Description

If you’re a pickle enthusiast like I am, you know the joy of biting into a crisp, tangy dill pickle. Growing up, my love for dill pickles was legendary in my family. It became a running joke that I was the official “pickle opener” in the house, a title I wore with pride. Every time a new jar was cracked open, I was there, ready to claim the first spear. My love for dill pickles has only grown with time, and it’s this passion that inspired these delightful Reuben Pickle Bites. These bites are the perfect combination of tangy, savory, and satisfying, offering all the flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich, but with a unique pickle twist.

Reuben Pickle Bites are not just a tasty snack; they’re also a low-carb alternative to traditional sandwiches. The star of the show here is the dill pickle, which brings an extra punch of flavor that perfectly complements the rich pastrami, Swiss cheese, and the homemade Reuben sauce. The sauce itself is a tangy blend of mayonnaise, tomato paste, horseradish, soy sauce, and sauerkraut, adding an extra layer of flavor to each bite. These little bites are perfect for parties, gatherings, or just as a fun snack at home. Let’s dive into how you can create these delicious Reuben Pickle Bites.

Ingredients

• For the Reuben Sauce:
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 1/2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
• 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 cup sauerkraut, drained
• For the Pickle Bites:
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• 2-3 medium slices Jewish rye bread, crusts trimmed, cut into 18 (1-inch) pieces
• 6 small slices pastrami or corned beef, cut into thirds (18 strips)
• 2 slices Swiss cheese, cut into 18 (1-inch) pieces
• 1-2 (32 oz) jars dill pickle chips

Preparation Method

Make the Reuben Sauce:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the kosher salt, tomato paste, horseradish, soy sauce, mayonnaise, and onion powder until smooth and well combined.
Gently fold in the drained sauerkraut until it is evenly distributed throughout the sauce. Set this aside to allow the flavors to meld together.
Prepare the Rye Bread:

Begin by trimming the crusts from the rye bread slices. Then, cut the bread into 1-inch squares, aiming for uniformity so that each piece matches the size of the pickle chips.
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and is beginning to bubble, add the bread squares to the pan.
Toast the bread pieces until they are golden brown on one side, then flip them over to toast the other side. If needed, add more butter to the pan to ensure the bread toasts evenly and absorbs the buttery flavor. Once toasted, remove the bread from the skillet and set it aside.
Prepare the Cheese and Meat:

While the bread is toasting, cut the Swiss cheese slices into 1-inch squares, matching the size of the bread pieces.
Next, slice the pastrami or corned beef into thirds, creating small strips that will fit perfectly onto the pickle chips.
Assemble the Reuben Pickle Bites:

Begin the assembly by placing a dill pickle chip onto a serving platter.
On top of the pickle, add a small strip of pastrami, followed by a piece of the toasted rye bread, a square of Swiss cheese, a dollop of the Reuben sauce, and finally, another dill pickle chip to create a sandwich-like structure.
Secure each bite with a toothpick, ensuring all the layers stay together. For a festive touch, you can use colorful party toothpicks.
Serve and Enjoy:

These Reuben Pickle Bites are best served immediately while the bread is still warm and the cheese is soft. Arrange them on a platter and serve them as a fun and flavorful appetizer or snack.

Tips and Conclusion

Bonus Tip:
If you want to take these bites to the next level, consider lightly toasting the Swiss cheese on the bread before assembling the bites. This will give the cheese a slightly melted texture, enhancing the overall experience. Additionally, if you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different types of pickles, such as spicy dill or bread and butter pickles, to add a unique twist to the flavor profile.

Conclusion:
Reuben Pickle Bites are a delightful fusion of classic Reuben flavors and the bold, tangy taste of dill pickles. They offer a satisfying crunch with each bite, balanced by the rich and creamy Reuben sauce. Whether you’re a pickle aficionado like me or just looking for a unique appetizer to impress your guests, these bites are sure to be a hit. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, they’re the perfect addition to any party or casual gathering. So the next time you’re in the mood for something different, give these Reuben Pickle Bites a try—you won’t be disappointed!