Name: Reuben Pinwheels Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon white onion, grated or very finely minced; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish; 1 teaspoon white vinegar or lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika; Kosher salt, to taste; 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed; 1 egg; 3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened; 3 tablespoons Thousand Island dressing, prepared; 1/2 cup pastrami or corned beef, chopped; 1/2 cup Swiss cheese, grated; 1/2 cup sauerkraut, squeezed to remove excess liquid

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 41 reviews

If you love that iconic deli flavor but want a party-friendly, bite-sized snack, then the Reuben Pinwheels Recipe is exactly what you need. These delightful pinwheels capture all the hearty goodness of a classic Reuben sandwich but in a flaky, golden puff pastry spiral that’s perfect for sharing. With layers of creamy Thousand Island dressing, pastrami, Swiss cheese, and tangy sauerkraut, every bite bursts with comforting, savory flavors. Trust me, once you try these pinwheels, they'll become your go-to appetizer for gatherings or whenever the craving for a Reuben hits.

A clear glass bowl filled with layers of shredded yellow cheese and finely shredded pinkish-red meat, mixed together with some creamy white sauce creating a soft texture. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, slightly lifting some of the mixture. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a green and white checkered cloth and a white, fringed napkin behind it. The whole scene has natural light, making the colors look fresh and bright. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You'll Need

Getting the ingredients right for this Reuben Pinwheels Recipe is key. Each component plays a special role, whether it’s adding creaminess, tang, saltiness, or that irresistible flaky texture from the puff pastry. Let’s break down what you’ll need to create these delicious pinwheels.

Puff pastry sheet: This is the base that holds everything together with its buttery, flaky layers—make sure your sheet is fully thawed for easy rolling.
Egg: Used as an egg wash, it helps achieve that stunning golden-brown crust we all love on baked goods.
Cream cheese: Softened for easy spreading, cream cheese adds a rich, tangy creaminess that balances the meat.
Thousand Island dressing: A homemade blend with mayo, onion, ketchup, relish, and spices—this dressing is essential for that classic Reuben flavor.
Pastrami or corned beef: Chopped finely, these meats bring the meaty, savory heart to each pinwheel.
Swiss cheese: Grated for even distribution, it melts perfectly and offers a mild, nutty taste.
Sauerkraut: Squeezed dry to avoid sogginess, this adds the necessary tang and crunch that makes a Reuben so distinctive.

How to Make Reuben Pinwheels Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Thousand Island dressing

Start by whisking together mayonnaise, finely minced white onion, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, vinegar or lemon juice, paprika, and kosher salt. This homemade dressing is the soul of the pinwheels, infusing each bite with that sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky flavor that complements the meats perfectly. Chill this dressing in the fridge while you prep the other ingredients to let the flavors meld.

Step 2: Prepare the puff pastry and egg wash

Unroll your thawed puff pastry sheet onto a clean surface. If it has any folds or creases, gently roll it out a little to smooth it out. In a small bowl, beat the egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush this evenly over the entire surface of the puff pastry; this will help create the beautiful golden finish when baked. Save any leftover egg wash for later.

Step 3: Assemble the filling

In a bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese and about three tablespoons of the chilled Thousand Island dressing. This creamy mixture will help hold all your delicious fillings in place inside the pastry and add an extra punch of flavor. Spread this mixture neatly and evenly over the egg-washed puff pastry, covering the entire surface but leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 4: Add the meat, cheese, and sauerkraut

Evenly distribute the chopped pastrami or corned beef over the cream cheese spread, followed by a generous sprinkle of grated Swiss cheese. Finally, add the sauerkraut, making sure it’s well-drained to avoid soggy pinwheels. This combination guarantees every slice is packed with authentic Reuben flavor and texture.

Step 5: Roll and chill

Carefully roll the puff pastry up like a jelly roll, starting from the edge closest to you and rolling away. The roll should be tight but gentle to keep all fillings inside. Wrap the rolled log tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least one hour, or up to 24 hours if you’re prepping ahead. Chilling firms up the roll, making it easier to slice into neat pinwheels.

Step 6: Slice and bake

When ready, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unwrap the chilled roll and slice it into 18 to 20 pieces, about an inch thick. Arrange these pinwheels on the baking sheet, leaving a little space between each to allow for puffing. Brush any exposed dough with the reserved egg wash for an extra glossy finish. Bake for around 15 minutes until they’re puffed up and gloriously golden brown.

How to Serve Reuben Pinwheels Recipe

The image shows several small sandwich rolls lined up on a white rectangular plate. Each roll has multiple visible layers starting with a light brown outer layer of whole grain bread, followed by layers of thinly sliced pale pink deli meat and creamy white cheese, all rolled tightly together. A yellow toothpick sticks vertically through each roll to hold it in place. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with soft lighting that highlights the textures of the bread and fillings. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these pinwheels are delicious on their own, adding a few thoughtful garnishes elevates the presentation and taste. Consider sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or dill over the top for a burst of color and herbal freshness. Serve with a small side of extra Thousand Island dressing or even a mustard-based dip for those who like a little zing alongside the richness.

Side Dishes

Reuben pinwheels pair wonderfully with light, crisp sides that balance their richness. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or homemade coleslaw provides bright, fresh notes. Crunchy pickles or a bowl of kettle-cooked potato chips are also fantastic choices that echo the classic deli vibe without overpowering the pinwheels.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting a party? Arrange the pinwheels on a large serving platter with small toothpicks inserted into each one for easy grabbing. For a fun twist, you can create a Reuben pinwheel slider by placing the baked pinwheel between mini rye buns. Or, serve them with a trio of dipping sauces—mustard, ranch, and extra Thousand Island—to let your guests customize each bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though they rarely last long), store the cooled pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, retaining much of their delicious flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled and rolled pinwheel log before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic and place it in a freezer bag for up to a month. When you want to bake, thaw the roll overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and cooking as directed. This makes the Reuben Pinwheels Recipe a fantastic make-ahead option.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the pinwheels back into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy. Reheating this way helps refresh their signature crispness and melty filling.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of Swiss?

Absolutely! While Swiss offers that classic mild nuttiness, you can substitute with provolone, mozzarella, or even cheddar for a different twist. Just remember that Swiss melts well and pairs beautifully with the other Reuben flavors.

Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

The traditional recipe uses puff pastry, which contains gluten. To make this gluten-free, look for gluten-free puff pastry alternatives or try using gluten-free tortillas as a base, though the texture and baking time will differ slightly.

Can I prepare the pinwheels entirely ahead of time?

You can prep and assemble everything up to the chilling step up to 24 hours in advance. For best texture, bake them fresh just before serving. Pre-slicing the baked pinwheels is not recommended as they’re more fragile when cold.

What if I don’t have pastrami or corned beef?

Feel free to swap with other deli meats like turkey or roast beef. While this changes the authentic Reuben experience slightly, it still results in a tasty and satisfying pinwheel.

Can I make the Thousand Island dressing ahead of time?

Definitely! The Thousand Island dressing tastes even better when its flavors meld overnight. Just prepare it in advance and keep it refrigerated until you need it for filling and dipping.

Final Thoughts

There really is nothing quite like the joy of sharing homemade Reuben Pinwheels Recipe with friends and family. This recipe combines that unbeatable Reuben sandwich flavor with the charm of finger food, perfect for any occasion. So next time you're looking to impress or simply delight yourself with a special snack, give these pinwheels a try. I promise they’ll become a beloved staple in your recipe collection!

Reuben Pinwheels Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need

How to Make Reuben Pinwheels Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Thousand Island dressing