Homemade Reuben Bake

There’s nothing quite like the joy of discovering a recipe that brings your family together, and this Homemade Reuben Bake does exactly that. As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for dishes that are quick to make but don’t skimp on flavor, and this one checks all the boxes. Inspired by the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich—savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and gooey Swiss cheese—this bake takes those familiar tastes and elevates them into something extra special.

The first time I made this dish, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would my kids like the sauerkraut? Would it be filling enough for my husband? Spoiler alert: it was a massive hit. The combination of creamy Thousand Island dressing, layers of hearty rye bread, and golden bubbly cheese won everyone over. Now, it’s a staple in our home, especially on those busy weeknights when time is tight, but we still crave something warm and comforting.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can prep it ahead of time, swap out ingredients to suit your family’s taste, or even repurpose leftovers into lunch the next day. Trust me, once you try this Reuben Bake, it’s going to become one of your go-to dishes, too.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Q: Can I use a different kind of bread?
A: Absolutely! While rye bread adds that authentic Reuben flavor, you can substitute it with sourdough, pumpernickel, or even white bread in a pinch.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes. This keeps the bread crisp and the cheese melty, just like when it was freshly baked.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the bake, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add 5–10 extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Q: What can I use instead of Thousand Island dressing?
A: Russian dressing is a great alternative. You can also make a quick homemade version by combining mayonnaise, ketchup, and a splash of pickle juice.

What You Need to Make Homemade Reuben Bake

Ingredients:

6 slices of rye bread

1 lb corned beef, thinly sliced

1 cup sauerkraut, drained

2 cups shredded Swiss cheese

1 cup Thousand Island dressing

1 cup milk

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons melted butter

1 tablespoon parsley (optional, for garnish)

Special Tools:

A 9×13-inch baking dish

Mixing bowls

Whisk

How to Make Homemade Reuben Bake

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Layer the base: Arrange the rye bread slices in a single layer to cover the bottom of the dish. You may need to cut some pieces to fit snugly.

Add the fillings: Layer half of the corned beef, sauerkraut, and shredded Swiss cheese on top of the bread. Repeat with another layer.

Prepare the custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and Thousand Island dressing. Pour the mixture evenly over the layers in the baking dish.

Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with parsley if desired, then let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Tips for Making the Best Homemade Reuben Bake

Use fresh rye bread: Stale bread won’t soak up the custard as well, so opt for freshly sliced rye for the best texture.

Drain the sauerkraut well: Excess moisture can make the bake soggy, so be sure to press out as much liquid as possible.

Customize your cheese: While Swiss is traditional, a mix of Swiss and Gruyère adds even more flavor.

Make it kid-friendly: If your little ones are hesitant about sauerkraut, mix it with a little shredded cabbage to tone down the tanginess.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This was a total hit with my family! Even my picky eater loved it. We’ll be making it again soon.” — Sarah T.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great for busy weeknights! Next time, I’ll add a little more cheese for extra gooeyness.” — Mark H.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This tastes just like my favorite deli sandwich but in casserole form. So comforting and delicious!” — Emily R.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I made this for a potluck, and it disappeared in minutes. Such a unique recipe!” — Karen W.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Good flavor, but I’d cut back on the Thousand Island dressing next time—it was a little too rich for me.” — Jenna P.

Printable Recipe

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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!

Good food is meant to be shared, and if you loved this Homemade Reuben Bake as much as we do, we’d be thrilled if you passed it along! Whether you’re posting a picture on Instagram, pinning it to your favorite recipe board, or texting it to a friend, every share helps spread the love. Don’t forget to tag us—we can’t wait to see how your Reuben Bake turns out!