Classic Reuben Bake: The Ultimate Comfort Casserole for St. Patrick’s Day & Beyond

The Reuben sandwich is a legendary diner classic—a perfect stack of salty corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melty Swiss cheese, and zesty Russian dressing, all grilled between slices of rye bread. But what if you could capture that iconic, crave-worthy flavor combination in a form that’s even easier to make and serve to a hungry crowd?

Enter the Reuben Bake.

This casserole is a glorious deconstruction of the beloved sandwich, transforming it into a hearty, layered, cheesy masterpiece that bakes up bubbly and golden. It’s the ultimate solution for St. Patrick’s Day leftovers, a potluck powerhouse, and a comfort food dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Get ready for the standing ovation.

Why This Casserole is a Total Game-Changer

• Feeds a Crowd with Ease – No more grilling sandwiches one by one. This single dish delivers all the flavor to everyone at the table, all at once.

• The Ultimate Leftover Makeover – The best way to use up leftover corned beef from St. Patrick’s Day, transforming it into a new and exciting meal.

• Surprisingly Simple Assembly – The layers come together quickly with just a few steps. Low effort, massive payoff.

• Comfort Food Perfection – Warm, cheesy, savory, and tangy—everything you want in a cozy casserole.

Ingredients: The Iconic Flavors

• 6–8 slices rye bread, cubed

• 1 pound cooked corned beef, chopped or shredded

• 2 cups sauerkraut, drained well

• 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese

• 1 cup Russian or Thousand Island dressing

• ½ cup milk

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

• Caraway seeds (optional, for that classic rye flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Pan
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Layer the Rye
Spread half of the cubed rye bread in the bottom of the baking dish.

Step 3: Add the Filling
Top with corned beef, sauerkraut, and 1 ½ cups of the Swiss cheese. Drizzle the Russian dressing evenly over the top.

Step 4: Finish the Layers
Cover with the remaining rye bread cubes and sprinkle with the rest of the cheese.

Step 5: Make the Custard
In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and melted butter. Pour this mixture evenly over the casserole to help bind everything together. Sprinkle with caraway seeds if desired.

Step 6: Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden.

Step 7: Serve
Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Pair with pickles or a side salad for the full diner experience.

Tips & Variations

• Shortcut Version: Use deli corned beef if you don’t have leftovers.

• Extra Cheesy: Add an extra layer of Swiss or even some provolone for more gooey goodness.

• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next day when ready to serve.

• Customize the Dressing: Swap Russian dressing with Thousand Island for a sweeter, creamier twist.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Reuben Bake is everything you love about the iconic sandwich—packed into one cheesy, comforting casserole. It’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving nostalgic comfort food with a twist. Once you try it, you’ll be looking for excuses to make it again and again.