If you love the bold flavors of a traditional Reuben sandwich, get ready to fall head over heels for this comforting Reuben Bake. This hearty casserole layers all the classic elements—tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, rich Swiss cheese, and buttery rye bread—into one deliciously warm and melty dish. Perfect for feeding a crowd, prepping ahead, or transforming leftovers into something extraordinary. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, attending a potluck, or simply craving a twist on a deli favorite, this Reuben Bake delivers all the satisfaction of the original sandwich in a no-fuss, oven-baked form.
- All the flavor of a Reuben, no frying required
- Great for leftovers – Use up corned beef from St. Patrick’s Day or deli night
- Easy to make ahead – Prep and refrigerate before baking
- Crowd-pleasing – Feeds a hungry group with minimal effort
🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need
To recreate this savory Reuben casserole at home, gather the following:
- 1 lb corned beef, thinly sliced
- 1 ½ cups sauerkraut, well-drained and squeezed dry
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 8 slices rye bread, cubed
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- ½ cup Thousand Island dressing
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional for extra tang)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
👨🍳 How to Make Reuben Bake (Step-by-Step Instructions)
🔥 Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray and set it aside.
🍞 Step 2: Prepare the Rye Bread Base
In a large bowl, toss the cubed rye bread with melted butter until evenly coated. Spread the cubes in a single layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This forms the crisp, flavorful base of your bake.
🥩 Step 3: Layer the Filling
Layer the thinly sliced corned beef evenly over the bread. Top with the drained sauerkraut, followed by the shredded Swiss cheese. Repeat the layering if necessary, finishing with a generous amount of cheese on top.
🥣 Step 4: Mix and Pour the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the Thousand Island dressing and Dijon mustard (if using). Pour the sauce evenly over the layered ingredients in the dish, letting it soak through slightly.
⏲️ Step 5: Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
🌿 Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Let the Reuben Bake cool slightly before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of freshness and color. Serve warm and enjoy!
🕒 Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6–8
- Estimated Calories: ~430 kcal per serving
📌 Tips for the Best Reuben Bake
- Drain your sauerkraut well to avoid a soggy casserole.
- Use a bakery-style rye for better texture and flavor.
- Want extra crunch? Toast the bread cubes before layering.
- Make it spicy with a dash of horseradish or hot mustard in the sauce.
🧊 Storage and Reheating
- To store: Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
- To reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions.
- To freeze: Wrap the fully baked (and cooled) dish tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
🔁 Variations You Can Try
- Turkey Reuben Bake (Rachel Casserole): Substitute turkey for corned beef.
- Keto-friendly: Use low-carb bread and sugar-free dressing.
- Mini bakes: Bake in muffin tins for portion-controlled servings.
✨ Conclusion
This Savory Reuben Bake brings a deli-style classic into your kitchen in the easiest, most comforting way possible. It’s simple to assemble, big on flavor, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re craving something nostalgic or looking for a crowd-pleasing casserole to share, this dish will hit the spot.