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); 14.5 ounce can or jar sauerkraut, drained very well; 1 cup chopped dill pickles; 2 teaspoons caraway seeds (divided use); 4 cups shredded Swiss cheese (divided use); 1 cup milk; 3 large eggs, beaten; ⅓ cup Thousand Island dressing; ¼ cup yellow mustard

If you love the bold, tangy flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich but want something that feeds a crowd without all the pressing and grilling, this Crispy Reuben Casserole Recipe is going to be your new favorite. Imagine all those layers of rye bread, pastrami, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese in one cozy, sliceable 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

I first made this Reuben casserole for a family gathering, and let me tell you—it disappeared fast. It’s like the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to put together, yet feels special enough for company.

Perfect for feeding a crowd: This casserole serves 12, making it ideal for parties or meal prepping.
Layered flavors: Every bite combines tangy sauerkraut, smoky pastrami, and melty Swiss cheese.
Simple to assemble: No sandwich pressing required—just layer, pour the custard mixture, and bake.
Crispy breadcrumb topping: Adds a delightful crunch that contrasts the gooey center.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Getting the right ingredients makes all the difference in nailing these classic Reuben flavors—especially the rye bread and perfectly drained sauerkraut. Here’s a quick rundown to help you shop smart and prep like a pro.

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 recommend dark or light rye depending on your flavor preference; it forms the hearty base and crumbs on top.
Pastrami or corned beef: Thinly sliced for easy layering and that smoky, savory punch everyone expects.
Sauerkraut: Drain it very well to avoid soggy layers and maintain that perfect tang.
Dill pickles: Adds a fresh crunch and balances the richness.
Caraway seeds: Classic Reuben seasoning that’s subtle but essential.
Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully, binding the casserole with creamy, nutty flavor.
Milk and eggs: Combined into a custard that soaks through the casserole and keeps it moist.
Thousand Island dressing: Brings the tangy, sweet notes reminiscent of that special Reuben sauce.
Yellow mustard: Adds just the right amount of zing to complement the dressing.

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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

One of the best things about this Crispy Reuben Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to customize! Whether you want to switch up the meat, tweak the cheese, or add some extra zing, it’s all about making it perfect for your taste buds.

Vegetarian variation: Swap out the pastrami for smoked tofu or tempeh, and use a bit of liquid smoke in the custard mix for that classic smoky flavor. I tried this for meatless Mondays, and it was surprisingly satisfying!
Cheese swap: If you’re not a Swiss cheese fan, Gruyère melts beautifully and adds a lovely nuttiness. I once made it with Gruyère and my guests couldn’t stop raving about the slight twist on tradition.
Crunchier topping: Toast the rye breadcrumbs lightly before sprinkling them on top. It adds an irresistible crunch and golden color that really elevates the dish.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a drizzle of horseradish sauce into the custard for an extra kick. I did this once for a game day crowd, and the subtle heat was a crowd-pleaser!

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 Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms, grab an 11×7-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a good spray with nonstick cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up easier—trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!

Step 2: Cube and Layer the Rye Bread

Take 4 slices of rye bread and cut them into roughly 2-inch cubes. Spread these cubes evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish to create the base layer. This layer will soak up all the delicious flavors as it bakes, so don’t worry if it looks a little dry at first!

Step 3: Make Your Rye Breadcrumb Topping

Place the remaining 2 slices of rye bread into a food processor and pulse until you get fine breadcrumbs. These crumbs will become a crunchy, golden topping that adds the perfect crispy finish to your casserole.

Step 4: Layer the Pastrami and Toppings

Next, cover those rye bread cubes with half of your thinly sliced pastrami. Then add a hearty layer of drained sauerkraut, followed by chopped dill pickles and 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds. This combination brings the tang and spice that make a Reuben so iconic.

Step 5: Add the Cheese and More Pastrami

Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the sauerkraut. Then add the remaining pastrami slices on top, gently pressing down to compact all those layers for a cohesive casserole. Finally, top with the last 2 cups of Swiss cheese and the remaining teaspoon of caraway seeds.

Step 6: Whisk and Pour the Custard Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup milk, 3 large beaten eggs, ⅓ cup Thousand Island dressing, and ¼ cup yellow mustard until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Pour this custard evenly over the layered casserole to soak into all the ingredients.

Step 7: Top with Breadcrumbs and Bake

Sprinkle your prepared rye breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish tightly with foil to keep moisture in and bake for 45 minutes. Your kitchen will start filling with that irresistible Reuben aroma—pure comfort!

Step 8: Rest, Slice, and Serve

Once the baking time is up, carefully remove the foil and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. This step allows it to set properly, making slicing easier and keeping those flavorful layers intact. Then dig in and enjoy a crowd-pleasing, crispy, tangy Reuben delight!

Top Tip

Mastering the Crispy Reuben Casserole Recipe is all about balancing flavors and textures perfectly. These tips will help you get that ideal crispy, cheesy, and tangy bite every time!

Drain Sauerkraut Thoroughly: I’ve learned that drying the sauerkraut very well before layering prevents the casserole from becoming soggy — it keeps those layers distinct and the texture just right.
Use Fresh Rye Breadcrumbs: Pulsing the last bread slices into fine breadcrumbs adds that perfect crunchy topping. For an extra crisp, I sometimes toast them lightly before sprinkling on top.
Compact the Layers: Gently pressing down on the layers after adding the second pastrami slice helps the casserole hold together better and makes slicing neater.
Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking is a game changer. It lets everything set so slices don’t fall apart and makes serving a breeze.

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

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or dill brightens up the rich flavors wonderfully. A few extra caraway seeds on top add a subtle aromatic crunch. Serving with a dollop of sour cream or even a side of extra Thousand Island dressing creates a perfect tangy contrast to the warm casserole.

Side Dishes

Classic pairings like crispy baked French fries or kettle-cooked chips complement this casserole beautifully. For a lighter balance, serve alongside a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans. Pickled veggies or extra dill pickles on the side also bring that signature Reuben tang.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Crispy Reuben Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent sogginess, try to cool the casserole completely before covering tightly, and keep the breadcrumb topping intact if possible.

Freezing

You can freeze the casserole before baking or after it has cooled post-bake. Wrap it securely with plastic wrap and foil, or use a freezer-safe airtight container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the top regains some crispness. Cover loosely with foil if it starts to brown too quickly. Microwaving is fine for a quick fix but may soften the crispy topping.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use corned beef instead of pastrami?

Absolutely! Corned beef is a great alternative that gives a slightly different flavor but still captures the classic Reuben taste in this casserole.

How do I prevent the casserole from getting soggy?

The key is to drain the sauerkraut very well before layering, and to press the layers gently to compact the sandwich flavors. Also, letting the casserole rest after baking helps it set perfectly.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight before baking. Just remember to add the breadcrumb topping right before baking for the best crunch.

What can I substitute for Swiss cheese?

Gruyère or mozzarella are delicious substitutions that melt beautifully and offer a slightly different flavor profile while still complementing the other ingredients well.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting about this Crispy Reuben Casserole Recipe — it’s like having your favorite sandwich in a warm, sliceable form that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. I hope you enjoy building your layers, savoring those bold flavors, and sharing this delicious meal with the people you love. Happy baking!