto Russian dressing, about 1 teaspoon, over the cheese on each slice, then top with a small mound of the well-drained sauerkraut.
- Starting from the cheese and sauerkraut end, roll each slice of meat up tightly into a compact roll and place seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops of the roll-ups lightly with melted butter and sprinkle with caraway seeds and black pepper.
- Bake the roll-ups for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, the edges are golden brown, and the meat is beginning to crisp.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the roll-ups rest for 3 to 5 minutes to firm up slightly before serving.
- Serve the crispy Reuben roll-ups warm with the remaining keto Russian dressing on the side for dipping, or slice into bite-sized pieces for an appetizer platter.
Notes
Nutrition
