If you’re a fan of the classic Reuben sandwich, you’re in for a treat. The Reuben Crescent Bake takes all the flavors you love from the traditional sandwich and transforms them into a delightful and easy-to-make casserole. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps of creating this mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a casual weeknight treat.

A Twist on Tradition

The Reuben sandwich is a beloved classic known for its layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, all sandwiched between slices of rye bread. In this Reuben Crescent Bake, we reimagine the same delicious combination and present it in a casserole form that’s perfect for sharing.

The Magic of Crescent Rolls

One of the stars of this dish is the refrigerated crescent roll dough. It provides a flaky, buttery crust that perfectly complements the rich and savory filling. Combined with the creamy dressing and tangy sauerkraut, it’s a winning combination that’s bound to become a family favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create the Reuben Crescent Bake, gather these simple ingredients:

1 can of refrigerated crescent rolls
1 cup of sauerkraut (drained)
1/4 cup of Thousand Island dressing
1/2 pound of shaved corned beef deli meat
8 slices of Swiss cheese

Now, let’s get into the step-by-step instructions for this delicious bake.

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Crescent Dough

Start by placing the crescent roll dough on a lightly floured surface.
Separate it in half, and pinch together the perforated edges of the dough.

Step 2: Rolling Out the Dough

Roll out half of the dough until it forms a rectangle about 12 inches long.
Place the rolled-out dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Bake it in the oven for 10 minutes until it becomes slightly golden and puffy.

Step 3: Building the Layers

Remove the baked crust from the oven and immediately top it with four slices of Swiss cheese.
In a bowl, mix together the sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing.
Layer the corned beef on top of the Swiss cheese, followed by spreading the sauerkraut mixture over the meat.
Add another layer of four slices of Swiss cheese on top of the sauerkraut mixture.

Step 4: Sealing the Deal

Roll out the other half of the dough and carefully spread it over the layered mixture.
Pinch the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to seal the filling inside.

Step 5: Baking to Perfection

Bake for an additional 20 minutes until the entire Reuben Crescent Bake is beautifully browned and the cheese is melty and bubbly.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Once it’s done baking, allow it to cool slightly.
Slice it into squares or rectangles for easy serving.
Serve it while it’s warm and the cheese is gooey.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Lighter Version: For a lighter version of this dish, consider using reduced-fat Swiss cheese, low-fat Thousand Island dressing, and turkey or chicken deli meat instead of corned beef.
Rye Bread Crumbs: If you want to add a crunchy, crouton-like texture, sprinkle some rye bread crumbs over the top before baking.
Dipping Sauce: Serve the Reuben Crescent Bake with a side of extra Thousand Island dressing or mustard for dipping.

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A1: Yes, you can prepare the Reuben Crescent Bake in advance. Assemble the layers and store it in the refrigerator, tightly covered. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven.

Q2: Can I use homemade sauerkraut?

A2: Absolutely! Homemade sauerkraut can add a unique and tangy flavor to the dish. Just make sure it’s well-drained before using it in the recipe.

Q3: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

A3: To reheat leftovers, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This will help maintain the crispness of the crescent roll crust.