Reuben Casserole

This Reuben casserole is basically the sandwich’s cooler, more organized cousin who actually has their life together and can feed a crowd without breaking a sweat.

Picture all those classic Reuben flavors – tangy sauerkraut, smoky corned beef, melty Swiss cheese, and that signature thousand island-style sauce – but transformed into a bubbly, golden casserole that’ll make your kitchen smell like a New York deli.

The genius here is layering everything just like you’d stack a sandwich, except instead of wrestling with overstuffed bread that falls apart, you get perfect, fork-friendly portions every single time.

That creamy, slightly tangy sauce with horseradish and Worcestershire gets whisked with eggs to create a custard-like base that holds everything together while adding incredible richness.

The rye bread pulls double duty – cubed on the bottom to soak up all those delicious flavors, then pulsed into rustic crumbs on top for a golden, crunchy finish that’s infinitely better than any store-bought breadcrumb.

This is comfort food that actually makes sense for feeding people, whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need something impressive enough for company but foolproof enough that you won’t stress-sweat through the entire cooking process.

Ingredients

For the Sauce

• ½ cup (125g) mayonnaise – the creamy base that binds everything
• 3 tablespoons ketchup – adds sweetness and that classic thousand island color
• 1 tablespoon grated onion – fresh bite that mellows beautifully when baked
• 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish – the signature Reuben kick
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – umami depth that elevates the whole dish
• ½ teaspoon yellow mustard – tangy brightness
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika – subtle smokiness that complements the corned beef
• ¼ teaspoon salt – enhances all the flavors
• ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper – gentle heat
• 2 large eggs – creates the custard-like binding

For the Casserole

• 10 slices rye bread, divided – authentic Reuben flavor base
• 1 pound (450g) corned beef, divided – the star protein, thinly sliced deli style works best
• 4 cups (450g) shredded Swiss cheese, divided – nutty, melty perfection
• 1½ cups sauerkraut, drained well – tangy fermented crunch (press out excess liquid)
• 1 cup chopped dill pickles – briny pop that brightens every bite

Instructions

Instructions

1. 1 In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, grated onion, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until completely smooth and well combined. The mixture should be pale orange and creamy.
2. 2 Add the 2 eggs and beat vigorously with a whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and no streaks remain. This creates the custard base that will set during baking. Set aside while you prepare the casserole layers.
3. 3 Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. For easiest removal and cleanup, line with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides.
4. 4 Take 6 slices of the rye bread and cut them into ½-inch cubes using a sharp knife. Spread these cubes evenly across the bottom of your prepared casserole dish, creating a sturdy bread foundation that will absorb the delicious sauce.

1. 5 Layer half of the corned beef over the bread cubes, breaking up any large pieces and distributing evenly. Follow with half of the shredded Swiss cheese (about 2 cups), sprinkling it to cover the corned beef completely.
2. 6 Spread the well-drained sauerkraut evenly over the cheese layer, then distribute the chopped dill pickles on top. Add the remaining corned beef and finish with the remaining Swiss cheese.
3. 7 Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the entire casserole, using a spoon to spread it gently if needed. The sauce should reach most corners and seep down between the layers.
4. 8 Place the remaining 4 slices of rye bread in a food processor and pulse 8-10 times until you have mostly coarse crumbs with some larger pieces. Don’t over-process – you want texture, not powder. Sprinkle these breadcrumbs evenly over the top.

1. 9 Cover tightly with aluminum foil (spray the underside with cooking spray to prevent sticking) and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 5 more minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
2. 10 Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the layers set properly and makes serving much easier.

