Reuben Bake Recipe

Scrumptious Reuben Bake Recipe: Comfort Food Reimagined

A classic reuben bake brings hearty comfort to your dinner table with layers of savory goodness.

Corned beef melts into tangy sauerkraut, creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavors.

Melted swiss cheese blankets each delicious bite, promising pure satisfaction.

Crispy rye bread crumbs add a delightful crunch that elevates this dish beyond ordinary casseroles.

German-inspired ingredients dance together in a warm, inviting skillet, promising a memorable meal.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

You’ll want to dig into this irresistible bake that combines all the beloved sandwich elements in one spectacular dish.

FAQs For Reuben Bake

  • What are the key flavors in this reuben casserole?

The dish combines tangy sauerkraut, savory corned beef, rich swiss cheese, and zesty russian dressing for a classic reuben sandwich flavor profile in casserole form.

  • Is this recipe good for make-ahead meal prep?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking, making it convenient for preparing ahead of time and great for busy weeknights.

  • Can I substitute any ingredients if I don't have the exact ones?

Rye bread can be replaced with sourdough, swiss cheese with gruyere, and russian dressing with thousand island dressing while maintaining similar flavor characteristics.

Why Reuben Bake Is A Flavor-Packed Favorite

  • Simplify Meal Prep: Create a hearty one-dish wonder that combines all the classic Reuben sandwich flavors without the individual sandwich assembly, saving precious kitchen time and effort.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Deliver a satisfying meal that brings together beloved ingredients like corned beef, sauerkraut, and swiss cheese in a warm, inviting casserole perfect for gatherings and family dinners.
  • Versatile Serving Option: Enjoy this dish as a complete meal or side, making it adaptable for casual weeknight dinners, potlucks, or weekend brunches with minimal preparation required.
  • Flavor-Packed Convenience: Transform traditional Reuben sandwich ingredients into a simple baked casserole that captures all the tangy, savory notes while reducing individual cooking steps.

What’s In Reuben Bake

For the Base:
  • Rye Bread Cubes: A sturdy foundation that absorbs flavors and provides texture to the casserole.
For the Protein:
  • Corned Beef: A classic deli meat that adds rich, savory depth to the dish.
For the Tangy Layer:
  • Sauerkraut: Brings a sharp, fermented flavor that cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese.
For the Binding:
  • Eggs, Milk: Create a custardy base that holds the casserole together and adds creamy richness.
  • Melted Butter: Provides additional moisture and enhances the overall flavor profile.
For the Seasoning:
  • Russian Dressing: Adds a zesty and slightly spicy flavor to the casserole.
  • Caraway Seeds: Introduce a distinctive, earthy spice that complements the rye bread and corned beef.
  • Black Pepper: Offers a subtle heat and helps balance the other flavors.
For the Topping:
  • Swiss Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a golden, gooey surface with a nutty flavor.
  • Green Onions: Provide a fresh, sharp garnish that brightens the entire dish.

Easy Steps For Reuben Bake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Grease the dish thoroughly to ensure nothing sticks.

Step 2: Create the Bread Foundation

Spread cubed rye bread evenly across the bottom of the baking dish, creating a solid base for your casserole.

Step 3: Layer the Corned Beef

Drape sliced corned beef over the bread cubes, making sure to cover the entire surface completely.

Step 4: Sprinkle Sauerkraut

Distribute drained sauerkraut across the meat layer, adding a tangy punch to the dish.

Step 5: Whip Up the Flavor Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Russian dressing
  • Melted butter
  • Caraway seeds
  • Black pepper

Whisk everything together until well blended.

Step 6: Pour the Liquid Magic

Slowly pour the egg mixture over the corned beef and sauerkraut, allowing it to seep into the bread cubes.

Step 7: Add Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle shredded swiss cheese generously over the top, creating a melty, golden blanket.

Step 8: Garnish with Green Onions

Scatter chopped green onions across the surface for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes. Look for golden, bubbly cheese and a thoroughly heated center.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to mingle and settle before serving.

Tips For Baking Reuben Bake Just Right

  • Bread Cube Perfection: Use day-old rye bread for better absorption and enhanced texture, preventing soggy or overly wet casserole layers.
  • Sauerkraut Selection: Squeeze excess liquid from sauerkraut to maintain the right moisture balance and prevent a watery dish.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Grate swiss cheese fresh for optimal melting and more vibrant flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
  • Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the casserole reaches 160°F internally for safe and thoroughly heated ingredients.
  • Flavor Boost: Add a splash of beer or mustard to the egg mixture for deeper, more complex taste profile if desired.

Switch-Ups For Reuben Bake

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace rye bread with gluten-free bread cubes or cauliflower rice, maintaining the casserole's hearty texture while accommodating wheat-sensitive diets.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Swap corned beef with plant-based protein like seasoned tempeh or seitan, keeping the sauerkraut and cheese layers for robust flavor profiles.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute bread cubes with cauliflower florets or zucchini rounds, reducing carbohydrate content while preserving the dish's classic taste structure.
  • Lighter Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of milk, turkey pastrami in place of corned beef, and reduced-fat swiss cheese to create a healthier, protein-packed casserole with lower calorie count.

Great Pairings For Reuben Bake

  • Pair Hearty Irish Beer with Casserole Warmth: Robust Irish stouts like Guinness complement the rich, salty corned beef and tangy sauerkraut, creating a classic flavor harmony that warms the palate.
  • Create Zesty Pickle Accompaniment: Crisp dill pickles on the side balance the casserole's heavy texture, cutting through the richness with bright, acidic notes that refresh each bite.
  • Select Tangy Coleslaw Side: Creamy, vinegar-based coleslaw provides a cool counterpoint to the hot casserole, adding crunch and lightening the dish's dense protein-packed profile.

How To Keep Reuben Bake Tasting Good

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Use shallow containers to help cool quickly and maintain food safety.
  • Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Place a label with the date to track storage time.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes.
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Reuben Bake Recipe

Reuben Bake Recipe


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4.8 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 50-55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty Reuben Bake brings classic deli flavors into a comforting casserole that merges corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese. Melted layers of tangy goodness promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 lb corned beef, sliced
  • 1/2 lb swiss cheese, shredded

Bread:

  • 4 cups rye bread, cubed

Seasonings and Extras:

  • 1/2 cup sauerkraut, drained
  • 1/4 cup russian dressing
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp caraway seeds
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Arrange the cubed rye bread as a foundational layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even base for the casserole.
  3. Evenly distribute the sliced corned beef over the bread cubes, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
  4. Sprinkle the drained sauerkraut uniformly across the meat layer, adding tangy complexity to the dish.
  5. Whisk together eggs, milk, russian dressing, melted butter, caraway seeds, and black pepper in a separate mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
  6. Pour the egg mixture slowly and carefully over the layered corned beef and sauerkraut, allowing the liquid to seep into the bread cubes.
  7. Generously top the casserole with shredded swiss cheese, creating a rich and melty surface.
  8. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch.
  9. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
  10. Remove from the oven and let the bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and settle.

Notes

  • Swap rye bread for gluten-free alternatives to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diners without compromising flavor integrity.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium corned beef and draining sauerkraut thoroughly to minimize salt content while maintaining dish’s signature taste.
  • Lighten the recipe by substituting whole milk with skim or almond milk and using half the butter quantity for a healthier version without sacrificing richness.
  • Customize heat levels by adding crushed red pepper flakes or using spicy brown mustard in the egg mixture for those craving extra zesty kick.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 570
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 1200 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

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