If you love the tangy, savory flavors of a Reuben sandwich but want a quick, crowd-pleasing dish, the Crescent Reuben Bake is the perfect solution. This recipe transforms the traditional elements—corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing—into a warm, cheesy casserole with flaky crescent roll dough. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or weeknight meals when you want all the Reuben flavors without the fuss of individual sandwiches.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 8 oz thinly sliced corned beef or pastrami
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- ½ cup sauerkraut, thoroughly drained
- ¼ cup Thousand Island dressing
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing)
Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, extra Thousand Island dressing for drizzling
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Base
Open the crescent roll dough and gently press the perforations together to form one solid sheet. Press the dough evenly into your baking dish, extending slightly up the sides. This will serve as the golden, flaky base of your bake.
Step 3: Layer the Corned Beef
Evenly arrange the corned beef over the crescent dough. Fold or cut slices as needed to cover the surface completely.
Step 4: Add the Sauerkraut
Drain the sauerkraut thoroughly to prevent sogginess. Spread it evenly over the corned beef layer for that classic Reuben tang.
Step 5: Sprinkle the Swiss Cheese
Cover the sauerkraut with shredded Swiss cheese. Its nutty, mild flavor complements the corned beef and sauerkraut perfectly.
Step 6: Drizzle the Dressing
Evenly drizzle Thousand Island dressing over the cheese layer. This adds creaminess and a touch of sweetness, balancing the tangy sauerkraut.
Step 7: Brush with Butter
Brush the exposed edges of the crescent dough with melted butter for a golden, flaky crust. Optionally, sprinkle with black pepper for extra flavor.
Step 8: Bake the Crescent Reuben
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and fully cooked, and the cheese has melted.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Allow the bake to cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley or an extra drizzle of Thousand Island dressing if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Crescent Reuben Bake
- Drain the sauerkraut thoroughly – excess moisture can make the dough soggy.
- Layer evenly – ensure every bite has a balance of corned beef, cheese, and sauerkraut.
- Add extra flavor – sprinkle caraway seeds or garlic powder for depth.
- Make ahead – assemble in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: No need to make individual sandwiches; everything bakes in one dish.
- Flavor-packed: All the classic Reuben flavors shine through.
- Perfect for sharing: Ideal for potlucks, family dinners, or casual get-togethers.
The Crescent Reuben Bake is a simple, indulgent way to enjoy a classic sandwich in casserole form. With flaky crescent dough, melty Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and savory corned beef, it’s comfort food at its finest—easy to make, easy to share, and impossible to resist.
