Reuben Bake Recipe

Homestyle Reuben Bake Recipe Bursting with Zesty Flavor

Comfort meets creativity in this mouthwatering reuben bake that reimagines a classic deli favorite.

The traditional sandwich takes an unexpected twist, promising pure deliciousness in every bite.

Layers of corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted swiss cheese combine in a casserole that screams indulgence.

Rye bread crumbs add a satisfying crunch to this hearty dish.

Warming and filling, this recipe brings together bold flavors that dance across your palate.

Simple ingredients transform into something spectacular with minimal effort.

You’ll want to dig into this comforting masterpiece that brings the deli right to your dinner table.

What Makes Reuben Bake Irresistible

  • Transform classic Reuben sandwich flavors into an easy, crowd-pleasing baked dish that everyone will love.
  • Assemble layers of corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut using convenient crescent roll dough for a hassle-free meal.
  • Perfect for potlucks, game days, and family gatherings where hearty, satisfying dishes win everyone's heart.
  • Prep and bake in under an hour, making it an ideal quick meal for busy families craving delicious comfort food.

Ingredients to Make Reuben Bake

Main Dish Components:
  • Crescent Roll Dough: Soft, flaky base that creates a delicious foundation for the entire dish. Look for fresh, refrigerated dough with clean packaging.
  • Corned Beef: Classic protein that brings rich, savory flavors. Choose deli-style or pre-cooked corned beef for easy preparation.
  • Swiss Cheese: Creamy cheese that melts beautifully and adds classic Reuben sandwich flavor. Opt for high-quality sliced Swiss cheese.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Mustard, Thousand Island Dressing: Tangy condiments that provide signature Reuben taste. Select traditional yellow mustard and creamy Thousand Island dressing.
  • Sauerkraut: Traditional fermented cabbage that adds authentic Reuben sandwich tang. Drain well to prevent excess moisture.
Finishing Touches:
  • Egg, Caraway Seeds: Egg creates golden, shiny crust while caraway seeds offer optional traditional flavor. Use fresh eggs and whole caraway seeds for best results.

How to Assemble Reuben Bake

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish

Heat the oven to 375F (190C). Coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Create the Doughy Foundation

Gently unroll the first tube of crescent roll dough. Press it into the bottom of the prepared pan, carefully sealing all the seam lines.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

Spread a generous coating of mustard across the dough base.

Add the following ingredients in order:
  • Chopped corned beef
  • Swiss cheese slices
  • Sauerkraut

Drizzle Thousand Island dressing over the entire surface.

Step 4: Crown with Crescent Topping

Unfurl the second tube of crescent roll dough. Stretch it carefully to cover the filling completely. Pinch the edges to seal all sides.

Step 5: Add Golden Finishing Touches

Brush the top layer with beaten egg. Sprinkle caraway seeds for extra flavor if desired.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the hot oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and edges become bubbly.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the bake to cool for 5 minutes. Slice into hearty portions and serve while warm.

Handy Tips for Reuben Bake

  • Maximize Flavor: Toast caraway seeds briefly in a dry skillet before sprinkling to enhance their nutty, aromatic profile and release deeper flavor notes.
  • Prevent Soggy Bottom: Pat sauerkraut completely dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture and ensure a crisp, golden crescent roll base.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular crescent rolls for gluten-free versions and use dairy-free cheese alternatives to accommodate gluten and lactose sensitivities.
  • Boost Protein Power: Replace corned beef with sliced turkey or tempeh for a lighter protein option without compromising the classic Reuben taste profile.
  • Perfect Egg Wash Trick: Mix a tablespoon of water with the beaten egg to create a shinier, more golden-brown crescent roll topping that looks professionally baked.

