Enjoy all the savory flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich without the bread. These egg roll ups feature delicate egg crepes filled with tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and creamy Russian dressing. Ready in just 25 minutes, they're perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Each serving delivers 22g of protein with only 5g of carbs, making them ideal for low-carb and gluten-free lifestyles.
The smell of sauerkraut hitting a hot pan takes me back to this tiny deli near my old apartment where the owner would argue with anyone who ordered their Reuben wrong. I started making these egg roll ups on a Tuesday night when I wanted that same comfort but without the heavy bread weighing me down. Now they have become my go-to when I need something satisfying that still leaves me feeling light afterward.
Last summer I made these for my dad who spent thirty years swearing he would never enjoy a sandwich without rye bread. He took one bite, went silent for a full minute, then asked if I could teach him how to make the egg wraps without tearing them. That question during a quiet kitchen moment might be my favorite cooking memory from last year.
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs: Room temperature eggs whisk up more smoothly and create thinner, more even wraps that roll without cracking
- 2 tbsp heavy cream: This tiny addition makes the egg wraps more tender and less likely to stick to your pan
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances the mild egg flavor so it holds its own against the bold filling
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Freshly cracked adds brightness that cuts through the rich cheese and meat
- 1 tbsp butter: Use unsalted so you can control the seasoning, but oil works if you are dairy free
- 200 g sliced corned beef: Chopped into small pieces so every bite gets even distribution of smoky flavor
- 120 g sauerkraut: Squeeze it thoroughly in a clean towel or paper towels until almost dry
- 100 g Swiss cheese: Shred it yourself from a block for better melting, pre shredded often has anti caking agents
- 4 tbsp sugar free Russian dressing: Homemade or store bought, just check that the carb count stays low
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley: Adds a bright pop of color and freshness that cuts the richness
Instructions
- Whisk the egg mixture:
- Beat eggs, cream, salt, and pepper until completely combined and slightly frothy
- Make the egg wraps:
- Heat butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat, pour just enough egg to coat the bottom, swirl thinly, cook 1 to 2 minutes until set, carefully flip and cook 10 to 20 seconds more
- Repeat for remaining wraps:
- You should get about 4 thin, pliable crepes from the mixture, set them aside on a plate
- Assemble the filling:
- Lay each wrap flat, spread 1 tablespoon dressing across the center, layer with corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese
- Roll them up:
- Fold in the sides slightly, then roll tightly from the bottom like a burrito, keeping the filling secure inside
- Melt the cheese:
- Return roll ups to the warm skillet for 1 to 2 minutes if you want the cheese fully melted and everything heated through
- Finish and serve:
- Slice each in half diagonally, sprinkle with parsley, and serve warm with extra dressing on the side
These became a Friday staple during my first month of low carb eating when I felt like I was mourning every comfort food I used to love. Something about rolling them up with my hands made the process feel satisfying and intentional, like I was creating something special rather than just making dinner again.
Getting The Wrap Technique Right
The first few times I made these, my egg wraps tore or stuck to the pan because I was trying to flip them too early. Wait until the edges curl up slightly and the center looks matte rather than glossy before sliding your spatula underneath. A truly nonstick pan makes all the difference here, so do not try to make do with a scratched or worn one.
Filling Variations To Try
Pastrami works beautifully and adds a different smoky dimension that my husband actually prefers over corned beef. You can also use provolone instead of Swiss if you want a milder cheese flavor, or add a few pickled jalapeño slices if you like heat. The basic technique stays the same no matter what you put inside.
Make Ahead Strategy
You can make the egg wraps up to two days in advance and store them between sheets of parchment paper in the refrigerator. The filling components also prep well ahead, though I recommend assembling just before serving for the best texture.
- Reheat cold roll ups in a warm skillet for 30 seconds per side
- Wrap assembled roll ups tightly in foil if taking for lunch
- Serve immediately after the final heating for the best cheese pull
Hope these become as regular in your kitchen as they are in mine.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I prevent the egg wraps from tearing?
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Cook the egg crepes until fully set but still pliable. Use a well-seasoned nonstick skillet with a small amount of butter. Let them cool slightly before rolling—if they're too hot, they may tear more easily.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
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Yes, prepare the components in advance. Store cooked egg wraps between parchment paper in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble and reheat in a skillet for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- → What other cheeses work well?
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Provolone, Gruyère, or aged cheddar make excellent alternatives to Swiss. Each brings a slightly different flavor profile while still melting beautifully inside the warm egg wraps.
- → How do I make this keto-friendly?
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Ensure your dressing is sugar-free and verify sauerkraut contains no added sugars. The base version already fits keto macros perfectly with 5g net carbs per serving.
- → Can I use deli corned beef?
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Yes, thinly sliced deli corned beef works beautifully. Look for high-quality, low-sodium options when available. Chop it into smaller pieces for easier rolling.