Last Updated on February 21, 2026 by Souhail
There is something magical about walking into a classic New York deli on a crisp autumn morning. The air smells of rye bread, curing meat, and that distinct tang of fermented cabbage. I remember one particularly chaotic Tuesday when I was rushing to put together an appetizer for a last-minute watch party in my Brooklyn apartment. My fridge was looking pretty bare, save for some leftover corned beef from a sandwich I made the day before, a jar of sauerkraut, and blocks of cheese.
That is when inspiration struck. Why not deconstruct the city’s most iconic sandwich into a warm, gooey, shareable masterpiece? That happy accident birthed my go-to Reuben dip recipe, and let me tell you, it has been the star of every gathering since.
This dish fits perfectly into any occasion, whether you need a festive Super Bowl snack, a cozy comfort food treat for a rainy weekend, or simply a way to use up leftovers without sacrificing flavor. It captures the soul of a Reuben sandwich with its savory, salty, and slightly acidic profile, all wrapped up in a creamy, cheesy embrace that is impossible to resist.
Table of contents
Why This Reuben Dip Recipe Is a Total Crowd Pleaser
You might be wondering why you should bother making this instead of just ordering sandwiches. Well, let me break it down for you. This dip takes all the best parts of the sandwich and removes the hassle of slicing bread for twenty people.
- Flavor Explosion: You get the salty punch of corned beef balanced by the tang of sauerkraut and the creaminess of Swiss cheese.
- Texture Play: It is gooey and warm with just enough crunch from the rye chips or bread cubes you serve it with.
- Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to fit dietary needs without losing the core flavor.
- Quick Prep: You can throw this together in minutes, making it ideal for unexpected guests.
If you are looking for other ways to use deli meats, you might also enjoy this Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe for a heartier meal option.
My Top Secrets for Nailing This Dip Every Time
I have made this dish countless times, and I have learned a few tricks along the way to ensure it comes out perfect. Here is what you need to know to avoid a soggy or bland dip.
- Squeeze the Kraut: This is the most important step. If you do not drain your sauerkraut well, your dip will be watery. Use a clean kitchen towel to wring out every drop of liquid.
- Room Temperature Cheese: Let your cream cheese sit out for an hour before mixing. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, velvety texture.
- Toast Your Bread: If you are serving with rye bread, toast it lightly. Stale bread gets soggy too fast, but toasted cubes hold up to the heavy dip.
- Layering Matters: Put half the cheese on the bottom, mix the rest in, and sprinkle the final layer on top. This creates a golden crust that looks as good as it tastes.
Fun Variants to Try at Home
While the classic version is unbeatable, I love experimenting in the kitchen. Here are a few twists you can try to make this recipe your own.
The Turkey Reuben Twist If you want something lighter, swap the corned beef for sliced turkey. It reduces the sodium slightly and gives a milder flavor that lets the Swiss cheese shine. This is a great option for lunch parties where you want something satisfying but not too heavy.
The Vegetarian Version You can make this meat-free by using marinated mushrooms or jackfruit instead of corned beef. The texture is surprisingly similar, and it absorbs the Russian dressing beautifully. It is a fantastic way to include all your guests regardless of their diet.
The Spicy Kick For those who love heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. It cuts through the richness of the cream cheese and adds a nice warmth that lingers on the palate.
The Breakfast Dip Believe it or not, this works for brunch too. Serve it alongside something sweet like Cottage Cheese Pancakes to balance the savory flavors with a light, fluffy texture.
Serving Suggestions to Make It Pop
You want to present this dip in a way that makes people dive in immediately. I love serving it in a hollowed-out rye bread bowl for that authentic deli feel. It looks rustic and gives you edible containers for the dip. If you want a lighter option, serve it with crisp apple slices or cucumber rounds. The freshness of the fruit or veggie contrasts nicely with the rich, warm cheese.
You can also garnish with fresh dill or chopped chives to add a pop of green color. For a heartier spread, place this next to some Loaded Nachos with Ground Beef so your guests have multiple dipping options to enjoy throughout the party.
Storing and Reheating Your Leftovers
Hopefully, you have leftovers, but if you do, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually meld together nicely overnight. When you are ready to eat, reheat it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about ten minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible because it can make the cheese oily. If you must use the microwave, do it in short bursts and stir gently.
Creative Ways to Use This Dip
Do not let leftovers go to waste. You can spread this dip on a sandwich and grill it for the ultimate melted melt. It also works as a filling for baked potatoes or even as a topping for hot dogs. If you need a quick snack later in the week, just spread it on crackers and pop it under the broiler. It is versatile enough to work as a main component or a sidekick.
If you love dips, you might also want to check out this Fruit Dip Recipe for a sweet contrast to this savory dish.
How Do You Make it
Reuben Dip Recipe
8
servings15
minutes20
minutes320
kcalThis creamy, cheesy Reuben dip recipe brings all the flavors of your favorite deli sandwich into one easy-to-share bowl. Perfect for parties!
Keep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
1 cup corned beef, chopped finely
0.5 cup sauerkraut, drained well
0.25 cup Russian dressing
0.25 teaspoon caraway seeds
Rye bread or chips, for serving
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grab a baking dish.
- You want to make sure the oven is fully heated so the dip cooks evenly without drying out.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Russian dressing, and half of the Swiss cheese.
- Mix this until it is smooth and creamy so there are no big lumps of cream cheese remaining.
- Fold in the chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, and caraway seeds gently.
- You want to distribute the meat and kraut evenly without smashing the ingredients too much.
- Transfer the mixture into your baking dish and sprinkle the remaining Swiss cheese on top.
- This top layer will melt and create a beautiful golden brown crust in the oven.
- Bake for 20 minutes until the edges are bubbly and the top is golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving with your favorite bread or chips.
Notes
- Ensure sauerkraut is thoroughly drained to prevent a watery dip.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting than pre-packaged bags.
- Caraway seeds are optional but add authentic rye bread flavor.
- Can be prepared ahead and baked just before guests arrive.
- Gluten-free crackers work well for those avoiding wheat.
Nutrition Facts
- Total number of serves: 8
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 24g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 16g
Like this recipe?
Follow @wikitasty on Pinterest
FAQS
Yes, you can assemble it completely and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few minutes to the bake time if going straight from fridge to oven.
Thousand Island dressing is the most common substitute and tastes very similar. You can also mix ketchup and mayonnaise with a bit of horseradish.
The dip itself is gluten-free, but you must check your corned beef and dressing labels. Serve with gluten-free crackers or veggie sticks to keep it safe.
Place the sauerkraut in a fine-mesh sieve and press down with a spoon. For best results, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out the excess liquid.
It is not recommended to freeze this dip as the cream cheese can separate and become grainy upon thawing. It is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
A Little Story About This Dish
The Reuben sandwich has a debated history, with claims ranging from New York delis to Omaha poker games. Regardless of its origin, it represents the melting pot of American food culture. Growing up in New York, I saw how a simple sandwich could bring people together. Turning it into a dip was my way of honoring that tradition while making it accessible for modern entertaining. It is comfort food that feels like a hug from the inside out.
Final Thoughts
This Reuben dip recipe is more than just an appetizer. It is a conversation starter and a comfort food classic reimagined for sharing. I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. If you loved this, you should try my other savory dips or hearty mains. Happy cooking and enjoy every gooey bite!