Reuben Crescent Bake Recipe

The Ultimate Reuben Crescent Bake Recipe: Savory Comfort Food

Crafting a delightful reuben crescent bake brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Layers of savory corned beef mingle with tangy sauerkraut and melted swiss cheese.

Soft, buttery crescent rolls create a golden, flaky crust that wraps these classic flavors into one irresistible dish.

Deli-style ingredients transform into a warm, hearty meal that feels like a cozy hug.

Memories of deli sandwiches dance with homemade goodness in every single bite.

Creamy, zesty thousand island dressing adds a perfect finishing touch that makes this recipe sing.

Dive in and savor the deliciousness that awaits you.

Why Reuben Crescent Bake is a Must-Try

  • Quick Family Crowd-Pleaser: Combine classic deli flavors in a single bake that satisfies everyone from kids to adults, making mealtime a breeze without complicated techniques.
  • Versatile Serving Option: Perfect for casual gatherings, potlucks, game day parties, or a simple weeknight dinner that transforms traditional sandwich ingredients into a hearty casserole-style meal.
  • Stress-Free Preparation: Simplify cooking with ready-made crescent roll dough, pre-sliced cheese, and straightforward layering steps that anyone can master without professional cooking experience.

Ingredients for Reuben Crescent Bake

Main Ingredients:

Crescent Roll Dough: Soft, flaky pastry that forms the base and top of the bake.

Corned Beef: Tender, salty meat that adds rich flavor to the dish.

Swiss Cheese: Mild, creamy cheese that melts beautifully in the bake.

Sauerkraut: Tangy, fermented cabbage that provides a zesty punch.

Thousand Island Dressing: Creamy, slightly sweet condiment that binds the ingredients.

Egg and Seasoning:
  • Egg White: Gives the top a golden, shiny finish.
Baking Essentials:
  • Butter or Nonstick Spray: Helps prevent sticking in the baking dish.
  • Flour: Used for rolling out the dough smoothly.

Steps to Prepare Reuben Crescent Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and coat it thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Sauerkraut Mixture

Grab a mixing bowl and combine sauerkraut with Thousand Island dressing.

Stir until the ingredients blend completely, ensuring the sauerkraut is well-drained to keep the bake from becoming watery.

Step 3: Spread the First Dough Layer

Take half of the crescent roll dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12-inch square.

Carefully transfer the dough to the prepared baking dish, making sure it covers the entire bottom.

Step 4: Pre-Bake the Bottom Crust

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until the dough turns a light golden color.

This initial baking prevents a soggy base when additional ingredients are added.

Step 5: Layer the Filling

Create delicious layers on the pre-baked crust:
  • Swiss cheese slices (first layer)
  • Corned beef (spread evenly)
  • Sauerkraut mixture
  • Remaining Swiss cheese slices

Step 6: Add the Top Crust

Roll out the remaining crescent dough into a 9-inch square.

Gently place it over the layered filling, carefully pressing the edges to create a complete seal.

Step 7: Finish and Glaze

Crimp the edges of the dough to ensure a tight seal.

Brush the top with beaten egg white to create a beautiful golden and shiny surface during baking.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Return the dish to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.

Watch for a rich golden-brown color on the top crust.

Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the bake into squares and serve warm.

The layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering Reuben-inspired dish that’s sure to impress.

Tips for Better Reuben Crescent Bake

  • Squeeze out excess moisture from sauerkraut to prevent a soggy bottom crust and maintain the perfect texture of your Reuben Crescent Bake.
  • Pinch and crimp the edges of the crescent dough completely to lock in flavors and create a beautiful, sealed package that looks professional.
  • Brush the top crust with beaten egg white for a gorgeous golden-brown sheen that makes the dish look bakery-fresh and appetizing.
  • Layer Swiss cheese evenly on both bottom and top layers to ensure every bite has that classic melty, creamy Reuben flavor throughout the dish.
  • Partially bake the bottom crust before adding fillings to keep the base crisp and avoid a soggy, underwhelming texture in your final bake.

Store and Reheat Reuben Crescent Bake Right

  • Wrap the Reuben Crescent Bake tightly in aluminum foil or transfer to an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Carefully pack the cooled bake in a freezer-safe container or wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months without losing significant flavor or texture.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, remove wrapping, and place bake on a baking sheet. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, covering loosely with foil to prevent excessive browning.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each interval to avoid overcooking and maintain the crispy texture.

