Reuben Bake with Layers of Corned Beef, Sauerkraut, and Swiss Cheese
The Reuben sandwich is a deli classic, and for good reason! The combination of savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing makes for an unforgettable bite. But let’s take those flavors to the next level with this Reuben Bake—a comforting, cheesy, oven-baked casserole that delivers all the goodness of the sandwich without the hassle of grilling individual portions.
This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, game-day feast, or potluck. With layers of flaky crescent roll dough (or rye bread for a classic touch), plenty of melty cheese, and all the signature Reuben flavors, it’s guaranteed to be a new favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the flavors of a classic Reuben, no sandwich assembly required!
- A one-pan meal that’s great for feeding a crowd.
- Flaky, golden crescent roll dough gives it a warm, buttery crust.
- Make-ahead friendly—perfect for prepping in advance!
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 6-8 | Prep Time: 15 mins | Bake Time: 30-35 mins)
- 2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 lb sliced corned beef
- 1 (14-ounce) can sauerkraut, drained and patted dry
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (or slices)
- ½ cup Thousand Island dressing
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional, for that rye bread flavor)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
How to Make a Reuben Bake
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Layer the Crescent Roll Dough
Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the baking dish, pinching the seams together to form a solid crust.
3. Add the Corned Beef
Layer half of the sliced corned beef evenly over the dough.
4. Layer the Sauerkraut
Spread half of the drained sauerkraut over the corned beef. Make sure to pat the sauerkraut dry with paper towels so your bake doesn’t turn out soggy.
5. Sprinkle the Swiss Cheese
Add half of the shredded Swiss cheese on top of the sauerkraut for that gooey, melty goodness.
6. Drizzle the Thousand Island Dressing
Drizzle half of the Thousand Island dressing evenly over the cheese.
7. Repeat the Layers
Repeat the layers with the remaining corned beef, sauerkraut, cheese, and dressing.
8. Add the Top Crescent Layer
Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and place it over the top, pinching the seams together to seal the casserole.
9. Brush with Egg Wash & Butter
Brush the top layer with beaten egg for a golden, glossy crust. Then, brush it with melted butter and sprinkle with caraway seeds for that classic rye bread taste.
10. Bake Until Golden & Bubbly
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
11. Let It Cool & Serve
Let the Reuben Bake cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm with extra Thousand Island dressing on the side for dipping!
Pro Tips for the Best Reuben Bake
- Drain & Dry the Sauerkraut Well – Excess liquid can make the bake soggy, so pat it dry before layering.
- Use Rye Bread Instead of Crescent Dough – If you want an extra-traditional touch, layer slices of rye breadinstead of crescent dough.
- Extra Crispy Crust? Bake the bottom layer of crescent dough for 5 minutes before layering the ingredients.
- Spice It Up – Add a little horseradish or spicy mustard to the dressing for extra zing.
- Make It Ahead – Assemble the bake up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven!
Fun Variations to Try
Want to mix it up? Here are some easy twists on this Reuben Bake:
- Turkey Reuben Bake (Rachel Casserole) – Swap the corned beef for turkey and use coleslaw instead of sauerkraut.
- Keto-Friendly Version – Use a low-carb tortilla or cheese-based dough in place of crescent rolls.
- Extra Cheesy Reuben Bake – Add a layer of cream cheese or provolone for extra creaminess.
- Mini Reuben Bites – Use crescent roll dough to wrap individual bite-sized portions and bake them as Reuben roll-ups!
What to Serve with a Reuben Bake
Since this bake is packed with flavor, it pairs well with simple sides:
- Dill Pickles – A crunchy, tangy contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Potato Chips or Fries – Because what’s a sandwich-inspired dish without some crispy potatoes?
- Coleslaw – A fresh, creamy side that balances the flavors.
- Creamy Tomato Soup – A warm, comforting pairing for the ultimate meal.
FAQs About Reuben Bake
Q: Can I use pastrami instead of corned beef?
A: Absolutely! Pastrami has a slightly different seasoning but works great in this recipe.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutesto keep the crust crispy.
Q: Can I freeze a Reuben Bake?
A: Yes! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F for 45 minutes, or until heated through.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A: The oven is best to keep the crust crispy. Microwave works in a pinch, but the crust may soften.
A Reuben-Inspired Dish You’ll Want to Make Again & Again
If you love a classic Reuben sandwich, this Reuben Bake is a must-try. It’s crispy, cheesy, packed with flavor, and so easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something warm and comforting, this dish hits all the right notes.
Give it a try and let me know what you think! Would you add a little extra cheese or maybe some spicy mustard? Drop your favorite twist in the comments—I’d love to hear how you make it your own!
Easy Reuben Bake: A Cheesy, Savory Twist on the Classic Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 lb corned beef, sliced
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Thousand Island dressing
- 8 slices rye bread, cubed
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cubed rye bread with melted butter, salt, pepper, and caraway seeds if using.
- Layer half of the bread mixture in the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the beef and sauerkraut mixture evenly over the bread layer.
- Top with the remaining bread mixture.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
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