The Ultimate Reuben Bake Recipe: Savory Irish-Inspired Comfort

Whipping up a mouthwatering reuben bake brings comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Layers of corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted swiss cheese create a hearty meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Classic deli flavors merge seamlessly in this simple casserole-style dish.

Fragrant rye bread crumbs add a perfect crispy topping that complements the rich ingredients below.

Weeknight dinners demand something quick yet spectacular, and this recipe delivers on both fronts.

Comfort and convenience collide in a single skillet, promising a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You won’t believe how easily these bold flavors come together in one effortless bake.

Ingredients For Reuben Bake You’ll Need

• Rye Bread: A hearty bread that provides a rustic and flavorful foundation for the casserole.
• Corned Beef: A rich and savory meat that serves as the protein centerpiece of the dish.
• Sauerkraut: A tangy fermented cabbage that adds a zesty and traditional flavor profile.
• Swiss Cheese: A creamy cheese that melts beautifully and adds a nutty, smooth layer to the casserole.

• Eggs, Whole Milk: These ingredients create a custardy base that holds the casserole together and provides richness.
• Russian Dressing, Dijon Mustard: Condiments that contribute complex, bold flavor dimensions to the mixture.

• Breadcrumbs, Butter: These ingredients create a golden, crispy top layer with a delightful crunch.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Caraway Seeds: Seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the casserole.

Steps To Make Reuben Bake With Ease

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to keep everything from sticking.

Step 2: Break Down The Bread

Tear the rye bread into rustic, bite-sized chunks, aiming for roughly similar sizes to ensure consistent texture throughout the dish.

Step 3: Mix The Magic Sauce

• Eggs
• Whole milk
• Russian dressing
• Dijon mustard
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Caraway seeds

Blend until the mixture looks smooth and completely combined.

Step 4: Create The First Layer

Spread half of the bread cubes across the bottom of the baking dish, creating an even base for the casserole.

Step 5: Add The Meat

Lay sliced corned beef evenly over the bread layer, building a hearty protein foundation.

Step 6: Sprinkle Tangy Goodness

Scatter sauerkraut across the corned beef, introducing a zesty punch to balance the rich meat.

Step 7: Cheese It Up

Cover the corned beef and sauerkraut with a generous blanket of shredded swiss cheese.

Step 8: Pour The Liquid Gold

Slowly drizzle the egg and milk mixture over the entire casserole, making sure every ingredient gets a good splash.

Step 9: Create A Crispy Topping

Sprinkle breadcrumbs across the surface and dot with small butter pieces to guarantee a golden, crunchy finish.

Step 10: Bake To Perfection

Pop the casserole in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown top and a center that’s set with no liquid hanging around.

Step 11: Let It Rest

Pull the casserole out of the oven and let it chill for 10 minutes. This helps the flavors mingle and the dish firm up for perfect serving.

Tips For Crisp And Melty Reuben Bake

• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Use day-old rye bread to absorb liquid better and maintain a crisp texture throughout the casserole.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast caraway seeds briefly before adding to the egg mixture to release their nutty, aromatic qualities.
• Adjust Saltiness: Rinse sauerkraut under cold water to reduce excess salt if you prefer a milder tangy flavor.
• Dietary Swap Option: Replace whole milk with lactose-free milk or unsweetened almond milk for a dairy-sensitive version.
• Perfect Golden Crust: Cover with foil for the first 25 minutes of baking, then uncover to achieve an evenly browned, crispy top.

Fun Versions Of Reuben Bake To Try

• Vegetarian Reuben Casserole: Replace corned beef with roasted portobello mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives for a meatless version that maintains rich flavors.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap rye bread with gluten-free bread cubes and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate wheat-sensitive diets.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Use reduced-sodium corned beef, low-sodium sauerkraut, and cut back on added salt to create a heart-healthy alternative without sacrificing taste.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate diced green chiles, swap russian dressing for chipotle mayo, and add pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern-inspired casserole experience.

What To Serve With Reuben Bake

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust, medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Syrah that complements the rich, savory flavors of corned beef and cuts through the casserole's richness.
• Serve with Crisp Pickle Salad: Create a tangy side dish with thinly sliced dill pickles, red onions, and fresh parsley dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the casserole's heavy texture.
• Match with Craft Beer: Choose a hoppy IPA or a malty amber ale that echoes the dish's hearty German-inspired profile and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the dense, cheesy casserole.

Best Storage Tips For Reuben Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Let stand for 30 seconds before serving to distribute heat evenly.

Reuben Bake FAQ Roundup

• What are the key ingredients that make this dish unique?

Corned beef, rye bread, sauerkraut, and swiss cheese create a classic deli-inspired flavor profile reminiscent of a Reuben sandwich.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have exactly what the recipe calls for?

Yes, you can use sourdough instead of rye bread, swap swiss cheese with provolone, and use turkey pastrami as an alternative to corned beef.

• Is this recipe considered a breakfast or dinner dish?

This versatile casserole works perfectly as a hearty brunch item or comforting dinner main course that satisfies any time of day.

• How difficult is this recipe for home cooks?

This casserole is beginner-friendly, requiring basic mixing and layering skills with minimal complex techniques, making it accessible for cooks of all experience levels.

Why Reuben Bake Is Savory And Comforting

• Conquer Complexity: This recipe transforms intricate Reuben sandwich flavors into a simple, approachable casserole perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Maximize Comfort: Packed with hearty corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and rich swiss cheese, this dish delivers maximum satisfaction in every single bite.
• Create Family Memories: A crowd-pleasing meal that brings everyone together, offering nostalgic deli flavors in a warm, inviting format that sparks conversation.
• Celebrate Versatility: Suitable for casual weeknight dinners, potlucks, and weekend gatherings, this casserole adapts beautifully to various dining occasions and social settings.

Reuben Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 60-65 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets classic deli magic in this hearty Reuben Bake, blending corned beef, sauerkraut, and melted Swiss in a casserole that delivers crowd-pleasing flavor. Creamy Russian dressing and rye bread crumbs crown this irresistible dish that brings warmth to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Proteins and Meat:

• 1 lb corned beef, sliced
• 8 oz swiss cheese, shredded

Bread and Base:

• 1 loaf rye bread, cubed
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup russian dressing
• 1/4 cup sauerkraut
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard
• 1 tsp caraway seeds
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Wet Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Tear the rye bread into rustic, bite-sized cubes, ensuring they are roughly uniform in size for even texture.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, russian dressing, dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and caraway seeds until completely smooth and well-incorporated.
4. Layer half of the bread cubes across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even foundation.
5. Distribute sliced corned beef evenly over the bread layer, creating a hearty meat base.
6. Sprinkle sauerkraut across the corned beef, providing a tangy counterpoint to the rich meat.
7. Cover the corned beef and sauerkraut with a generous layer of shredded swiss cheese.
8. Pour the egg and milk mixture slowly and evenly over the entire casserole, ensuring all ingredients are moistened.
9. Scatter breadcrumbs across the top and dot with small pieces of butter for a golden, crispy finish.
10. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the center is set with no liquid remaining.
11. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to firm up and flavors to meld.

Notes

• Customize bread texture by toasting cubes lightly before assembling for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium corned beef and draining sauerkraut thoroughly to control salt levels.
• Swap traditional ingredients for dietary needs: use gluten-free bread, plant-based cheese, and vegan corned beef alternative for inclusive meal options.
• Enhance leftovers by adding fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives on top for brightness and visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 190 mg