A Reuben Casserole is a fun and easy way to enjoy the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich in a cozy, comforting baked form! It’s a hearty dish made with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian or Thousand Island dressing. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a potluck! 😋
Here’s a simple recipe for Reuben Casserole:
🧀 Reuben Casserole
Serves: 6–8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb corned beef, chopped (you can use deli-sliced or leftover corned beef)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can sauerkraut, drained and rinsed (or about 2 cups homemade sauerkraut)
- 1/2 cup Russian dressing or Thousand Island dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp caraway seeds (optional, but adds a nice touch)
- 1 1/2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
- 4 cups day-old bread, cubed (use rye bread for an authentic flavor, but any bread will work)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
1. Prep the casserole dish:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Mix the casserole filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, Russian or Thousand Island dressing, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, and caraway seeds (if using). Stir until evenly mixed.
- Gently fold in the shredded Swiss cheese. Set the mixture aside.
3. Prepare the bread cubes:
- In a separate bowl, toss the bread cubes with the melted butter until evenly coated.
4. Assemble the casserole:
- Layer the buttered bread cubes in the bottom of the greased casserole dish.
- Spread the corned beef and sauerkraut mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down gently.
5. Bake the casserole:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown and bubbly. If you like a crispier top, you can broil it for an additional 1–2 minutes, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
6. Serve:
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley (optional) and serve hot. Enjoy with a side of pickles or a simple green salad.
Tips:
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the casserole up to a day ahead. Just cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate before baking. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.
- Bread choice: For a true Reuben flavor, use rye bread for the cubes. If you’re not a fan of rye, feel free to use a soft white or sourdough bread.
- Substitute the cheese: If you prefer, you can swap Swiss cheese for Gruyère or Provolone for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with crispy potato wedges or a simple coleslaw to balance the richness of the casserole.
- A pickle platter or dill pickles on the side complement the flavors perfectly.
This Reuben casserole takes all the delicious elements of the classic sandwich and turns them into a warm, cheesy, and satisfying dish. It’s a great way to bring the flavors of a deli favorite to the dinner table! 🧀🍞🥒
Would you like any variations, like a vegetarian Reuben casserole or a low-carb version? Just let me know!
