Reuben Casserole

This Reuben Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, transforming it into a hearty and comforting baked dish. With layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, and Swiss cheese topped with crispy rye bread cubes, this casserole is perfect for an easy dinner or potluck dish.

Tips:

1. Corned Beef: Use good-quality deli corned beef for the best flavor. You can ask the deli to slice it thick for better texture in the casserole.
2. Sauerkraut: Make sure to thoroughly drain and pat dry the sauerkraut to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
3. Dressing: Adjust the amount of Thousand Island dressing to your taste. You can also make your own for a fresher flavor.
4. Cheese: For a more pronounced flavor, use aged Swiss cheese.
5. Bread Topping: Buttering the rye bread cubes will give them a richer taste and better toasting.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound sliced deli corned beef, coarsely chopped
• 16 ounces sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup Thousand Island salad dressing
• 2 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
• 6 slices rye bread, cubed
• Cooking spray or melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

1. Layer Ingredients:

• In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the coarsely chopped corned beef evenly on the bottom.
• Spread the drained and patted-dry sauerkraut evenly over the corned beef.

1. Add Dressing and Cheese:

• Drizzle the Thousand Island dressing over the sauerkraut.
• Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly on top of the dressing.

1. Prepare Bread Topping:

• Arrange the cubed rye bread on top of the cheese layer.
• Lightly spray the bread cubes with cooking spray, or for a richer flavor, toss them in melted butter before adding them to the casserole.

1. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread cubes are toasted and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

1. Serve:

• Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy this delicious Reuben Casserole with a side of pickles or a green salad for a complete meal!