1. Home
  2. All Recipes
  3. Reuben Crescent Bake

Reuben Crescent Bake

Section: Quick and Satisfying Lunch Ideas

This dish transforms classic Reuben ingredients into a warm, flaky bake using buttery crescent dough for a golden crust. Tender corned beef layers with well-drained sauerkraut and melted Swiss cheese create a rich, savory flavor, finished with a drizzle of tangy dressing. Quick to prepare and bake, it’s perfect for busy nights or gatherings. Tips like drying sauerkraut and brushing dough with butter ensure a crisp, balanced crust. Variations include pastrami, mushrooms, or alternative cheeses for diverse tastes.

Save Recipe Share Recipe Send Recipe Print Recipe Skip to Recipe
A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Brought to You By iman
Last updated on Sat, 20 Dec 2025 07:27:15 GMT
A slice of a Reuben Crescent Bake. Bookmark
A slice of a Reuben Crescent Bake. | imaninthekitchen.com

This Reuben Crescent Bake brings the classic deli favorite into a warm, flaky casserole perfect for quick dinners or cozy get togethers. The layers of tender corned beef, well drained sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and a drizzle of tangy Thousand Island dressing all come together inside buttery crescent dough for a comforting meal without the mess of sandwiches.

I first made this when I needed a lastminute dinner and it instantly became a family favorite. Now it is our goto comfort meal on hectic nights when I want something hearty but simple.

Ingredients

  • One can of refrigerated crescent rolls: provides a buttery, flaky crust quickly with no fuss
  • Half a pound of thinly sliced corned beef: deli sliced medium thickness works best for tender layering
  • One cup of sauerkraut, thoroughly drained: pressing out excess liquid prevents soggy crust and keeps texture crisp
  • One cup of shredded Swiss cheese: freshly shredded melts better and offers a nutty flavor that balances the tang
  • Quarter cup of Thousand Island dressing: adds creamy tang that ties all flavors together feel free to add a little extra if you like

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease an 8 by 8 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Unroll the crescent dough and press it firmly into the dish, covering the bottom and slightly up the sides. Pinch any gaps to prevent filling leaks. Reserve a bit of dough to patch holes if needed.
Layer the Fillings:
Arrange the corned beef slices evenly over the dough, overlapping them slightly like roof tiles. Spread the well drained sauerkraut evenly on top of the beef, making sure excess moisture is squeezed out well. Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese generously over the sauerkraut. Finally, drizzle the Thousand Island dressing in zigzag lines across the top. You can smooth it gently with a spoon to distribute it more evenly.
Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes. Look for a golden brown crust and bubbling cheese on top. When done, let the bake rest for five minutes before slicing to let the cheese set and prevent the layers from falling apart.
A Reuben Crescent Bake with white icing.
A Reuben Crescent Bake with white icing. | imaninthekitchen.com

Swiss cheese is my favorite ingredient here because it melts so smoothly and adds a nutty note that complements the tangy elements. One time at dinner, my kids were so excited to eat that they didn’t wait for it to cool and ended up burning their tongues—a funny reminder that some patience makes it even better.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat by placing slices on a baking sheet in a 350degree oven or toaster oven for 8 to 10 minutes to keep the crust crispy and the cheese melty. Avoid the microwave as it tends to make the crust soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Pastrami with a sprinkle of caraway seeds works wonderfully instead of corned beef. Russian dressing can replace Thousand Island for deeper flavor. Try Gruyère or sharp cheddar in place of Swiss cheese. For a vegetarian take, sautéed mushrooms with smoky paprika add a hearty and flavorful twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the bake with dill pickle spears to add crunch and acidity. A simple potato salad pairs nicely for creamy balance. Additional Thousand Island dressing is perfect for dipping the crispy edges. Brighten the meal with a crisp green apple salad or roasted Brussels sprouts.

A Reuben Crescent Bake with cheese and meat.
A Reuben Crescent Bake with cheese and meat. | imaninthekitchen.com

This Reuben Crescent Bake is an easy, crowd pleasing way to enjoy classic Reuben flavors without the fuss of sandwiches. Let it rest briefly before slicing so the layers hold together and you get neat servings.

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I use homemade dough instead of crescents?

Yes, homemade dough rolled to 1/4 inch thickness works well but may require a few extra baking minutes for a fully cooked crust.

→ How can I keep the crust crispy?

Brush dough with melted butter before baking and ensure sauerkraut is thoroughly drained to avoid sogginess and maintain a crisp crust.

→ What cheese can substitute Swiss here?

Gruyère or sharp cheddar melt nicely and complement the savory, tangy flavors perfectly as alternatives.

→ Is a vegetarian version possible?

Yes, swap corned beef for sautéed mushrooms with smoked paprika for a hearty, flavorful plant-based option.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

You can freeze the bake unassembled without the dressing. Thaw overnight, add dressing, and bake as usual for best results.

→ How long can leftovers be stored?

Store cooled portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep crust crispness and cheese melty.

Reuben Crescent Bake

Flaky crescent dough with corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and creamy dressing baked to golden perfection.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
25 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Brought to You By: iman

Recipe Category: Lunch Recipes

Skill Level: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Origin: American deli

Portions: 6 Serves (One 8x8 inch casserole)

Diet Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ Dough

01 1 can refrigerated crescent rolls (8 oz)

→ Meat

02 227 g thinly sliced corned beef (deli-style, thickness #2)

→ Vegetables

03 1 cup sauerkraut, well drained (approximately 150 g)

→ Cheese

04 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (about 113 g)

→ Condiments

05 60 ml Thousand Island dressing

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8 x 8 inch (20 x 20 cm) baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 02

Unroll crescent dough and press firmly into the prepared baking dish, covering the bottom and extending slightly up the sides. Pinch seams to seal gaps, reserving small dough pieces for patches if needed.

Step 03

Arrange corned beef in an overlapping pattern over the dough. Evenly spread drained sauerkraut over the beef. Sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese generously atop. Drizzle Thousand Island dressing in zigzag lines over all, smoothing gently if desired.

Step 04

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbling.

Step 05

Allow to rest for 5 minutes to firm the cheese before slicing and serving.

Additional Notes

  1. Fully draining sauerkraut prevents soggy crust; brushing dough with melted butter before baking enhances flakiness and color.
  2. Cold crescent dough improves handling and texture. Leftovers store well refrigerated up to 3 days; reheat in oven for best crispness.

Must-Have Tools

  • 8 x 8 inch (20 x 20 cm) baking dish
  • Oven
  • Cooking spray or brush

Allergy Details

Always inspect ingredient packaging for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy, gluten

Nutritional Details (Per Portion)

Nutritional info is purely informational and not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 350
  • Fats: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 14 g