A tasty take on the Reuben sandwich, the Reuben casserole delivers savory tastes and pleasant textures to your dinner table. This casserole recipe makes corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and rye bread a delicious baked meal for parties or a night in.
What makes a Reuben casserole good?
The appeal of the Reuben casserole lies in its perfect harmony of ingredients. Each layer of the casserole offers a unique taste and texture, creating a complex flavor profile that’s deeply satisfying.
- Corned beef is rich and savory, providing the foundational flavor.
- Sauerkraut adds a tangy contrast, enhancing the meat’s robustness.
- Swiss cheese melts into a creamy layer, binding all the ingredients together.
- Rye bread crumbs: Offer a crunchy topping, introducing a delightful textural play.
Visit our roaster corned beef guide for selection and cooking tips.
Origins of Reuben Casserole
The reuben sandwich, which inspired this casserole, is a classic American dish. Its origins are debated, although experts think it began in the early 20th century US deli culture. See the Reuben Sandwich history for more.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of bread besides pumpernickel for a Reuben casserole?
Yes, cubed-up rye bread is also commonly used and provides a classic flavor that complements the other ingredients well.
What are the best layers to use in a Reuben casserole?
Traditional layers for a Reuben casserole include a base of rye bread or pumpernickel cubes, followed by layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese, topped off with a drizzle of Russian or Thousand Island dressing.
How long should I bake a Reuben casserole?
Typically, a Reuben casserole should be baked covered at 400 degrees F for about 20 minutes, then uncovered after adding a layer of cheese, and baked for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Overview of Ingredients for Reuben Casserole
In order to make a Reuben dish, you need to use basic items that taste like the traditional Reuben burger. Here’s a quick rundown of the most important parts:
- Rye or Pumpernickel Bread: These breads are cubed and form the base layer of the casserole, providing a sturdy foundation that absorbs the flavors of the toppings.
- Corned Beef: Thinly sliced or chopped, this is the main protein component, adding a savory, meaty element that is central to the dish.
- Sauerkraut: This fermented cabbage adds a tangy flavor that contrasts well with the rich meat.
- Swiss Cheese: Typically shredded, it melts into a creamy layer that binds all the ingredients together.
- Russian or Thousand Island Dressing: Drizzled over the top or mixed in with other layers, this dressing adds a creamy, tangy finish that enhances the overall flavor of the casserole.
- Caraway Seeds (optional): These can be sprinkled on top for added flavor, echoing the traditional rye bread seasoning.
Chef’s Tips for Perfect Reuben Casserole
Perfecting a Reuben dish requires more than stacking ingredients. How to improve your casserole using chef-approved tips:
Optimal Ingredient Prep:
Trim the excess fat from the corned beef and slice it against the grain to make it tender and easy to eat once baked into the casserole.
To keep the casserole from getting soggy, thoroughly drain and press the sauerkraut to remove excess liquid.
Cheese Choices:
While Swiss cheese is traditional, feel free to experiment with other types, like Gruyère for a nuttier flavor or a mix of Swiss and mozzarella for extra creaminess.
Dressing Application:
Spread the Russian or Thousand Island dressing evenly over the sauerkraut layer to ensure every bite is flavorful. For a creamier, milder flavor profile, try mixing the dressing with a little sour cream or mayonnaise.
Baking Tips:
Preheat your oven thoroughly before baking to ensure a consistent temperature, which helps the casserole cook evenly.
If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil during the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions:
Let the casserole sit for about 5–10 minutes after baking. This resting period allows it to set up, making it easier to cut and serve neat portions.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and a fresh flavor contrast.
Flavor Enhancers:
Add a layer of caramelized onions beneath the corned beef for a touch of sweetness that complements the tangy sauerkraut.
Before baking, sprinkle caraway seeds over the topping to add an authentic rye bread flavor.
These ideas might make your Reuben casserole taste and feel like a gourmet dinner that’s warm and delicious.
Customizing Reuben Casserole
Casseroles are versatile and suit all tastes. How to customize your Reuben casserole:
- Vegetarian Version: Replace corned beef with smoked mushrooms or seitan for a meat-free alternative.
- Extra Creaminess: Incorporate a layer of cream cheese or béchamel sauce.
