Description
Hearty Reuben Bake brings classic deli flavors into a comforting casserole, layering corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese with rye bread crumbs. Melted and rich, this dish delivers a mouthwatering twist you will devour with pure sandwich-inspired delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) corned beef, thinly sliced
- 2 cups (226 grams) Swiss cheese, shredded
Bread Base:
- 1 loaf rye bread, sliced and cut into 1-inch cubes
Seasonings and Additions:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) sauerkraut, drained
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) Thousand Island dressing
- 1/4 cup (57 grams) butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) caraway seeds (optional)
- Non-stick cooking spray or butter for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F, creating a warm environment for the reuben bake to transform.
- Grease a rectangular baking dish thoroughly, ensuring no surface is left uncoated to prevent sticking.
- Arrange bread slices in a single layer across the bottom of the prepared dish, creating a sturdy foundation for the upcoming layers.
- Distribute corned beef evenly over the bread, creating a robust protein base that will anchor the dish’s flavor profile.
- Generously scatter sauerkraut across the corned beef, spreading it to ensure balanced coverage and tangy undertones.
- Sprinkle swiss cheese over the sauerkraut, allowing it to melt and bind the layers together during baking.
- Repeat the layering process with another set of bread slices, corned beef, sauerkraut, and swiss cheese to build complexity.
- Drizzle thousand island dressing across the top layer, ensuring even distribution for consistent flavor.
- Gently pour melted butter over the entire dish, which will help create a golden, crispy exterior.
- If desired, dust caraway seeds across the surface for an additional aromatic dimension.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, trapping moisture and heat.
- Remove foil and continue baking until the cheese is completely melted and edges turn golden brown.
- Allow the reuben bake to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven, enabling flavors to settle and making serving easier.
Notes
- Swap rye bread with gluten-free bread for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting dish.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium corned beef and sauerkraut, perfect for those watching salt intake.
- For a lighter twist, replace butter with olive oil spray and use Greek yogurt-based dressing to cut calories without sacrificing flavor.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute corned beef with roasted portobello mushrooms or tempeh for a hearty plant-based alternative that maintains the classic Reuben profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg