Reuben Crescent Bake Recipe
If you love the classic Reuben sandwich, you’ll adore this Reuben Crescent Bake! This casserole-style dish takes all the best parts of a Reuben—savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, gooey Swiss cheese, and creamy Thousand Island dressing—and layers them between buttery crescent roll dough for an irresistible meal.
It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Baking dish (9×13-inch recommended)
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients Overview
- Crescent Roll Dough: Forms the base and topping for this easy bake.
- Corned Beef: Provides the signature savory flavor of a Reuben. Deli-sliced or leftover corned beef works great.
- Sauerkraut: Adds a tangy kick; be sure to drain it well to avoid a soggy bake.
- Swiss Cheese: Melty and rich, it’s the perfect complement to the other ingredients.
- Thousand Island Dressing: Brings creaminess and ties all the flavors together.
Ingredients
- 2 (8 oz) cans crescent roll dough
- 1 lb corned beef, thinly sliced or chopped
- 1 cup sauerkraut, well-drained
- 8 oz Swiss cheese, sliced
- ½ cup Thousand Island dressing
- 1 egg, beaten (optional, for brushing the top crust)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Prepare the Bottom Crust:
Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the baking dish, pinching the seams together to form a solid crust. - Layer the Ingredients:
- Spread half of the Thousand Island dressing evenly over the dough.
- Layer the corned beef over the dressing.
- Spread the sauerkraut evenly on top of the corned beef.
- Place the Swiss cheese slices over the sauerkraut.
- Drizzle the remaining Thousand Island dressing over the cheese.
- Add the Top Crust:
Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and lay it over the filling. Pinch the seams together and seal the edges to encase the filling completely. - Optional Egg Wash:
Brush the top layer with beaten egg for a shiny, golden finish. - Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and cooked through. - Cool and Serve:
Let the bake cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Drain Sauerkraut Well: Squeeze out excess liquid to prevent the bake from becoming soggy.
- Customize the Dressing: Swap Thousand Island with Russian dressing for a slightly different flavor.
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the bake, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh the next day.
What to Serve With This Recipe
- Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the bake.
- Potato Chips: Classic deli-style chips add crunch and pair wonderfully with the flavors.
- Dill Pickles: The tanginess of pickles complements the Reuben flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rye bread instead of crescent dough?
While crescent dough is more convenient, you can layer thin slices of rye bread for a more traditional Reuben flavor.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, slice and store portions in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
What if I don’t like sauerkraut?
You can substitute sautéed cabbage or omit it altogether, though it changes the classic Reuben flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a creamy tomato soup for a comforting combo.
- Serve with a dollop of extra Thousand Island dressing or mustard for dipping.
- Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Ingredients
- 2 cans crescent roll dough
- 1 lb corned beef
- 1 cup sauerkraut
- 8 oz Swiss cheese
- ½ cup Thousand Island dressing
- 1 egg (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
- Press one can of crescent roll dough into the bottom of the dish.
- Spread dressing, layer corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese.
- Cover with the second can of dough, sealing edges.
- Brush with egg wash (optional) and bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Let cool, slice, and serve.

classic Reuben sandwich
Equipment
- Baking dish (9x13-inch recommended)
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 cans crescent roll dough
- 1 lb corned beef
- 1 cup sauerkraut
- 8 oz Swiss cheese
- ½ cup Thousand Island dressing
- 1 egg optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
- Press one can of crescent roll dough into the bottom of the dish.
- Spread dressing, layer corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese.
- Cover with the second can of dough, sealing edges.
- Brush with egg wash (optional) and bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Let cool, slice, and serve.
