Mix and match your choice of cheese, meat, and toppings for these open-faced mini sandwiches.

36 slices party rye or pumpernickel bread (one 16-oz. pkg.)
6 oz. Monterey Jack cheese with caraway or jalapeno peppers
1 (8 oz.) can (1 c.) sauerkraut, well drained and snipped
8 oz. thinly sliced smoked turkey or corned beef
1/2 c. Thousand Island salad dressing
Whole sweet pickles, halved lengthwise, or cherry tomatoes, cut into wedges(optional)

Arrange 10 slices of bread around the edge of a microwave-safe dinner plate or a 12-inch microwave-safe pizza plate. Place 2 slices of bread in the center of the plate.

Thinly slice cheese to fit bread. Place cheese on bread. Top sauerkraut with turkey or corned beef; top with a scant teaspoon of dressing. Assemble remaining 24 sandwiches. (Appetizers may be covered and refrigerated at this point until ready to serve, or for up to 2 hours.)

To serve, micro-cook one plate of appetizers, uncovered, on 50% power (medium) for 5-6 minutes or until cheese is melted, rotating once during cooking. Repeat with remaining plates of appetizers as needed. Garnish each with pickles or tomatoes, if desired. Makes 36 appetizers.