Introduction
The Homemade Reuben Bake is a creative twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, turning it into an easy-to-make casserole that is perfect for dinner, family gatherings, or potlucks. By layering savory ingredients like corned beef (or pastrami), Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and a tangy Thousand Island dressing between crescent roll dough, you can capture all the flavors of a traditional Reuben in a satisfying bake. This recipe simplifies the Reuben by removing the hassle of assembling individual sandwiches while delivering the same delicious taste.
Overview of the Recipe
The Reuben sandwich is an iconic deli sandwich made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island or Russian dressing, traditionally served on rye bread. This bake offers a delightful spin on that concept by layering those same ingredients into a hearty casserole, with crescent roll dough providing a buttery, flaky substitute for the rye bread.
This dish is ideal for those looking for a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare. It only takes about 10 minutes of prep time, 25 minutes to bake, and can be served warm, making it a quick option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
History and Origin of the Reuben Sandwich
The origins of the Reuben sandwich are somewhat disputed, but one popular story credits Reuben Kulakofsky, a Lithuanian-born grocer, with inventing the sandwich in the 1920s in Omaha, Nebraska. According to this account, Kulakofsky created the Reuben for his poker night buddies, and the recipe eventually made its way onto the menu of a local hotel, where it gained widespread popularity.
Another version of the story claims that the sandwich was invented by Arnold Reuben, the owner of Reuben’s Delicatessen in New York City, in the early 1900s. Regardless of its precise origin, the Reuben became an American classic and has been a staple in delis across the country ever since.
This Reuben Bake offers a modern take on that classic, combining the iconic flavors into a bake that’s easy to share and perfect for entertaining.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
- 1 tube refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz)
- 1/2 lb thinly sliced corned beef (or pastrami), chopped
- 1/2 lb Swiss cheese, sliced or shredded
- 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing
- 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional, for that rye bread flavor)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Ingredient Notes:
- Corned Beef (or Pastrami): Traditionally, Reubens use corned beef, but pastrami offers a spicier alternative. Choose whichever option suits your taste preference.
- Crescent Roll Dough: This provides a buttery, flaky base and top layer for the bake, replacing the need for rye bread. For a more traditional flavor, caraway seeds can be sprinkled on top to mimic the rye.
- Thousand Island Dressing: This tangy, slightly sweet dressing complements the savory ingredients perfectly. You can also use Russian dressing if preferred.
- Caraway Seeds (Optional): These seeds give the bake a hint of rye bread flavor, making it taste even more like a classic Reuben sandwich.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Roll Base
Unroll half of the crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Be sure to pinch the seams of the dough together to seal them, creating a smooth base for the layers.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
- Corned Beef Layer: Evenly spread the chopped corned beef (or pastrami) over the crescent roll base.
- Swiss Cheese Layer: Layer the sliced or shredded Swiss cheese on top of the corned beef.
- Sauerkraut Layer: Distribute the drained sauerkraut evenly over the cheese. Make sure the sauerkraut is well-drained to avoid making the bake soggy.
Step 4: Add the Dressing
In a small bowl, mix the Thousand Island dressing with Dijon mustard. Drizzle this mixture over the sauerkraut layer, ensuring it’s evenly distributed to provide flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Top with Crescent Dough
Unroll the remaining half of the crescent roll dough and carefully place it over the top of the Reuben filling. Pinch the edges of the dough together to seal, and tuck in any loose dough around the edges.
Step 6: Brush with Butter and Sprinkle Caraway Seeds
Brush the melted butter over the top layer of the dough to give it a golden finish during baking. If you’re using caraway seeds, sprinkle them over the buttered dough to add that signature rye flavor.
Step 7: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and puffed. The bake should look crisp on the outside with melted cheese on the inside.
Step 8: Serve
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before slicing into portions. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired for added freshness and color. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Results:
- Drain the Sauerkraut Well: This will prevent the bake from becoming too soggy.
- Sealing the Dough: Ensure the crescent roll dough is well sealed at the edges to keep the filling from spilling out during baking.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
This Homemade Reuben Bake is a versatile dish that pairs well with various side dishes:
- Side Salads: A light, fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette pairs well with the rich flavors of the Reuben bake.
- Potato Salad: A creamy or mustard-based potato salad complements the savory and tangy notes of the Reuben bake.
- Pickles: Dill or bread-and-butter pickles are a classic side for any Reuben-inspired dish.
- Coleslaw: For added crunch and a fresh contrast, serve with a side of coleslaw.
- Soup: A cup of tomato soup or a mild potato soup would go well with this bake.
Variations of the Recipe
- Turkey Reuben Bake: Swap out the corned beef for turkey or even chicken ham to create a lighter, poultry-based version of this dish.
- Vegetarian Reuben Bake: Use vegetarian deli slices or roasted vegetables such as mushrooms and bell peppers in place of the meat for a meat-free version. Substitute dairy-free cheese to make it vegan.
- Gluten-Free Reuben Bake: Use gluten-free crescent roll dough and ensure that all other ingredients, including the dressing, are gluten-free.
Health Benefits and Notes
While this Reuben Bake is indulgent, there are some health-conscious tweaks you can make:
- Lower Fat Option: Opt for low-fat Swiss cheese and use a light Thousand Island dressing to reduce the fat content.
- Lean Protein: By choosing pastrami or turkey instead of corned beef, you can cut back on calories and saturated fat.
- Fermented Sauerkraut: Sauerkraut is rich in probiotics, which can aid in digestion and gut health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the Reuben bake up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and follow the baking instructions.
Can I freeze the Reuben Bake?
Yes, you can freeze the baked casserole. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in foil or placing it in an airtight container. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
What can I substitute for Thousand Island dressing?
If you’re out of Thousand Island dressing, you can make a simple substitute by mixing mayonnaise, ketchup, and relish. Alternatively, Russian dressing also works well in this recipe.
How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Conclusion
This Homemade Reuben Bake is an easy, flavorful, and comforting dish that captures all the delicious components of a classic Reuben sandwich in casserole form. It’s the perfect dish to share with family or friends at a potluck, for a quick weeknight dinner, or as a satisfying weekend meal. By customizing it with your preferred meat, cheese, and even incorporating vegetarian options, this versatile bake is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Enjoy the savory, tangy layers, and pair it with your favorite sides for a complete, hearty meal!
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Homemade Reuben Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6-8 1x
Description
The Homemade Reuben Bake is a flavorful casserole combining corned beef (or pastrami), Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing, all layered between crescent roll dough. This dish brings together the savory flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich in an easy-to-make bake, perfect for weeknight dinners or sharing at potlucks.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
- 1 tube refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz)
- 1/2 lb thinly sliced corned beef (or pastrami), chopped
- 1/2 lb Swiss cheese, sliced or shredded
- 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing
- 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Crescent Roll Base: Unroll half the crescent roll dough and press into the dish to form the base. Seal seams.
- Layer Ingredients: Add layers of corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut.
- Dressing: Mix Thousand Island dressing with Dijon mustard and drizzle over sauerkraut.
- Top with Dough: Cover with remaining crescent roll dough. Seal edges.
- Brush with Butter: Brush melted butter on top and sprinkle caraway seeds.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Cool for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Ensure sauerkraut is drained well to avoid soggy results.
- For a traditional flavor, use caraway seeds to mimic rye bread.
- Leftovers store well for 3-4 days in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 60mg