This Reuben Bake transforms the beloved deli sandwich into a cheesy, hearty casserole with layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and rye bread croutons, all baked in a creamy Thousand Island sauce. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, potlucks, or a comforting weeknight dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to Make – Just layer and bake!
Bold Reuben Flavors – Tangy, savory, and cheesy
Great for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day
Crowd-Pleasing – A hit at parties and family dinners
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 8 slices rye bread, cubed (about 4 cups)
- 1 lb corned beef, chopped
- 1 (14 oz) can sauerkraut, drained
- 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Thousand Island dressing
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Thousand Island dressing
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Bread & Meat
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Toss rye bread cubes with melted butter and spread in the dish.
2. Layer the Ingredients
- Top bread with chopped corned beef, then drained sauerkraut.
- Sprinkle Swiss cheese evenly over the top.
3. Make the Sauce
- In a bowl, mix Thousand Island dressing, sour cream, mayonnaise, and caraway seeds.
- Pour over the casserole, spreading to cover.
4. Bake & Serve
- Bake 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with parsley and serve with extra dressing on the side.
Pro Tips
Use deli-style corned beef for the best texture
Squeeze excess liquid from sauerkraut to prevent sogginess
For extra crunch, toast the rye cubes before layering
Make ahead – Assemble the night before and bake when ready
FAQs
Q: Can I use pastrami instead of corned beef?
✔ Yes! It’ll taste like a Rachel Bake (a Reuben’s cousin).
Q: How to store leftovers?
✔ Refrigerate for up to 3 days (reheat in the oven).
Q: Can I freeze this?
✔ Yes, but freeze before baking for best texture.
Q: No rye bread?
✔ Substitute pumpernickel or sourdough.
Serving Suggestions
- St. Patrick’s Day feast with boiled potatoes
- Game day spread alongside pretzel bites
- Brunch option with a side salad
Final Thoughts
This Reuben Bake is a comforting, flavor-packed twist on the classic sandwich—easy to make and always a crowd favorite.
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Reuben Bake
- Total Time: 45 MINS
Description
This Reuben Bake transforms the beloved deli sandwich into a cheesy, hearty casserole with layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and rye bread croutons, all baked in a creamy Thousand Island sauce. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, potlucks, or a comforting weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
8 slices of rye bread, cubed
1 pound thinly sliced or shredded corned beef
1 can (14 ounces) sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
2 cups grated Swiss cheese
1 cup Thousand Island dressing
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
Prepare Ingredients: Cube the rye bread slices, shred or thinly slice the corned beef, and drain and rinse the sauerkraut.
Layer Ingredients: Begin by layering half of the cubed rye bread in the bottom of the greased baking dish. Top with half of the corned beef, followed by half of the sauerkraut. Sprinkle half of the grated Swiss cheese over the sauerkraut layer.
Add Dressing: Drizzle half of the Thousand Island dressing evenly over the cheese layer.
Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients: rye bread, corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese.
Finish with Dressing: Drizzle the remaining Thousand Island dressing evenly over the top layer of cheese.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
Once baked, remove the foil and allow the Reuben Bake to cool slightly before serving. Cut into squares and serve hot.
