Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut Recipe
If you’re craving big, bold flavors and a playful twist on a classic deli favorite, this Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut Recipe will make your day. Imagine juicy bites of grilled sirloin, tangy sauerkraut, oozy Swiss cheese, and hearty rye bread—all lined up on a skewer for the ultimate hand-held party food. It hits every delicious note: savory, smoky, gooey, and just a little bit tangy. The best part? You get all the nostalgia of a Reuben sandwich, but in a fun, shareable format that’s guaranteed to be a conversation starter at any gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a few simple but perfectly chosen ingredients, the magic of the Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut Recipe comes alive. Each element lends its unmistakable flavor and texture, creating a combination that turns every bite into something memorable.
- Sirloin steak cubes: Opt for well-marbled sirloin for juicy, tender chunks that grill beautifully and hold up on the skewer.
- Olive oil: Helps the marinade cling to the steak and keeps everything moist and flavorful on the grill.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory, umami kick that deepens the flavor of the beef.
- Garlic powder: Brings mellow, all-over garlic warmth—just enough to shine through without overwhelming.
- Onion powder: Rounds out the flavor profile and echoes the onion notes in a true Reuben.
- Smoked paprika: A subtle smokiness that heightens the grilled effect in every bite.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all those robust flavors.
- Black pepper: Just a little peppery bite to complement the steak and cheese.
- Sauerkraut: Well-drained for the perfect tangy contrast and classic Reuben zing.
- Swiss cheese: Melts into creamy pools between the other ingredients for that signature sandwich experience.
- Rye bread: Lightly toasted cubes give you the earthy base that makes every Reuben unique.
- Thousand Island dressing: Provides the sweet, creamy dipping sauce that ties everything together.
- Skewers: Wooden or metal—just don’t forget to soak the wooden ones if you don’t want any burning surprises!
How to Make Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
Start by whisking together the olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Toss in your cubes of sirloin steak, making sure each piece gets a good, even coating. Cover it up and let all those flavors mingle in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to a few hours if you’re planning ahead). This marinade works wonders, soaking into the steak and giving it an irresistible punch of flavor.
Step 2: Get Your Skewer Ingredients Ready
While the steak is marinating, prep the rest of your ingredients. Cut the Swiss cheese and rye bread into skewer-friendly squares and drain the sauerkraut really well so your skewers don’t get soggy. If you have time, toss the rye bread cubes under the broiler for a minute or two to give them a toasty crunch—this is such a game-changer for texture!
Step 3: Thread the Skewers
Time for the fun part! Alternate threading marinated steak cubes, toasted rye bread, a forkful of sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese squares onto each skewer. You can mix up the order for visual appeal, but make sure every skewer gets a bit of everything. Give yourself a hearty pat on the back—these are already looking irresistible.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Gently lay the skewers across the hot grates, listening for that satisfying sizzle. Grill for 8 to 10 minutes, rotating every couple of minutes so all sides get golden and the cheese starts to melt. You’re aiming for steak that’s just the way you like it and cheese that has gone lusciously gooey without disappearing entirely.
Step 5: Serve with Dipping Sauce
Lift the skewers off the grill, resisting (if you can!) the urge to steal a bite right away. Serve them hot, with a generous bowl of Thousand Island dressing for dipping. This finishing touch takes the Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut Recipe straight over the top—deli magic, right at home.
How to Serve Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut Recipe

Garnishes
Jazz up your Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut Recipe with freshly chopped parsley or chives, a light dusting of smoked paprika, or even some finely diced pickles for extra zing. If you love bold flavors, a sprinkle of caraway seeds (echoing that traditional rye bread taste) is an inspired touch.
Side Dishes
These skewers are totally party-ready on their own, but they play fabulously with creamy potato salad, crunchy dill pickles, kettle chips, or a bright green salad to add freshness. For a classic deli spread, slide in some coleslaw or a tangy cucumber salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your gathering into a Reuben festival! Arrange the Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut Recipe upright in a pint glass or mason jar, or serve them atop a board with little bowls of pickles and extra sauerkraut. For appetizer-sized bites, cut everything a bit smaller and use toothpicks for incredible finger food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover skewers in an airtight container as soon as they cool down. Keep them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay tasty and safe for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a little as they rest, making for an extra savory snack or quick lunch later on.
Freezing
If you want to save some for another day, you can freeze the grilled steak, rye bread, and sauerkraut portion for up to 2 months. Just be sure to remove the Swiss cheese before freezing, as it doesn’t always thaw well. When you’re ready for another round, reassemble with fresh cheese for best results.
Reheating
For the tastiest leftovers, reheat the skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This keeps everything crisp and helps the cheese melt a second time. A quick zap in the microwave works too, but the bread may soften more. Serve with a fresh dollop of Thousand Island and dig in all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is ideal for this Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut Recipe, you can substitute ribeye, strip steak, or even well-trimmed flank steak. Just make sure whatever cut you choose is tender and not too lean.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries at all—you can use a grill pan on your stovetop or even broil the skewers in the oven. Keep a close eye on them so the cheese melts nicely and the bread doesn’t burn.
How do I prevent the bread from becoming too soggy?
Well-toasted rye cubes and thoroughly drained sauerkraut are your best friends here. Toasting the bread not only adds crunch but also helps it stand up to the juicy steak and tangy kraut.
Are these skewers gluten-free?
As written, they aren’t gluten-free due to the rye bread, but you can easily swap in your favorite gluten-free bread to make this a Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut Recipe everyone can enjoy.
Can I prepare these ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! Marinate the steak and chop all the components up to a day in advance, then assemble and grill the skewers just before serving. It’s the ultimate make-ahead appetizer for stress-free entertaining.
Final Thoughts
This Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut Recipe just begs to be shared—whether it’s a backyard gathering or a quiet night in. Every skewer packs the soul of a Reuben sandwich into a perfect, grill-marked bite. Promise me you’ll try it soon; I can’t wait for you to taste how much fun this classic can be, all over again!
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Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 6 skewers 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Reuben Steak Skewers with Sauerkraut are a delicious twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, perfect for grilling season. Tender sirloin steak is marinated in savory seasonings, threaded onto skewers with tangy sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and rye bread, then grilled to perfection. Serve these flavorful skewers with a side of Thousand Island dressing for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
Steak Marinade:
- 1 1/2 pounds sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Skewers:
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
- 8 slices Swiss cheese, cut into small squares
- 8 slices rye bread, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing for serving
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
Instructions
- Marinate the Steak: In a bowl, mix olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add steak cubes, coat well, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread skewers with steak, rye bread, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese.
- Grill: Grill skewers for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until steak is cooked and cheese is melted.
- Serve: Serve hot with Thousand Island dressing.
Notes
- If using wooden skewers, soak in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning.
- For extra flavor, lightly toast rye bread cubes before skewering.
- Best enjoyed fresh off the grill.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg