Homemade Reuben Bake

Introduction:

The Homemade Reuben Bake is a comforting casserole that brings together the iconic flavors of a Reuben sandwich, including corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and rye bread, all baked to perfection. This dish is simple to prepare and is a great option for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. You can also easily personalize the recipe to suit your preferences, whether it’s experimenting with different dressings or adjusting the sauerkraut for a milder flavor.

Ingredients:

Bread:

• 8-10 slices rye bread, cubed (about 4-5 cups)
• 1/2 cup butter, melted

Filling:

• 1 pound corned beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 (16-ounce) can sauerkraut, drained and rinsed (optional: rinse again for a milder flavor)
• 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing (or your preferred Reuben dressing)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• 2 teaspoons caraway seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, toss the cubed rye bread with melted butter until evenly coated.
3. Spread half of the bread cubes evenly on the bottom of the prepared dish.
4. Layer the corned beef on top of the bread cubes.
5. Sprinkle the sauerkraut over the corned beef (if using).
6. Add half of the shredded Swiss cheese over the sauerkraut.
7. Drizzle the Thousand Island dressing evenly over the cheese layer.
8. Sprinkle chopped parsley and caraway seeds if desired.
9. Top with the remaining bread cubes and shredded Swiss cheese.
10. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread cubes are golden brown on top.
11. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Conclusion:

The Homemade Reuben Bake is the perfect way to enjoy the classic Reuben sandwich in a comforting, casserole form. Its ease of preparation makes it ideal for busy weeknights, and it can be customized to fit your flavor preferences. Whether you prefer a milder sauerkraut or like experimenting with different dressings, this dish is versatile and delicious.