Reuben Crescent Bake Recipe
Description: This Reuben Crescent Bake is a savory and comforting dish that combines the flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich with the convenience of crescent rolls. A perfect crowd-pleaser, it’s loaded with layers of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and creamy Russian dressing, all wrapped in buttery crescent dough and baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or as an appetizer, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans of crescent roll dough
- 1 lb corned beef, thinly sliced
- 1 ½ cups Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
- ½ cup Russian dressing
- 1 tbsp caraway seeds (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for greasing)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter.
- Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, making sure to seal any seams.
- Layer the corned beef over the crescent dough, followed by the shredded Swiss cheese and sauerkraut. Drizzle with Russian dressing.
- Unroll the second can of crescent dough and place it over the top of the layered ingredients, again sealing any seams.
- (Optional) Sprinkle with caraway seeds for added flavor.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Reheating and Storage Tips:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place slices in the microwave for 30–45 seconds, or heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until warmed through.
- Freezing: You can freeze this dish before baking. Assemble the Reuben Crescent Bake as instructed but don’t bake it yet. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, remove from the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
20 FAQs About Reuben Crescent Bake:
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes! You can substitute Swiss cheese with other cheeses like provolone or cheddar, though the flavor will differ slightly.
- Can I use turkey instead of corned beef? Yes, turkey can be used for a lighter alternative.
- What can I use instead of Russian dressing? You can substitute with Thousand Island dressing or a homemade mixture of mayo and ketchup with a bit of relish.
- Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes! Simply omit the corned beef and add more cheese or use a vegetarian substitute for the meat.
- What if I don’t like sauerkraut? If you’re not a fan of sauerkraut, you can use coleslaw or even spinach for a different flavor profile.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the Reuben Crescent Bake the night before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
- Can I use a different type of bread dough? If you prefer, you can use pizza dough or puff pastry in place of crescent roll dough.
- How do I know when it’s fully baked? The top should be golden brown, and the filling should be bubbly and heated through.
- Can I add other toppings? Feel free to add things like chopped onions, pickles, or even a sprinkle of garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Is this recipe spicy? It’s not spicy, but if you prefer heat, you can add a bit of hot sauce or jalapeños to the filling.
- How many servings does this recipe make? It serves about 6-8 people, depending on portion size.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Just wrap them well and reheat as needed.
- What should I serve this with? A side salad, roasted vegetables, or potato wedges are great options to serve with Reuben Crescent Bake.
- Can I use fresh corned beef? Yes, fresh cooked corned beef can be used, but make sure to slice it thinly.
- Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free crescent rolls and make sure all the other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Is this recipe dairy-free? No, it contains Swiss cheese, but you could use dairy-free cheese for a dairy-free version.
- How long does this dish stay good in the fridge? Leftovers will stay fresh for about 3 days in the fridge.
- Do I need to cover the Reuben Crescent Bake while baking? It’s not necessary, but you can cover it with foil for the first 15 minutes to ensure the top doesn’t brown too quickly.
- Can I add bacon to this recipe? Yes, crumbled bacon would make a great addition to the filling for extra flavor.
- Can I make this recipe without the dressing? If you prefer, you can omit the Russian dressing, but it does add a creamy tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
20 Best Tips for Making Reuben Crescent Bake:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh corned beef and cheese will give the best flavor.
- Seal the dough well: Make sure to seal all seams of the crescent rolls to keep the filling inside.
- Don’t overstuff: Adding too much filling can make the dough difficult to bake properly.
- Dry the sauerkraut: Squeeze excess liquid out of the sauerkraut to prevent sogginess.
- Preheat the oven: Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking.
- Experiment with cheese: Try adding a blend of Swiss and Gruyère for extra flavor.
- Season the filling: Season the corned beef and sauerkraut with salt and pepper for added taste.
- Use room temperature dough: Let your crescent rolls come to room temperature before using to make them easier to work with.
- Check doneness: The top should be golden brown and crispy when fully baked.
- Add extra flavor: Sprinkle caraway seeds on top for a traditional Reuben flavor.
- Use a sharp knife: Slice your Reuben Crescent Bake with a sharp knife for cleaner cuts.
- Don’t skip the dressing: The Russian dressing is key to the creamy, tangy flavor profile.
- Serve with pickles: Pickles pair wonderfully with Reuben sandwiches and make a great side for this dish.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Grease the baking dish: Properly grease your baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Try other meats: For variation, you can use pastrami or roast beef in place of corned beef.
- Let it rest: After baking, let the dish rest for a few minutes before cutting to set the filling.
- Add onions: Sauté onions and add them to the filling for extra sweetness and texture.
- Use a 9×13-inch pan: This size is perfect for this recipe, allowing enough space for the dough to cook evenly.
- Serve hot: Reuben Crescent Bake is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, while it’s still warm and cheesy.
Enjoy your Reuben Crescent Bake—crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor!
