Savory Reuben Bake Delight

This Reuben Bake transforms the classic deli sandwich into a crowd-pleasing casserole that delivers all the flavors you love in a comforting, shareable form. I created this recipe when looking for a way to feed my sandwich-loving family without standing at the counter making individual Reubens.

I first made this Reuben Bake for a St. Patrick's Day gathering, and now my family requests it year-round. The way the rye bread soaks up the dressing while maintaining some crispness on top creates an irresistible texture that improves on the original sandwich.

Ingredients

• Rye bread: the distinctive flavor is essential to a true Reuben experience and creates the perfect base for soaking up the savory flavors
• Corned beef: opt for freshly sliced from the deli counter rather than packaged for the best flavor and texture
• Sauerkraut: be sure to drain well to prevent a soggy casserole look for refrigerated varieties for better flavor than canned
• Swiss cheese: choose a good quality Swiss that melts well traditional Emmentaler works beautifully here
• Thousand Island dressing: the creamy, tangy sauce that brings everything together use homemade for the best flavor
• Butter: adds richness and helps create a golden crust on top
• Caraway seeds: optional but highly recommended for their authentic rye bread flavor enhancement

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Heat your oven to 375°F. This moderate temperature allows the casserole to heat through without burning the bread on top. While the oven heats, take a moment to thoroughly grease your 9x13 baking dish making sure to get into the corners to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Bread:

Cut each slice of rye bread into 1-inch cubes. The size is important too small and they'll get mushy, too large and they won't integrate well with the other ingredients. Place half of these cubes in an even layer across the bottom of your greased baking dish, pressing lightly to create a solid base.

Layer the Ingredients:

Begin building flavors by arranging half of your thinly sliced corned beef on top of the bread layer. Follow with half of your well-drained sauerkraut, distributing it evenly. The moisture balance is crucial here too much liquid from the sauerkraut will make your casserole soggy. Add half of the shredded Swiss cheese, then repeat all layers again, creating a beautiful stratification of flavors.

Add Dressing:

Drizzle Thousand Island dressing evenly over the entire casserole, making sure to reach the edges. The dressing will seep down through the layers during baking, flavoring everything it touches. Be careful not to use too much, as it can make the casserole heavy.

Finish Preparation:

Pour melted butter over the entire dish, which will help the top bread cubes become golden and crispy during baking. Sprinkle with caraway seeds if using, which add an authentic rye bread flavor that complements the other Reuben elements perfectly.

Bake:

Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This initial covered baking period allows all the ingredients to heat through without burning the top. After 25 minutes, remove the foil to allow the top to become golden brown and the cheese to develop that irresistible bubbly texture during the final 10-15 minutes of baking.

Serve:

Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting. This brief resting period helps the layers set, making it easier to cut clean portions. The casserole should be warm but not scorching hot when served.

Pin

The corned beef is truly the star of this recipe. I discovered that asking the deli counter to slice it at a medium thickness rather than super thin gives the best texture in the finished casserole. My grandmother always said a good Reuben needs generous meat, and this bake honors her memory every time I make it.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Reuben Bake is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble the entire casserole up to a day ahead, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Just remember to remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, and you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time. Leftovers keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or return to a 350°F oven until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

While purists might insist on traditional ingredients, this recipe welcomes creative adaptations. Turkey can replace corned beef for a lighter version, while coleslaw can substitute for sauerkraut if you prefer less tang. For those avoiding rye, sourdough bread works surprisingly well. Vegetarians can use tempeh or seitan with liquid smoke for a meatless option that still captures the Reuben essence. The beauty of this casserole is its adaptability while maintaining that classic Reuben flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty casserole with simple, fresh sides that complement rather than compete with its rich flavors. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers welcome contrast, while dill pickle spears provide that authentic deli experience. For a complete meal, consider roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus. Some people enjoy additional Thousand Island dressing on the side for dipping, especially for the slightly crispy corner pieces that everyone fights over.

Origins of the Reuben

The Reuben Bake honors the classic sandwich that has somewhat disputed origins. Most food historians credit either Reuben Kulakofsky, a Lithuanian-born grocer from Omaha who created it for poker game snacks in the 1920s, or Arnold Reuben, founder of the famous Reuben's Delicatessen in New York City. Regardless of its beginnings, the combination of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian or Thousand Island dressing on rye bread has become an American deli staple. This casserole version maintains that heritage while transforming it into a shareable dish.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, while rye bread is traditional, you can substitute with sourdough or any firm bread for a similar texture and taste.

→ What can I use instead of Thousand Island dressing?

You can replace Thousand Island dressing with Russian dressing or a mix of mayonnaise and ketchup for a similar flavor profile.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace the corned beef with a plant-based protein like seasoned tofu or tempeh, and ensure the dressing is vegetarian-friendly.

→ Do I need to use caraway seeds?

No, caraway seeds are optional, but they add a unique flavor that complements the rye bread and other ingredients.