- Spice it Up: Add jalapeños or pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
What to Serve with Reuben Casserole
Pairing the right sides can enhance the Reuben casserole experience. Consider these options:
- To balance the casserole’s richness, a light salad is recommended.
- Pickles or olives: For an extra tang.
- Dark ale, or stout, complements the deep flavors of the casserole perfectly.
- Light salad: To balance the richness of the casserole.
- Pickles or olives: For an extra tang.
- Dark ale or stout: Complements the deep flavors of the casserole perfectly.
Health Benefits of Reuben Casserole
A Reuben dish is loved for its hearty tastes and warming qualities, but it also has some ingredients that are good for you in different ways. Here’s a more in-depth look at the health benefits:
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Corned Beef: This main ingredient is a good source of protein, essential for building and repairing tissues. It also provides important vitamins such as vitamin B12, which is crucial for brain health and maintaining proper nerve function, and iron, which is vital for forming red blood cells and transporting oxygen throughout the body.
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Sauerkraut: Not just a tangy topping, sauerkraut is fermented cabbage that offers a wealth of health benefits. It is rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut microbiota. Moreover, sauerkraut contains abundant amounts of vitamins C and K, as well as minerals like iron and manganese. Its fermentation process also produces probiotics, beneficial bacteria that support gut health and enhance immune function.
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Swiss Cheese: This cheese is not only delicious, but it is also healthy. It’s a great source of calcium, crucial for strong bones and teeth, and contains phosphorus, which helps in bone formation and maintains the body’s energy production. Swiss cheese also provides protein and essential fats that are vital for cellular structure and function.
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Whole Grain Rye Bread: Choosing whole grain rye as the base for the casserole adds important nutrients such as fiber, which promotes digestive health and can help manage cholesterol levels. Studies also link whole grains to a lower risk of several diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
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When used in moderation, Russian or Thousand Island dressing can enhance the intake of certain micronutrients. For example, some dressings contain vinegar or lemon juice, which can improve iron absorption from other foods.
Ready to experience Reuben casserole comfort? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready for a culinary adventure that will satisfy your taste buds and warm your heart. Show off your Reuben casseroles.
Happy cooking!
PrintEasy Homemade Reuben Casserole
Discover how to make the perfect Reuben Casserole with this easy recipe. Ideal comfort food for family dinners!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4-6
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 10–12 slices of rye or pumpernickel bread, cubed
- 1 pound of sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
- 1½ pounds of corned beef, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces of Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 cup of Russian or Thousand Island dressing
- Optional: Caraway seeds for added flavor
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Layer the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish with cubed bread.
- Spread sauerkraut evenly over the bread, followed by layers of corned beef.
- Evenly pour the dressing over the top.
- Sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese over everything.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Toasting the bread cubes lightly before assembling can prevent the base from becoming too soggy.
- Ensure the sauerkraut is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Experiment with adding caraway seeds to the bread layer for an authentic rye flavor.
Keywords: Easy Homemade Reuben Casserole, corned beef casserole, sauerkraut bake, rye bread casserole
Easy Reuben Casserole Recipe: Classic Comfort Food
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed rye bread (use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version)
- 1 pound thinly sliced corned beef, chopped (substitute with a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version)
- 1 (14 oz) can sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (use dairy-free cheese for a dairy-free version)
- 1 cup Russian or Thousand Island dressing
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Layer the Casserole: Begin by spreading the cubed rye bread evenly at the bottom of the baking dish. Add a layer of chopped corned beef over the bread. Spread the drained sauerkraut evenly on top of the corned beef. Drizzle the dressing over the sauerkraut, and finally, sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs well with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Notes
- Draining Sauerkraut: To ensure your casserole isn’t soggy, thoroughly drain and squeeze the sauerkraut to remove as much liquid as possible.
- Even Layers: For the best flavor distribution, make sure to layer the ingredients evenly.
- Vegetarian Adaptation: For a vegetarian version, substitute the corned beef with a plant-based meat alternative. Be sure to check the dressing is vegetarian as well.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free rye bread or another suitable gluten-free bread to make this dish gluten-free. Also, verify that the dressing and meat substitute (if using) are gluten-free.
- Storage: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.