Reuben Crescent Bake: The Ultimate Comfort Food Casserole

Last Updated on April 19, 2025 by Souhail

If you love a classic Reuben sandwich, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Reuben Crescent Bake. Not only does this dish capture all the beloved flavors of a Reuben, savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and creamy Thousand Island dressing, but it also transforms them into a golden, flaky crescent roll crust. As a result, you get an irresistible casserole that’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or even game day snacks.

This Reuben Crescent Bake is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Reuben sandwiches or trying something new, this dish delivers a perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and tangy goodness. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover corned beef from St. Patrick’s Day!

Why This Recipe Works

The Reuben Crescent Bake is a game-changer for anyone who loves the flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich but wants something easier to prepare and share. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

1. All the Reuben Flavors Without the Hassle

A traditional Reuben sandwich not only requires assembling individual servings but also grilling each one while hoping everything stays intact. However, this Reuben Crescent Bake simplifies the process by effortlessly layering all the ingredients into a crescent roll crust and baking it as a casserole. No flipping, no mess, just slice, serve, and enjoy!

2. Flaky, Buttery Crust

Crescent roll dough is the perfect shortcut for this recipe. When baked, it turns golden brown and crispy on the outside while staying soft and buttery inside. It provides the ideal contrast to the melty cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and salty corned beef.

3. Customizable to Your Tastes

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility:

• Not a fan of corned beef? Swap it for pastrami, turkey, or even roast beef.
• Love extra cheese? Add an extra layer of Swiss or mix in some cheddar for more richness.
• Prefer Russian dressing over Thousand Island? Go ahead and substitute it!
• Want more crunch? Top it with crushed rye crackers or breadcrumbs before baking.

4. Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers

Since this dish is baked in one pan, it’s perfect for making ahead. You can assemble it in advance and pop it in the oven when needed. Leftovers store beautifully and can be easily reheated without losing their texture or flavor.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, looking for an easy weeknight dinner, or needing a fun dish for St. Patrick’s Day, this Reuben Crescent Bake is a crowd-pleaser. Serve it as a main dish, a party appetizer, or a hearty snack, either way, it’s sure to disappear fast!

Ingredients Breakdown

• 2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
• ½ pound sliced corned beef
• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and patted dry
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• ¼ cup Thousand Island dressing
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional, for a classic rye flavor)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)

Ingredient Notes:

- Sauerkraut: Be sure to drain and squeeze out excess moisture to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
- Caraway Seeds: These mimic the flavor of rye bread, giving your bake an authentic Reuben taste.
- Thousand Island Dressing: Can be swapped for Russian dressing if you prefer a tangier kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare (5 minutes)

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Lay the Crescent Dough (5 minutes)

Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the baking dish, pinching the seams together to form a single layer. This will be the base of your bake.

3. Layer the Ingredients (5 minutes)

Evenly spread the Thousand Island dressing over the dough. Next, layer half of the Swiss cheese, followed by the corned beef slices. Scatter the drained sauerkraut over the top, then sprinkle the remaining Swiss cheese. If using caraway seeds, sprinkle them over the top for extra flavor.

4. Top with the Second Crescent Dough Layer (5 minutes)

Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and carefully place it over the filling. Pinch the seams together and press down the edges to seal.

5. Brush with Egg Wash and Butter (3 minutes)

Brush the top of the dough with the beaten egg for a golden, glossy finish. Then, brush with melted butter to enhance the flavor.

6. Bake to Perfection (20-25 minutes)

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

7. Cool and Slice (5 minutes)

Allow the Reuben Crescent Bake to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.

Pro Tips for Success

• Avoid a Soggy Crust: Drain and pat dry sauerkraut. For extra crispiness, pre-bake the bottom dough for 5 minutes.
• Golden Brown Finish: Brush with egg wash before baking and melted butter after for flavor and shine.
• Better Cheese Melting: Use freshly shredded Swiss cheese and layer it above and below the corned beef for even melting.
• Boost Reuben Flavor: Sprinkle caraway seeds on top for a rye bread touch and serve with extra Thousand Island dressing for dipping.

Recipe Card

Reuben Crescent Bake

Recipe by SimonCourse: DinnerDifficulty: Easy

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Calories

320

kcal

A delicious twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, this Reuben Crescent Bake features layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, all wrapped in a flaky crescent roll crust.

Ingredients

• 2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough

• ½ pound sliced corned beef

• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and patted dry

• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

• ¼ cup Thousand Island dressing

• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)

Directions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Layer the bottom dough: Unroll one can of crescent roll dough into the dish, pinching seams together.
• Assemble the filling: Spread Thousand Island dressing, add half the cheese, corned beef, sauerkraut, and the rest of the cheese. Sprinkle with caraway seeds if using.
• Top with second dough layer, pinching edges to seal.
• Brush with egg wash and melted butter for a golden finish.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
• Let cool for 5 minutes, then slice and serve.

Notes

• For a crispier crust, pre-bake the bottom layer for 5 minutes.
• Customize it by swapping corned beef for pastrami, turkey, or roast beef.
• Serve with extra Thousand Island dressing for dipping.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

The Reuben Crescent Bake is a delicious, easy way to enjoy the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich in a flaky, golden casserole. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or a fun twist on a game-day snack, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, with simple ingredient swaps, you can easily customize it to suit your tastes!

If you love comfort food with bold flavors, you might also enjoy our Chicken and Pastry Recipe for another warm, satisfying meal. Want to take your bread-based dishes to the next level? Learn the Secret to Making the Best Bread with Oil or Butter. And if you’re looking for the perfect soup to pair with this bake, check out The Best Soup to Eat Every Day for a comforting bowl of goodness.

Give this Reuben Crescent Bake a try and let us know how it turned out! Drop a comment below or share your results on social media, we’d love to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!