Gather around, food lovers! This Reuben Bake is the perfect blend of comfort and flavor. With layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese, it’s a dish that brings everyone together for a cozy meal. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of rye bread, cubed
- 1 lb corned beef, sliced
- 2 cups sauerkraut, drained
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup Thousand Island dressing
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tbsp caraway seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Layer half of the rye bread cubes on the bottom of the dish.
- Spread half of the corned beef over the bread cubes.
- Add half of the sauerkraut over the corned beef.
- Sprinkle half of the Swiss cheese on top.
- Spread half of the Thousand Island dressing over the cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Pour melted butter evenly over the top layer.
- Sprinkle with caraway seeds if using.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Variation
- Switch up the meat:
Instead of classic corned beef, try using pastrami or thinly sliced roast beef for a different flavor profile. Pastrami gives it a smoky, peppery kick, while roast beef keeps it milder and super tender. - Make it vegetarian:
For a meatless twist, swap the corned beef with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based deli alternative. Add a pinch of smoked paprika to mimic the depth of the original flavor. - Use a different cheese:
Swiss cheese is traditional, but you can sub in Gruyère for a nuttier taste, or even a blend of mozzarella and provolone for extra meltiness and a milder finish.
Cooking Notes
- Drain the sauerkraut well:
Be sure to really squeeze out excess moisture from the sauerkraut using a paper towel or clean kitchen towel. Too much liquid can make the bake soggy instead of crisp and bubbly. - Toast the bread cubes (optional but tasty):
If you have a few extra minutes, toss the bread cubes with a little oil or butter and lightly toast them in the oven before layering. This gives the final dish a crispier texture and richer flavor. - Let it rest before serving:
After baking, give the Reuben Bake 5–10 minutes to rest. This helps the layers settle and makes slicing and serving easier—plus, the flavors meld even more as it cools slightly.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side salad:
Balance the richness of the bake with a fresh green salad—something tangy, like arugula with vinaigrette or a crisp coleslaw, complements the hearty flavors perfectly. - Pair with a pickle or two:
Classic deli-style dill pickles or pickled vegetables add a crunchy, tangy contrast that cuts through the creaminess of the bake. Don’t skip it! - Great for brunch or dinner:
While this dish is dinner-worthy, it also makes a fantastic brunch main especially when paired with roasted potatoes and a mimosa or Bloody Mary on the side.
Tips
- Make it ahead of time:
Assemble the whole bake, cover it, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. When ready to cook, just pop it into the oven great for busy nights or entertaining. - Customize your layering:
Don’t be afraid to mix things up add extra cheese in the middle, a bit of Dijon mustard between layers, or even a sprinkle of chopped dill pickles for extra punch. - Double the recipe for a crowd:
Feeding a crowd? This recipe doubles easily just use a larger baking dish or make two pans. It’s a hit at potlucks, family dinners, and game day gatherings!
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving — approx. based on 8 servings)
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: ~21g
- Sodium: ~1150mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this Reuben Bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can fully assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if going straight from fridge to oven. - Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Let the bake cool completely, then slice and store in airtight containers or wrap portions in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best results. - What kind of rye bread works best?
Any type of rye bread works well—seeded, marble, or deli-style. Just make sure it’s firm enough to hold up during baking. Day-old bread actually works great for this! - Is there a gluten-free option?
Definitely just use a gluten-free rye-style bread (or any hearty gluten-free bread you like), and double-check that your Thousand Island dressing and corned beef are gluten-free certified.
Conclusion
This Reuben Bake is everything you love about the classic deli sandwich, wrapped up in a warm, cheesy, oven-baked hug. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, brunch, or your next potluck, it’s guaranteed to satisfy with bold flavors and nostalgic comfort. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a new family favorite!
Print
Delicious Reuben Bake: A Layered Delight!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
Gather around, food lovers! This Reuben Bake is the perfect blend of comfort and flavor. With layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese, it’s a dish that brings everyone together for a cozy meal. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf of rye bread, cubed
- 1 lb corned beef, sliced
- 2 cups sauerkraut, drained
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup Thousand Island dressing
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tbsp caraway seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Layer half of the rye bread cubes on the bottom of the dish.
- Spread half of the corned beef over the bread cubes.
- Add half of the sauerkraut over the corned beef.
- Sprinkle half of the Swiss cheese on top.
- Spread half of the Thousand Island dressing over the cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Pour melted butter evenly over the top layer.
- Sprinkle with caraway seeds if using.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a crispier texture, toast the rye bread cubes slightly before layering.
- Use pastrami or turkey as a twist on the classic Reuben flavor.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or air fryer!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole / Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: ~450
- Sugar: ~5g
- Sodium: ~1150mg
- Fat: ~28g
- Saturated Fat: ~12g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~13g
- Trans Fat: ~0.5g
- Carbohydrates: ~28g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Protein: ~21g
- Cholesterol: ~70mg
Keywords: Reuben casserole, Reuben bake, corned beef casserole, sauerkraut recipe