Reuben Crescent Bake Serving Suggestions

  • Savor the Perfect Pairings for Reuben Crescent Bake
  • Complement Tangy Corned Beef: Opt for a crisp German-style pilsner that cuts through the rich, savory flavors and matches the dish's hearty profile. The beer's sharp carbonation refreshes the palate between bites.
  • Elevate with Creamy Coleslaw: Prepare a light, vinegar-based coleslaw with shredded cabbage and a touch of caraway seeds. This side dish provides a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm, cheesy bake and balances its intense flavors.
  • Match with Dill Pickle Spears: Serve cold, crisp dill pickle spears alongside the bake. Their tangy, sharp taste complements the sauerkraut and corned beef, adding a zingy counterpoint to the rich, melted cheese.
  • Cool Down with Chilled Craft Beer: Select a cold, hoppy craft beer like an amber ale or brown ale. These brews enhance the Reuben's robust flavors while providing a refreshing finish to each hearty bite.

Reuben Crescent Bake Swaps

  • Gluten-Free Reuben Crescent Bake: Replace regular crescent roll dough with gluten-free crescent roll dough, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegetarian Reuben Bake: Swap corned beef with plant-based protein like seitan or tempeh, maintaining the classic Reuben flavor profile with sauerkraut and Swiss cheese.
  • Low-Carb Reuben Casserole: Use almond flour or cauliflower crust instead of crescent roll dough, reducing carbohydrate content while preserving the traditional Reuben taste.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute Swiss cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives made from nuts or soy, keeping the essential Reuben sandwich elements intact.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients in this Reuben Crescent Bake?

The key ingredients include crescent roll dough, Swiss cheese, corned beef, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing. These components create the classic Reuben sandwich flavors in a baked casserole form.

  • Is this dish suitable for a party or potluck?

Absolutely! The Reuben Crescent Bake is perfect for gatherings because it’s easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and cuts into neat squares for easy serving. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that combines familiar flavors in a unique presentation.

  • Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

While the traditional Reuben uses corned beef, you could substitute it with a plant-based protein like seitan or tempeh. Just ensure you choose a meat alternative that complements the tangy sauerkraut and Swiss cheese flavors.

  • How can I prevent the bottom crust from getting soggy?

The recipe includes a clever prebaking step for the bottom crust, which helps create a crisp base. Draining the sauerkraut thoroughly and not adding extra moisture also helps maintain the crust’s texture.

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Reuben Crescent Bake Recipe

Reuben Crescent Bake Recipe


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4.7 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Comfort meets creativity in this mouthwatering Reuben Crescent Bake, blending classic deli flavors with flaky pastry perfection. Savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese create a crowd-pleasing dish you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 0.75 pound thinly sliced cooked corned beef

Cheese:

  • 8 slices Swiss cheese

Bread and Additional Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) tube refrigerated crescent rolls
  • 0.75 cup sauerkraut, squeezed dry
  • 0.33 cup Thousand Island salad dressing
  • 1 beaten egg white

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F (190°C) and thoroughly coat an 8×8-inch baking dish with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.
  2. Thoroughly drain sauerkraut and blend with Thousand Island dressing until evenly distributed, creating a tangy mixture.
  3. Carefully separate crescent roll dough into two equal portions, gently stretching the first half to form a uniform base layer that completely covers the bottom of the baking dish.
  4. Transfer the first dough layer into the prepared pan, pressing gently to create an even surface, then briefly bake for 8-10 minutes until achieving a delicate golden hue.
  5. Arrange the first layer of Swiss cheese over the partially baked crust, creating a smooth, even coverage.
  6. Distribute corned beef in a uniform layer, ensuring complete and consistent coverage across the cheese base.
  7. Spread the prepared sauerkraut mixture over the corned beef, creating a balanced and flavorful middle layer.
  8. Top the sauerkraut with the remaining Swiss cheese slices, forming a complete and cohesive top layer.
  9. Roll out the second portion of crescent dough, carefully draping it over the layered filling to create a complete seal.
  10. Crimp and press the edges firmly to prevent any filling from escaping during baking.
  11. Brush the top layer with beaten egg white to create a glossy, appetizing golden finish.
  12. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the top turns a rich, golden brown and the edges become crisp and slightly puffy.
  13. Allow the bake to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps set the layers and makes cutting easier.
  14. Slice into square portions and serve while warm, allowing the melted cheese and savory filling to shine.

Notes

  • Drain sauerkraut thoroughly to prevent a soggy base and maintain the perfect texture of the crescent bake.
  • Use high-quality corned beef for richer flavor and more satisfying meat layers in the dish.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or provolone to create unique taste variations.
  • Brush egg white sparingly to achieve a golden, crispy crust without making the top too heavy or greasy.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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