A Reuben Bake is a layered casserole-style dish inspired by the classic Reuben sandwich. Instead of using rye bread, this bake features a flaky crescent roll crust filled with turkey pastrami, chicken ham, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing. Everything is baked until golden brown, creating a crisp outer layer with a warm, gooey center.

This dish is an easy way to enjoy the flavors of a Reuben without the hassle of grilling individual sandwiches. Plus, it’s great for meal prepping or serving at parties!

A Brief History of the Reuben Sandwich

The Reuben sandwich dates back to the early 20th century, but its exact origins remain debated. Some say it was created in Omaha, Nebraska by a grocer named Reuben Kulakofsky, while others believe it was first made at Reuben’s Delicatessen in New York City. Regardless of its origins, the sandwich has become an American deli staple, loved for its combination of savory meats, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and creamy dressing.

While the original Reuben uses corned beef on rye bread, modern variations have introduced different meats and bread alternatives. The Reuben Bake is one such delicious variation, offering the same great flavors in a baked, shareable form.

Ingredients for the Perfect Reuben Bake

Making a Reuben Bake is simple, requiring just a few key ingredients that bring out the signature flavors of the classic Reuben sandwich. Below is everything you’ll need to create this delicious dish.

For the Bake

2 tubes (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough – Forms the flaky, buttery crust.
½ cup Thousand Island dressing – Adds a tangy, creamy layer that ties everything together.
½ lb sliced turkey pastrami – A leaner alternative to traditional corned beef.
½ lb sliced chicken ham – Provides a mild, slightly sweet contrast to the pastrami.
1 can (14 oz) sauerkraut, drained and patted dry – Brings a tangy, fermented crunch.
8 slices Swiss cheese – The classic cheese choice for a Reuben, offering a mild and nutty flavor.

For the Topping

1 egg, beaten – Helps the crust brown beautifully in the oven.
1 tsp caraway seeds (optional) – Enhances the rye-like flavor, similar to a traditional Reuben sandwich.

These ingredients work together to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The creamy Thousand Island dressing complements the savory meats, while the sauerkraut adds a bright, tangy contrast. If you want to learn more about the role of fermented foods in cooking, check out this Wikipedia article on sauerkraut.

For those who love exploring different Reuben-inspired recipes, you can find plenty of variations on Pinterest by searching for “Reuben bake ideas.” There are endless ways to customize this dish based on your preferences!

How to Make a Reuben Bake: Step-by-Step Instructions

Making a Reuben Bake is incredibly simple and requires just a few steps. Follow this detailed guide to achieve a golden, crispy crust with a warm, cheesy filling.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Bottom Crust

Unroll one tube of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the dish.
Pinch the seams together to create a solid base.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Spread half of the Thousand Island dressing evenly over the dough.
Layer the turkey pastrami and chicken ham over the dressing.
Add the drained sauerkraut, ensuring an even distribution.
Place Swiss cheese slices on top, covering the entire surface.
Spread the remaining Thousand Island dressing over the cheese for extra flavor.

Step 4: Add the Top Crust

Unroll the second tube of crescent roll dough and place it over the filling.
Press the edges together to seal the bake completely.

Step 5: Finish with an Egg Wash

Brush the beaten egg over the top layer for a golden-brown finish.
Sprinkle with caraway seeds (optional) to enhance the classic Reuben flavor.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

This Reuben Bake is perfect for dinner or as a party appetizer. Serve it with a side of dill pickles or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Thousand Island dressing, check out this Wikipedia article.

For more creative Reuben-inspired dishes, browse Pinterest for Reuben casserole ideas and other delicious twists on this classic!

Serving Suggestions and Variations

A Reuben Bake is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for different occasions. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish, an appetizer, or experimenting with new flavors, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this dish.

How to Serve a Reuben Bake

Main Dish: Serve warm slices with a side of coleslaw or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
Appetizer: Cut into smaller squares and serve with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties.
Lunch Option: Pair with a warm bowl of tomato soup or a side of crispy potato chips.
Brunch Addition: Add a fried egg on top for a unique breakfast twist!

For those who love experimenting with flavors, check out different variations of Reuben-inspired dishes on Pinterest. You’ll find creative ideas, from Reuben egg rolls to Reuben stuffed mushrooms!

Delicious Variations of Reuben Bake

Want to customize your Reuben Bake? Try these creative variations:

1. Classic Corned Beef Reuben Bake

Swap the turkey pastrami and chicken ham for sliced corned beef to stay true to the traditional Reuben sandwich.

2. Rye Bread Twist

Instead of using crescent roll dough, use rye bread slices at the bottom for a more authentic taste.

3. Spicy Reuben Bake

Add spicy mustard or a drizzle of sriracha for an extra kick.

4. Keto-Friendly Reuben Bake

Replace the crescent roll dough with a low-carb almond flour crust or use thinly sliced corned beef as a base.

If you’re interested in learning more about rye bread and its benefits, check out this Wikipedia article.

These variations make it easy to adjust the Reuben Bake to fit your taste and dietary preferences. Looking for more unique Reuben twists? Browse Pinterest for Reuben recipe inspiration.

Storage and Reheating Tips

A Reuben Bake is just as delicious the next day, making it a great option for meal prepping or leftovers. To keep it fresh and maintain its crispy texture, follow these simple storage and reheating tips.

