About This Recipe
A crowd-pleasing casserole version of the classic Reuben sandwich, featuring layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing baked between flaky crescent dough.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 lb sliced or shredded corned beef
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 1½ cups sauerkraut, thoroughly drained and squeezed dry
- ½ cup Thousand Island dressing
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
Kitchen Tools
Instructions
Chef's Tips
- Drain the Sauerkraut Well: Crucial for preventing a soggy bottom crust. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- Corned Beef Choice: Sliced or shredded corned beef works. Leftover homemade corned beef is ideal.
- Cheese Variations: Swiss is traditional, but provolone or mozzarella can be added for extra meltiness.
- Dressing Alternatives: Russian dressing or a homemade mix of mayo, ketchup, and relish can substitute for Thousand Island.
- Caraway Seeds: Highly recommended for authentic rye bread flavor.
- Sealing the Edges: Ensure the top and bottom dough layers are well sealed to prevent filling leakage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not draining sauerkraut sufficiently, leading to a soggy base.
- Uneven distribution of filling ingredients.
- Failure to properly seal the edges of the crescent dough layers.
- Overbaking, which can dry out the crust and filling.
- Skipping the egg wash, resulting in a less attractive crust.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a layer of sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
- Turkey Reuben Bake: Substitute corned beef with thinly sliced deli turkey.
- Open-Faced Option: Use only one can of crescent dough as the base and bake until golden and bubbly.
- Individual Portions: Create mini baked reuben egg rolls in a muffin tin.
Storage & Freezing
- Storage: Wrap cooled bake tightly or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat slices in a skillet over medium-low heat until crisp, or in a toaster/conventional oven at 350°F (175°C). Microwaving may soften the crust.
Conclusion
This Crescent Roll Reuben Bake is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of classic Reuben flavors made accessible and incredibly delicious in a convenient casserole format. With its flaky, golden crust and hearty, savory filling, it’s guaranteed to be a hit for any occasion. The ease of preparation using refrigerated crescent roll dough makes it a weeknight-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on taste. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Reuben sandwiches or looking for a new go-to casserole, this reuben bake casserole with crescent rolls delivers satisfaction in every bite. Give this delightful reuben crescent bake with crescent rolls a try, and prepare for rave reviews!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can assemble the reuben bake casserole with crescent rolls a few hours ahead of time. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge. For best results with the crust, it’s ideal to bake it closer to serving time.
You can use either sliced or shredded corned beef. Deli-sliced corned beef works wonderfully, as does leftover homemade corned beef. If using slices, consider chopping them slightly to ensure even distribution within the bake. The key is good quality, flavorful corned beef to make your reuben bake crescent rolls shine.
While crescent rolls provide the signature flaky texture, you could experiment with refrigerated biscuit dough pressed flat, or even puff pastry for a richer crust. However, the classic crescent roll Reuben bake truly relies on the unique qualities of crescent dough.
Caraway seeds are optional but highly recommended if you want to mimic the authentic flavor of rye bread, which is traditional for Reuben sandwiches. They add a subtle, distinctive aroma and taste that complements the other ingredients in this reuben crescent bake recipe with crescent rolls.
This usually happens if the edges of the top and bottom crescent dough layers weren't sealed together properly. Ensure you press the seams firmly and consider crimping with a fork to create a secure seal before baking your reuben bake with crescent rolls.