Homemade Reuben Bake

This Homemade Reuben Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining all the classic Reuben sandwich flavors in a convenient, baked dish. It’s a great twist on a traditional Reuben, packed with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and that irresistible tang of Thousand Island dressing. The layers of ingredients meld together in a rich, satisfying bake, offering both the savory and slightly tangy taste that Reuben lovers crave. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a party, or just a hearty meal, this dish is sure to impress. The combination of crispy rye bread cubes, melted cheese, and flavorful corned beef brings together the essence of a Reuben sandwich in a warm, baked form. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the fact that it is completely customizable—perfect for anyone who loves this deli favorite but wants something more substantial and easy to prepare.

This recipe takes less than an hour to assemble and bake, making it an ideal weeknight dinner. Whether you’re a fan of the traditional Reuben or someone looking for a new way to enjoy this iconic flavor combination, this Homemade Reuben Bake is a dish you won’t want to miss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Homemade Reuben Bake is a crowd-pleaser that combines the best flavors of a Reuben sandwich in one convenient and delicious dish. It’s packed with savory corned beef, creamy Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and the perfect balance of Thousand Island dressing and dill pickles. The use of cubed rye bread ensures that each bite has that perfect bread-to-filling ratio, giving you the satisfaction of a Reuben without the need to build a sandwich. The bake is easy to make, requiring minimal prep and cooking time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a quick weekend meal. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to be a hit!

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Ingredients

• Deli corned beef, chopped
• Sauerkraut, drained
• Shredded Swiss cheese
• Thousand Island dressing
• Chopped dill pickles
• Rye bread, cubed
• Butter, melted

Variations

There are plenty of ways to customize this recipe to suit your tastes:

• Different cheeses: While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can swap it for other cheeses like cheddar or Gruyère for a unique flavor.
• Meat substitutions: If you prefer a different meat, pastrami or turkey can be used in place of corned beef for a different take on the dish.
• Sauerkraut alternatives: If you’re not a fan of sauerkraut, you can try using coleslaw for a milder, sweeter flavor.
• Add-ons: You can incorporate caramelized onions for added sweetness or even some fresh herbs to bring extra flavor to the dish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Reuben bake cooks evenly and comes out perfectly golden and bubbly.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

Cube the rye bread into bite-sized pieces. Spread them out evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

On top of the cubed rye bread, layer the chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, and shredded Swiss cheese. Add chopped dill pickles for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 4: Add the Dressing

Drizzle the Thousand Island dressing evenly over the layered ingredients. Make sure the dressing covers everything for a rich, tangy flavor throughout the dish.

Step 5: Pour the Butter

Pour the melted butter over the top of the dish. This will give the bake a golden, crispy finish as it bakes.

Step 6: Bake

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread has turned golden and crispy.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. Then, serve it up and enjoy the delicious layers of Reuben goodness!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use fresh rye bread: Fresh rye bread will give your bake the best texture and flavor. If you’re using stale bread, it might get too soggy in the bake.
• Don’t overdo the sauerkraut: If you add too much sauerkraut, the bake could become too sour. Drain it well to remove excess moisture.
• Customize the dressing: If you prefer a sweeter or tangier flavor, adjust the amount of Thousand Island dressing to your liking.
• Check the bread for crispiness: If the top isn’t as crispy as you’d like, you can place the dish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.

How to Serve

This Homemade Reuben Bake is a hearty dish that works well as a main course for lunch or dinner. Serve it with a side of fresh greens or a simple salad to balance out the richness. It pairs perfectly with pickles or even some roasted vegetables for an added touch. You can also serve it with a chilled glass of your favorite beverage, like iced tea or beer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, allow the bake to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

To freeze the Reuben bake, allow it to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.

Reheating

Reheat leftover Reuben bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until warm. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave for a quicker option.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other types of bread, but rye is traditional for a Reuben bake. Sourdough or whole wheat can be used as alternatives.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the corned beef and use a plant-based meat substitute or just load up on more cheese and veggies.

3. Can I use a slow cooker to make this?

This recipe is best baked in the oven for a crispy texture. However, you could try a slow cooker, but the bread may become soggy.

4. How do I know when the bake is done?

The dish is done when the cheese is melted, the bread is golden, and the edges are crispy.

5. Can I freeze the Reuben bake?

Yes, you can freeze the dish. Just make sure it’s properly wrapped and stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

6. Can I use a different dressing?

Yes, you can substitute Thousand Island dressing with Russian dressing or even ranch for a different flavor.

7. What can I serve this bake with?

Serve it with a side of salad, roasted vegetables, or pickles for a well-rounded meal.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake it in a larger dish, but you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.

9. How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

10. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bake the night before and store it in the fridge. Then, just bake it the next day.

Conclusion

This Homemade Reuben Bake is a perfect combination of comfort, flavor, and convenience. With its layers of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and crispy rye bread, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal or need something to serve at your next gathering, this bake is an easy and delicious option that will leave everyone satisfied.

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