Description
This Reuben Bake recipe with a Thousand Island swirl is an easy, hearty, and satisfying family-friendly dinner perfect for busy weeknights, featuring golden, crisp edges and a creamy, tangy center.
Ingredients
- 8 slices rye bread (approx 250g)
- 1 lb (450g) cooked corned beef, thinly sliced
- 16 oz (450g) sauerkraut, drained thoroughly
- 8 slices Swiss cheese (approx 200g)
- 0.5 cup (120ml) Thousand Island dressing
- 2 Tbsp (30g) butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prep Bread: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter one side of each bread slice.
- Drain Sauerkraut: Squeeze excess liquid from the sauerkraut to prevent sogginess.
- Arrange First Bread Layer: Arrange half the buttered bread, butter-side down, in a 9×13 baking dish.
- Add First Cheese Layer: Top the bread with half the Swiss cheese slices.
- Spread Corned Beef: Spread an even layer of corned beef over the cheese.
- Distribute Sauerkraut: Distribute the drained sauerkraut over the corned beef.
- Drizzle Dressing: Drizzle generously with Thousand Island dressing.
- Add Second Cheese Layer: Add the remaining Swiss cheese slices.
- Finish with Top Bread Layer: Finish by placing the second layer of buttered bread, butter-side up, on top.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Rest Before Serving: Let stand for 5 minutes before slicing to allow layers to set.
Notes
To prevent a soggy bake, squeeze excess liquid from sauerkraut. For extra crispness, quickly toast bread slices before buttering. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil. Do not over-bake to avoid drying out. Let stand for 5 minutes before slicing for easier serving. Adjust spiciness with hot sauce or make it kid-friendly by reducing sauerkraut.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approx 200 g)
- Calories: 600 calories
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: Reuben bake, Thousand Island, easy dinner, family friendly, corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, baking, hearty meal
