If you’re a fan of the classic Reuben sandwich, this easy Reuben Bake will quickly become your go-to comfort food! Layers of buttery rye bread, savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melty Swiss cheese, and creamy Thousand Island dressing come together in a delightful baked casserole. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even game-day gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Reuben Bake
A Twist on the Classic: It takes all the familiar flavors of a Reuben sandwich and turns it into a hearty, layered casserole that’s easy to serve.
Simple Ingredients: No complicated steps here—just familiar deli ingredients and pantry staples.
Perfect for Sharing: Great for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
8-10 slices rye bread, cubed (about 4-5 cups) – Rye bread adds that classic flavor; pumpernickel is also a great option.
½ cup butter, melted – Helps toast the bread cubes to golden perfection.
For the Filling:
1 pound corned beef, cut into bite-sized pieces – Deli-sliced corned beef works perfectly.
1 (16-ounce) can sauerkraut, drained and rinsed – Rinse once or twice for a milder flavor, depending on preference.
2 cups shredded Swiss cheese – The melty goodness that ties it all together.
½ cup Thousand Island dressing – Creamy, tangy dressing to balance out the flavors.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional) – Adds freshness and color.
2 teaspoons caraway seeds (optional) – For a subtle nutty, rye-inspired flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease or lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Rye Bread
Cut the rye bread into cubes (about 1-inch pieces).
In a large mixing bowl, toss the bread cubes with the melted butter until all pieces are evenly coated.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
First Layer: Spread half of the buttered bread cubes evenly over the bottom of the greased baking dish.
Corned Beef: Distribute the bite-sized corned beef evenly over the bread layer.
Sauerkraut: Sprinkle the drained sauerkraut evenly on top of the corned beef.
Optional: Rinse the sauerkraut twice if you prefer a milder tang.
Swiss Cheese: Add half of the shredded Swiss cheese evenly across the sauerkraut layer.
Dressing: Drizzle the Thousand Island dressing evenly over the cheese.
Optional Toppings: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and caraway seeds for added flavor.
Second Layer: Top with the remaining buttered bread cubes and the rest of the Swiss cheese.
Step 4: Bake the Reuben Casserole
Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.
The casserole is ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the bread cubes are golden brown on top.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole cool slightly for about 5 minutes before serving.
Serve warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color.
Tips for Recipe Success
Bread Choices: Use rye bread for the classic Reuben flavor, but if you’re out, pumpernickel or a hearty sourdough can work as substitutes.
Make it Mild: Rinse the sauerkraut thoroughly if you prefer less tang. A quick blanch in boiling water will mellow it even further.
Cheese Options: Swiss cheese is traditional, but you can swap in provolone or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
Thousand Island Substitute: Try Russian dressing for a more authentic Reuben taste or use homemade Thousand Island dressing.
Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Reuben Bake is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
Pickles: Add some dill or bread-and-butter pickles on the side for an extra crunchy bite.
Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
Tomato Soup: Serve with a warm, creamy bowl of tomato soup for a comforting meal.
Coleslaw: A creamy cabbage slaw complements the tangy flavors in this dish.
Make Ahead Option
Want to prep this casserole in advance? Here’s how:
Assemble the casserole completely, but don’t bake it yet.
Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
When ready to serve, bake as instructed, adding 5 extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different meat?
A: Absolutely! Try pastrami for a smoky twist, or roast beef if corned beef isn’t available.
Q: What if I don’t like sauerkraut?
A: You can leave it out, but the casserole may lose some of its signature tang. Alternatively, use shredded cabbage as a milder substitute.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes! Assemble the casserole without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Q: How can I make this dish lower in carbs?
A: Swap the rye bread for a low-carb bread alternative or use cauliflower rice as the base instead.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
This Homemade Reuben Bake combines everything you love about a traditional Reuben sandwich into an easy, family-friendly casserole. The buttery rye bread, savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melty cheese blend together for the ultimate comfort food experience. It’s quick to prepare, versatile, and sure to impress everyone at the table.
So, whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving those classic Reuben flavors in a new way, this dish is a guaranteed winner. Enjoy every bite of this warm, melty, and satisfying Reuben Bake!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Servings: 6-8