Reuben Bake is a hearty, comforting casserole that takes the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich and transforms them into a delicious baked dish. Combining layers of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and rye bread with a creamy, tangy sauce, this bake captures all the beloved elements of the traditional sandwich in a convenient and satisfying casserole form. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, enjoying leftovers, or serving as a cozy meal on a chilly day.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- For the Bake:
- 6 slices rye bread, cut into cubes
- 1 pound (450 g) corned beef, sliced and cut into strips or shredded
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheese)
- For the Sauce:
- 1 cup thousand island dressing (or Russian dressing)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- For Garnish (optional):
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Additional shredded Swiss cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish or spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
- Prepare the Bread:
- Cut the rye bread into cubes and spread them evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Over the bread cubes, layer the corned beef evenly. Sprinkle the Swiss cheese over the corned beef, followed by a layer of sauerkraut. If using, add the finely chopped onion on top of the sauerkraut. For extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the thousand island dressing, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and mayonnaise until well combined.
- Assemble the Bake:
- Pour the sauce evenly over the layers in the baking dish, making sure it covers the ingredients well.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the top is lightly browned.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the bake from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and additional shredded Swiss cheese before serving.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the Reuben Bake warm, either as a main dish or alongside a simple salad or steamed vegetables.
This Reuben Bake is a fantastic way to enjoy the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich in a more substantial, comforting format. It’s great for making ahead and reheats well, making it a practical option for meal prep or feeding a group.
