The Ultimate Savory Classic Reuben Bake Recipe to Make at Home

Comfort meets creativity in this delightful reuben bake that reimagines the beloved deli sandwich.

My grandma’s classic sandwich inspiration sparked this hearty casserole.

Layers of tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melty Swiss cheese create a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Rye bread crumbs add a delicious crunch that elevates every single bite.

Packed with robust flavors, this dish promises to become a new dinner favorite.

Weeknight meals just got a whole lot more exciting with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Dig in and savor every delectable spoonful of this comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole.

Reuben Bake That’s Cheesy, Toasty, and Truly Satisfying

• Speedy Weeknight Wonder: Transforms the classic Reuben sandwich into an easy one-dish meal that comes together in under an hour, perfect for busy families seeking delicious dinner solutions.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers familiar, hearty flavors everyone loves with minimal prep work, combining rich corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melty Swiss cheese in a satisfying casserole format.
• Versatile Entertaining Option: Works brilliantly as a potluck dish, game day appetizer, or casual dinner party centerpiece that impresses guests without requiring complex cooking techniques.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Allows preparation in advance and reheating, making it ideal for meal planning and reducing day-of cooking stress while maintaining incredible taste and texture.

Reuben Bake That’s Savory and Classic Ingredients

• Rye Bread: Classic bread that gives a tangy flavor profile; choose a sturdy, dense variety that can absorb moisture without falling apart.

• Corned Beef, Sauerkraut: Hearty protein and traditional sour component that defines the Reuben flavor; select high-quality deli corned beef and well-drained sauerkraut for best results.

• Swiss Cheese: Mild, melty cheese that provides creamy texture and traditional Reuben flavor; select freshly shredded for best melting.
• Eggs, Milk: Crucial for creating custard structure and helping ingredients bind together; use whole milk for richer consistency.

• Thousand Island Dressing, Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard: Tangy condiments that add depth and moisture to the dish; choose high-quality versions for best flavor balance.

Baked Reuben Casserole Directions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the First Bread Layer

Scatter half of your rye bread cubes across the bottom of the baking dish.

Ensure they create an even, cozy base for the delicious layers to come.

Step 3: Build Flavor-Packed Layers

• Chopped corned beef
• Tangy sauerkraut
• Generous handful of Swiss cheese

Repeat with the remaining bread cubes on top, creating a delightful sandwich casserole structure.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Custard Blend

• Thousand Island dressing
• Creamy mayonnaise
• Zesty Dijon mustard
• Fresh eggs
• Smooth milk

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks silky and well-integrated.

Step 5: Pour and Sprinkle

Gently pour the custard mixture over the layered bread, ensuring it seeps into every nook and cranny.

Shower the top with remaining Swiss cheese for an extra melty finish.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven.

Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 7: Add Final Crispy Touch

For those who love a crisp top, switch your oven to broil.

Watch carefully and broil for 2-3 minutes until the surface becomes beautifully bronzed and crunchy.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the bake to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps the layers settle and makes serving easier.

Slice, serve, and enjoy your transformed Reuben experience!

Bake Tips for a Savory Reuben in Casserole Form

• Swap rye bread with sourdough or pumpernickel for different flavor profiles and texture variations.
• Use low-sodium corned beef and rinse sauerkraut to cut down on salt content without losing classic taste.
• Replace regular rye bread with gluten-free bread cubes to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining the dish's delicious essence.
• Add a splash of caraway seeds or a sprinkle of chopped fresh dill to elevate the traditional Reuben flavor and create a more complex taste experience.
• Assemble the entire dish the night before, refrigerate, and bake directly from the cold state, allowing flavors to meld and making mealtime easier.

Store Classic Reuben Bake Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, lasting up to 2 months in the freezer.
• Warm at 350°F covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until heated through, preventing dryness.
• Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even warming.

Savory Classic Reuben Bake Matches

• Pair Perfectly with Crisp Pickles: Serve alongside tangy dill pickles to complement the rich, savory flavors of the Reuben bake. The sharp, briny crunch cuts through the dish's creaminess.
• Raise a Cold Beer: Match this hearty bake with a classic German-style lager or amber ale. The beer's maltiness and carbonation will balance the dish's robust corned beef and Swiss cheese.
• Chill with Slaw: Create a light, vinegar-based coleslaw as a side dish. Its refreshing acidity will provide a zesty contrast to the dense, cheesy Reuben casserole.
• Brighten with Mustard Sauce: Whip up a quick homemade mustard sauce with Dijon, honey, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. This bright condiment will add an extra layer of tangy excitement to each bite.

Reuben Bake in Classic Savory Alternatives

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace rye bread with gluten-free bread cubes and ensure all dressings are certified gluten-free. Select a cornstarch-based thickener if needed.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute corned beef with plant-based protein like seasoned seitan or smoked tofu. Use vegetarian Swiss cheese and maintain the original flavor profile.
• Low-Sodium Option: Select reduced-sodium corned beef and sauerkraut. Use low-sodium Swiss cheese and reduce added salt in the custard mixture. Opt for a homemade Thousand Island dressing to control salt content.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace Swiss cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives. Use coconut milk instead of regular milk and select vegan mayonnaise. Ensure all ingredients complement each other's flavors.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in a Reuben Bake?

The key ingredients are rye bread, corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, Thousand Island dressing, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, eggs, and milk. These components create the classic Reuben sandwich flavors in a casserole form.

• Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?

Yes, this Reuben Bake serves multiple people and is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or brunch. The 9×13-inch baking dish easily feeds 6-8 people as a main course.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the layered ingredients and custard mixture in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking and follow the baking instructions.

• How do I know when the Reuben Bake is fully cooked?

The bake is ready when the top is golden brown, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the custard is set. A golden crispy top indicates it’s perfectly baked, which takes about 45 minutes total.

Savory Classic Reuben Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary creativity in this Reuben Bake that elevates the beloved sandwich into a hearty casserole. Swiss cheese, corned beef, and tangy sauerkraut meld together in a delicious dish you’ll crave for dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound sliced corned beef, chopped
• 4 large eggs

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

Bread and Condiments:

• 6 cups rye bread, cubed
• 2 cups sauerkraut, drained
• 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F and creating a non-stick surface in a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light grease coating.
2. Create the foundation layer by distributing half of the rye bread cubes across the dish’s bottom, ensuring even coverage.
3. Construct the flavor profile by layering chopped corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and a generous sprinkle of Swiss cheese across the bread base.
4. Complete the bread layer by adding the remaining rye bread cubes on top of the previous ingredients.
5. Whisk together Thousand Island dressing, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, eggs, and milk in a mixing bowl until the custard mixture reaches a smooth, uniform consistency.
6. Carefully pour the creamy custard evenly over the layered bread and meat, allowing it to seep into the crevices and saturate the ingredients.
7. Crown the dish with the remaining Swiss cheese, creating a melty, golden topping.
8. Protect the bake with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 30 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top transforms into a golden, bubbling surface.
10. For those desiring extra crispiness, activate the broiler for a quick 2-3 minute final touch, watching carefully to prevent burning.
11. Allow the bake to rest and settle for a few minutes before serving, which helps the layers meld and makes cutting easier.

Notes

• Swap rye bread with gluten-free bread for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring everyone can enjoy this classic comfort dish.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium corned beef and rinsing sauerkraut before adding to balance the overall salt content.
• Add extra texture by sprinkling crispy bacon bits or toasted breadcrumbs on top for a delightful crunch before the final baking stage.
• Transform this into a lighter meal by using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and incorporating more fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley for brightness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1000 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg