The Homemade Reuben Bake is a delicious twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, perfect for a hearty family meal or a casual gathering. Layers of rye bread, corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and creamy dressing are baked together to golden perfection. It’s everything you love about a Reuben, but baked for easy serving and extra comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Satisfying: All the flavors of a classic Reuben in an easy-to-make casserole.
- Great for Sharing: Ideal for potlucks, game day, or family dinners.
- Customizable: Adjust the layers or ingredients to suit your taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it ahead of time and bake when ready to serve.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Rye bread, cubed
- Corned beef, sliced or shredded
- Sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
- Swiss cheese, shredded or sliced
- Thousand Island dressing or Russian dressing
- Eggs
- Milk
- Butter
- Optional: caraway seeds, for garnish
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Bread Layer: Spread the cubed rye bread evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Drizzle with melted butter.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Top the bread with half of the Swiss cheese.
- Add a layer of corned beef, followed by the sauerkraut.
- Spread Thousand Island dressing evenly over the sauerkraut.
- Top with the remaining Swiss cheese.
- Mix the Egg Custard: In a bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Pour the mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with caraway seeds if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Variations
- Turkey Reuben: Swap corned beef for turkey for a lighter twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread and ensure the dressing and sauerkraut are gluten-free.
- Extra Cheese: Add a layer of cream cheese or more Swiss cheese for extra richness.
- Spicy Twist: Mix some sriracha or horseradish into the Thousand Island dressing.
- Vegetarian Option: Use roasted vegetables like mushrooms and onions in place of corned beef.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use pastrami instead of corned beef?
Yes, pastrami is a flavorful alternative to corned beef in this recipe.
2. What’s the best type of rye bread to use?
Marble rye or seeded rye bread adds an authentic flavor to the casserole.
3. Do I need to squeeze the sauerkraut dry?
Yes, draining and squeezing the sauerkraut helps prevent the casserole from becoming soggy.
4. Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead and refrigerate it. Bake it fresh before serving.
5. Can I freeze the Reuben Bake?
Yes, freeze it before baking or after it’s fully cooked. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
6. What cheese works best for this recipe?
Swiss cheese is traditional, but you can substitute with provolone or Havarti for a milder flavor.
7. Can I make this dish smaller?
Yes, halve the recipe and use an 8×8-inch baking dish for a smaller portion.
8. What sides pair well with this dish?
Serve with a side salad, potato chips, or a bowl of soup like tomato or potato leek.
9. Can I use pre-made Thousand Island dressing?
Yes, store-bought dressing works perfectly, but you can also make it from scratch for a fresher taste.
10. What’s the best way to ensure even baking?
Pour the egg mixture slowly and evenly over the casserole to help it cook uniformly.
Conclusion
Homemade Reuben Bake is a delightful, comforting dish that brings the classic sandwich to your dining table in an easy-to-serve form. Packed with layers of flavor and perfect for sharing, this casserole is a surefire hit for any occasion. Make it tonight and enjoy the rich, savory taste of a Reuben, straight from your oven!
Print
Homemade Reuben Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Homemade Reuben Bake is a comforting twist on the classic Reuben sandwich. Layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and a tangy dressing are baked to perfection with a golden, crispy crust. Perfect for a family dinner or a potluck dish!
Ingredients
For the bake:
- 1 lb (450 g) corned beef, thinly sliced or shredded
- 2 cups (300 g) sauerkraut, drained and patted dry
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) Thousand Island dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tube (8 oz / 225 g) refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry
- 1 tablespoon caraway seeds (optional, for garnish)
For the homemade Thousand Island dressing (optional):
- 1/2 cup (120 g) mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
- Prepare the base layer:
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish to form the crust. Stretch and press to seal any perforations.
- Assemble the bake:
- Spread half of the Thousand Island dressing over the dough.
- Layer the corned beef evenly over the dressing.
- Spread the sauerkraut over the corned beef, ensuring it’s well-drained to avoid sogginess.
- Sprinkle the Swiss cheese evenly over the sauerkraut.
- Top with remaining dressing and dough:
- Drizzle the remaining Thousand Island dressing over the cheese.
- Unroll a second layer of crescent roll dough (or puff pastry) and place it over the filling. Pinch the edges to seal.
- Add optional topping:
- Brush the top dough with a little melted butter or an egg wash. Sprinkle with caraway seeds, if desired.
- Bake the Reuben:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and serve:
- Allow the bake to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm with additional Thousand Island dressing on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For a crunchier crust, use puff pastry instead of crescent dough.
- To make this bake gluten-free, use a gluten-free pastry crust and check that your dressing and sauerkraut are gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.