Recommended Equipment and Kitchen Tools

Essential Tools (for best results)

• 9×13-inch casserole dish – the perfect size for even cooking and proper layering depth
• Food processor – creates the ideal breadcrumb texture on top, much better than hand-chopping
• Large mixing bowl – gives you room to whisk the sauce thoroughly without splattering
• Sharp chef’s knife – makes quick work of cubing bread and chopping ingredients evenly

Helpful Upgrades

• Digital kitchen scale – measuring ingredients by weight ensures consistent results every time
• Parchment paper – makes removal and cleanup incredibly easy, especially for serving neat squares
• Immersion blender – alternative to food processor for making breadcrumbs if you prefer
• Silicone spatula – perfect for scraping every bit of that delicious sauce from the bowl

Nice-to-Have Options

• Microplane grater – creates perfectly fine onion gratings that distribute evenly throughout the sauce
• Cast iron skillet – if you want to warm the corned beef slightly before layering for extra flavor
• Aluminum foil – heavy-duty works best for covering during the long baking time
• Storage containers – glass containers with tight lids keep leftovers fresh for days

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Adaptation

• Replace rye bread with gluten-free bread of your choice – sourdough or multigrain work well
• Use 2 cups gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping instead of processing bread slices
• Ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free certified
• The texture will be slightly different but equally delicious

Low-Carb/Keto Version

• Eliminate the bread entirely and use cauliflower rice as the base layer
• Add an extra 1 cup shredded cheese to help bind the layers
• Replace ketchup with sugar-free ketchup or omit entirely
• Reduces carbs from approximately 25g to under 8g per serving

Lighter Version

• Use light mayonnaise and reduce to ⅓ cup
• Substitute 2% Swiss cheese or use half the amount
• Add 2 cups fresh spinach between layers for extra vegetables
• Use turkey pastrami instead of corned beef for lower sodium

Flavor Variations

• Rachel Casserole: Replace sauerkraut with coleslaw mix and use turkey instead of corned beef
• Spicy Reuben: Add 1 tablespoon sriracha to the sauce and use pepper jack cheese
• Vegetarian: Replace corned beef with marinated tempeh or seasoned mushrooms
• German-Style: Use German mustard and add caraway seeds to the breadcrumb topping

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights

Each serving provides approximately 485 calories with a balanced macro profile of 28g protein, 32g fat, and 22g carbohydrates. The high protein content from corned beef and Swiss cheese makes this a satisfying meal that helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. The fermented sauerkraut contributes beneficial probiotics and only adds 2g carbohydrates per serving while providing 15% of your daily vitamin C needs.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients

The sauerkraut offers powerful probiotics that support digestive health and immune function, while the fermentation process increases the bioavailability of vitamins. Swiss cheese provides calcium and phosphorus for bone health, plus vitamin B12 essential for nerve function. Corned beef delivers complete protein with all essential amino acids, plus iron and zinc for energy metabolism and immune support. The rye bread contains more fiber and B vitamins than white bread, supporting heart health and steady energy release.

Dietary Considerations

This recipe contains gluten, dairy, and eggs, making it unsuitable for those with celiac disease or severe allergies. The sodium content is moderate at approximately 890mg per serving, primarily from the corned beef and sauerkraut. For heart-healthy modifications, choose low-sodium corned beef and rinse the sauerkraut before using. The fiber content of 4g per serving supports digestive health and helps with satiety.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Common Substitutions:

• Corned beef → Pastrami, turkey, or ham (use same amount, adjust salt accordingly)
• Swiss cheese → Gruyere, provolone, or sharp cheddar (Swiss is traditional but others work beautifully)
• Sauerkraut → Coleslaw mix or pickled cabbage (drain well and use same amount)
• Rye bread → Pumpernickel, sourdough, or whole wheat (any sturdy bread works)

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

• Deli corned beef → Canned corned beef (drain and flake, use ¾ of the amount)
• Fresh Swiss cheese → Pre-shredded Swiss (works fine, just slightly less melty)
• Mayonnaise → Greek yogurt mixed with 1 tablespoon olive oil (tangier but healthier)

Pantry Emergency Substitutions:

• Prepared horseradish → 1 teaspoon wasabi powder or 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• Worcestershire sauce → Soy sauce mixed with a dash of vinegar
• Grated onion → 1 teaspoon onion powder (less fresh flavor but works)
• Dill pickles → Sweet pickles or pickle relish (different flavor profile but still delicious)

Pro Tips for Substitutions:

• When using different cheeses, stick to good melters like Gouda or Monterey Jack
• Homemade sauerkraut often has more liquid – drain for 30 minutes before using
• Gluten-free breads work best when slightly stale for better texture retention

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Carb Reduction Strategies:

