Ultimate Reuben Bake Layers of Pastrami, Sauerkraut & Melted Swiss Cheese

Alright, friends, let me tell you — this Ultimate Reuben Bake is the sandwich you never knew you needed in casserole form! Imagine all those classic Reuben flavors—juicy pastrami, tangy sauerkraut, melty Swiss cheese—layered up and baked until bubbly and golden. It’s like the cool cousin of your favorite deli sandwich, only easier to share and way less fussy to eat. Plus, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to some serious comfort food vibes. Get ready for that irresistible aroma of toasted rye and melted cheese wafting through your kitchen—trust me, once this bake comes out of the oven, you’ll want to dive right in. Let’s get cooking!

Quick Facts

Yield: Serves 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

8 cups rye bread cubes (about 6 slices, crusts on)
12 ounces thinly sliced pastrami
2 cups sauerkraut, well drained and patted dry
3 cups shredded Swiss cheese
2 tablespoons butter, melted

For the Sauce:

3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon paprika

How I Make It

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F. First, toss the rye bread cubes with the melted butter so they get a nice golden crunch when baked. This also helps keep your casserole from getting soggy—crisp is key!

Step 2:

Mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika in a small bowl to create that tangy, creamy sauce that makes this dish irresistible. Give it a good stir so everything combines smoothly.

Step 3:

In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, start layering: spread half the rye bread cubes on the bottom, then the pastrami, followed by the sauerkraut (make sure it’s as dry as possible to avoid sogginess), about half the shredded Swiss cheese, and drizzle half the sauce over it all.

Step 4:

Repeat the layers with the remaining bread cubes, pastrami, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and finally spread the rest of the sauce evenly on top. This layering creates that perfect harmony of flavors in every bite.

Step 5:

Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to let the cheese bubble and turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 6:

Once out of the oven, let your Ultimate Reuben Bake sit for about 5 minutes. This helps everything settle, so it’s easier to cut and serve. Dig in and enjoy that melty, tangy, smoky goodness!

Variations & Tips

Swap pastrami for corned beef if you want a more traditional take.
Add thin slices of dill pickles between layers for extra tang and crunch.
Use Thousand Island dressing instead of the homemade sauce for a creamier, sweeter bite.
Sprinkle a bit of caraway seed on top before baking to enhance that authentic rye bread flavor.
Make it ahead and refrigerate before baking—add 5 extra minutes to the bake time if baking chilled.
For a gluten-free version, substitute rye bread cubes with your favorite gluten-free bread.

How I Like to Serve It

I love serving this bake with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette—something fresh to balance the rich sandwich layers. It’s also fantastic for game day or a casual weekend dinner, paired with your favorite craft beer or a glass of tart cranberry juice for a fun twist. Bonus points if you serve it alongside some homemade potato chips or pickles!

Notes

Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven to keep the bread nice and crunchy.
The sauce can be made a day ahead to save time and deepen the flavors.

Closing: This Ultimate Reuben Bake brings all those classic deli flavors together in one glorious, mess-free dish that’s sure to become a new comfort food favorite at your table!