
If you ever want to make a cook’s day, request a favorite dish of his or hers. Speaking from experience, we’re so thrilled that we’ve had a “hit” we’ll gladly oblige!
For years, I hosted Husband’s annual office Christmas party at our house. The guinea pigs (God bless ’em!), who attended year after year, apparently had their patience rewarded with a few memorable offerings. That, and there was plenty of beer and wine…
As a result of those “experiments,” the one thing I’ve had more requests for really isn’t a “dish” – it’s a sandwich. And a mini-sandwich at that.
These Mini-Reuben Sandwiches are pretty much the perfect party food. You can make them well in advance, they’re easy to eat, and they’re “guy friendly.” And I don’t just make them for parties. For all the reasons above, if you stop by during football season, it’s a safe bet I’ll have some of these on hand.
This week, though, I learned that a friend’s wife (one of our frequent party guests) had undergone an emergency surgery, and I offered prayers and anything else that might help. His response? “Prayers are great! As for food, I could never refuse Mini-Reubens.”
Coming right up!

- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 4 Tbs ketchup
- 1 tsp caraway seed
- ½ can sauerkraut, drained and chopped
- 1 pound shaved pastrami
- ½ pound swiss cheese, medium slices
- 1 loaf cocktail pumpernickel bread (such as Rubschlager – 1 pound)
- butter
- Heat large griddle or skillet to medium high.
- Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, caraway seed and sauerkraut together in small bowl.
- Cut or tear cheese slices to fit bread slices.
- Spread 24 slices of the bread with the sauerkraut mixture. Add shaved pastrami and cheese slices. Top with remaining bread slices. Butter both sides of sandwiches, if desired.
- Place sandwiches on griddle or in skillet, until brown, about 1 minute. Turn and brown on other side. Serve immediately, or move to cooling rack to cool completely.
- If making ahead: Cool completely. Place sandwiches in single layer in Ziploc bags. Freeze until ready to use. Reheat on a cookie sheet at 350 for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
