Homemade Reuben Bake Recipe

Introduction

The Homemade Reuben Bake is a comforting twist on the classic sandwich, layered and baked to perfection. It combines savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and rich dressing for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal.

A close-up of a layered sandwich with three thick layers of melted pale yellow cheese, each separated by two layers of dark reddish cooked meat. The top cheese layer is slightly browned and bubbling, with small bright green chive pieces sprinkled on it. The sandwich sits on a wooden surface with a soft focus background. The texture of the melted cheese is smooth and gooey, and the meat appears tender and juicy with a fibrous look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 8 slices rye bread
  • 2 cups corned beef, thinly sliced or shredded
  • 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
  • 1 ½ cups sauerkraut, drained
  • 1 cup Thousand Island or Russian dressing
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
  2. Step 2: Cut the rye bread into cubes and arrange half of them evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish.
  3. Step 3: Layer half of the corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and dressing over the bread cubes.
  4. Step 4: Repeat the layers with the remaining bread, corned beef, cheese, sauerkraut, and dressing.
  5. Step 5: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
  6. Step 6: Let the bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

  • Use rye bread with caraway seeds for an authentic flavor boost.
  • Try mixing Dijon mustard into the dressing for extra tanginess.
  • Add sliced pickles between layers for added crunch and acidity.
  • For a lighter version, substitute Swiss cheese with mozzarella or a reduced-fat cheese.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through to maintain the texture and flavor.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a square slice showing four distinct layers: the bottom layer is a dense, coarse-textured purple meat; above it is a lightly cooked, translucent layer of cabbage with some black pepper specks; next is a smooth, creamy pale yellow cheese layer; and the top layer is a golden-brown melted cheese crust with some small green herb pieces scattered on top. The slice rests on a white marbled surface, highlighting the vibrant colors and textures of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bake a few hours before baking. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving for best results.

What can I use if I don’t have Thousand Island dressing?

You can substitute with Russian dressing or make a simple mix of mayonnaise, ketchup, and a dash of pickle juice to replicate a similar flavor.

Print

Homemade Reuben Bake Recipe

This Homemade Reuben Bake is a comforting, easy-to-make casserole inspired by the classic deli sandwich. Layers of rye bread cubes are combined with savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and creamy Thousand Island dressing, then baked to bubbly, golden perfection. Perfect for a hearty family meal or casual entertaining, this dish captures all the flavors of a Reuben sandwich in a warm, satisfying casserole.

  • Author: Viktoria
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50-55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 8 slices rye bread
  • 2 cups corned beef, thinly sliced or shredded
  • 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
  • 1 ½ cups sauerkraut, drained
  • 1 cup Thousand Island or Russian dressing
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
  2. Prepare bread base: Cut the rye bread into cubes. Arrange half of these bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base layer.
  3. Add first layers: Over the bread cubes, layer half of the corned beef, followed by half of the shredded Swiss cheese, then half of the drained sauerkraut, and finally half of the Thousand Island or Russian dressing. Spread them evenly for consistent flavor throughout.
  4. Repeat layering: Repeat the layering process with the remaining bread cubes, corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and dressing to build up the casserole.
  5. Bake covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. This allows the ingredients to heat through and the flavors to meld.
  6. Finish baking uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
  7. Rest and serve: Allow the bake to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps it set for easier serving and enhances flavor melding. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty Reuben Bake.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free option, substitute rye bread with gluten-free bread of your choice.
  • You can use Russian dressing as an alternative to Thousand Island for slightly different flavor notes.
  • Ensure the sauerkraut is well drained to avoid excess moisture in the bake.
  • Adding garlic powder to the butter when greasing the dish infuses subtle garlicky flavor throughout.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.

Keywords: Reuben Bake, Casserole, Rye Bread, Corned Beef, Swiss Cheese, Sauerkraut, Thousand Island, Comfort Food

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