How to Store Reuben Bake

1. Refrigeration (Short-Term Storage)

Allow the Reuben Bake to cool completely before storing.
Cut it into portions and place them in an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

2. Freezing (Long-Term Storage)

Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
To prevent sogginess, avoid freezing before baking—assemble and bake fresh when possible.

If you want to learn more about freezing baked dishes and best practices, check out this Wikipedia guide on food preservation.

Best Ways to Reheat a Reuben Bake

1. Oven (Best Method for Crispiness)

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the Reuben Bake on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with foil.
Heat for 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy.

2. Air Fryer (Quick and Crispy Reheating)

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Place slices in a single layer and heat for 5-7 minutes.
This method helps maintain the flakiness of the crescent roll crust.

3. Microwave (Fast but Less Crispy)

Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate.
Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
Heat for 30-60 seconds, checking for even warmth.

For more helpful food storage tips, you can find plenty of meal prep and freezer-friendly recipe ideas on Pinterest.

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting

Even though a Reuben Bake is simple to make, a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here’s how to avoid them and fix any issues that arise.

1. Soggy Bottom Crust

Problem: The bottom layer of crescent dough turns out soft or undercooked.
Solution:

Drain the sauerkraut well. Excess moisture from the sauerkraut can make the crust soggy. Press it with paper towels before adding it to the bake.
Pre-bake the bottom crust. Bake the bottom layer for 5 minutes before adding the fillings to give it a head start.
Use a metal baking dish. Glass or ceramic dishes retain more moisture, while metal helps crisp the crust.

2. Dough Doesn’t Seal Properly

Problem: The top and bottom layers of dough separate while baking.
Solution:

Press the edges firmly together. Pinch the seams to ensure a tight seal.
Use an egg wash as glue. Brushing a little beaten egg or water along the edges can help seal the dough.

3. Filling Spills Out

Problem: The layers shift during baking, causing the filling to ooze out.
Solution:

Layer the ingredients evenly. Avoid stacking too much in one spot.
Leave a small border around the edges. This prevents the filling from pushing out while baking.

4. Uneven Baking

Problem: Some parts are golden brown while others remain undercooked.
Solution:

Rotate the dish halfway through baking. This helps ensure even browning.
Cover with foil if browning too fast. If the top gets too dark before the inside is fully baked, loosely cover it with foil.

If you love baking and want to improve your technique, check out this Wikipedia article on baking for more tips.

For more troubleshooting hacks and visual guides, browse Pinterest for baking tips and tricks.

FAQs About Reuben Bake

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about making a Reuben Bake, along with helpful answers to ensure the best results.

1. Can I Use Corned Beef Instead of Turkey Pastrami?

Yes! Traditional Reuben sandwiches use corned beef, and you can easily substitute it in this bake. Just make sure to use thinly sliced corned beef for even layering.

2. What Can I Use Instead of Crescent Roll Dough?

If you don’t have crescent roll dough, you can try:

Puff pastry for a flakier, more delicate crust.
Pizza dough for a chewier texture.
Phyllo dough for a crispier, layered effect.
For more ideas on different doughs, check out this Wikipedia article on pastry.

3. How Do I Prevent the Bake from Getting Soggy?

To keep your Reuben Bake crispy:

Drain and dry the sauerkraut before adding it.
Pre-bake the bottom layer of dough for 5 minutes.
Let it cool slightly before slicing to prevent steam from making the crust soggy.

4. Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can:

Assemble it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Bake it fully, then reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes before serving.

5. What Are Some Good Side Dishes for Reuben Bake?

A Reuben Bake pairs well with:

Dill pickles for a classic deli-style touch.
Coleslaw for a refreshing contrast.
Potato salad for a heartier meal.
Tomato soup for a warm and comforting combo.
For more Reuben-inspired side dish ideas, check out Pinterest.

Reuben Bake: A Delicious Twist on the Classic Sandwich

Author: Christopher

Print Recipe

Description

This Reuben Bake is a delicious twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, transforming it into a warm, cheesy, and flaky baked dish. Made with crescent roll dough, turkey pastrami, chicken ham, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, it offers all the traditional flavors in an easy-to-make casserole. This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game-day snacks. Serve it as a main course with a side of coleslaw or cut it into bite-sized pieces for an irresistible party appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

For the bake:

2 tubes (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
½ cup Thousand Island dressing
½ lb sliced turkey pastrami
½ lb sliced chicken ham
1 can (14 oz) sauerkraut, drained and patted dry
8 slices Swiss cheese

For the topping:

1 egg, beaten
1 tsp caraway seeds (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Unroll one tube of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the dish, sealing any seams.
Spread half of the Thousand Island dressing over the dough.
Layer turkey pastrami, chicken ham, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese evenly over the dough.
Spread the remaining Thousand Island dressing over the cheese.
Unroll the second tube of crescent roll dough and place it over the top, pressing to seal the edges.
Brush the top with the beaten egg and sprinkle with caraway seeds if using.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Drain the sauerkraut well to avoid a soggy bake. Press it with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Pre-bake the bottom crust for 5 minutes if you prefer an extra crispy base.
For a traditional Reuben flavor, substitute turkey pastrami and chicken ham with corned beef.
Want a spicier version? Add spicy mustard or a drizzle of sriracha to the layers.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best crispy texture.