Reuben Bake is a comforting and delicious casserole that brings all the flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich into an easy-to-make dish. This bake features layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and a creamy Thousand Island dressing, all topped with crescent roll dough for a golden, flaky crust. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want a hearty, flavorful meal without the hassle of making individual sandwiches.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Tips for Perfect Reuben Bake
- Recipe Variations
- FAQs
- Serving Suggestions
- Conclusion
Ingredients
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 lb sliced corned beef, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) sauerkraut, drained
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer the Crescent Roll Dough: Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, pressing the seams together to form a solid layer.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, Thousand Island dressing, and Dijon mustard. Mix until well combined.
- Add the Filling: Spread the corned beef mixture evenly over the crescent roll dough layer in the baking dish.
- Top with Crescent Roll Dough: Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and place it over the filling, pressing the seams together to cover the entire dish.
- Brush with Butter: Brush the melted butter over the top layer of crescent roll dough. If desired, sprinkle with caraway seeds for added flavor.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the Reuben Bake to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for Perfect Reuben Bake
- Drain the Sauerkraut Well: Be sure to drain the sauerkraut thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Seal the Crescent Dough Seams: Press the seams of the crescent roll dough tightly together to prevent the filling from oozing out during baking.
- Use Good Quality Corned Beef: For the best flavor, use high-quality deli corned beef, either sliced or chopped.
Recipe Variations
- Turkey Reuben Bake: Substitute the corned beef with sliced turkey for a lighter version of this classic dish.
- Rye Bread Crust: Use refrigerated rye bread dough instead of crescent rolls for a more traditional Reuben flavor.
- Cheesy Reuben Bake: Add an extra cup of shredded Swiss cheese on top of the filling for an extra cheesy version.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this bake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the Reuben Bake up to 12 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover Reuben Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I freeze Reuben Bake?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Side Salad: Serve the Reuben Bake with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- With Pickles: Add some dill pickles on the side for a classic Reuben pairing.
- With Potato Chips: Serve with potato chips for a casual, sandwich-style meal.
Reuben Bake is a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich without the hassle of assembling individual sandwiches. With layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and a flaky crescent roll crust, this bake is perfect for any occasion. Give this easy recipe a try and enjoy a hearty, comforting meal that everyone will love!