Easy Reuben Bake

If you love a good Reuben sandwich, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Reuben Bake. It’s a hearty, cheesy casserole that brings together all the iconic flavors of a Reuben in a super easy, family-friendly form. Just picture tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese, all nestled between layers of soft rye bread and drizzled with creamy Thousand Island dressing. It’s comfort food at its finest, and trust me, your whole family is going to love it.

Now, I’ve always been a fan of a classic Reuben sandwich—it’s a meal that has so many layers of flavor packed into a crispy, grilled masterpiece. But some days, you just want that delicious Reuben flavor without the fuss of making individual sandwiches. Enter the Reuben Bake! It’s the perfect solution. You get the same bold, tangy flavor, but in a warm, cheesy casserole form that’s just so much easier to serve and enjoy. Whether you’re making this for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or even just because you’re craving something comforting, this dish will not disappoint.

Let’s dive in and get this bake started!

Ingredients

• 8 slices rye bread, cubed

• 1 pound corned beef, thinly sliced or shredded

• 1 can (14 ounces) sauerkraut, drained and rinsed

• 2 cups grated Swiss cheese

• 1 cup Thousand Island dressing

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, lightly grease a baking dish to prevent anything from sticking. I recommend using a 9×13-inch dish for this recipe—it’s the perfect size to accommodate all the layers and give the bread enough space to soak up all those delicious flavors.

Once your dish is prepped and the oven is ready, you can move on to preparing the ingredients.

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Step 2: Cube the Rye Bread

The key to a good Reuben Bake is making sure each layer has that classic rye bread flavor. Cube the 8 slices of rye bread into bite-sized pieces. The bread will soften and soak up the dressing, cheese, and corned beef as it bakes, so you want it to be in pieces that are easy to grab with a fork once the dish is done.

Step 3: Prepare the Corned Beef

Next, grab your corned beef. You can either slice it thinly or shred it depending on your preference. I love using pre-sliced corned beef because it’s quick and easy, but feel free to use leftover corned beef if you’ve got some hanging around from a holiday meal. If you’re using deli corned beef, it’s typically already thinly sliced, making this step even easier.

Step 4: Drain and Rinse the Sauerkraut

Now, onto the sauerkraut! It’s essential to drain and rinse the sauerkraut thoroughly. This helps reduce some of the sharpness and ensures that the final bake isn’t too soggy. Plus, you want the sauerkraut to contribute flavor without overwhelming the other layers. Once drained and rinsed, set it aside and move on to layering.

Step 5: Begin Layering the Reuben Bake

Now for the fun part—layering! Start by spreading half of the cubed rye bread evenly across the bottom of your greased baking dish. The bread is the base, so make sure it’s spread out nicely and evenly.

Then, add half of your corned beef over the bread. Layer it gently so that each piece is covered, ensuring that the bread gets nice and soaked in that delicious meaty goodness.

After the corned beef, spread half of the sauerkraut on top. Don’t forget to distribute it evenly so every bite has that tangy, flavorful punch.

Next, sprinkle half of the grated Swiss cheese over the sauerkraut. Swiss cheese melts beautifully, creating that gooey, cheesy texture that binds everything together. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love that melty cheese layer?

Finally, drizzle half of the Thousand Island dressing evenly over the top. This creamy dressing adds that signature Reuben flavor and brings all the ingredients together in a perfect, tangy sauce.

Step 6: Repeat the Layers

Now that you’ve completed the first layer, it’s time to repeat the process. Add the remaining rye bread, then top it with the remaining corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing. This double-layer approach makes sure you get a good mix of all the flavors in every bite.

Step 7: Bake and Enjoy

Once your casserole is all layered up, cover the dish with aluminum foil and pop it into the oven. Bake it for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. When you take it out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes so it’s easier to cut and serve.

This Reuben Bake is the perfect combination of crunchy, gooey, and savory goodness. It’s like the Reuben sandwich, but better because it’s a casserole that’s perfect for sharing and serving in large portions.

Now that the Reuben Bake is almost ready to go, let’s dive into a few more details that’ll help you make sure this casserole is a hit every time you make it. If you’re anything like me, you love a recipe that’s easy to make but still packed with flavor—and this one definitely delivers! In this section, I’ll walk you through some simple tips for making your bake extra special, along with a few variations that can give it a personalized touch.

Step 8: For an Extra Crispy Top

If you’re a fan of that perfectly crispy, golden cheese top, here’s a little secret—during the last 5-10 minutes of baking, remove the foil! This allows the cheese to brown and become delightfully crunchy, giving your Reuben Bake that irresistible finishing touch. If you like your cheese extra crispy, keep an eye on it toward the end of the baking time. Just make sure it doesn’t burn, as it can happen quickly once the foil is removed.

Step 9: Serving Your Reuben Bake

Once you’ve pulled your casserole out of the oven and let it cool slightly, it’s time to cut into squares and serve! I recommend using a sharp knife to slice through the layers easily, so you get nice, even pieces. This dish is perfect for serving at family dinners, parties, or even just for a cozy night in. The rich, layered flavors will satisfy everyone, and it’s so easy to serve up—just scoop out a square and enjoy!

