Homemade Reuben Bake

The homemade Reuben bake is a cozy, layered casserole inspired by the classic Reuben sandwich. Loaded with tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and a creamy Thousand Island-style sauce, this dish offers all the delicious flavors of a Reuben sandwich—without the fuss of assembling individual sandwiches. Perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for easy weeknight dinners, this bake is comfort food elevated.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• All the flavors of a classic Reuben in one easy casserole
• No sandwich assembly required — just layer and bake
• Creamy, cheesy, and tangy in every bite
• Great for leftovers and easy meal prep

Ingredients

• 1 lb corned beef, chopped or shredded
• 1 (14 oz) can sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
• 1 (8 oz) package rye bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup Thousand Island dressing (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, and caraway seeds (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
3. Spread half of the rye bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
4. Layer half of the corned beef and sauerkraut mixture over the bread.
5. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese on top.
6. Repeat layers: remaining bread cubes, remaining meat and sauerkraut, then remaining Swiss cheese.
7. Drizzle Thousand Island dressing evenly over the top layer.
8. Drizzle melted butter over the dressing for a golden crust.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
10. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly, and bread is toasted.
11. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Tips

Serve the homemade Reuben bake warm with a side of pickles or a crisp green salad. It pairs wonderfully with classic deli mustard or extra Thousand Island dressing for dipping.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the crust crispy. Freezing is possible—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

Timing Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

Optional Variations

• Cheese swap: Use provolone or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
• Bread alternatives: Substitute rye with pumpernickel or sourdough bread cubes.
• Sauce upgrade: Make homemade Thousand Island dressing with mayo, ketchup, relish, and spices.
• Add veggies: Mix in sautéed onions or sliced pickles for extra crunch.
• Vegetarian option: Use vegetarian corned beef substitute or extra sauerkraut and cheese.

Related Recipes

• Classic Reuben Sandwich
• Corned Beef and Cabbage Casserole
• Thousand Island Dressing Recipe

Conclusion

The homemade Reuben bake brings all the classic deli flavors together in one easy, cheesy casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. This comforting dish is sure to become a favorite for Reuben lovers and casserole fans alike.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Q2: Can I use leftover corned beef?
A: Absolutely, this is a great way to use up leftover corned beef from St. Patrick’s Day or deli purchases.

Q3: Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
A: Yes, use gluten-free bread cubes and ensure the dressing is gluten-free.

Q4: Can I freeze the casserole?
A: Yes, freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

📖 Recipe

Print