If you’re a fan of the classic Reuben sandwich but want a fun, easy twist, this Homemade Reuben Bake is for you! It’s a hearty, comforting casserole that combines all the bold flavors of the beloved sandwich—corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and a creamy Thousand Island dressing—into one delicious, baked dish. Perfect for feeding a crowd or just enjoying a cozy meal at home, this Reuben Bake is a quick and satisfying way to indulge in the savory, tangy goodness of a Reuben without the hassle of assembling sandwiches.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of French bread (or any crusty bread)
- 2 cups corned beef (sliced thin or chopped into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 ½ cups Swiss cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup sauerkraut (drained and squeezed dry)
- 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted, for brushing)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Bread: Slice the loaf of French bread into 1-inch thick slices. Arrange a layer of bread slices in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lightly brush the bread with melted butter.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Spread half of the corned beef evenly over the bread slices.
- Top with half of the sauerkraut, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded Swiss cheese over the sauerkraut.
- Add the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix together the Thousand Island dressing, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Drizzle half of this mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer of bread slices on top of the first set, followed by the remaining corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese.
- Top with Dressing: Pour the remaining dressing mixture over the top, ensuring it covers the whole bake. You can add a little extra Swiss cheese on top if you like a cheesy finish.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the Reuben Bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice into squares and serve hot. You can garnish with fresh parsley or a little extra dressing on the side if desired.
Tips:
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread if you need the dish to be gluten-free.
- Add pickles: For an extra tangy kick, layer some dill pickle slices in with the corned beef and sauerkraut.
- Reuben variations: Try different cheeses like Gruyère or cheddar for a unique flavor profile.
This Homemade Reuben Bake takes all the savory flavors of a traditional Reuben and turns it into a baked casserole that’s perfect for easy dinners or even as a potluck dish! Enjoy!
