Reuben Bake: A Deconstructed Sandwich Turned Comfort Food Casserole

Introduction

Love Reuben sandwiches? Then you’ll adore this Reuben Bake—a hearty, cheesy casserole that layers all the classic flavors of the iconic deli sandwich into one easy, oven-baked dish. Tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing come together with crispy rye bread cubes for a comforting meal that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, potlucks, or anytime you crave that signature Reuben taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

All the Reuben flavors, none of the assembly hassle – No stacking individual sandwiches!
Great for leftovers – Uses up leftover corned beef or store-bought slices
Crowd-pleasing – A hit at parties and family dinners
Customizable – Make it as tangy or cheesy as you like

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole Base:

• 6 cups cubed rye bread (about ½ loaf, cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 2 cups chopped or shredded corned beef (leftover or deli-sliced)
• 1 (14 oz) can sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
• 1 ½ cups shredded Swiss cheese
• ½ cup Thousand Island dressing (plus extra for drizzling)
• ¼ cup chopped dill pickles (optional, for extra tang)

For the Egg Mixture (Binds Everything Together):

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (or half-and-half for richness)
• 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional, for authentic rye flavor)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For Topping:

• ½ cup additional shredded Swiss cheese
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• ½ cup crushed rye crackers or breadcrumbs (for crunch)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Bread & Layers

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread rye bread cubes evenly in the dish.
3. Layer on corned beef, sauerkraut, pickles (if using), and 1 ½ cups Swiss cheese.
4. Drizzle with ½ cup Thousand Island dressing.

2. Make the Egg Mixture

1. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, caraway seeds, garlic powder, and pepper.
2. Pour evenly over the casserole. Press down gently to help bread absorb liquid.

3. Add the Topping & Bake

1. Sprinkle with remaining ½ cup Swiss cheese.
2. Mix melted butter and crushed rye crackers, then scatter over the top.
3. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and set in the center.
4. Let cool 5 minutes, then drizzle with extra Thousand Island dressing.

Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes (watch closely!).

Expert Tips for the Best Reuben Bake

Flavor Variations

• Turkey Reuben: Swap corned beef for deli turkey
• Vegetarian Version: Use sliced mushrooms or tempeh instead of meat
• Spicy Kick: Add ½ tsp mustard powder to the egg mixture

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Assemble the night before – Cover and refrigerate, then bake (add 5-10 extra minutes).
• Freeze unbaked for up to 1 month (thaw before baking).
• Leftovers keep for 3 days in the fridge (reheat in the oven for best texture).

Troubleshooting

Problem: Too dry
Solution: Add ¼ cup more milk to the egg mixture next time.

Problem: Too soggy
Solution: Squeeze sauerkraut thoroughly and use stale bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pumpernickel bread instead of rye?

Yes! Any dark, hearty bread works.

What if I don’t have Thousand Island dressing?

Make a quick version: Mix ½ cup mayo + 2 tbsp ketchup + 1 tbsp relish.

Can I add Russian dressing instead?

Absolutely—it’s a spicier alternative!

How do I prevent the top from burning?

Tent with foil if browning too quickly.

Why This Casserole is a Must-Try

All the Reuben flavors in every bite – No fighting over who gets the “best” sandwich half!
Easy to scale up – Double for potlucks or halve for smaller families
Comfort food at its finest – Warm, cheesy, and satisfying

Reuben Bake: A Deconstructed Sandwich Turned Comfort Food Casserole

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• Author: Lara Smith
• Total Time: 40 mins

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Description

Indulge in a comforting twist on a classic sandwich with this Reuben Bake! This hearty casserole layers cubed rye bread, corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, baked to perfection. It’s a delightful way to enjoy all the flavors of a traditional Reuben sandwich in an easy-to-make dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

8 slices rye bread, cubed

1 lb corned beef, thinly sliced or shredded

14 oz sauerkraut, drained and rinsed

2 cups grated Swiss cheese

1 cup Thousand Island dressing

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.

Layer half the bread, corned beef, sauerkraut, cheese, and dressing in the dish.

Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.

Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.

Remove foil for the last few minutes to brown the top slightly.

Let cool slightly before serving hot.

Notes

This Reuben Bake transforms a beloved sandwich into a warm, cheesy casserole, perfect for satisfying cravings and sharing with loved ones.