• Replace rye bread base → Use 2 cups cauliflower rice or diced zucchini (reduces carbs by 18g per serving)
• Eliminate breadcrumb topping → Use crushed pork rinds or almond flour mixed with herbs (saves 8g carbs)
• Reduce total carbs from 22g to approximately 8g per serving with these swaps

Sugar Substitutions:

• Replace ketchup → Use sugar-free ketchup or tomato paste with vinegar (saves 4g carbs per serving)
• Check sauerkraut labels → Some brands add sugar; choose naturally fermented varieties with no added sugars
• Monitor pickle choices → Dill pickles are naturally lower in carbs than sweet varieties

Portion & Timing Tips:

• Ideal serving size: 1/8 of the casserole provides balanced macros for blood sugar stability
• Pair with protein: Add a side salad with olive oil to further slow carb absorption
• Best timing: Serve as lunch or dinner when you can account for the carb content in your daily planning
• Estimated carbs per serving: 8-10g with modifications, 22g in original version

Total Carb Reduction: Modified version reduces carbohydrates by 60% while maintaining the essential Reuben flavors and satisfaction factor.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings

A crisp German Riesling or Pilsner complements the tangy sauerkraut and rich cheese beautifully, while the slight sweetness balances the salty corned beef. For beer lovers, a dark lager or amber ale echoes the rye bread flavors perfectly. Sparkling apple cider or kombucha offers a non-alcoholic option that plays well with the fermented sauerkraut. Hot beverages like black coffee or Earl Grey tea cut through the richness when serving this as a hearty brunch dish.

Side Dish Recommendations

A crisp green salad with vinaigrette provides fresh contrast to the rich, creamy casserole, while roasted Brussels sprouts or braised red cabbage echo the German-inspired flavors. Garlic roasted asparagus adds color and cuts through the richness, and buttered egg noodles or roasted potatoes make this a complete, stick-to-your-ribs meal. Pickled beets or cucumber salad provide acidic brightness that cleanses the palate between bites.

Complete Meal Ideas

Start with potato leek soup or German pretzel bread with mustard for an authentic theme. Follow the casserole with a light apple strudel or lemon sorbet to cleanse the palate. For entertaining, serve alongside bratwurst and sauerkraut for a full German-American feast, or pair with matzo ball soup for a Jewish deli-inspired menu.

Occasion Suggestions

Perfect for Sunday family dinners, potluck gatherings, or Oktoberfest celebrations. The make-ahead nature makes it ideal for holiday brunches or game day entertaining. Serve at casual dinner parties where comfort food is welcome, or pack for camping trips where hearty, satisfying meals are essential.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Techniques

Press the sauerkraut in a fine-mesh strainer for 15 minutes before using to prevent a watery casserole – excess moisture is the enemy of crispy tops and firm layers. When layering cheese, save the finest shreds for the top layer where they’ll create the most appealing golden crust. Room temperature eggs incorporate more smoothly into the sauce, creating a silkier custard base that bakes evenly throughout.

Common Mistake Prevention

Don’t skip the 5-minute cooling period – cutting too soon results in a sloppy mess instead of neat squares. Over-processing breadcrumbs creates a dense, heavy topping; aim for rustic, uneven pieces that crisp beautifully. Using wet sauerkraut will make the bottom layer soggy, so always drain thoroughly and even pat dry with paper towels.

Storage and Make-Ahead

This casserole actually improves overnight in the refrigerator – assemble completely, cover tightly, and bake the next day, adding 5 extra minutes to the covered baking time. Leftover portions keep for 4 days refrigerated and reheat beautifully in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes. For freezing, wrap individual portions and freeze up to 3 months; thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Scaling and Presentation

Half the recipe fits perfectly in an 8×8-inch pan with the same baking time. For elegant presentation, use a sharp knife dipped in warm water between cuts to create clean edges. Garnish with fresh dill and extra pickle slices for authentic deli appeal that photographs beautifully.

This Reuben casserole transforms a beloved sandwich into something that actually makes sense for feeding people without the mess and stress of individual assembly. Every forkful delivers that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory that makes the original sandwich so irresistible, but in a format that’s infinitely more practical for real life. Whether you’re meal prepping for busy weeknights or need something impressive enough for company, this casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss – exactly what comfort food should be.