If you love the classic deli sandwich but want something warm, cheesy, and perfect for feeding a crowd, this Reuben Style Casserole is it. All the bold flavors of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and creamy dressing baked together into one cozy dish.
Perfect for busy weeknights, St. Patrick’s Day, or using up leftover corned beef!
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) bag rye bread cubes (or 6–8 cups cubed rye bread)
- 1 lb deli corned beef, chopped
- 2 cups sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup Thousand Island dressing
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional, but adds that classic rye flavor)
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Layer the Base
Spread half of the rye bread cubes evenly in the baking dish.
3. Add the Filling
Top with half of the corned beef, half of the sauerkraut, and half of the Swiss cheese.
Repeat the layers with remaining bread, corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese.
4. Mix the Custard
In a bowl, whisk together Thousand Island dressing, sour cream, eggs, melted butter, caraway seeds, and pepper.
Pour evenly over the casserole, gently pressing down so the bread absorbs the mixture.
5. Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
6. Rest & Serve
Let sit 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with extra dressing or a simple side salad.
Reuben Style Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 SERVINGS 1x
Description
All the bold flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich baked into one cheesy, bubbly casserole. Made with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, rye bread cubes, and creamy dressing, this easy comfort food dinner is perfect for weeknights or St. Patrick’s Day.
Ingredients
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6–8 cups rye bread cubes
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1 pound corned beef, chopped
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2 cups sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
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2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
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1 cup Thousand Island dressing
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1 cup sour cream
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2 large eggs
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2 tablespoons melted butter
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1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
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½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Spread half of the rye bread cubes in the dish.
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Layer half of the corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese on top.
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Repeat layers with remaining bread, corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese.
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In a bowl, whisk together Thousand Island dressing, sour cream, eggs, melted butter, caraway seeds, and pepper.
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Pour mixture evenly over the casserole, gently pressing bread down to absorb.
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Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
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Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
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Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
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Be sure to squeeze sauerkraut very dry to prevent excess moisture.
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For a crispier top, broil 2–3 minutes at the end.
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Russian dressing can be substituted for Thousand Island.
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Great for make-ahead — assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 45 MINS
- Category: CASSEROLE, Dinner
- Method: BAKED
- Cuisine: American
💡 Tips
- Squeeze sauerkraut very dry to avoid a watery casserole.
- Want it extra crispy? Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
- Swap Thousand Island for Russian dressing if preferred.
- Great for leftovers — flavors deepen overnight!
🥪 Storage
- Refrigerate up to 4 days.
- Reheat in oven at 325°F until warmed through.
- Can be assembled ahead and baked the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Reuben Style Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes, then bake as directed. You may need to add 5–10 extra minutes if baking straight from cold.
How do I keep the casserole from getting watery?
The key is draining and squeezing the sauerkraut very well. Press out as much liquid as possible using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. This keeps the casserole creamy instead of soggy.
Can I use deli corned beef instead of leftover corned beef?
Absolutely. Thick-cut deli corned beef works perfectly. Chop it into bite-sized pieces for the best texture.
What can I substitute for Thousand Island dressing?
Russian dressing is the closest substitute and gives that classic deli flavor. You can also mix mayonnaise, ketchup, and a splash of pickle relish as a quick homemade alternative.
Can I freeze Reuben casserole?
Yes. Bake it first, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat at 325°F until warmed through.
What side dishes go well with this casserole?
A simple green salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or dill pickles pair beautifully. Since it’s rich and cheesy, lighter sides balance it perfectly.
If you love cozy comfort food with bold flavor, this Reuben Style Casserole deserves a spot on your dinner table. It’s creamy, cheesy, slightly tangy, and packed with hearty corned beef — everything you love about the classic sandwich baked into one easy dish.
Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, leftover corned beef, or a satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe is one readers will come back to again and again. Save it, share it, and don’t forget to try it with extra dressing drizzled on top for that true deli-style finish.
