Reuben sandwich with this Reuben Bake recipe. It combines all the wonderful flavors of a Reuben sandwich—corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing—into a warm and comforting casserole that’s perfect for a family dinner or a potluck.
The Reuben Bake is a savory and hearty dish that transforms the iconic Reuben sandwich into an easy-to-make casserole. Layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese are nestled between pieces of rye bread and topped with Thousand Island dressing, creating a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Resume of the Recipe:
This Reuben Bake features layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese baked between slices of rye bread and topped with Thousand Island dressing. It’s an easy and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of a Reuben sandwich in a comforting casserole.
Exciting Story:
The first time I tried a Reuben sandwich was at a small deli in New York City, and I was immediately hooked by the unique combination of flavors. I wanted to recreate that delicious experience at home but in a form that could easily feed a crowd. That’s how the Reuben Bake was born—a casserole that captures all the essence of a Reuben sandwich in an easy-to-prepare dish.
Why This Reuben Bake is a Must-Try:
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this casserole a breeze to prepare.
- Comforting: Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering.
- Delicious Layers: Each layer brings out the classic Reuben flavors in a new way.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both adults and kids, making it a hit at any meal.
- Versatile: Can be adapted with different types of bread or cheese to suit your preferences.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf rye bread, sliced
- 1 pound corned beef, thinly sliced
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
- 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Thousand Island dressing
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon caraway seeds (optional)
How to Make Reuben Bake:
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Bread:
- Cut the rye bread slices into 1-inch cubes. Place half of the bread cubes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Assemble the Bake:
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Spread half of the corned beef over the bread cubes, followed by half of the sauerkraut and half of the Swiss cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining bread cubes, corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese.
- Add Dressing:
- Drizzle the Thousand Island dressing evenly over the top layer.
- Finish:
- Pour the melted butter over the entire dish and sprinkle with caraway seeds if using.
Bake the Casserole:
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
- Serve:
- Allow the Reuben Bake to cool slightly before cutting into squares. Serve warm.
Tips:
- Drain the Sauerkraut: Make sure to drain the sauerkraut well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Use Fresh Rye Bread: Fresh rye bread works best for this recipe, but day-old bread can also be used.
- Adjust the Dressing: Feel free to adjust the amount of Thousand Island dressing to your taste.