Easy Reuben Wonton Purses: The Ultimate St. Patrick’s Day Appetizer Recipe
Get ready to elevate your appetizer game with these irresistible Reuben Wonton Purses! Imagine golden-brown wonton wrappers, baked to crispy perfection in a mini muffin pan, holding a savory, gooey filling of tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, rich Swiss cheese, and creamy Thousand Island dressing. These bite-sized delights are not just a snack; they’re an experience, encapsulating all the iconic flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich in a fun, handheld package.
Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, hosting a party, or simply craving a unique and satisfying treat, these Reuben Wonton Purses are an absolute must-try. They are incredibly easy to make, surprisingly quick, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Forget traditional appetizers; these “pots of gold” filled with Reuben goodness are about to become your new favorite!
This post is proudly sponsored by Frank’s Kraut, a brand whose commitment to quality sauerkraut I have admired and enjoyed for years. All opinions and my deep love for their kraut are entirely my own.
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Embrace Reuben Madness: A Culinary Celebration
Frank’s Kraut is at the forefront of “REUBEN MADNESS,” a delightful annual celebration honoring the quintessential Reuben Sandwich and all its delicious variations. March 14th marks National Reuben Day, a special occasion championed by Frank’s Kraut and enthusiasts like myself throughout the entire month of March. This campaign encourages food lovers to explore the endless possibilities of giving any dish a “Reuben spin.”
And when we say “any dish,” we truly mean it! If you can transform the hearty flavors of a Reuben into delicate wontons, what culinary creation can’t be “Reubenized”? This philosophy opens up a world of inventive cooking, allowing you to infuse the beloved combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing into everything from pizzas and dips to casseroles and, of course, these fantastic wonton purses. It’s a testament to the versatility and universal appeal of this iconic flavor profile.
The Legendary Reuben Sandwich: A Hometown Hero
The Reuben Sandwich isn’t just any sandwich; it’s a culinary icon with a rich history, proudly originating right here in my hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. This classic sandwich typically features a harmonious blend of thinly sliced corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, savory Swiss cheese, and creamy Thousand Island dressing, all perfectly grilled between slices of toasted rye bread. Its balanced flavors and satisfying texture have cemented its place in American diner culture and beyond.
My blog is a treasure trove of Reuben-inspired recipes, each one a tribute to this incredible sandwich. And for even more inspiration, be sure to visit Frank’s Kraut’s website, where you’ll find an extensive collection of innovative and traditional Reuben dishes. There’s truly no end to the creative ways you can enjoy these fantastic flavors!
^LOVE Them? PIN Them before you go!^
Crafting the Perfect Purses: Ingredients and Innovations
When transforming a Reuben into a wonton purse, we’re working with a delicate wrapper that doesn’t come in a rye bread form. While we might miss that specific rye texture, we more than make up for it with other delightful additions. For instance, I’ve incorporated cream cheese into the filling, which not only adds a wonderful richness and creaminess but also helps bind the ingredients together, ensuring each bite is perfectly balanced. This thoughtful addition elevates these little bundles, making them truly special.
In fact, as an afterthought, I’ve considered adding a sprinkle of rye bread crumbs to the filling next time to introduce that signature rye flavor. It’s a simple tweak that could further enhance the classic Reuben experience in this appetizer format. I’m always looking for ways to refine and perfect these recipes!
During my recipe development, I experimented with different baking methods. One batch was baked with the wonton tops left open, creating more of a cup shape. While still tasty, they didn’t quite achieve the desired aesthetic or texture. The edges weren’t as crisp, and the presentation felt less refined. Closing the tops into “purses” not only looks more appealing but also helps to contain the gooey filling and creates a satisfying, slightly chewy yet crispy crust.
The Genius Rye Seed Workaround for Authentic Flavor
As mentioned, replicating the distinct rye flavor of a classic Reuben sandwich in a wonton wrapper can be a slight challenge. However, there’s a brilliant workaround to infuse that essential flavor without using actual rye bread: caraway seeds. Caraway seeds are frequently used to season rye breads, giving them their characteristic earthy and slightly pungent taste. Incorporating a few caraway seeds into your Reuben wonton filling will bring that authentic flavor component, making these appetizers taste even more like the real deal.
You can achieve this in a couple of ways: look for Swiss cheese that already contains caraway seeds, or simply add a quarter teaspoon of whole or crushed caraway seeds directly into your filling mixture if you have them in your pantry. They blend seamlessly with the other ingredients and deliver that unmistakable rye essence without being overpowering.
An added benefit for those with dietary restrictions is that caraway seeds are naturally gluten-free, making this a friendly option for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, as long as all other ingredients are also certified gluten-free (ensure wonton wrappers are suitable if needed, though most are wheat-based).
Essential Ingredients for Your Reuben Wonton Purses:
Gathering the right components is key to creating these flavorful appetizers. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Corned Beef: The hearty foundation of any Reuben.
- Frank’s Kraut: For that essential tangy, briny crunch.
- Wonton Wrappers: The crisp, golden “purse” that holds it all.
- Swiss Cheese: Melty and nutty, a classic complement.
- Cream Cheese: Adds a luscious creaminess and helps bind the filling.
- Thousand Island Dressing: The sweet and savory dressing that ties all the flavors together.
- Scallions: For a fresh, mild onion note.