Best Way to Store & Reheat Reuben Bake

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
  • Warm the Reuben Bake at 350F (175C) for 10-15 minutes. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and help retain moisture.
  • Heat individual portions for 1-2 minutes on medium power. Be cautious to avoid making the crescent rolls soggy or tough.
  • Wrap the cooled bake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Pairing Ideas for Reuben Bake

  • Select a slightly sweet, acidic Riesling from Germany to cut through the rich, salty corned beef and balance the tangy sauerkraut.
  • Add cold, crunchy dill pickle spears on the side to complement the warm, savory Reuben Bake and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Prepare a chilled, vinegar-based potato salad with chopped bacon to echo the dish's hearty German-inspired flavors and provide a cool side.
  • Choose a robust amber or brown ale to stand up to the strong flavors of corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut, creating a perfect hearty meal pairing.

Change Up Your Reuben Bake

  • Gluten-Free Reuben Bake: Replace crescent roll dough with gluten-free puff pastry or gluten-free crescent roll dough. Use gluten-free mustard and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Substitute crescent roll dough with a cauliflower crust made from riced cauliflower, eggs, and cheese. Maintain original layering technique with corned beef and Swiss cheese.
  • Vegetarian Reuben Alternative: Swap corned beef with roasted portobello mushrooms or plant-based meat substitute. Keep sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and dressing layers for authentic flavor profile.
  • Lighter Protein Version: Use lean turkey pastrami instead of traditional corned beef. Reduce Thousand Island dressing amount and opt for a yogurt-based lighter dressing to decrease overall calorie content.
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Reuben Bake Recipe

Reuben Bake Recipe


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4.6 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Hearty Reuben Bake brings classic deli flavors into a comforting casserole that melds corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese. Warm, satisfying layers invite eager diners to savor this crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) sliced corned beef, chopped
  • 8 oz (225g) Swiss cheese, sliced
  • 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough

Condiments and Seasonings:

  • ½ cup Thousand Island dressing (or Russian dressing)
  • ¼ cup Dijon or yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional, for authentic Reuben flavor)

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 can (14 ounces) sauerkraut, drained well
  • 1 egg, beaten

Instructions

  1. Prepare the culinary canvas by heating the oven to a toasty 375F (190C) and generously coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light grease.
  2. Carefully unfurl the first crescent roll dough, pressing it into the prepared dish’s base, meticulously sealing any visible seams to create a uniform foundation.
  3. Transform the base layer by spreading a zesty mustard blanket across the dough, creating a flavor-packed initial tier.
  4. Strategically arrange chopped corned beef atop the mustard, ensuring an even distribution of the savory protein.
  5. Drape Swiss cheese slices over the corned beef, creating a melty, rich intermediate layer.
  6. Scatter drained sauerkraut across the cheese, introducing a tangy and textural element to the emerging composition.
  7. Elegantly cascade Thousand Island dressing over the sauerkraut, weaving additional flavor complexity into the dish.
  8. Unveil the second crescent roll dough, carefully stretching and positioning it to completely envelop the previous layers, pinching edges to create a seamless seal.
  9. Delicately brush the top layer with beaten egg, creating a golden, glossy finish that promises a beautiful presentation.
  10. Optional: Sprinkle caraway seeds across the surface for an extra aromatic touch.
  11. Slide the assembled masterpiece into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 25-30 minutes until the top achieves a rich, golden-brown hue and edges become tantalizingly bubbly.
  12. Remove from the oven and permit the bake to rest and settle for approximately 5 minutes before slicing.
  13. Serve warm, revealing the layers of flavor and inviting immediate enjoyment.

Notes

  • Select high-quality corned beef from the deli counter for maximum flavor and tenderness.
  • Drain sauerkraut thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the crust soggy.
  • Use fresh crescent roll dough and seal seams carefully to create a sturdy base and top layer.
  • Experiment with different mustard varieties like spicy brown or whole grain for added complexity.
  • For gluten-free adaptation, substitute crescent rolls with gluten-free puff pastry or cauliflower crust.
  • Reduce sodium by choosing low-sodium corned beef and using less Thousand Island dressing.
  • Allow bake to rest 5-10 minutes after baking to help layers set and make cutting easier.
  • Enhance nutrition by adding thinly sliced vegetables like spinach or bell peppers between layers.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 880mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 16g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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