Description
Reuben Bake brings classic deli sandwich flavors into a comforting casserole. Hearty layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese meld together with a zesty Russian dressing, creating a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) corned beef, thinly sliced or shredded
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 tube (8 oz / 225 g) refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry
- 2 cups (300 g) sauerkraut, drained and patted dry
- ½ cup (120 g) mayonnaise
- 1 cup (240 ml) Thousand Island dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsps ketchup
- 2 tbsps sweet pickle relish
- 1 tbsp caraway seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly.
- Dough Foundation: Unroll the first crescent dough sheet, pressing it evenly across the dish’s base, sealing all perforations to create a seamless foundation.
- Flavor Base: Spread Thousand Island dressing generously over the dough, creating a zesty initial layer.
- Protein Layer: Arrange corned beef uniformly across the dressing-covered surface, ensuring complete coverage.
- Moisture Management: Distribute well-drained sauerkraut over the meat, strategically preventing excess liquid.
- Cheese Cascade: Blanket Swiss cheese across the sauerkraut, promising a rich, melty texture.
- Dressing Finale: Drizzle remaining Thousand Island dressing over the layers, amplifying the flavor profile.
- Dough Sealing: Cover with the second crescent dough sheet, crimping edges precisely to create a sealed package.
- Surface Enhancement: Brush with melted butter and optionally sprinkle caraway seeds for added aromatic complexity.
- Baking Transformation: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the surface achieves a golden-brown, crispy exterior.
- Resting Period: Allow the bake to settle for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven.
- Serving: Cut into square portions and serve warm, with extra Thousand Island dressing on the side for additional zest.
Notes
Manage Moisture Carefully: Thoroughly drain sauerkraut to prevent soggy bottom and maintain crisp pastry texture during baking.
Prevent Dough Tears: Carefully seal crescent roll perforations and press edges firmly to create a solid, unified base that prevents ingredient leakage.
Enhance Flavor Depth: Sprinkle caraway seeds between layers or on top for an authentic Reuben sandwich-inspired aromatic boost that elevates the entire dish.
Customize for Dietary Needs: Substitute corned beef with turkey or plant-based protein, use gluten-free crescent rolls, and select low-fat cheese options to accommodate different dietary preferences without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 516
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1160 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 61 mg