Description: A delightful and easy-to-make Reuben Crescent Bake, bringing the classic Reuben sandwich flavors into a shareable, crowd-pleasing dish. This recipe combines flaky crescent rolls, savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Swiss cheese, and a generous drizzle of Thousand Island dressing for an irresistible baked treat. Perfect for potlucks, game days, or a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (8 ounces each) crescent roll dough
- 1 pound corned beef, thinly sliced or shredded
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 ½ cups sauerkraut, well-drained
- ½ cup Thousand Island dressing
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional, for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, take a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it thoroughly. This will prevent the Reuben Crescent Bake from sticking and ensure easy removal once it’s cooked to golden perfection. The importance of this step cannot be overstated; a well-greased pan is your best friend when dealing with delicate layers of crescent dough. Use cooking spray, butter, or oil to coat the entire inside surface of the dish.
Step 2: First Crescent Layer:
Open one can of crescent roll dough. Carefully unroll the dough onto a clean, lightly floured surface or directly into the prepared baking dish. Gently press the dough evenly into the bottom of the dish, ensuring it reaches all corners. If you notice any perforations or seams in the dough, pinch them together to create a seamless base. This solid base will hold all the delicious fillings and prevent any leaks during baking. The even distribution is key to ensuring each bite is consistent.
Step 3: Swiss Cheese Foundation:
Take four slices of the Swiss cheese and arrange them evenly over the crescent dough base. The Swiss cheese acts as a protective layer, preventing the corned beef and sauerkraut from making the dough soggy. It also adds a lovely, mild flavor that complements the other ingredients. Ensure that the cheese covers the entire dough surface, as this will act as a barrier against moisture.
Step 4: Corned Beef Extravaganza:
Now comes the star of the show: the corned beef. Whether you’re using thinly sliced corned beef from the deli or shredded corned beef you’ve prepared yourself, distribute it evenly over the cheese layer. Make sure it is not too thick, as this may not allow it to cook all the way through and it may be too thick to cut through. The beauty of this recipe is in its layers, so a uniform distribution is key. Think of it as creating a mosaic of meaty goodness, ensuring every square inch is covered with corned beef.
Step 5: Sauerkraut Tango:
Next, carefully drain the sauerkraut to remove excess moisture. Excess moisture will make the dough soggy and compromise the overall texture of the bake. Once drained, spread the sauerkraut evenly over the corned beef layer. Sauerkraut’s tangy flavor is a signature element of the Reuben, so don’t skimp on it! The key is to achieve a balance between its tanginess and the richness of the other ingredients.
Step 6: Thousand Island Delight:
Generously drizzle the Thousand Island dressing over the sauerkraut. This creamy, tangy dressing ties all the flavors together. You can use store-bought or homemade Thousand Island dressing, depending on your preference. Try to distribute it evenly so that the entire top is covered.
Step 7: More Swiss Cheese, Please:
Place the remaining four slices of Swiss cheese on top of the Thousand Island dressing. This layer of cheese not only adds flavor but also helps to create a barrier between the wet ingredients and the top layer of crescent dough, preventing it from becoming soggy.
Step 8: Second Crescent Layer:
Open the second can of crescent roll dough. Unroll it carefully and place it on top of the cheese layer. Pinch the edges of the top and bottom layers of crescent dough together to seal them completely. This step is crucial because it traps all the flavors inside and creates a visually appealing, self-contained package. Take your time to ensure a tight seal, pressing firmly along the edges.
Step 9: Egg Wash and Garnish:
In a small bowl, beat the egg lightly. Brush the beaten egg evenly over the top of the crescent dough. The egg wash gives the bake a beautiful golden-brown color and a glossy finish. If desired, sprinkle caraway seeds over the egg wash. These seeds add a subtle anise flavor that complements the Reuben ingredients perfectly.
Step 10: Bake to Golden Perfection:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and puffed up. Keep a close eye on the bake to prevent it from burning. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil for the last few minutes of baking.
Step 11: Cool, Slice, and Serve:
Once baked, remove the Reuben Crescent Bake from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before slicing it into squares. Allowing it to cool slightly makes it easier to slice and prevents the filling from oozing out. Serve warm and enjoy this hearty, savory classic!
