Reuben Bake Casserole: A Hearty Twist on the Classic Deli Sandwich

If you’re a fan of the iconic Reuben sandwich, you’re going to fall in love with this warm, cheesy, and deeply satisfying Reuben Bake Casserole. It takes everything you love about the traditional deli favorite—savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melty Swiss cheese, Thousand Island dressing, and rye bread—and turns it into a baked comfort food dish the whole family will crave.

Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, potlucks, or game day, this Reuben casserole delivers all the flavors of a classic Reuben in an easy-to-make layered bake. Let’s explore how to prepare it, why it works so well, how to customize it, and tips for storing leftovers.

Why You’ll Love This Reuben Bake

This Reuben Bake is:

✅ Hearty and filling, thanks to layers of meat, cheese, and bread.
✅ Perfect for feeding a crowd—slice and serve like a casserole.
✅ Easy to make ahead and reheat later.

✅ A fun spin on a beloved sandwich.
✅ Ready in just 30 minutes of bake time!

If you’re looking for a comforting, cheesy dish with bold flavors and minimal fuss, this Reuben Bake will hit the spot.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this comforting Reuben Bake casserole:

🍞 8 slices of rye bread, cubed – Use seeded rye for extra flavor.
🍖 1 pound corned beef, thinly sliced or shredded – Deli-sliced or homemade both work great.

🥫 1 can (14 oz) sauerkraut, drained and rinsed – Reduces the saltiness and adds tang.
🧀 2 cups grated Swiss cheese – Melts beautifully and offers that classic Reuben taste.
🥗 1 cup Thousand Island dressing – Creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet—binds everything together.

🧂 Optional: A little black pepper or caraway seeds for extra depth.

How to Make Reuben Bake Casserole (Step-by-Step)

🔥 Step 1: Preheat Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of butter.

🥣 Step 2: Prepare Ingredients

Cube the rye bread into bite-sized chunks. Shred or slice your corned beef, and thoroughly drain and rinse the sauerkraut to remove excess brine.

🧺 Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Start layering the casserole:

First, add half the cubed rye bread.
Layer half the corned beef on top.
Then add half of the sauerkraut.

Sprinkle half the shredded Swiss cheese.
Drizzle half of the Thousand Island dressing.

🔁 Step 4: Repeat the Layers

Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients: bread, beef, sauerkraut, cheese, and the rest of the dressing.

⏱️ Step 5: Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.

🍽️ Step 6: Serve

Let the dish cool slightly for 5–10 minutes, then cut into squares and serve hot. Each bite is full of rich, savory, tangy flavor—just like the sandwich version.

What Makes This Reuben Bake So Delicious?

The secret to this dish is the balance of textures and flavors:

Rye bread offers chewiness and structure.
Corned beef brings saltiness and meatiness.
Sauerkraut adds a zesty, fermented punch that balances the richness.

Swiss cheese melts into creamy, stretchy perfection.
Thousand Island dressing pulls it all together with a hint of sweetness.

It’s everything you love about a Reuben, but baked and served family-style. 🧡

Tips for the Best Reuben Casserole

Toast the bread cubes slightly before layering if you want a firmer texture.
Use quality corned beef—ask for fresh-sliced deli meat, or use leftover brisket.
Drain the sauerkraut well to avoid soggy layers.

Grate your own cheese for better meltability and richer flavor.
Let it rest after baking so the layers firm up slightly and slice easily.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

🧊 Can You Make It Ahead?

Absolutely! You can assemble the Reuben Bake up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until ready to bake. Let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before baking.

📦 How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

❄️ Can You Freeze It?

Yes, the baked casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations & Customizations

Want to tweak the recipe to match your preferences or what you have on hand? Try these ideas:

🧄 Add caramelized onions or garlic for more depth.
🧀 Substitute with Gruyère or Provolone for a different cheesy twist.
🍞 Use pumpernickel or sourdough bread if rye isn’t available.

🌶️ Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
🥓 Mix in some crispy bacon bits for extra smokiness.

You can even turn this into individual muffin-tin Reuben cups for party-sized portions!

Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving, 1/8 of casserole)

Please note: This is an approximate estimate based on typical ingredients.

Calories: 380 kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 20g

Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Sodium: 980mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g

Calcium: 20% DV
Iron: 15% DV

This dish is hearty and satisfying—great for lunch or dinner. Pair it with a crisp green salad or a light pickle side for a balanced meal.

Best Occasions to Serve Reuben Bake

This casserole is as versatile as it is delicious. Serve it for:

🏈 Game day gatherings
🧺 Potlucks or holiday brunches

🧑‍🍳 Family dinners
🍻 St. Patrick’s Day meals with a twist
🥪 Leftover corned beef makeover

It’s also a great dish to bring to a friend or neighbor in need of a comforting, home-cooked meal.

Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Comfort Food Casserole

If you’re craving the bold flavors of a deli Reuben sandwich but want something warm, filling, and easy to serve, this Reuben Bake Casserole is exactly what you need. With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you can turn sandwich classics into a layered masterpiece that satisfies the whole table.

So grab a baking dish, fire up your oven, and dig into the cheesy, tangy, meaty layers of this irresistible dish. Reuben night just got a whole lot better!

Loved this recipe? Save it for later, share it on social media, or pin it to your favorite casserole board. Your taste buds—and your family—will thank you. 🧡🍴

Easy Reuben Bake Casserole Recipe (Hearty & Cheesy!)

Author: Rachel Mills

Print Recipe

Ingredients

8 slices of rye bread, cubed

1 pound thinly sliced or shredded corned beef

1 can (14 ounces) sauerkraut, drained and rinsed

2 cups grated Swiss cheese

1 cup Thousand Island dressing

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.

Prepare Ingredients:

Cube the rye bread slices, shred or thinly slice the corned beef, and drain and rinse the sauerkraut.

Layer Ingredients:

Begin by layering half of the cubed rye bread in the bottom of the greased baking dish. Top with half of the corned beef, followed by half of the sauerkraut. Sprinkle half of the grated Swiss cheese over the sauerkraut layer.

Add Dressing:

Drizzle half of the Thousand Island dressing evenly over the cheese layer.

Repeat Layers:

Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients: rye bread, corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese.

Finish with Dressing:

Drizzle the remaining Thousand Island dressing evenly over the top layer of cheese.

Bake:

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve:

Once baked, remove the foil and allow the Reuben Bake to cool slightly before serving. Cut into squares and serve hot.

Enjoy this hearty and delicious Reuben Bake Casserole, perfect for any meal!