Description
This Reuben Casserole is a hearty and delicious dish that brings the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich to the table in a convenient casserole form, perfect for serving a crowd. Layers of rye bread, pastrami, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and a tangy special sauce come together baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Bread
- 6 slices rye bread (dark or light)
- 2 slices rye bread (for breadcrumbs)
Meat
- 1 pound thinly sliced pastrami or corned beef
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 14.5 ounce can or jar sauerkraut, drained very well
- 1 cup chopped dill pickles
- 2 teaspoons caraway seeds
Dairy
- 4 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs, beaten
Condiments
- 1/3 cup thousand island dressing
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray an 11×7-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cube Rye Bread: Take four slices of rye bread and cut them into 2-inch cubes. Spread these cubes evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Make Breadcrumbs: Place the remaining 2 slices of rye bread into a food processor and pulse into fine breadcrumbs. Set aside for topping later.
- Add Meat Layer: Cover the cubed bread evenly with half of the thinly sliced pastrami or corned beef.
- Add Sauerkraut and Pickles: Spread the well-drained sauerkraut evenly over the meat layer. Sprinkle the chopped dill pickles and 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds atop the sauerkraut.
- Cheese Layer: Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the sauerkraut and pickles.
- Add Remaining Meat: Layer the remaining pastrami evenly on top. Press down gently on all layers to compact the casserole slightly.
- Top with Cheese and Spices: Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of Swiss cheese and 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds evenly over the pastrami layer.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of milk, beaten eggs, ⅓ cup thousand island dressing, and ¼ cup yellow mustard until smooth.
- Pour Egg Mixture: Pour the egg and dressing mixture evenly over the layered casserole.
- Add Breadcrumb Topping: Sprinkle the reserved rye bread breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake Casserole: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use dark or light rye bread based on your preference, but dark rye adds a more authentic flavor.
- Ensure sauerkraut is thoroughly drained to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
- You can substitute corned beef for pastrami if desired, or a mix of both.
- The thousand island dressing can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
- Pressing down the layers before pouring the egg mixture helps the casserole hold together better after baking.
- Letting the casserole rest before slicing allows it to set for cleaner, neat servings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 940 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
