Reuben Bake Recipe

The Ultimate Tangy Reuben Bake Recipe for Comfort Food Fans

Comfort food reaches new heights with this delectable Reuben bake that captures the classic deli sandwich’s bold flavors.

Layers of corned beef, swiss cheese, and tangy sauerkraut meld together in a mouthwatering casserole that will delight your taste buds.

The traditional Reuben sandwich inspires this hearty dish, promising a crowd-pleasing meal that comes together with minimal effort.

Crispy rye bread crumbs add a delightful crunch to the creamy, savory layers beneath.

Every forkful delivers a perfect balance of rich meat, melted cheese, and zesty dressing.

Warm and satisfying, this bake transforms a sandwich favorite into a comforting family dinner.

Prepare to savor every single bite of this irresistible Reuben-inspired creation.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients in a Reuben Bake?

The key ingredients are rye bread, corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing. These classic Reuben sandwich components are layered and baked together to create a delicious casserole-style dish.

  • Is this recipe suitable for making ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Reuben Bake in advance by assembling all layers in the baking dish and refrigerating. When ready to serve, simply bake it in the preheated oven. This makes it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

  • Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe?

You can swap rye bread with another hearty bread, use pastrami instead of corned beef, or try a different cheese like provolone.

Reuben Bake: Why It’s a Comfort Food Classic

  • Transform the classic Reuben sandwich into an easy-to-serve baked casserole that eliminates the need for individual sandwich assembly.
  • Create a crowd-pleasing meal with minimal prep work, using layered ingredients that blend classic Reuben flavors in a single baking dish.
  • Easily adjust ingredients to suit personal tastes or dietary preferences, making this recipe adaptable for different family members or guests.
  • Enjoy a delicious, hearty meal without complex cooking techniques, perfect for home cooks seeking a straightforward, satisfying dish.

What Goes Into the Best Reuben Bake

Main Ingredients:
  • Rye Bread: A hearty bread that provides a classic flavor base for the Reuben Bake.
  • Corned Beef: The signature protein that brings rich, savory flavor to the dish.
  • Sauerkraut: A tangy fermented cabbage that adds traditional Reuben sandwich character.
  • Swiss Cheese: A creamy cheese that melts beautifully and complements the other ingredients.
Dressing:
  • Thousand Island Dressing: A creamy condiment that adds moisture and signature Reuben sandwich taste to the bake.
Preparation Helpers:
  • Aluminum Foil, Cooking Spray: Essential tools for covering the dish and preventing sticking during baking.

Tools and Dishes for Easy Reuben Bake Assembly

  • Baking dish: Greased container for layering and baking ingredients.
  • Aluminum foil: Covers dish during baking to prevent burning.
  • Knife: For cubing bread and slicing corned beef.
  • Grater: Used to shred Swiss cheese.
  • Measuring cups: Helps measure ingredients accurately.
  • Cutting board: Surface for preparing ingredients.
  • Mixing spoon or spatula: For even spreading of ingredients and dressing.

Making Reuben Bake: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Get your kitchen warmed up by setting the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Grab a baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to keep everything from sticking.

Step 2: Chop And Prep

Slice the rye bread into bite-sized cubes.

Shred the corned beef into tender pieces.

Drain the sauerkraut completely and give it a quick rinse to remove excess liquid.

Step 3: Create First Layer Foundation

Spread half of the rye bread cubes across the bottom of your greased baking dish.

This will create a delicious base for your Reuben masterpiece.

Step 4: Build First Flavor Level

Top the bread cubes with these ingredients:
  • Corned beef pieces
  • Sauerkraut
  • Grated Swiss cheese

Drizzle half of the Thousand Island dressing over this scrumptious layer.

Step 5: Repeat Delicious Layering

Mirror the previous layer by adding the remaining ingredients in the same order:
  • Rye bread cubes
  • Corned beef
  • Sauerkraut
  • Swiss cheese

Pour the remaining Thousand Island dressing on top.

