Baked Reuben Casserole: A Hearty and Delicious Twist on a Classic

Why You’ll Love Baked Reuben Casserole Recipe

One of the best things about this casserole is how easy it is to make. Instead of individually assembling sandwiches, you get to layer all the ingredients in a single casserole dish, saving time and effort. It’s also an ideal dish to prepare for gatherings, as it serves a crowd and can be made ahead of time.

Whether you’re hosting a party, feeding a family, or just craving something delicious, this baked Reuben casserole delivers a warm, satisfying meal. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of a classic deli sandwich without the hassle of grilling each one.

Ingredients

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this comforting casserole:

• Rye bread (dark or light): This forms the base of the casserole, giving it the signature flavor of a Reuben sandwich.

• Pastrami or corned beef: Thinly sliced pastrami or corned beef gives the casserole its meaty richness and flavor.

• Sauerkraut: A key ingredient for that tangy, crunchy bite.

• Swiss cheese: Shredded Swiss cheese melts beautifully to create a cheesy layer in the casserole.

• Dill pickles: Adding chopped dill pickles brings in a briny, crunchy element that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.

• Caraway seeds: These give a subtle, classic flavor to the rye bread and complement the other ingredients.

• Milk and eggs: These ingredients help bind the casserole together and create a creamy, rich texture.

• Thousand Island dressing and yellow mustard: These two ingredients provide the tangy, zesty flavors that are a signature of the Reuben sandwich.

Directions

Making this casserole is simple! Here’s how to put it together:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 11×7-inch (or 9×13-inch) baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

2. Cut four slices of rye bread into 2-inch cubes. Spread the bread cubes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will serve as the base of your casserole.

3. Take the remaining two slices of rye bread and pulse them in a food processor to create fine breadcrumbs. Set these aside for later.

4. Layer half of the pastrami or corned beef over the bread cubes, then top evenly with sauerkraut, chopped dill pickles, and 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds. Spread the shredded Swiss cheese over the sauerkraut layer.

5. Add the remaining pastrami or corned beef, pressing down gently to compact the layers. Top with the remaining Swiss cheese and sprinkle with the remaining caraway seeds.

6. In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, beaten eggs, Thousand Island dressing, and yellow mustard. Pour this mixture evenly over the assembled casserole layers.

7. Sprinkle the reserved rye breadcrumbs on top to add a crunchy topping once baked.

8. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. This will allow the casserole to cook thoroughly and the flavors to meld together.

9. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes to crisp up the top layer of breadcrumbs.

10. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving warm.

Serving Suggestions

This baked Reuben casserole is a complete meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with a simple side dish. Serve it with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or extra dill pickles for that perfect balance of flavors.

Tips for the Best Baked Reuben Casserole

• Use good-quality bread: Rye bread is a must, but if you want to make it extra special, opt for a hearty, artisan rye bread for a more robust flavor.

• Drain the sauerkraut: Make sure to drain the sauerkraut very well before adding it to the casserole. Excess moisture can make the dish soggy.

• Customize the cheese: While Swiss cheese is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other types of cheese like provolone or mozzarella for a different flavor.

• Add extra pickles: If you love pickles, feel free to add more into the casserole layers or serve extra on the side for dipping.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, this casserole stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out. To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.

For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole in an airtight container for 2–3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Conclusion

This baked Reuben casserole is an easy and delicious way to enjoy all the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich in a comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole form. With its rich, savory layers of bread, meat, cheese, and tangy dressing, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is a guaranteed hit with family and friends. So next time you’re craving a Reuben, try this casserole for a fun and satisfying twist on the classic!