A classic hearty Reuben bake is a comforting, layered dish that combines all the flavors of a traditional Reuben sandwich—corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing—baked into a delicious casserole. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for serving a crowd. Here’s a simple recipe:
Classic Hearty Reuben Bake Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb corned beef, thinly sliced or shredded
- 1 can (14.5 oz) sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
- 8 oz Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Thousand Island dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 loaf of rye bread (about 8-10 slices), cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the casserole layers:
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the rye bread cubes with the melted butter until evenly coated. This will be the base of the casserole.
- In a separate bowl, combine the corned beef, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, and Swiss cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Reuben bake:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Spread half of the buttered bread cubes in the bottom of the dish.
- Layer half of the corned beef mixture on top of the bread cubes.
- Repeat with the remaining bread cubes and corned beef mixture, finishing with a top layer of the bread cubes.
- Top with Parmesan:
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake:
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to crisp up the top.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Tips:
- You can make this ahead of time by assembling the casserole and refrigerating it, then baking it when you’re ready.
- If you want a little extra crunch, you can add crushed potato chips or crispy fried onions on top before the final baking.
- For a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat dressing and cheese, or try swapping the bread for a lighter option like whole-grain or sourdough.
This hearty Reuben bake makes for a filling dinner or a great dish to bring to a potluck. It’s loaded with savory goodness and perfect for satisfying those Reuben cravings! Would you serve this with a side or on its own?