A warm, melty twist on the classic deli sandwich
Love a good Reuben sandwich? This Hearty Reuben Bake Casserole brings all the bold, savory flavors of the iconic deli favorite into one easy-to-make, family-style dish. With layers of rye bread, corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and a creamy Thousand Island sauce, it’s the perfect weeknight comfort food or crowd-pleasing addition to a potluck or brunch.
Baked until hot and bubbly with a golden, buttery topping, this casserole delivers the satisfying tang, crunch, and melty goodness of a grilled Reuben—with no stovetop required.
Ingredients:
- 6 slices rye bread, cubed (about 3 cups)
- 1 lb deli corned beef, chopped or torn into bite-sized pieces
- 1 can (14 oz) sauerkraut, well drained and squeezed of excess moisture
- 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded, divided
- 1 cup Thousand Island dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon caraway seeds (optional, but adds classic rye flavor)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease or spray a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Build the Base Layer
- Spread half of the cubed rye bread evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Distribute the chopped corned beef evenly over the bread.
- Next, layer on the drained sauerkraut, spreading it out for full coverage.
- Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded Swiss cheese over the sauerkraut.
Step 3: Mix and Pour the Sauce
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the Thousand Island dressing, sour cream, and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish, allowing it to soak into the bread and meat.
Step 4: Add the Topping
- Scatter the remaining rye bread cubes over the top of the casserole.
- Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup of Swiss cheese.
- If using, add the caraway seeds for that authentic Reuben flavor.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top layer to help it crisp up during baking.
Step 5: Bake
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, the cheese is melted, and the dish is bubbling around the edges.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes to set slightly.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired, for a touch of color and freshness.
- Serve warm with a side salad, pickles, or even a small bowl of extra dressing for dipping.
Storage and Reheating:
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- For best results, reheat uncovered in the oven to restore crispiness.
Tips & Variations:
- Make-ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate. Add the final topping (bread, cheese, butter) just before baking.
- Swap the meat: Try pastrami or turkey instead of corned beef for a twist.
- Add pickles: For extra tang, layer in sliced dill pickles or serve them on the side.
- Low-carb version: Use low-carb rye or omit the bread and layer ingredients over roasted cauliflower.