Step 10: Variations and Substitutions

While this Reuben Bake recipe is pretty close to the classic sandwich, there’s always room for some variations. Let me share a few ideas you can play around with:

• More Sauerkraut: If you love the tang of sauerkraut, feel free to add a bit more to the layers. You can even mix it into the dressing for an extra burst of flavor throughout the dish.

• Pickles for Extra Tang: For those who like their Reubens with a little more zing, add some pickle slices in between the layers. Dill pickles work best, but you can use bread-and-butter pickles if you prefer something sweeter.

• Different Bread: While rye bread is traditional, if you’re in the mood for something different, try using sourdough or even pumpernickel for a twist on the classic flavor.

• Add Some Caramelized Onions: Caramelized onions would be a fantastic addition to this Reuben Bake. They’ll add a sweet, rich flavor that balances beautifully with the tangy sauerkraut and corned beef.

Feel free to get creative! Recipes like this are so versatile and forgiving, so you can easily customize it to suit your tastes.

Step 11: Storing and Reheating Leftovers

One of the best things about this Reuben Bake is that it makes great leftovers. If you’re lucky enough to have any left after dinner, you can store the casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat it again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings, but for that crispy top, reheating in the oven is the way to go.

Now that you’ve got all the steps down, let’s take a moment to address some of the most common questions people have when making this Reuben Bake. I want to make sure you have all the info you need to make this dish your go-to comfort meal!

FAQ

1. Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! While rye bread is the traditional choice for a Reuben, you can easily swap it out for other types of bread. Sourdough or pumpernickel would be great alternatives if you want to change up the flavor a bit. The key is to use a hearty, thick bread that can hold up to the layers of corned beef and cheese.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely make this Reuben Bake ahead of time! If you want to prep it the night before, simply assemble all the layers in your baking dish, cover it with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it into the oven and follow the baking instructions. It might take an extra 5-10 minutes to bake if it’s cold from the fridge, but the result will be just as delicious.

3. Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Swiss cheese is classic for a Reuben, but you can use other cheeses depending on your preference. Gruyère cheese is a great choice because it has a similar taste to Swiss but with a slightly nuttier flavor. You could also try provolone, mozzarella, or even cheddar for a different twist. Just keep in mind that it will alter the overall flavor, but it can be fun to experiment!

4. Can I use a different dressing instead of Thousand Island?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of Thousand Island dressing, you can use Russian dressing instead. They’re very similar in flavor, but Russian dressing tends to be a little spicier and less sweet. You could also make your own dressing by mixing mayonnaise, ketchup, and a little bit of relish, depending on your taste preferences.

5. What can I serve with Reuben Bake?

This dish is rich and hearty on its own, but you can balance it out with a lighter side. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would be a great contrast to the richness of the bake. You could also serve it with roasted veggies or even a side of crispy fries if you’re feeling indulgent.

6. Can I freeze this Reuben Bake?

Yes, you can freeze this casserole! If you’re prepping it ahead of time and want to save some for later, simply assemble the bake, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze it. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight, and then bake it as directed. It will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months.

7. What can I do if I don’t have enough corned beef?

If you’re short on corned beef, you can stretch it by adding extra sauerkraut or cheese to fill out the layers. Another option is to add some cooked bacon or even shredded rotisserie chicken as a substitute. It won’t have the exact Reuben flavor, but it will still be a delicious, hearty dish.

Conclusion

There you have it—the ultimate guide to making a mouthwatering Reuben Bake! It’s a hearty, cheesy casserole that combines all the flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich in a super easy, shareable form. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a party, or just a comforting weeknight meal, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

I love how versatile this recipe is too. You can tweak it to suit your tastes, whether that’s adding extra tang with pickles or changing up the cheese. It’s the kind of recipe that you can make your own, and no matter what, it’s always going to be delicious.

So, next time you’re craving that Reuben flavor, give this bake a try. I promise, you won’t regret it! Don’t forget to share your thoughts and any fun variations you try in the comments—I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!

Happy baking!

Reuben Bake

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• Author: Sophia

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Description

This Reuben Bake is a delicious twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, turned into a warm and cheesy casserole. The layers of hearty rye bread, tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and gooey Swiss cheese, all drizzled with Thousand Island dressing, create a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for a family dinner, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving the bold flavors of a Reuben in a more casual, easy-to-serve form. The layers meld together perfectly, making each bite a rich, flavorful experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

8 slices rye bread, cubed

1 pound corned beef, thinly sliced or shredded

1 can (14 ounces) sauerkraut, drained and rinsed

2 cups grated Swiss cheese

1 cup Thousand Island dressing

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.

Cube the rye bread into bite-sized pieces.

Shred or thinly slice the corned beef.

Drain and rinse the sauerkraut thoroughly.

Begin by spreading half of the cubed rye bread evenly in the bottom of the greased baking dish.

Layer half of the corned beef over the bread, followed by half of the sauerkraut.

Sprinkle half of the grated Swiss cheese over the sauerkraut.

Drizzle half of the Thousand Island dressing evenly over the cheese layer.

Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients in the same order: rye bread, corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.

Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Cut into squares and serve hot.

Notes

For an extra crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown and become slightly crunchy. If you prefer a little more tang, you can use a bit more sauerkraut or even add some pickle slices for an additional burst of flavor. This dish is a great way to use up leftover corned beef, especially after St. Patrick’s Day! Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated for a quick meal.