Step 6: Cover And Bake

Shield your creation with aluminum foil and slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Let it bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese transforms into a melty, golden blanket.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Carefully remove the foil and let the Reuben Bake rest for a few minutes.

Slice into hearty squares and serve piping hot to hungry guests.

Tips for Hot, Melty, Flavor-Packed Reuben Bake

  • Choose fresh, sturdy rye bread that holds its texture during baking to prevent a soggy bottom layer and maintain delicious crunch.
  • Pat sauerkraut completely dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and prevent the dish from becoming watery during baking.
  • Drizzle Thousand Island dressing sparingly to enhance flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients or making the bake too wet.
  • Swap Swiss cheese with Gruyère or provolone for a different flavor profile while maintaining the classic Reuben sandwich essence.
  • Assemble the bake in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving to save time and ensure a fresh, hot meal.

Reuben Bake: New Spins and Add-Ins

  • Gluten-Free Reuben Bake: Replace rye bread with gluten-free bread cubes or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
  • Vegetarian Reuben Casserole: Swap corned beef with roasted portobello mushrooms or plant-based protein crumbles for a meat-free version.
  • Light Reuben Bake: Use Greek yogurt instead of Thousand Island dressing and low-fat Swiss cheese to reduce calories and fat content.
  • Spicy Southwest Reuben: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap Thousand Island for a chipotle-style dressing to give the classic recipe a zesty kick.

Serving Ideas for Savory Reuben Bake

  • Deli Delight Plating: Serve this hearty casserole on a rustic wooden board for a cozy restaurant-style presentation.
  • Sandwich Sidekick: Pair with crisp dill pickles or tangy coleslaw to complement the rich, savory flavors of the Reuben Bake.
  • Brunch Brilliance: Transform this dish into a weekend brunch star by topping with a fried egg and fresh chopped chives for extra indulgence.
  • Crowd-Pleaser Portion: Cut into smaller appetizer-sized squares for game day gatherings or potluck parties, letting guests enjoy bite-sized comfort food.

Best Storage Tips for Leftover Reuben Bake

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
  • Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months, labeling with the date to track storage time.
  • Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
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Reuben Bake Recipe

Reuben Bake Recipe


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4.8 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Hearty Reuben bake brings classic deli flavors into a comforting casserole-style dish. Layered corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese meld together with a creamy Russian dressing for you to savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound thinly sliced or shredded corned beef
  • 2 cups (473 ml) grated Swiss cheese
  • 8 slices rye bread, cubed

Vegetable and Condiment Ingredients:

  • 1 can (14 ounces / 397 grams) sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup (237 ml) Thousand Island dressing

Bread Component:

  • 8 slices rye bread, cubed

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and lightly greasing a baking dish to ensure easy removal.
  2. Prepare ingredients by cubing rye bread, shredding corned beef, and draining sauerkraut thoroughly.
  3. Create the first layer by evenly spreading half of the cubed rye bread across the bottom of the greased dish.
  4. Top the bread layer with half of the corned beef, distributing it uniformly for consistent flavor.
  5. Add a generous layer of sauerkraut over the corned beef, ensuring even coverage.
  6. Sprinkle half of the Swiss cheese over the sauerkraut, creating a rich and melty base layer.
  7. Drizzle half of the Thousand Island dressing across the cheese, allowing it to seep into the layers.
  8. Repeat the layering process by adding the remaining rye bread cubes, corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese.
  9. Complete the dish by pouring the remaining Thousand Island dressing over the top layer.
  10. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts completely and becomes bubbly.
  12. Remove from oven, let cool for a few minutes, then cut into squares and serve hot.

Notes

  • Swap bread for gluten-free alternatives if needed, ensuring the same crispy texture and absorption of flavors.
  • Reduce sauerkraut intensity by rinsing thoroughly or using less for those sensitive to tangy tastes.
  • Experiment with lighter dressing options like Greek yogurt-based Thousand Island for a healthier twist.
  • Add extra protein by incorporating diced ham or turkey alongside corned beef for more variety.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 1080 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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