Reuben Bake: A Warm, Cheesy, and Crispy Layered Delight

There’s something undeniably comforting about a Reuben sandwich—the salty, tender corned beef, the tangy sauerkraut, the melty Swiss cheese, and that creamy, zesty Russian dressing, all stacked between crispy slices of rye bread. But what if you could take all of those flavors and turn them into an easy, cheesy, oven-baked dish?

Enter the Reuben Bake—a warm, bubbly, golden-brown casserole that’s got all the goodness of a classic Reuben but with a fuss-free, layered twist. Think of it like a savory bread pudding meets a hearty sandwich, with layers of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and a rich, custardy base that holds it all together. And instead of grilling individual sandwiches, this bake lets you feed a whole crowd with minimal effort!

I first made this recipe for a game night with friends, and let’s just say… it disappeared in minutes. The crispy top, the gooey cheese, and that punch of sauerkraut? Absolutely addictive. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for potlucks, weekend brunch, or even an easy dinner when you’re craving comfort food.

Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

⭐ All the flavors of a Reuben in an easy-to-make bake – No need to assemble individual sandwiches—just layer and bake!

⭐ Perfect for feeding a crowd – This recipe makes 6-8 generous servings, making it great for parties, brunches, or family dinners.

⭐ Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor – The golden, toasty top and gooey cheese make this dish so satisfying.

⭐ Customizable – You can tweak the ingredients based on what you have—swap the bread, add extra cheese, or use turkey pastrami for a lighter version.

Preparation Time & Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

• 1 lb sliced corned beef or turkey corned beef (for substitution)
• 2 cups sauerkraut, drained
• 1 ½ cups shredded Swiss cheese
• 12 lasagna noodles (or substitute with slices of rye bread, crusts removed)
• 1 cup Thousand Island dressing
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups milk
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
• Cube the rye bread into bite-sized pieces. If it’s fresh, let it sit out for 10-15 minutes to dry out slightly. (Day-old bread works best!)
• Drain and squeeze the sauerkraut to remove excess moisture—this helps prevent the bake from getting soggy.

2. Assemble the Layers

• Spread half of the cubed rye bread evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
• Layer half of the corned beef on top of the bread.
• Sprinkle half of the Swiss cheese, followed by half of the sauerkraut.
• Repeat the layers: bread, corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut.

3. Make the Egg Mixture

• In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, Russian dressing, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and caraway seeds.
• Slowly pour this mixture over the layered ingredients, ensuring everything gets soaked.
• Let the casserole sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard.

4. Add the Topping & Bake

• Mix the panko, shredded Swiss cheese, and melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle this evenly over the top for a crispy, cheesy crust.
• Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and slightly crispy.

5. Rest & Serve

• Let the bake rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
• Serve warm with extra Russian dressing or mustard on the side.

How to Serve

This Reuben Bake is a meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, here are some great serving ideas:

• 🥗 With a Side Salad – A light arugula or coleslaw salad adds a fresh contrast.
• 🥣 With Soup – A bowl of tomato or potato soup pairs beautifully with the rich flavors.
• 🥒 With Pickles – Classic dill pickles or pickled red onions add a crunchy, tangy balance.

Additional Tips for Success

✔ Use stale or toasted bread – This helps it absorb the custard without turning mushy.

✔ Don’t skip squeezing the sauerkraut – Extra moisture can make the bake soggy.

✔ Let it sit before baking – Giving the bread time to soak up the egg mixture results in the best texture.

✔ Make ahead-friendly – Assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh the next day!

✔ Customize the cheese – Swiss is classic, but you can mix in cheddar, Gruyère, or even provolone for a twist.

Recipe Variations

🌿 Lighter Option: Swap the corned beef for turkey pastrami and use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream.

🔥 Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of horseradish or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the custard.

🧀 Extra Cheesy: Mix in some cream cheese or mozzarella for added gooeyness.

🥪 Different Bread: Try sourdough, pumpernickel, or even pretzel rolls for a unique twist.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing Leftovers

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Wrap the entire bake in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions for 1-2 minutes (though the bread might lose some crispiness).

FAQ: Your Reuben Bake Questions Answered

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble it the night before and refrigerate. Just bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Q: What can I use instead of Russian dressing?
A: Thousand Island dressing or a mix of mayo, ketchup, and a little horseradish works great.

Q: Can I make this without eggs?
A: You can try using extra cream and a little cornstarch as a binder, but the texture may be different.

Q: What’s the best way to make it crispier?
A: Broil for the last 2-3 minutes for an extra golden, crispy top.

Q: Can I use pastrami instead of corned beef?
A: Absolutely! Pastrami adds a smoky depth that works just as well.

Final Thoughts

This Reuben Bake is one of those dishes that’s easy to love—warm, cheesy, slightly crispy, and packed with layers of bold, satisfying flavors. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, dinner, or a potluck, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Leave a comment or tag me on social media—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Enjoy! 😊💛

Print