Irresistible Reuben Wonton Cupcakes: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic

For years, the request has poured in: a recipe for Reuben Wonton Cupcakes. Today, I’m thrilled to finally share this much-anticipated creation with you! The Reuben sandwich is a beloved classic, but sometimes, a fresh take can elevate its iconic flavors to new heights. These Reuben Wonton Cupcakes deliver all the savory, tangy, and creamy deliciousness you expect from a traditional Reuben, neatly packaged in crispy, bite-sized wonton cups.

One of the best aspects of making these at home is the complete control you have over the ingredients. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of overwhelming sauerkraut, so I opt for a lighter hand, just the way I like it. My husband, on the other hand, enjoyed dipping his in extra Thousand Island dressing. That’s the beauty of this recipe: you can easily adjust the ratios of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and dressing to perfectly match your preferences. Whether you like a generous tang or a creamy richness, these wonton cups promise an explosion of authentic Reuben flavors.

Beyond their incredible taste, these Reuben Wonton Cupcakes are surprisingly light, making them an excellent choice for a snack, appetizer, or a light meal. Each delightful cup comes in at just 113 calories or 3 Weight Watchers SmartPoints on the myWW Green, Blue, and Purple plans. For easy tracking in the WW app or site, you can click here!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Wonton Cupcakes

Iconic Flavor, Perfect Portion: All the classic tastes of a Reuben sandwich – tender corned beef, nutty Swiss cheese, zesty sauerkraut, and creamy Thousand Island dressing – are packed into a convenient, individual serving. No more messy sandwiches!
Effortlessly Customizable: Whether you prefer more kraut, less dressing, or an extra layer of cheese, this recipe allows you to tailor the flavors to your exact liking. It’s your Reuben, your way!
Simple to Prepare: Using readily available ingredients and straightforward steps, these cupcakes are surprisingly easy to assemble, making them perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
Health-Conscious Indulgence: At just 113 calories and 3 SmartPoints per cup, you can savor this delicious appetizer without guilt, especially if you’re following a Weight Watchers plan.
Versatile for Any Occasion: These wonton cupcakes are perfect for game day, potlucks, holiday appetizers, or simply a fun and unique weeknight dinner. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

I also want to extend a special thank you to my friend liss.nelson from Instagram, who was the most recent person to suggest I post this recipe. Your nudge was exactly what I needed! If we’re not connected on Instagram yet, I’d love for you to come follow me! Instagram is truly my favorite social network right now. It allows for such personal interaction, and I love sharing glimpses of my life alongside delicious recipes. Plus, it’s a fantastic hub for healthy eaters, Weight Watchers members, and foodies, brimming with clever meal ideas and endless inspiration. If you haven’t joined the community, now’s the perfect time to come join me!

The Classic Reuben: A Brief History

Before diving into our modern twist, it’s worth appreciating the origins of the Reuben sandwich. While its exact history is debated, the most popular theory attributes its creation to Reuben Kulakofsky, a Lithuanian-born grocer in Omaha, Nebraska, during a poker game in the early 1920s. Another claim points to Arnold Reuben, a German-Jewish delicatessen owner in New York City. Regardless of its true birthplace, the Reuben quickly became a beloved deli staple, celebrated for its iconic combination of thinly sliced corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian or Thousand Island dressing, grilled between slices of rye bread. Our wonton cupcake version captures the essence of this history in a delightful new format.

If you’re a fan of creative ways to use wonton wrappers, you’ve come to the right place! These versatile little squares are fantastic for transforming classic dishes into fun, portable “cupcakes” or tarts. Don’t stop with Reubens; explore my other innovative recipes like Chicken Parmesan Wonton Cupcakes, Mini Cinnamon Apple Tarts, Taco Cupcakes, French Dip Cupcakes, Berries and Cream Cinnamon Dessert Cups, Buffalo Chicken Cupcakes, Cheeseburger Cupcakes, Lasagna Cupcakes, and many more!

Reuben Wonton Cupcakes

All the Reuben flavors you love (corned beef, nutty Swiss cheese, creamy Thousand Island dressing, and tangy sauerkraut) layered into crispy wonton cups!

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 35 mins

Yield: 12 wonton cups

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Ingredients

12 oz deli sliced corned beef, diced (I used Wegmans 97% fat-free)
4 wedges of The Laughing Cow Light Swiss Cheese Wedges, chopped
1/3 cup light Thousand Island dressing (I used Kraft)
24 wonton wrappers
¼ cup sauerkraut, well-drained
6 slices 2% Swiss Cheese, each cut into 4 equal pieces

Instructions

Prepare Muffin Tin: Pre-heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly mist 12 cups in a standard muffin/cupcake tin with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and ensures crispy wontons. Set the prepared tin aside.
Make the Filling: In a microwave-safe mixing bowl, combine the diced corned beef and the chopped Laughing Cow Light Swiss Cheese Wedges. Stir them together thoroughly. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat on high for approximately 1 ½ minutes, or until the contents are warm and the cheese begins to soften. Use a spoon to mix and gently “smush” the cheese wedges until they have melted and evenly coated the corned beef. This creates a creamy, cohesive filling. Once combined, stir in the light Thousand Island dressing until everything is well incorporated.
Assemble the Cupcakes: Carefully press one wonton wrapper into the bottom of each sprayed cup in the muffin tin, creating a cup shape. Using about half of the corned beef mixture, spoon it evenly into the bottom wonton wrappers, spreading it out slightly. Next, spread a teaspoon of well-drained sauerkraut over the meat mixture in each cup. Place one of the small 2% Swiss cheese pieces on top of the sauerkraut. Now, press a second wonton wrapper gently over the filling in each cup. Repeat the layering steps with the remaining corned beef mixture and 2% Swiss cheese. If you particularly enjoy a lot of sauerkraut, feel free to add a second layer of it before the final cheese topping.
Bake to Perfection: Place the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. The wontons should turn a beautiful golden brown and the filling should be heated through and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.

Notes

To view your WW PersonalPoints for this recipe and track it in the WW app or site, click here!

Nutrition Information per serving (1 wonton cup):

113 calories
10 g carbs
2 g sugars
3 g fat
1 g saturated fat
11 g protein
0 g fiber

(Calculated using myfitnesspal.com)

MyWW SmartPoints per serving (1 wonton cup):

Green: 3 SmartPoints
Blue: 3 SmartPoints
Purple: 3 SmartPoints

(Calculated using the recipe builder on weightwatchers.com)

Weight Watchers Points Plus:

3 per “cupcake”

(Calculated using the recipe builder on weightwatchers.com)

Calories: 113kcal

Author: Emily Bites

Course: Main Course, Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Expert Tips for Perfect Reuben Wonton Cupcakes

Drain Your Sauerkraut: This is a crucial step! Excess liquid from the sauerkraut can make your wonton wrappers soggy. Squeeze it thoroughly to remove as much moisture as possible before adding it to the cups.
Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to pack them full, overfilling can lead to the wontons not cooking evenly or becoming difficult to handle. Stick to the recommended portions for the best results.
Press Wontons Firmly: When placing the wonton wrappers into the muffin tin, ensure they are firmly pressed against the bottom and sides to form a sturdy cup. This prevents gaps and ensures a crisp base.
Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add a sprinkle of caraway seeds on top before baking for an extra authentic rye bread flavor, or a dash of paprika for color and a hint of spice.
Storage and Reheating: Leftover Reuben Wonton Cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to regain their crispiness. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make them soft.

Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations

Serving Them Up:

These Reuben Wonton Cupcakes are fantastic on their own, but a little extra something can make them even better:

Extra Dressing: A small bowl of light Thousand Island dressing for dipping is always a hit.
Pickle Perfection: Serve alongside dill pickle spears or pickle chips to enhance the tangy profile.
Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes for a balanced meal.
Hearty Soup: Pair them with a warm bowl of tomato or potato soup for a comforting lunch.

Variations to Experiment With:

Don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen!

Spicy Reuben: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the corned beef mixture, or a dash of hot sauce to your Thousand Island dressing for a kick.
Turkey Reuben: Swap out the corned beef for thinly sliced deli turkey breast for a lighter twist, turning them into “Rachel” wonton cups.
Vegetarian Delight: For a meatless option, consider using finely chopped mushrooms sautéed with smoked paprika, or a plant-based “corned beef” substitute.
Different Cheeses: While Swiss is traditional, provolone or a sharp cheddar could offer interesting flavor alternatives.
Homemade Dressing: If you have time, whip up your own light Thousand Island dressing for an extra fresh taste.

Embrace the Wonton Wrapper Magic

Wonton wrappers are truly a kitchen marvel, offering a simple way to create crispy, single-serving versions of your favorite dishes without the fuss of complicated pastry work. Their delicate texture bakes up beautifully, providing the perfect contrast to rich and savory fillings. Whether you’re making appetizers, mini meals, or even desserts, they open up a world of culinary possibilities.

Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Appetizer!

These Reuben Wonton Cupcakes are more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to enjoy a classic in a playful, convenient, and healthier format. They embody the perfect blend of tradition and innovation, making them a standout dish for any occasion. The ability to customize the ingredients ensures that every bite is exactly how you like it, while their portion-controlled nature makes them a smart choice for those mindful of their diet.

I genuinely hope you try this recipe and love it as much as I do. It’s been a long time coming, and the joy of sharing it is immense. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious, crispy bite!

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