Name: Crispy Reuben Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 slices rye bread (dark or light) (divided use); 1 pound thinly sliced pastrami or corned beef (divided use); 4 cups shredded Swiss cheese (divided use); 14.5 ounce can or jar sauerkraut, drained very well; 1 cup chopped dill pickles; 2 teaspoons caraway seeds (divided use); 1 cup milk; 3 large eggs, beaten; ⅓ cup thousand island dressing; ¼ cup yellow mustard

If you love everything about a classic deli Reuben sandwich but wish it was easier to share (or just avoid all that stacking), this Crispy Reuben Casserole Recipe is here to save the day. It’s all the savory, tangy goodness baked into one cozy dish.

A slice of layered casserole sits on a white plate against a white marbled surface. The dish has about five layers: a light golden brown crumb crust at the bottom, followed by a thin layer of pink ham, a thick creamy layer with light yellow cheese and white cabbage or sauerkraut mixed in, another layer of pink ham, and the top covered with melted yellow cheese and a crunchy light brown crumb topping. The layers are uneven but clearly visible, showing a mix of soft and crunchy textures. In the background, there is another plate with more casserole, blurred softly. The lighting is warm and natural, highlighting the textures and colors clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Reuben Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Reuben Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Reuben Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, every time I make this casserole, it disappears way too fast. It's just comfort food done right with layers stacked full of bold flavors—no mess, no fuss.

Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for feeding a group without standing over the stove forever.
Layered Flavor: Each bite has pastrami, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and that tangy sauce working together beautifully.
Simple Prep: Uses basic ingredients you probably keep on hand or can easily find at any grocery store.
Great Make-Ahead: Prepare it ahead and bake when you’re ready, or reheat leftovers with ease.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When it comes to a good Reuben casserole, every ingredient counts. Using quality rye bread and well-drained sauerkraut will make all the difference in texture—plus, fresh Swiss cheese helps create that melty, gooey layer you want.

Flat lay of six slices of fresh rye bread, a small pile of thinly sliced pastrami, a mound of well-drained sauerkraut, a generous heap of shredded Swiss cheese, a small bowl of chopped dill pickles, a few scattered caraway seeds, a small white bowl of milk, three whole uncracked eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl filled with thousand island dressing, a small white bowl of yellow mustard, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Rye Bread: I prefer dark rye for its robust flavor, but light rye works if that’s what you have. Dividing it for cubes and breadcrumbs is key to texture.
Pastrami or Corned Beef: Choose thinly sliced for even layering and great melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Sauerkraut: Drain it really well to keep the casserole from getting soggy—it adds that signature tang.
Swiss Cheese: Shredded for easy layering and perfect meltability, giving that classic nutty taste.
Dill Pickles: Adds crunch and freshness to balance the richness.
Caraway Seeds: Scattered through for that aromatic kick that says “Reuben” loud and clear.
Milk and Eggs: Create a custard-like binding mixture that keeps everything held together while baking.
Thousand Island Dressing: The classic Reuben sauce flavor, tangy and slightly sweet.
Yellow Mustard: Adds a sharp zing to brighten the whole dish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Crispy Reuben Casserole Recipe is wonderfully flexible and welcoming to your personal twists. Feel free to adapt it to your taste buds or what you have on hand – it’s all about making this hearty dish your own!

Swap the Meat: I’ve made this casserole with both pastrami and corned beef, and each brings its own unique flavor. Corned beef provides a slightly saltier, traditional vibe, while pastrami offers a smoky richness. Either way, it’s delicious!
Cheese Choices: While swiss cheese is classic, mixing in some Gruyère or even a bit of sharp cheddar can add a lovely dimension. Just keep that melty goodness going strong.
Spice It Up: If you like a little kick, stirring in some horseradish to the egg mixture or layering it with the sauce adds a zesty punch that wakes up the whole casserole.
Breadcrumb Topping: For an extra crunchy topping, I sometimes toast the rye breadcrumbs lightly before sprinkling them over the casserole. It gives a perfect contrast to the gooey layers below.
Vegetarian Variation: Skip the meat and bulk up with sautéed mushrooms or smoky tempeh, along with extra sauerkraut and cheese, for a satisfying vegetarian twist.
Seasonal Add-Ins: In cooler months, adding caramelized onions or roasted red peppers can boost depth and warmth in the flavor profile.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Reuben Casserole Recipe

A close-up of a multi-layered sandwich casserole on a white plate showing several layers: the base layer consists of thinly sliced pink deli meat, topped with a layer of shredded white cabbage or sauerkraut, followed by more slices of pink deli meat, another shredded cabbage layer, and a thick melted yellow cheese layer on top sprinkled with light brown crispy crumbs. A woman's hand is holding a silver fork with a bite-size piece of this layered casserole, clearly showing the layers' textures and colors. In the background, there is a clear glass of amber iced tea with lemon slices and another plate with more casserole pieces, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms, grab an 11×7-inch or a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a good spray with nonstick cooking spray. If you use the larger dish, your casserole will be a bit thinner – either size works perfectly, so pick what suits your crowd.

