Reuben Bake with Layers of Corned Beef, Sauerkraut, and Swiss Cheese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to adore about Reuben Bake. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

1. All the Reuben Flavors: Corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing come together in one dish.

2. Easy to Make: No need to assemble individual sandwiches—just layer and bake!

3. Perfectly Portable: Cut into squares for easy serving at parties, picnics, or potlucks.

4. Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this cheesy, meaty bake.

5. Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it ahead of time and bake when ready—ideal for stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cups shredded cooked corned beef (or thinly sliced deli corned beef)

• 2 cups sauerkraut, drained and rinsed

• 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (divided)

• 1 cup Thousand Island dressing (store-bought or homemade)

• 8 slices rye bread, cubed (or substitute with pumpernickel or sourdough)

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 tablespoon caraway seeds (optional, for added rye bread flavor)

Directions

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Prepare the Bread Base: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cubed rye bread with melted butter and caraway seeds until evenly coated. Spread the bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base layer.

3. Layer the Ingredients:

   • Spread half of the shredded corned beef evenly over the bread layer.

   • Top the corned beef with half of the sauerkraut, spreading it out in an even layer.

   • Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese over the sauerkraut.

   • Repeat the layers: add the remaining corned beef, followed by the remaining sauerkraut, and another cup of Swiss cheese.

4. Add the Dressing: Drizzle the Thousand Island dressing evenly over the top layer of Swiss cheese.

5. Bake the Dish: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the edges are crispy.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the bake from the oven and let it cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Cut into squares and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

• Add Veggies: Stir in diced onions, bell peppers, or jalapeños for extra flavor and crunch.

• Switch the Protein: Use pastrami, roast beef, or turkey instead of corned beef for a different twist.

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free bread or crackers for the rye bread base.

• Vegan Version: Use plant-based corned beef, dairy-free cheese, and vegan Thousand Island dressing for a plant-based option.

• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a fiery kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storing: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven or microwave. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to prevent drying out, and heat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make Reuben Bake ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

2. Can I use different bread for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute rye bread with pumpernickel, sourdough, or any other sturdy bread you prefer.

3. How do I make it spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

4. Can I use pastrami instead of corned beef?

Yes, pastrami makes a great substitute for corned beef and adds a slightly different flavor.

5. Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked Reuben Bake. Just assemble it, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

6. How do I know when it’s done?

The Reuben Bake is done when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the edges are crispy.

7. Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, you can make a vegan version by using plant-based corned beef, dairy-free cheese, and vegan Thousand Island dressing.

8. What kind of cheese should I use?

Swiss cheese works best for the traditional Reuben flavor, but you can substitute it with other melting cheeses like provolone or mozzarella if you prefer.

9. How should I store leftovers?

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

10. Can I serve this for a party?

Absolutely! Reuben Bake is perfect for parties. It’s easy to serve in squares and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion

Reuben Bake is an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a quick family dinner, or craving a comforting meal, this recipe has you covered. With its rich layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and rye bread, it’s a dish that brings all the best Reuben flavors into one convenient, delicious bake. Try it today!