Reuben Quesadillas Recipe

There's something magical about the combination of warm, melty cheese, tangy dressing, and perfectly crisped tortillas. This Reuben Quesadilla puts a delightful spin on the classic sandwich, transforming it into an irresistible fusion dish perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack.

this Recipe

The first time I made this, I was looking for a way to repurpose leftover corned beef brisket and found this gem of an idea. Now, it's a go-to recipe that everyone in my family requests time and time again. Let’s dive in and discover why this dish deserves a spot in your weekly rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Reuben Quesadilla

Get ready to fall head over heels for this unique and delicious quesadilla! Here’s what makes it so special:

First, it's incredibly quick and easy to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have this quesadilla sizzling away on your skillet in under 20 minutes. It's the perfect solution for those busy days when time is of the essence.

Next, it’s a family-friendly favorite. The creamy, cheesy filling combined with the crispy tortilla shell is a flavor and texture combination that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Serve it with your favorite dipping sauce, and watch the plates come back clean.

What makes this dish truly stand out is its versatility. Whether you're looking for a light lunch, a main course, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game night, this quesadilla fits the bill. Plus, you can customize it to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

Finally, it’s an affordable meal option. Using deli-sliced corned beef, store-bought tortillas, and just a handful of other pantry staples keeps this dish budget-friendly while still tasting gourmet.

Now that you’re tempted, let’s talk about the key ingredients that make this quesadilla shine.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Reuben Quesadilla lies in its simple ingredients, which come together to create a symphony of flavors.

Corned beef is the heart of this dish. Opt for thinly sliced deli-style corned beef or leftover brisket. It’s flavorful, tender, and pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.

Swiss cheese gives the quesadilla its signature creaminess and tang. If you’re not a fan of Swiss, you can swap it with Gouda or mozzarella for a milder flavor. Make sure to use freshly grated cheese for the best melt.

Sauerkraut adds the perfect tangy bite. Drain it well to avoid soggy tortillas. If you’re new to sauerkraut, you might be surprised by how well it complements the other flavors.

Thousand Island dressing serves as both a spread and a dip for the quesadilla. Its creamy, slightly sweet tang is essential for capturing that authentic Reuben taste.

Flour tortillas form the crisp outer layer. Choose medium-sized tortillas to make handling and flipping easier while ensuring the perfect ratio of filling to tortilla.

No special equipment is needed—just a large skillet or griddle and a spatula for flipping. Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s get cooking!

How To Make This Reuben Quesadilla

Making this Reuben Quesadilla is a breeze! Follow these simple steps to bring it to life in your kitchen.

Start by prepping your ingredients. Shred the Swiss cheese, drain the sauerkraut, and slice the corned beef into smaller, bite-sized pieces if needed. Set everything within arm’s reach.

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. While it’s warming up, spread a thin layer of Thousand Island dressing on one side of each tortilla. This adds flavor and helps the filling stick together.

Lay one tortilla, dressing-side up, on the hot skillet. Sprinkle a generous layer of Swiss cheese, followed by an even distribution of corned beef and sauerkraut. Top with another tortilla, dressing-side down.

Cook the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes, pressing gently with a spatula to ensure everything sticks together. Once the bottom tortilla is golden and crispy, carefully flip the quesadilla and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes.

Transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board and let it rest for a minute before slicing it into wedges. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling.

Serve your quesadilla slices hot with an extra dollop of Thousand Island dressing or your favorite dipping sauce on the side. In less than 20 minutes, you’ve got a dish that’s sure to impress!

Storage Options

If you have any leftovers (though that’s rare!), these quesadillas are easy to store.

Wrap cooled quesadilla slices in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place the quesadilla in a skillet over low heat until warmed through and crisp. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the tortilla soggy.

For longer storage, freeze individual quesadilla slices in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat directly from frozen using the skillet method for best results.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative with the ingredients.

For a vegetarian twist, swap the corned beef with sautéed mushrooms or grilled zucchini. You’ll still get the satisfying texture and flavor without the meat.

If you’re a fan of bold flavors, try adding a layer of spicy mustard or horseradish sauce alongside the Thousand Island dressing. It’s a small addition that packs a punch.

Experiment with the cheese! While Swiss is traditional, smoked provolone or sharp cheddar can add a unique flair to your quesadilla.

To make mini quesadillas for appetizers, use smaller tortillas and reduce the filling accordingly. These bite-sized treats are perfect for entertaining.

Lastly, if you prefer a different protein, thinly sliced roast chicken or turkey makes a fantastic substitute for corned beef, keeping the dish equally hearty and flavorful.

No matter how you choose to customize your Reuben Quesadilla, one thing is certain: this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again!

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