If you’re a fan of the classic deli favorite with a cozy, comforting twist, this Reuben Casserole Recipe is going to steal your heart and your appetite. It takes all the iconic flavors of a Reuben sandwich—the tangy sauerkraut, savory corned beef, creamy Swiss cheese, and zesty Russian dressing—and layers them into a warm, melty casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Trust me, once you try this casserole, it will become your go-to comfort food that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Reuben Casserole Recipe uses simple but essential ingredients that bring together a beautiful mix of savory, tangy, and gooey textures. Each element plays a vital role, from the hearty rye bread that soaks up the flavors, to the creamy Swiss cheese that adds richness, and the Russian dressing that ties everything together with a little zing.
- Russian dressing (1 cup, divided): Adds that classic tangy and slightly sweet flavor that defines a Reuben.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors, keeping everything perfectly balanced.
- Pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds a mild, complementary heat without overpowering.
- Large egg (1): Helps bind the ingredients and gives structure to the casserole.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Makes the casserole creamy and luscious.
- Marble rye bread cubes (4 cups): This hearty bread soaks up all the delicious juices and adds that quintessential rye flavor.
- Swiss cheese (1 pound, sliced): Melts beautifully, bringing gooey richness and mild nuttiness.
- Corned beef (1 pound): The star protein bringing savory, hearty bites throughout the casserole.
- Sauerkraut (2 cups, well-drained): Offers a tangy crunch that cuts through the richness and keeps it vibrant.
- Dill pickle chips (1 cup): Provide bursts of crisp, vinegary freshness that brighten every bite.
How to Make Reuben Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dressing Mixture
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking this delicious casserole. In a small bowl, whisk together half a cup of Russian dressing, the egg, whole milk, salt, and pepper. This mixture will be the flavorful liquid that the rye bread soaks up, making each bite tender and packed with flavor.
Step 2: Layer the Bread Base
Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spread your cubed marble rye bread evenly across the dish. This bread acts like a sponge to soak up the flavorful dressing mixture, creating the perfect base for the casserole.
Step 3: Combine the Dressing and Bread
Pour the dressing and milk mixture over the bread cubes. Stir gently to distribute the liquid evenly so every piece of bread soaks up those wonderful flavors. This step is crucial for a moist, cohesive casserole that’s bursting with taste.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Pickles
Next, lay slices of Swiss cheese over the soaked bread to add creamy, melty texture. Sprinkle the dill pickle chips on top, and then spread another layer of Russian dressing on the pickles. These layers bring in different textures and layers of flavor, making each bite interesting and satisfying.
Step 5: Layer Sauerkraut and Corned Beef
Drain your sauerkraut well so it doesn’t add unwanted sogginess, then spread it evenly over the pickles. Chop the corned beef into small pieces and distribute it on top of the sauerkraut. This combination delivers the iconic tang and savory punch that makes a Reuben so beloved.
Step 6: Finish with More Cheese and Bake
Top the casserole with the remaining Swiss cheese slices. This final cheese layer melts into a golden, bubbly blanket during baking, sealing in flavors and adding irresistible gooeyness. Bake in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling hot.
How to Serve Reuben Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Reuben Casserole Recipe even further, try garnishing with some fresh dill or chopped parsley for a fresh herbal note. A few extra pickle chips on top can add a lovely crunch and pop of acidity right at serving time.
Side Dishes
This casserole is rich and flavorful, so consider pairing it with simple, refreshing sides such as a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or even some oven-baked sweet potato fries. These choices add balance without stealing the spotlight from your delicious casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
Make it a fun family-style dinner by serving the casserole directly from the baking dish with plenty of sides for everyone to customize their plates. Alternatively, for a more elegant presentation, plate individual portions topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a pickle spear on the side to nod to its sandwich origins.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making your next meal just as delicious. When storing, place a layer of parchment between portions to prevent sticking.
Freezing
Reuben Casserole Recipe works well for freezing either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and bubbly. This helps keep the cheese melty and the bread crisp on top. Microwaving is quicker but may result in a softer texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this casserole?
Absolutely! While marble rye is traditional and adds a distinct flavor, you can try pumpernickel, rye, or even a sturdy sourdough. Just make sure it’s a dense bread that can hold up to the moisture well.
Is Russian dressing necessary, or can I substitute it?
Russian dressing is key to capturing the authentic Reuben flavor, but Thousand Island dressing is a common substitute and will work fine if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the corned beef and add extra sauerkraut or substitute with a plant-based protein like seasoned tempeh or mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Do I need to squeeze the sauerkraut dry?
Yes, squeezing out excess liquid from the sauerkraut prevents your casserole from becoming soggy and keeps the texture just right.
Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Definitely! Use a larger baking dish or two 9×13 pans and increase the ingredients proportionally. Just keep an eye on the baking time, which may be slightly longer depending on the casserole’s thickness.
Final Thoughts
If you want a delightful spin on a classic deli sandwich that feeds a crowd and hugs you back with every bite, this Reuben Casserole Recipe is pure magic. It’s rich, tangy, cheesy, and hearty all at once, making it one of those dishes you’ll want to keep coming back to. Give it a try, invite some friends or family, and be ready for a whole lot of happy compliments.
Print
Reuben Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Reuben Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish inspired by the classic Reuben sandwich. Featuring layers of rye bread soaked in a savory Russian dressing and egg mixture, melted Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, zesty dill pickles, and tender corned beef, this casserole offers all the flavors of the beloved deli sandwich in an easy-to-bake one-dish meal. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck, it bakes to bubbly, golden perfection in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Russian dressing (divided)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 cups cubed marble rye bread (small pieces, about 5–6 slices)
- 1 pound sliced Swiss cheese (about 12 slices)
- 1 pound corned beef
- 2 cups sauerkraut (squeezed to drain any excess liquid)
- 1 cup dill pickle chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dressing: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of Russian dressing, the egg, whole milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Prepare Casserole Dish and Bread: Lightly spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spread the cubed marble rye bread evenly throughout the casserole dish.
- Soak Bread with Dressing Mixture: Pour the dressing and milk mixture over the bread cubes. Stir gently to ensure the bread soaks up the liquid evenly, which will help achieve a moist and flavorful base.
- Layer Cheese: Layer slices of Swiss cheese evenly over the soaked bread mixture to add creamy, melted texture.
- Add Pickles and More Dressing: Scatter the dill pickle chips over the cheese layer, then spoon additional Russian dressing on top to enhance the classic Reuben flavors.
- Layer Sauerkraut: Spread a layer of the well-drained sauerkraut over the casserole. It is crucial to squeeze out any excess liquid from the sauerkraut to avoid sogginess in the casserole.
- Add Corned Beef: Chop the corned beef into small pieces and spread them evenly on top of the sauerkraut layer, distributing the meat flavor throughout the dish.
- Top with Remaining Cheese: Finish by layering the remaining slices of Swiss cheese on top to create a rich, melty crust when baked.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake the assembled casserole in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.
Notes
- Squeeze out excess liquid from sauerkraut thoroughly to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
- You can substitute marble rye bread with any sturdy rye bread or even pumpernickel for variation.
- For a spicier kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the Russian dressing.
- This casserole can be prepared the night before; assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake on the following day, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking cold.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
