Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Reuben casserole brings all the elements of a traditional Reuben sandwich together in one hearty dish. The combination of tangy sauerkraut, savory corned beef, rich Swiss cheese, and rye bread creates a comforting meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s quick to prepare, easy to bake, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re craving something new or just love the flavors of a Reuben sandwich, this casserole will hit the spot.
Ingredients
- 6 slices rye bread, cubed
- 1 (16 ounce) can sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
- ¾ cup Russian-style salad dressing
- Cooking spray
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray, and also spray one sheet of aluminum foil with cooking spray.
- Spread the bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
- Layer the bread cubes with sauerkraut and corned beef strips.
- Pour the Russian-style salad dressing evenly over the top.
- Cover the casserole with the aluminum foil, spraying-side down.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese over the casserole.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Add Pickles: If you like pickles with your Reuben, you can add some chopped dill pickles or relish for an extra tangy kick.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread to make this casserole gluten-free.
- Cheese Variations: Swap Swiss cheese for Gruyère or even provolone for a different flavor profile.
- More Veggies: Add a layer of caramelized onions or bell peppers to the casserole for extra flavor.
- Spicy: For a spicy twist, stir in some hot sauce or a few dashes of cayenne pepper into the dressing.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave or place the casserole back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it the next day.
2. Can I freeze this Reuben casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
3. What can I use instead of Russian dressing?
If you don’t have Russian dressing, you can substitute with Thousand Island dressing or even a mix of mayo and ketchup with a bit of horseradish.
4. Can I make this casserole in a smaller dish?
Yes, you can use an 8×8-inch dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as necessary and monitor the casserole closely.
5. How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
Replace the corned beef with a plant-based meat alternative or skip the meat altogether for a vegetarian version.
6. Can I use a different kind of bread?
Yes, while rye bread gives it that classic Reuben flavor, you can experiment with other breads like sourdough or multigrain if preferred.
7. How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are golden brown.
8. Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! If you want to serve a crowd, you can double the ingredients and bake in a larger dish. Just keep an eye on the cooking time.
9. Is it necessary to rinse the sauerkraut?
Yes, rinsing the sauerkraut helps reduce some of the briny flavor, making it better balanced with the other ingredients.
10. Can I add more cheese to the casserole?
Certainly! If you love cheese, feel free to add more shredded Swiss or even another type of cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for extra richness.
Conclusion
Reuben casserole is a fun and easy way to enjoy the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich in a casserole form. With its layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and rye bread, it’s a savory dish that will satisfy all your cravings. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this casserole is a must-try for anyone who loves deli-style sandwiches.
Reuben Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Reuben casserole is a baked version of the classic Reuben sandwich. Layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and rye bread are topped with Russian-style dressing for a flavorful and comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
6 slices rye bread, cubed
1 (16 ounce) can sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
1 pound deli sliced corned beef, cut into strips
¾ cup Russian-style salad dressing
Cooking spray
2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish and one sheet of aluminum foil with cooking spray.
- Spread the bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Layer with sauerkraut and corned beef strips.
- Pour Russian dressing evenly over the top.
- Cover with aluminum foil, sprayed side down, and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle Swiss cheese over the casserole, and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
Add chopped dill pickles or relish for extra tang.
Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version.
Swap Swiss cheese with Gruyère or provolone for a different flavor.
For more flavor, add caramelized onions or bell peppers.
Stir in hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
