Reuben Casserole

Delightful twist on a deli classic, Reuben Casserole brings the iconic flavours of a Reuben sandwich into a warm, comforting, and shareable casserole form. This dish layers the familiar tastes of savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy dressing, and melted cheese over a hearty base, all baked to bubbly perfection. Imagine the satisfying aroma filling your kitchen as this casserole transforms into a golden, cheesy masterpiece, offering a comforting and flavourful experience that’s both familiar and excitingly new. This recipe is a celebration of classic Reuben flavours, reimagined for easy weeknight meals and potluck gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

• Reuben Flavours, Casserole Ease: Experience all the beloved tastes of a Reuben sandwich – the corned beef, sauerkraut, and dressing – in a simple, comforting casserole format. This recipe captures the essence of a Reuben without the fuss of individual sandwiches, making it perfect for easy weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd.
• Warm and Comforting Twist on a Classic: This Reuben Casserole transforms the traditionally cold Reuben sandwich into a warm and satisfying dish, ideal for cooler weather or when you crave something hearty and comforting. The baking process melds the flavours together beautifully, creating a truly soul-satisfying meal.
• Effortless to Assemble and Bake: Simplicity is at the heart of this casserole recipe. With minimal prep work and straightforward assembly, you can have this flavour-packed dish in the oven in minutes. It’s a fantastic option for busy cooks who want a delicious and impressive meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Perfect for Leftovers and Meal Prep: Reuben Casserole is not only delicious fresh out of the oven but also reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prepping. Enjoy it for lunch the next day or plan ahead and bake it in advance for potlucks or gatherings, knowing it will taste just as wonderful later.
• Customizable to Your Taste: While the classic Reuben flavour profile is iconic, this casserole is also wonderfully adaptable. Easily customize it with different types of cheese, breads, or even add extra vegetables to create a Reuben Casserole that perfectly suits your family’s preferences and your own culinary creativity.

Ingredients

For the Hearty Casserole Foundation

• 1 lb cooked corned beef, thinly sliced or shredded. Corned beef is the star protein, providing the signature savory and slightly salty flavour of a Reuben sandwich. Pre-cooked corned beef simplifies preparation. Thinly slicing or shredding ensures even distribution throughout the casserole. Purchase pre-cooked corned beef from the deli or cook your own in advance.
• 1 (14 oz) can sauerkraut, drained and rinsed. Sauerkraut adds the essential tangy and fermented flavour that defines a Reuben. Draining and rinsing the sauerkraut removes excess liquid and some of the intense sourness, creating a more balanced flavour in the casserole. Use good quality sauerkraut for the best taste.
• 1 (12 oz) loaf rye bread, cubed or torn into bite-sized pieces. Rye bread is the traditional bread for a Reuben, providing a distinctive flavour and sturdy texture that holds up well in a casserole. Cubing or tearing ensures even distribution and allows the bread to soak up the sauce. Use a good quality rye bread for the most authentic flavour.
• 1 cup Thousand Island dressing, store-bought or homemade. Thousand Island dressing is the creamy and tangy sauce that binds the casserole together and provides the classic Reuben dressing flavour. Use a good quality store-bought dressing for convenience or make your own for a more customized flavour.

For the Creamy and Cheesy Layers

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened. Cream cheese adds richness, creaminess, and a subtle tanginess to the casserole, creating a luscious texture and enhancing the overall flavour profile. Softened cream cheese blends smoothly into the sauce and casserole mixture. Ensure it is fully softened for easy mixing.
• ½ cup milk, whole milk is recommended for extra creaminess, but reduced-fat milk can also be used. Milk thins out the cream cheese and dressing to create a smoother sauce and adds moisture to the casserole. Whole milk enhances the richness and flavour.
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, adds a tangy, sharp flavour that complements the corned beef, sauerkraut, and dressing. Dijon mustard enhances the savoury notes and adds a subtle complexity to the casserole. Use Dijon mustard for its distinct flavour profile.
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, enhances the savory and umami flavours of the casserole, adding depth and complexity to the sauce. Worcestershire sauce contributes a subtle savory note that complements the other ingredients.
• ½ tsp caraway seeds, optional, but highly recommended for authentic Reuben flavour. Caraway seeds provide a distinctive earthy, slightly anise-like flavour that is characteristic of rye bread and Reubens. They enhance the authenticity of the casserole.
• 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese, divided. Swiss cheese is the classic cheese for a Reuben, offering a mild, nutty flavour and excellent melting properties. Shredded Swiss cheese melts beautifully over the casserole, creating a gooey and cheesy topping. Use good quality Swiss cheese for the best flavour and melt.

How to Make Reuben Casserole ?

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Step 1: Prepare the Casserole Base

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

In a large bowl, combine the cubed rye bread, cooked corned beef, and drained and rinsed sauerkraut. Toss gently to distribute the ingredients evenly. This mixture forms the hearty base of the casserole.

