Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s so much to adore about Reuben Bake. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- All the Reuben Flavors : Corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing come together in one dish.
- Easy to Make : No need to assemble individual sandwiches—just layer and bake!
- Perfectly Portable : Cut into squares for easy serving at parties, picnics, or potlucks.
- Kid-Friendly : Even picky eaters will love this cheesy, meaty bake.
- Make-Ahead Friendly : Prepare it ahead of time and bake when ready—ideal for stress-free entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to this dish lies in its simple yet indulgent combination of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Bake:
- 2 cups shredded cooked corned beef (or thinly sliced deli corned beef)
- 2 cups sauerkraut , drained and rinsed
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (divided)
- 1 cup Thousand Island dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 slices rye bread , cubed (or substitute with pumpernickel or sourdough)
- ½ cup unsalted butter , melted
- 1 tablespoon caraway seeds (optional, for added rye bread flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to whip up this cheesy, savory bake? Follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) . Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread Base
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the cubed rye bread with melted butter and caraway seeds until evenly coated.
- Spread the bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base layer.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
- Spread half of the shredded corned beef evenly over the bread layer.
- Top the corned beef with half of the sauerkraut, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese over the sauerkraut.
- Repeat the layers: add the remaining corned beef, followed by the remaining sauerkraut, and another cup of Swiss cheese.
Step 4: Add the Dressing
- Drizzle the Thousand Island dressing evenly over the top layer of Swiss cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Dish
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes , or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the edges are crispy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the bake from the oven and let it cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
- Cut into squares and serve warm.
- Enjoy the rich, indulgent flavors of a classic Reuben in every bite!
Why This Recipe Works So Well
The magic of Reuben Bake lies in its balance of flavors and textures. The tender corned beef provides a savory base, while the tangy sauerkraut adds brightness and depth. The gooey melted Swiss cheese ties everything together, and the buttery rye bread base creates a satisfying crunch. Together, these elements create a dish that’s as comforting as it is indulgent—a true crowd-pleaser.
