If you adore the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich but are looking for a warm, comforting meal that serves a crowd, this Reuben Casserole Recipe is an absolute must-try. It layers tender rye bread cubes coated with savory butter and spices, hearty chunks of corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Thousand Island dressing, and gooey melted Swiss cheese all baked to golden perfection. Each bite is a deliciously satisfying blend of textures and flavors that bring the beloved sandwich to the dinner table in a cozy, easy-to-share casserole form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, staple ingredients is the first step to creating this mouthwatering Reuben Casserole Recipe. Each ingredient plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and contrasting textures from the buttery bread base to the cheesy topping.
- Light rye bread (6-8 slices, cubed): Provides a sturdy, flavorful foundation that soaks up all the sauce and seasonings beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Adds richness and helps the bread cubes crisp up in the oven.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses subtle savory notes that elevate the overall taste.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances depth with a mild onion flavor without overpowering.
- Caraway seeds (1 teaspoon): A classic rye bread seasoning that introduces a warm, aromatic bite.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Balances and brightens the flavors throughout the casserole layers.
- Deli corned beef (1 pound, coarsely chopped): The star protein bringing salty, tender goodness to each serving.
- Can sauerkraut (14.5 ounces, drained and rinsed): Adds that perfect tangy crunch that pairs so well with the beef and cheese.
- Thousand Island dressing (1 1/2 cups): Offers creamy, sweet, and tangy moisture that ties all the ingredients together.
- Shredded Swiss cheese (2 cups, divided): Melts into gooey layers of nutty, buttery flavor that crown the casserole beautifully.
How to Make Reuben Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or a nonstick spray to prevent the casserole from sticking and to add a touch of richness to the crust.
Step 2: Season the Rye Bread Cubes
In a large bowl, toss the cubed rye bread with melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper. Make sure every bread cube is generously coated with the flavorful seasoning mixture — this step lays the deliciously aromatic base for your casserole.
Step 3: Layer the First Bread Cubes
Place half of the seasoned bread cubes evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. These cubes will soak up the juice and flavors from the layers above, creating a wonderfully soft yet crisp texture after baking.
Step 4: Add the Corned Beef Layer
Scatter half of the coarsely chopped deli corned beef evenly over the bread layer. This hearty layer gives the casserole its signature meaty flavor that is essential to the Reuben experience.
Step 5: Spread Sauerkraut Evenly
Next, spoon half of the well-drained and rinsed sauerkraut over the corned beef. The sauerkraut’s bright tang contrasts beautifully with the richness of the beef and cheese, so be sure to spread it evenly to cover the meat.
Step 6: Pour on Thousand Island Dressing
Drizzle ¾ cup of Thousand Island dressing over the sauerkraut and smooth it out with a spatula. This dressing introduces a creamy, sweet, and tangy layer that marries all the savory ingredients perfectly.
Step 7: Add the Swiss Cheese
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the dressing. This cheesy layer will melt beautifully, providing a sumptuous richness that enhances the casserole’s texture and flavor.
Step 8: Repeat Your Layers
Repeat layers starting with the remaining bread cubes, then the rest of the corned beef, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing. Finish with the last cup of shredded Swiss cheese on top, ensuring a golden cheesy crust after baking.
Step 9: Bake Covered and Then Uncovered
Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the ingredients to heat through evenly. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling with a beautiful golden tint.
Step 10: Let It Cool and Serve
Let the Reuben Casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before digging in. This resting time helps it set slightly for easier slicing and lets those incredible Reuben flavors fully develop.
How to Serve Reuben Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley can brighten up the casserole plate with pops of color and a hint of freshness. A few extra caraway seeds sprinkled on top before serving add an authentic touch and a lovely aroma.
Side Dishes
This Reuben Casserole Recipe pairs beautifully with simple green salads dressed in light vinaigrettes to cut through the richness. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or crispy oven fries for contrasting textures that keep the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving individual servings in small ramekins for a charming single-serve presentation at dinner parties. Alternatively, stack slices between two toasted rye bread pieces for a fun twist on the classic Reuben sandwich experience transformed from casserole back into sandwich form.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Reuben Casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it just as delicious reheated the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this casserole by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil or placing in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions but expect a slightly softer texture.
FAQs
Can I use another type of bread for this Reuben Casserole Recipe?
While light rye bread is traditional and adds authentic flavor, you can experiment with pumpernickel or whole wheat bread for slightly different textures and tastes. Just be sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold up during baking.
Is it necessary to rinse the sauerkraut?
Rinsing sauerkraut helps reduce the tanginess and saltiness, balancing the flavors in the casserole. If you prefer a stronger tang, you can skip rinsing, but it may overpower the other layers.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the corned beef with hearty vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or marinated tofu, and use vegetarian Thousand Island dressing. While it won’t be a true Reuben flavor, it will still be delightful.
What can I use if I don’t have Thousand Island dressing?
A mixture of mayonnaise, ketchup, and a splash of pickle juice can serve as a good homemade substitute. Adjust the proportions to taste for sweetness and tang.
How long will the casserole last in the fridge?
The casserole will keep well for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Be sure to reheat thoroughly before eating for the best taste and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Reuben Casserole Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that brings the iconic sandwich into a cozy, shareable casserole format. The layers of seasoned rye bread, rich corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy dressing, and melted Swiss are pure comfort food magic. If you’re looking for a delicious new way to enjoy those classic Reuben flavors, I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you may just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!
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Reuben Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious Reuben Casserole captures the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich in a warm, comforting baked dish. Featuring layers of rye bread, savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Thousand Island dressing, and melted Swiss cheese, this casserole is perfect for a hearty family meal or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Bread Mixture
- 6–8 slices light rye bread, cubed
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Filling
- 1 pound deli corned beef, coarsely chopped
- 14.5 ounces canned sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups Thousand Island dressing
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Season the Bread: In a large bowl, combine the rye bread cubes with melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, caraway seeds, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure each bread cube is evenly coated with the seasonings, which add flavor and aroma.
- Layer the Bottom Bread: Spread half of the seasoned bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base layer of the casserole.
- Add Corned Beef: Distribute half of the chopped corned beef evenly over the bread layer to provide savory, meaty texture and taste.
- Add Sauerkraut: Spoon half of the drained sauerkraut over the corned beef, spreading it out evenly for a tangy contrast and moisture.
- Pour Dressing: Drizzle ¾ cup of Thousand Island dressing over the sauerkraut layer, smoothing it with a spatula to cover the entire surface for added creaminess and flavor.
- Sprinkle Cheese: Cover the dressing with 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese, creating a melty, savory cheese layer that binds the casserole.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering steps with the remaining seasoned bread cubes, corned beef, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, and finish with the last cup of shredded Swiss cheese on top for a golden crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to ensure the ingredients meld together and heat through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and golden brown on top, indicating a perfect, bubbly finish.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes to set before serving, allowing the layers to hold together and enhancing flavors. Enjoy your warm, hearty Reuben Casserole!
Notes
- Use light rye bread for authentic Reuben flavor, but any sturdy bread can work.
- Draining and rinsing the sauerkraut reduces excess saltiness.
- Thousand Island dressing can be homemade or store-bought depending on preference.
- If you prefer a crispier top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.
