Reuben Crescent Bake

Reuben Crescent Bake
Reuben Crescent Bake

Reuben Crescent Bake

A twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, this Reuben Crescent Bake combines all the delicious flavors of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing in a convenient casserole dish. It’s perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or any time you’re craving the taste of a Reuben without the fuss of making individual sandwiches. Let’s get started on this delightful dish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
  • 1 pound thinly sliced corned beef
  • 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
  • 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
  • 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing
  • 1 tablespoon caraway seeds (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare the Crescent Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form a bottom crust. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes, just until it starts to set but is not fully cooked.
  3. Layer the Ingredients: Layer the thinly sliced corned beef over the partially baked crescent roll crust.
  4. Add Sauerkraut: Spread the drained and squeezed sauerkraut evenly over the corned beef.
  5. Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the sauerkraut.
  6. Dressing Drizzle: Drizzle the Thousand Island dressing over the cheese layer. You can use more or less dressing depending on your preference.
  7. Seasoning: If desired, sprinkle caraway seeds over the top for that classic rye bread flavor. You can adjust the quantity to your liking.
  8. Top Crescent Layer: Unroll the remaining crescent roll dough and place it over the top of the cheese layer. It’s okay if it doesn’t cover everything perfectly; just try to spread it as evenly as possible.
  9. Butter and Season: Mix the melted butter and garlic powder together and brush it over the top crescent layer. This adds a beautiful golden color and flavor.
  10. Baking: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  11. Cool Slightly: Allow the Reuben Crescent Bake to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
  12. Garnish: If desired, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Tips:

  • Thousand Island Dressing: If you prefer, you can serve extra Thousand Island dressing on the side for dipping.
  • Caraway Seeds: The caraway seeds add a distinctive flavor reminiscent of rye bread. If you’re not a fan, you can omit them.
  • Reheating: This dish reheats well in the oven or microwave, so don’t hesitate to make it ahead of time.
  • Variations: Feel free to customize by adding chopped pickles, diced onions, or extra cheese to suit your taste.

This Reuben Crescent Bake is a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of a Reuben sandwich in a convenient casserole format. It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family, and it’s sure to become a favorite comfort food recipe in your home. Enjoy!

Variations:

  1. Turkey Reuben Bake: Substitute the corned beef with thinly sliced turkey for a lighter version of this dish.
  2. Vegetarian Reuben Bake: Skip the meat altogether and make a vegetarian version using sautéed mushrooms or marinated tempeh.
  3. Russian Dressing: Instead of Thousand Island dressing, you can use Russian dressing for a tangier, spicier flavor.
  4. Different Cheese: While Swiss cheese is the classic choice, you can experiment with other types like Gruyère or even cheddar for a unique twist.
  5. Homemade Crescent Dough: If you have the time, consider making your own crescent roll dough from scratch for a truly homemade experience.

Cook’s Notes:

  • Preventing Sogginess: To prevent the bottom crust from becoming soggy, make sure to thoroughly drain and squeeze the sauerkraut. You can even blot it with paper towels if necessary.
  • Serving Size: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings, but you can easily double it if you’re serving a larger crowd.
  • Make-Ahead: You can prepare this Reuben Crescent Bake a few hours ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave for a quick and tasty meal.

This Reuben Crescent Bake is a versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the savory flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich in this easy-to-make casserole!