Reuben Casserole: A Comforting Twist on a Classic Sandwich

The Reuben sandwich —with its layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing—is a timeless deli favorite. But what if you could capture all those bold flavors in a single, easy-to-make casserole? Enter the Reuben Casserole , a hearty and satisfying dish that combines the best elements of the classic sandwich into a one-pan meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or game-day gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

In this article, we’ll guide you through making this delicious casserole, discuss its nutritional benefits, and provide tips for customization to suit your taste preferences. Let’s dive into the world of comfort food innovation!

---

Why Choose Reuben Casserole?

The Reuben Casserole takes the iconic flavors of the Reuben sandwich and transforms them into a warm, cheesy, and comforting dish. Here’s why this casserole is worth adding to your repertoire:

Benefits of Reuben Casserole:

• Comfort Food Made Easy: Combines all the flavors of a Reuben sandwich in one simple dish.
• Perfect for Crowds: Serves a group with minimal effort, making it ideal for potlucks or family dinners.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit dietary preferences or ingredient availability.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be assembled ahead of time and baked when ready to serve.
• Kid-Friendly: The creamy, cheesy layers appeal to both kids and adults.

---

Ingredients Breakdown

To create the Reuben Casserole , let’s break down the key components:

1. Base Layer

The foundation of this casserole is made from rye bread or rye crackers:

• Cubed rye bread or crushed rye crackers mimic the traditional sandwich bread.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread or crackers.

2. Corned Beef

Corned beef provides the signature flavor of a Reuben:

• Use store-bought sliced corned beef or leftover homemade corned beef.
• Alternatively, substitute with pastrami for a smoky twist.

3. Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut adds tanginess and texture:

• Drain excess liquid from canned or jarred sauerkraut before using.
• For a milder flavor, rinse the sauerkraut to reduce saltiness.

4. Cheese

Swiss cheese is essential for authentic Reuben flavor:

• Shredded Swiss cheese melts beautifully and adds creaminess.
• Substitute with Gruyère or provolone for a different flavor profile.

5. Thousand Island Dressing

This creamy, tangy dressing ties everything together:

• Use store-bought Thousand Island dressing for convenience.
• Make your own by mixing mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, and a splash of lemon juice.

6. Optional Add-Ins

Enhance the flavor and texture with additional ingredients:

• Diced onions or shallots for extra depth.
• Caraway seeds for a subtle rye bread-like flavor.

---

Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Here’s a detailed guide to creating Reuben Casserole that will leave you craving more.

Servings: 6-8 people

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• For the casserole:
  • 4 cups cubed rye bread or crushed rye crackers
  • 12 oz sliced corned beef (or pastrami), chopped
  • 2 cups sauerkraut, drained
  • 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
  • 1 cup Thousand Island dressing
• Optional toppings:
  • Caraway seeds
  • Chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole pan.
2. Prepare the Layers:
   • Spread half of the cubed rye bread or crushed crackers evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
   • Layer half of the chopped corned beef over the bread.
   • Spread half of the sauerkraut evenly over the corned beef.
   • Sprinkle half of the shredded Swiss cheese over the sauerkraut.
   • Repeat the layers: bread, corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese.
3. Add the Dressing:
   • Drizzle the Thousand Island dressing evenly over the top layer of cheese.
4. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with caraway seeds or chopped parsley for added flavor and presentation.
   • Serve warm and enjoy!

---

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: ~350-400
• Total Carbs: ~20g (Net Carbs: ~15g)
• Protein: ~18g
• Fat: ~25g
• Fiber: ~5g

This makes Reuben Casserole a satisfying, high-protein, and moderately indulgent dish that’s perfect for comfort food cravings.

---

Tips for Success

• Toast the Bread: Lightly toast the rye bread cubes or crackers for added crunch.
• Adjust Sauerkraut: If you’re not a fan of strong sauerkraut flavor, use less or mix in some shredded cabbage for balance.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
• Freeze for Later: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.

---

Customization Ideas

One of the best things about this casserole is its versatility. Here are some ideas to tailor it to your liking:

• Veggie Option: Replace corned beef with grilled mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread or crackers and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Extra Cheesy: Mix in cream cheese or sour cream with the dressing for an ultra-creamy texture.

---

Final Thoughts

Reuben Casserole is a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish that brings the flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich to life in a new and exciting way. With its layers of savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, gooey Swiss cheese, and creamy Thousand Island dressing, this casserole is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, Sunday dinner, or casual weeknight meal, this dish is as easy to make as it is delicious. Plus, its adaptability ensures that everyone—regardless of dietary preferences—can enjoy a serving.

So grab your ingredients, fire up your oven, and get ready to indulge in a dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. Trust us—once you try this Reuben Casserole, it’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation!

Print