Growing up, my family and I shared a profound love for dill pickles, but my passion for them was particularly intense. It became a family joke that I was the official “pickle opener,” ceremoniously handling new jars as if I were a mayor inaugurating a new city building. Whether it was a spare spear at a meal or a special treat from a restaurant, I was always on the lookout. My pickle enthusiasm was so pronounced that restaurants have even started serving sandwiches on pickles instead of bread!

If you, like me, can’t get enough of that tangy pickle goodness, you’ll want to try these Reuben pickle bites. They offer all the savory and tangy flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich but with a lower carb twist by using dill pickles as the base instead of bread.

The combination of fried rye bread, pastrami, and Swiss cheese, paired with a homemade Reuben sauce, creates a delightful snack that’s both satisfying and unique. The Reuben sauce is not only tangy but also includes sauerkraut mixed in, adding an extra layer of flavor that elevates these bites.

Ingredients:

• 1 jar of dill pickle spears (preferably the “slider” kind, cut on an angle)
• 1 cup of cubed Jewish rye bread
• 1/2 cup of pastrami, cut into small pieces
• 1/2 cup of Swiss cheese, cut into small squares
• 1/2 cup of sauerkraut
• 1/2 cup of homemade Reuben sauce (see recipe below)
• Festive toothpicks or bamboo skewers

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bread:
   • Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil or butter.
   • Fry the cubed rye bread until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Set aside to cool.
2. Assemble the Bites:
   • Take a dill pickle spear and, if using slider-style slices, cut them in half to make them more manageable for topping.
   • On each pickle slice, layer a piece of fried rye bread, a small piece of pastrami, and a cube of Swiss cheese.
3. Add the Sauce:
   • Spoon a small amount of homemade Reuben sauce over the cheese.
4. Final Touches:
   • Top with a dollop of sauerkraut.
   • Secure each bite with a festive toothpick or bamboo skewer.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Arrange the Reuben pickle bites on a serving platter and enjoy immediately.

Homemade Reuben Sauce:

• 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup of ketchup
• 1 tablespoon of horseradish
• 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

• Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Bonus Tip: If you find the pickle slices are too thick or too thin, simply adjust the size of your toppings to fit. Slider-style pickles work well if cut in half, so don’t worry if they’re not perfectly round.

Conclusion:

These Reuben pickle bites are a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of a Reuben sandwich in a fun, low-carb format. Perfect for parties, snacks, or a unique appetizer, they are sure to be a hit with fellow pickle lovers. Enjoy these tangy, cheesy, and savory bites as a delightful twist on a classic favorite!