- Caraway Seed (optional): To introduce that distinctive rye flavor.
Here you can see the vibrant array of ingredients ready to be combined: shredded Swiss cheese, softened cream cheese, tangy Thousand Island Dressing, premium Frank’s Kraut, savory corned beef, and fresh scallions. The caraway seeds, though not pictured here, would be a welcome addition for an extra layer of authentic Reuben flavor. Remember, you’ll typically find wonton wrappers conveniently located in the produce section of your local grocery store.
I often find myself with extra corned beef after a holiday meal, which makes these wonton purses a fantastic way to use up leftovers! If you don’t have homemade corned beef on hand, thinly sliced deli corned beef works equally well and is a convenient option for a quick prep.
Once all your ingredients are prepped, simply combine them in a bowl and mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated. Then, use a cookie scoop (or a small spoon) to portion out an even amount of this delicious filling into the center of each wonton wrapper. This ensures consistent sizing and even baking for every single purse.
Do not underestimate the importance of this simple step! I’ve tested it both ways, and you will undoubtedly achieve a much happier and more successful outcome if you take a pastry brush and lightly moisten the edges of each wonton wrapper with water before placing them into the mini muffin tin. This crucial step helps the wrappers become pliable, preventing tearing as you press them into shape, and ensures a tight seal when you pinch them closed, keeping all that delightful filling securely inside.
When pressing the wet wonton wrappers into the cups of your mini muffin tin, remember to be gentle. You want to avoid creating any holes in the bottom, which could cause the filling to leak out during baking. Once the wrappers are neatly nestled in the cups, fill each one with a single scoop of your prepared Reuben mixture. This method ensures uniform portions and even cooking for every delicious purse.
Now for the finishing touch! Lightly dampen your fingers with a little water. Carefully gather the edges of each filled wonton wrapper, pinch them together at the top, and give them a slight twist to securely seal the filling inside, forming a charming “purse” shape. Before baking, give the tops a light spray with non-stick cooking spray; this helps them achieve that beautiful golden-brown crispness. This recipe yields a generous two dozen of these delightful wonton cups, perfect for sharing (or not!).
Serve, Savor, and Share!
Once baked to a perfect golden crisp, these Reuben Wonton Purses are ready to be served. They are best enjoyed warm, allowing the cheeses to remain gooey and the flavors to truly sing. You can offer a side of extra Thousand Island dressing for dipping, allowing guests to customize each bite to their liking. These appetizers are not just a treat for the taste buds; their unique “purse” shape makes them visually appealing and a definite conversation starter at any gathering.
These wonton purses are a testament to the versatility of the Reuben sandwich, proving that its beloved flavor profile can be adapted into countless forms. They join an ever-growing list of delicious Reuben recipes that continue to inspire me in the kitchen. If you’re as passionate about Reubens as I am, you’ll love adding this recipe to your repertoire!
Discover All My Favorite Reuben Recipes
Don’t forget to take a moment to explore the Frank’s Kraut website. Not only will you discover where to purchase what I consider to be the best sauerkraut on the planet, but you’ll also find an incredible assortment of their own creative and classic Reuben recipes. Their dedication to quality and flavor is evident in every jar, and it makes all the difference in recipes like these wonton purses.
To stay updated with the latest culinary inspirations, exclusive tips, and mouth-watering recipes, make sure to follow Frank’s Kraut on their social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter. You won’t want to miss out on their continuous stream of delicious content!
Explore All My Recipes Featuring Frank’s Kraut
EVERYTHING ABOUT THE REUBEN SANDWICH & HOW TO REUBEN-IZE EVERYTHING
If you’re a true Reuben aficionado, or simply curious about the origins and endless possibilities of this iconic sandwich, you’ll love delving deeper into its history. Did you know the Reuben actually boasts a couple of intriguing origin stories, depending on who’s telling the tale? Discover all the fascinating facts about the Reuben sandwich and unlock the secrets to “Reubenizing” virtually anything you can imagine!
So, who’s ready to whip up a batch of these incredible Reuben Wonton Purses? Let’s get cooking! 
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Print Recipe
Reuben Wonton Purses
Ingredients
- 24 wonton wrappers
- 1/2 pound corned beef chopped finely
- 1/2 cup Frank’s Kraut drained and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese softened
- 2 Tablespoons Thousand Island dressing
- 2 tops onlygreen onions, sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon caraway seeds optional
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Lightly grease or spray a mini muffin tin.
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Using a pastry brush, brush water around the outside edges of each wonton wrapper and gently press into the prepared mini muffin tins. Be careful not to tear the wrappers.
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In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded Swiss cheese, drained and chopped Frank’s Kraut, finely chopped corned beef, Thousand Island dressing, sliced green onions, and optional caraway seeds until well combined.
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Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, add one ball of filling to each wonton wrapper cup. With fingers dampened in water, carefully pinch together the tops of each wonton, gently twisting them slightly to seal securely, creating a “purse” shape.
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Lightly spray the tops of the sealed wonton purses with non-stick cooking spray for extra crispiness and golden color.
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Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the wonton tops are golden brown and the filling is bubbly and heated through.
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Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with extra Thousand Island dressing for dipping, if desired.
Notes
Storage: Leftover baked Reuben Wonton Purses can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or an air fryer to restore crispness.