Spread the bread, corned beef, and sauerkraut mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Thousand Island dressing, milk, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.

Beat with an electric mixer or whisk until smooth and well combined. Ensure the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the sauce is creamy and lump-free.

Stir in caraway seeds if using. Caraway seeds add an authentic Reuben flavour to the sauce.

Step 3: Assemble the Reuben Casserole

Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the bread, corned beef, and sauerkraut mixture in the baking dish, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.

Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Reserve the remaining ½ cup of cheese for later.

Step 4: Bake to Golden and Bubbly

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, bubbly around the edges, and the cheese is melted and starting to turn golden brown. The casserole is ready when it is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded Swiss cheese over the top. This second layer of cheese adds extra gooeyness and a melted cheese finish.

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the Reuben Casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Resting allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to slice and serve.

Slice into squares or portions and serve warm. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill, if desired, for added freshness and visual appeal.

Tips for Variations

Spicy Reuben Kick

Add a touch of heat by incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes into the creamy sauce or by using a spicy Thousand Island dressing. You can also add a layer of sliced pickled jalapeños or banana peppers over the sauerkraut mixture for a spicy Reuben variation. Adjust spice level to your preference.

Different Cheese Blend

Experiment with different cheese combinations for a varied flavour profile. Substitute some of the Swiss cheese with cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or provolone cheese for a different melt and flavour. A blend of cheeses can add complexity and richness.

Vegetarian Reuben Option

Create a vegetarian version by substituting the corned beef with grilled or sautéed mushrooms, tempeh, or portobello mushrooms. These vegetarian options offer a savory and hearty substitute for corned beef while maintaining the Reuben flavour profile. Ensure vegetarian substitutes are well-seasoned to mimic the savory flavour of corned beef.

Crunchy Topping Texture

Add a crunchy topping for textural contrast. Sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs, crushed rye crackers, or French fried onions over the casserole before the final bake for a crispy and flavourful topping. A crunchy topping adds a delightful textural element to the creamy casserole.

Deluxe Reuben with Pastrami

Elevate the flavour by using pastrami instead of corned beef. Pastrami offers a richer, smokier flavour that enhances the Reuben experience. You can also use a combination of corned beef and pastrami for a more complex and flavourful casserole.

Serving Suggestions

Simple Side Salad Accompaniment

Serve Reuben Casserole with a fresh and crisp side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the casserole, creating a balanced and complete meal.

Pickle Spear and Chips Duo

Offer classic Reuben accompaniments like pickle spears and potato chips alongside the casserole. The tangy pickles and salty chips enhance the Reuben experience and provide familiar side options.

Creamy Tomato Soup Starter

Begin the meal with a bowl of creamy tomato soup before serving Reuben Casserole. Tomato soup offers a warm and comforting starter that complements the richness of the casserole and creates a satisfying two-course meal.

Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus

Serve Reuben Casserole with a side of steamed green vegetables like green beans or asparagus for a touch of freshness and nutritional balance. Steamed vegetables provide a simple and healthy side that complements the richness of the casserole.

Hearty Dinner Roll Addition

Pair the casserole with warm and soft dinner rolls or rye rolls for soaking up the creamy sauce and adding a comforting carbohydrate side. Rolls enhance the heartiness of the meal and provide a satisfying accompaniment.

FAQ

Can I use pre-shredded sauerkraut instead of canned?

Yes, you can use pre-shredded sauerkraut in bags or tubs. Ensure you drain and rinse it thoroughly before adding it to the casserole to remove excess liquid and sourness.

How do I prevent the casserole from being too soggy?

To avoid a soggy casserole, ensure you drain and rinse the sauerkraut well. Also, lightly toast the rye bread cubes in the oven before assembling the casserole to help them absorb less moisture from the sauce. Avoid adding too much milk to the cream cheese sauce.

Can I assemble the Reuben Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the Reuben Casserole ahead of time. Prepare all components and assemble the casserole in the baking dish, but do not bake. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

What other types of bread can I use if I don’t have rye bread?

If you don’t have rye bread, you can substitute with other sturdy breads like pumpernickel, sourdough, or even crusty white bread. These alternatives will provide a different flavour profile but will still work well in the casserole.

How should I store leftover Reuben Casserole?

Store leftover Reuben Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through. Oven reheating is recommended for maintaining texture.

Paragraph after FAQ section: Reuben Casserole is a delightful and unexpected way to enjoy the classic flavours of a Reuben sandwich. Its warm, comforting, and flavour-packed nature makes it a perfect dish for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to share a taste of Reuben goodness in an easy and satisfying casserole form. Embrace the simplicity and deliciousness of this recipe and bring a touch of deli-inspired comfort to your table. Reuben Casserole

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