Step 2: Cube the Bread and Create a Base

Take four slices of rye bread and cut them into 2-inch cubes – nice, even pieces help with uniform cooking. Spread these cubes evenly across the bottom of your prepared dish. This bread layer is the foundation of all that amazing flavor to come!

Step 3: Turn the Remaining Bread into Breadcrumbs

Pop the last two slices of rye bread into a food processor and pulse until they’re finely crumbed. Set this aside for the topping – these breadcrumbs will crisp up wonderfully during baking, adding a delightful texture contrast.

Step 4: Layer in the Pastrami

Spread half of your thinly sliced pastrami right over those bread cubes. This layer infuses the casserole with that iconic savory, slightly smoky flavor that’s so essential to the classic Reuben experience.

Step 5: Add Sauerkraut, Pickles, and Caraway

Drain your sauerkraut very thoroughly to avoid sogginess, then layer it evenly on top of the pastrami. Sprinkle over the chopped dill pickles and 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds – their aromatic warmth adds complexity and a hint of earthiness.

Step 6: Sprinkle Swiss Cheese, Then Repeat Meat and Cheese Layers

Cover the sauerkraut mixture with 2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese. Then add the remaining pastrami, pressing down lightly to compact the layers gently. Finally, sprinkle the top with the remaining 2 cups of Swiss cheese and the last teaspoon of caraway seeds for that perfect finish.

Step 7: Whisk the Egg Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, beaten eggs, tangy thousand island dressing, and yellow mustard until smooth and well combined. This mixture brings everything together with creamy, zesty goodness.

Step 8: Pour, Top, and Bake

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered casserole, making sure it seeps down through the layers. Then sprinkle the reserved rye breadcrumbs generously over the top for that signature crispy crust. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. The aromas during baking alone are unbeatable!

Step 9: Rest, Slice, and Serve

Once baked, remove your casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This brief pause helps the layers settle and makes slicing easier. Then slice into generous squares and serve warm. Trust me, this casserole is a total crowd-pleaser at any gathering!

Top Tip

These tips come from my kitchen adventures crafting the perfect Crispy Reuben Casserole Recipe—small details that truly elevate this crowd-pleaser to new heights.

Drain the Sauerkraut Well: Making sure your sauerkraut is thoroughly drained prevents sogginess and keeps your casserole delightfully crispy on top.
Use Both Dark and Light Rye Bread: I’ve found that mixing rye bread types adds a lovely complexity of flavor and texture without overwhelming the dish.
Press Down the Layers Firmly: Gently compacting the casserole layers before pouring the egg mixture helps everything hold together beautifully when sliced.
Don’t Skip the Breadcrumb Topping: That final sprinkle of fresh rye breadcrumbs gives you that incredible crisp crust that turns this casserole from tasty to unforgettable.

How to Serve Crispy Reuben Casserole Recipe

A rectangular glass baking dish filled with a layered casserole is shown from above. The bottom layer has visible red bits, likely tomato or sauce, followed by a layer of green sliced peppers, then a thick layer of shredded pale yellow cheese covering the top. The layers are clearly distinct through the glass sides. The whole dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To complement the rich, tangy flavors of the casserole, I love adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or dill for a pop of color and freshness. A dollop of extra thousand island dressing or a swipe of spicy horseradish sauce on the side also works wonders for those who love a little extra kick.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but I recommend crisp green salads with a bright vinaigrette to balance the richness. Classic sides like kettle-cooked potato chips or buttery roasted potatoes also pair beautifully. For a lighter touch, try steamed green beans or a tangy coleslaw to round out the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days to keep the flavors fresh and the casserole moist but still crisp on top.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled but unbaked casserole by wrapping it tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Keep it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Reheating

Reheat leftover slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until warmed through and the crispy topping is revived. Avoid microwaving when possible to preserve the texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute corned beef for pastrami in this casserole?

Absolutely! Corned beef works wonderfully as a substitute, offering a similar savory flavor and texture to pastrami, making the casserole just as delicious.

How crucial is it to drain the sauerkraut?

Very crucial! Excess moisture from undrained sauerkraut can make the casserole soggy instead of crispy, so take the time to press or drain it well.

Can I prepare the casserole the night before?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, just add the breadcrumb topping before baking for the full crispy effect.

What if I want a spicier flavor?

You can stir a bit of horseradish into the egg mixture or layer it in with the sauce to give your Crispy Reuben Casserole Recipe that extra spicy zing.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Crispy Reuben Casserole Recipe brings the warm, satisfying comfort of a classic Reuben sandwich to your table with ease, especially when feeding a crowd. It’s a recipe that invites gathering around, sharing stories, and savoring every crisp, cheesy bite together. Happy cooking and even happier eating!