Why you will love this recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort and ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves the flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich, and this bake is a fun and delicious way to share that experience.
- Versatile: You can customize this recipe to your liking by adding different types of cheese, meats, or vegetables.
- Comfort Food: This Reuben Crescent Bake is warm, comforting, and satisfying – the perfect dish for a cozy night in.
- Portable: Easy to slice and serve, this bake is ideal for potlucks, picnics, or tailgating.
- Nostalgic: The flavors of a Reuben are instantly familiar and comforting, making this bake a trip down memory lane.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely already have many of the ingredients in your pantry, making it a convenient choice.
- Quick Cleanup: With just one baking dish, cleanup is a breeze.
- Delicious: The combination of flaky crust, savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy cheese is simply irresistible.
- Adaptable: The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to feed a larger crowd.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm as a main course, appetizer, or side dish.
- Accompany with a side of coleslaw, potato salad, or pickle spears.
- Offer extra Thousand Island dressing for dipping.
- Pair with a light beer or a crisp white wine.
- Cut into smaller squares for easy snacking at parties.
Tips:
- Make sure to drain the sauerkraut very well to prevent a soggy bake.
- If you can’t find corned beef, you can substitute pastrami or roast beef.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauerkraut layer.
- If the crescent dough browns too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last few minutes of baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For an extra cheesy bake, add shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese along with the Swiss.
- To make it ahead of time, assemble the bake and store it in the refrigerator unbaked. Add a few minutes to the cooking time.
- Experiment with different types of bread or rolls if you don’t have crescent dough on hand.
- Get creative with your garnishes, such as chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 25-30 minutes Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, approximate) Nutritional information will vary based on specific ingredients and serving size. Calories: 400-450 Protein: 20-25 grams Sodium: 800-1000 mg
Conclusion
The Reuben Crescent Bake is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s a celebration of the classic Reuben sandwich, reimagined in a form that’s both easy to make and delightful to eat. The combination of flaky crescent dough, savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Swiss cheese is a symphony of flavors that will leave you and your guests wanting more. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick weeknight dinner, or simply craving some comfort food, this Reuben Crescent Bake is sure to hit the spot. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will be talked about long after the last bite is gone.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use pastrami instead of corned beef?
A: Absolutely! Pastrami is a great substitute for corned beef in this recipe. It offers a similar savory flavor profile and will work just as well in the Reuben Crescent Bake. The key is to ensure it’s thinly sliced or shredded for even distribution within the bake. Experimenting with different meats can add a unique twist to this classic dish. Just remember that some variations may alter the overall flavor slightly.
Q2: I don’t have crescent roll dough. Can I use something else?
A: Yes, you can definitely use an alternative to crescent roll dough. Puff pastry is an excellent substitute and will provide a similar flaky texture. You could also use a pre-made pizza dough or even homemade bread dough. If using pizza or bread dough, make sure to roll it out thinly to ensure it cooks through properly. Keep in mind that using different types of dough may affect the overall texture and cooking time, so adjust accordingly.
Q3: How do I prevent the sauerkraut from making the bake soggy?
A: Preventing sogginess from the sauerkraut is crucial for the success of this recipe. The most important step is to drain the sauerkraut extremely well before adding it to the bake. You can do this by placing the sauerkraut in a colander and pressing it with a spoon to remove excess liquid. Some cooks even pat it dry with paper towels. Also, ensure that the layer of Swiss cheese underneath the sauerkraut is substantial enough to act as a barrier against moisture.
Q4: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the Reuben Crescent Bake ahead of time. Assemble all the layers in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to allow it to come to room temperature. This will ensure even cooking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Q5: What can I serve with this Reuben Crescent Bake to make it a complete meal?
A: To make this Reuben Crescent Bake a complete meal, consider serving it with complementary side dishes. Coleslaw is a classic pairing that provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bake. Potato salad, pickle spears, or a simple green salad are also great options. For a heartier meal, add a bowl of creamy tomato soup or a side of roasted vegetables. A light beer or a crisp white wine would also pair well with the flavors of the Reuben.
