1. Preheat Your Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined. Set aside.
3. Assemble the Reuben Bake:
- Layer Bread: Arrange the rye bread slices in a single layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. You may need to cut some pieces to fit snugly.
- Add Corned Beef: Spread the chopped corned beef evenly over the bread layer.
- Top with Sauerkraut: Evenly distribute the drained sauerkraut over the corned beef layer.
- Add Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the sauerkraut, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle Cheese: Top the casserole with shredded Swiss cheese, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
4. Prepare the Topping (Optional):
- Make Bread Crumbs: If you want to add a crunchy topping, toss rye bread crumbs with melted butter until evenly coated.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the buttered rye crumbs over the cheese layer.
5. Bake the Casserole:
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the Reuben Bake to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing.
6. Serve:
- Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle chopped dill pickles on top for an extra burst of flavor before serving.
- Enjoy: Serve the Reuben Bake hot, with a side of pickles or a simple green salad to complete the meal.
Tips for Success:
- Bread Choice: Use a dense, bakery-style rye bread for the best texture. If you prefer a softer casserole, lightly toast the bread before layering.
- Dressing: Adjust the horseradish to your taste if you like more or less of a kick.
- Sauerkraut: Make sure to drain the sauerkraut well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
Variations:
- Turkey Reuben: Substitute the corned beef with sliced turkey for a different twist on the classic Reuben.
- Add Caraway Seeds: Sprinkle a teaspoon of caraway seeds over the top before baking for an extra rye flavor.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the bread and layer the ingredients in a greased baking dish for a keto-friendly version.
This Homemade Reuben Bake is the perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of a Reuben sandwich in a warm, comforting casserole form. It’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and is sure to be a hit at your dinner table!