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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Create the foundation layer by distributing half of the rye bread cubes across the dish’s bottom, ensuring even coverage.
- Construct the flavor profile by layering chopped corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and a generous sprinkle of Swiss cheese across the bread base.
- Complete the bread layer by adding the remaining rye bread cubes on top of the previous ingredients.
- Whisk together Thousand Island dressing, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, eggs, and milk in a mixing bowl until the custard mixture reaches a smooth, uniform consistency.
- Carefully pour the creamy custard evenly over the layered bread and meat, allowing it to seep into the crevices and saturate the ingredients.
- Crown the dish with the remaining Swiss cheese, creating a melty, golden topping.
- Protect the bake with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top transforms into a golden, bubbling surface.
- For those desiring extra crispiness, activate the broiler for a quick 2-3 minute final touch, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- 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