Sunday, January 28, 2018

Mini Reuben Party Sandwiches


The Big Game is coming up and these mini Reuben appetizers could be the hit of your Superbowl party.  Reuben sandwiches have been around for a long time but, if you're like me, you tend to forget about them until St. Patrick's Day.  We enjoyed these at a New Year's Eve party at the home of good friends and we loved them so much that they were fresh in my mind.  The home-baked corned beef makes these very special!  If you don't like corned beef, you could try using smoked turkey breast instead.


The beauty of these Mini Reubens is that the corned beef can be made a day or two ahead of time and the sandwiches can be assembled early in the day and popped under the broiler for a minute or two just before serving.   Who doesn't love melted cheese on game day!?!



We've been trying to enjoy the remainder of winter as much as possible, especially with our grandsons.  Here in Wisconsin, you need to find as much outdoor fun as possible!  Overall, it's been a pretty dry winter, snow-wise, so the local ski hills have had to use snow machines.  Recently, we took our middle grandson snow-tubing at a near-by ski hill where we learned how to ski with our daughters when they were his age!  After more than just a few trips down the tubing slide he enjoyed a cup of hot chocolate in the lodge. Great way to chase away the winter blues!  






Baked Corned Beef Brisket


Time to cook - about 4 - 4-1/2 hours 

3-4 lb corned beef brisket, I like to trim just a little of the fat layer away if it's really thick. 
1 spice flavor packet included with corned beef
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 teaspoon Hungarian paprika 
1 teaspoon garlic powder 
2 tablespoons light brown sugar

Preheat oven to 275°

Remove the corned beef from the package, discarding the brine solution. Pat dry. 

Combine the flavor packet with the rest of the ingredients. 

Place corned beef into a Dutch oven with cover, fat side up. I used an enameled cast iron oval Dutch oven, or use a 9 x 13 baking dish tightly covered with foil. 

Sprinkle meat with seasonings and pat into the brisket. Add 1/3 cup of water to the bottom of the pan and cover.

Bake for 3-1/2 hours.

Remove the cover from the Dutch oven and cook for an addition 30-60 minutes, basting with the pan juices occasionally making sure the juices don't cook away completely. Add a little more water, if necessary. Baking time is about 1-1/5 hours per pound. 

Continue baking until the brisket is fork tender. It may take additional time depending on the thickness of the brisket.

Allow the meat to rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing, then against the grain. 

If using for Reuben sandwiches, the meat is much easier to cut if the brisket can be refrigerated overnight with any remaining pan juices poured over the top. Cover with plastic wrap.

Adapted from Genius Kitchen


Mini Corned Beef Sandwich Appetizers


1 package cocktail rye bread.  I used Rubschlager brand
Sliced, baked corned beef
Fresh sauerkraut.  I used a fresh Bavarian Sauerkraut found in the meat department of my store.
Thousand Island Dressing, such as Marie's or Marzetti's
Swiss cheese slices, divided into 4ths
If desired, you may garnish with chopped chives or green onion.  

Place an oven rack about 4-5 inches beneath the broiler then heat the broiler to medium.

On a baking sheet, arrange single slices of cocktail rye bread. Top with a tablespoon of fresh sauerkraut followed by a dollop of dressing. Add about 2 quarters of Swiss Cheese or as much as desired.

Note: The Reubens can be assembled up to this point, cover with foil and refrigerate until ready to broil.  

Broil Reubens on the baking sheet until the cheese begins to melt and bubble.  Remove from oven to a platter and serve immediately.  Extra dressing may be served on the side.  

Great with mini Gherkin pickles! 

37 comments:

  1. Wish I could reach in and grab one right now. They look so good! Have a wonderful week ahead, Susan.

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    1. I had a hard time finding corned beef brisket so far before St. Patrick's Day but was happy I did :) Thank you, Angie!

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  2. Wow, they look good. And I like that they are small and open with just one slice of bread. I like corned beef but never tried making my own.
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. Yes, the small size makes them feel less caloric :) Thank you, Amalia!

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  3. The sandwiches would be fun for the game! Love your little time-lapse video too:@)

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  4. Such great party sandwiches! I know a bunch of people that would devour these in a flash. Big game or not :) Tubing is such fun - but it sure looks cold!

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  5. The sandwiches look delicious Susan and perfect for football watching.

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  6. I love both your movies..Gosh that's cute the assembly:) And you know how I feel about the Dane clip..he is gorgeous Susan..our fairest is Oli..same cute profile.Aren't children beautiful? BEAUTIFUL..look at that skin♥I am a REuben lover..corned beef is not available here readily..funny.. restos have it:)I love minis..:)Have a great day!
    xox

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    1. I agree :) I love looking at their faces ♥ I tried Costco first for the corned beef as that is where our friends got theirs for NYE but ours did not have it :( Said they would have it a closer to St. Patrick's Day. Found it at my local grocery store! On Sale :)

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  7. Your grandson is precious Susan, what an adorable face. He's brave too, going down that hill by himself :) Love these sandwiches, Reubens are my favorite, a wonderful Wisconsin treat!

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    1. He must have gone down at least a dozen or more times and pulled his tube to the magic carpet back up the hill without falling off. No way my husband and I were going to do it. Too hard getting in and out of the tube at this age - LOL. Thank you, Chris!

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  8. We are huge fans Reuben sandwiches, Susan. I love your mini versions for lots of reasons and they look like delicious food to serve guests (but I don't know if I'd share them!!) :) That snow-tubing sure looks like a great time!

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    1. Thank you, Marcelle! He had a great time :) I'm sure your kids would love it too!

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  9. these sandwichs looks wonderful Susan, Im hungry of course!!
    Your grand son is really cute !!

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  10. These are perfect little sandwiches, Susan! Great for the Super Bowl! Just wished I could be as enthused as you about the cold winters here! :-)

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    1. Thank you, Pam! I wouldn't say enthused, just trying to make the best of it ;)

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  11. Great idea! I’m the only one I know who likes sauerkraut but maybe I’ll just make these for myself!

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    1. My husband doesn't like sauerkraut either but he loves it in these ;) Thanks, Mimi!

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  12. I remember making these back in the 70s (I’m ancient). I don’t know why these fell out of favor, but I am planning to resurrect them now that you’ve reminded me! Go Eagles!

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    1. They are some things that are just too good not to bring back now and then :) I think the Superbowl is the perfect time to splurge on a few calories while cheering on your favorite team. You can always top them with some healthy greens or serve with a nice, big salad. We'll be cheering for the Eagles too!

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  13. I love sauerkraut and a sandwich like yours. Just right for a snack or dinner,

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    1. Thank you, Gerlinde! Perfect finger food for a party too ;)

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  14. Corned Beef season is here and what better place to see than on a Reuben. Perfect for winners or losers!

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  15. Great idea Susan. Think I will make these when we have a group visiting us in March. Stay warm. Your Grandson is so cute.

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    1. Thanks so much, Penny! Yes, these would be perfect for March and St. Patrick's Day ;)

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  16. My husband would be lined up for several of these...he always orders a Ruben when we go to our local deli.

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  17. What a great recipe to serve mini-sammies for a large group or for a party! Love your video too! Enjoy the game today!

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  18. I'm in bed with the flu, even my son is sick, this year is very dangerous, better to stay home under the covers and prepare those sandwiches like yours!

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    1. I am so sorry you and your son are ill, Chiara! Please get well soon ♥

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  19. Your grandson is adorable Susan just like these delicious little open sandwiches! Perfect for any friendly gathering!

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