Here’s a tasty recipe for a Homemade Reuben Bake, a delicious and easy casserole-style take on the classic Reuben sandwich. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with the flavors you love—perfect for a weeknight dinner or for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) corned beef, thinly sliced (or use deli-style corned beef)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can of sauerkraut, drained
- 8 slices of rye bread, cubed (use day-old bread for best texture)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup Russian or Thousand Island dressing
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the base:
- Cube the rye bread into bite-sized pieces. You can use fresh bread, but day-old bread works best since it absorbs the liquids better.
- Layer the cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. Add the corned beef:
- Layer the thinly sliced corned beef over the bread cubes, spreading it evenly.
4. Add the sauerkraut:
- Evenly distribute the drained sauerkraut over the corned beef. If you like a little extra tang, you can use a bit more sauerkraut.
5. Add the cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese (and cheddar, if using) over the top of the sauerkraut. Be generous with the cheese for a gooey, melty result.
6. Mix the dressing:
- In a small bowl, mix together the Russian or Thousand Island dressing and the melted butter. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the casserole. It’ll help create a creamy, flavorful sauce that binds everything together.
7. Season:
- If you’re using caraway seeds, sprinkle them over the top. These add an authentic flavor reminiscent of rye bread.
- Season with a little salt and pepper to taste.
8. Bake:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted. If you want a slightly crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
9. Serve:
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to firm up before serving.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve:
This Reuben bake is best served warm, and it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some extra pickle slices on the side for that classic Reuben vibe.
Enjoy your comforting and delicious Homemade Reuben Bake! It’s a fantastic twist on the traditional Reuben sandwich and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
