The Reuben Bake with Crescent Rolls is a fun twist on a classic sandwich, bringing together layers of corned beef, melty Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Thousand Island dressing, all wrapped up in soft, flaky crescent rolls. It’s like having a Reuben sandwich in an easy-to-share casserole form that’s perfect for a cozy meal or a casual get-together.
I love making this when I want something comforting but a little different from the usual sandwiches. The crescent rolls create a buttery, golden crust that holds all the tasty fillings inside. It’s always a hit with family and friends because it’s familiar yet exciting to eat.
My favorite way to serve it is right out of the oven with a simple side of pickles or a light salad to balance the rich flavors. It’s an easy recipe that comes together quickly and makes mealtime feel special without a lot of fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crescent Rolls: These create the soft, buttery crust that holds everything together. If you want a heartier texture, you could try puff pastry or biscuit dough. Just make sure the dough is easy to roll and bake evenly.
Corned Beef: Thin slices work best to keep rolls neat and full of flavor. If you can’t find corned beef, pastrami or roast beef are tasty alternatives that still pair well with the other ingredients.
Sauerkraut: Draining and squeezing out excess moisture is key to avoid soggy rolls. If sauerkraut isn’t your thing, finely chopped cabbage with a splash of vinegar can mimic its tang.
Swiss Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and adds a nutty flavor. Gruyère or mozzarella can substitute if you want a milder or creamier option.
Thousand Island Dressing: Adds creaminess and a zesty kick. Russian dressing is a great swap, or mix mayo with ketchup and a little pickle relish for a quick homemade version.
How Do You Roll and Bake the Crescent Dough Without It Getting Soggy?
Keeping the crescent rolls from getting soggy means managing moisture and rolling carefully.
- Drain Sauerkraut Well: After draining, press it in a towel to squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- Layer Ingredients Properly: Place meats and cheese first, then sauerkraut on top, followed by a drizzle of dressing – not too much to avoid extra wetness.
- Seal Rolls Tightly: Roll from the wide end to the tip, tucking in sides gently to prevent fillings from spilling out.
- Arrange Seam Side Down: This helps keep the roll sealed during baking.
- Brush Top with Butter: This adds flavor and helps achieve a golden, crispy top.
- Bake until Golden: About 20-25 minutes at 350°F, checking for a bubbly melted cheese top and golden dough.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – perfect size to hold all the rolls snugly for even baking.
- Mixing bowl – handy for draining and tossing sauerkraut or mixing dressing if you make it yourself.
- Brush or spoon – to spread melted butter evenly on top for a golden crust.
- Sharp knife or kitchen scissors – to separate crescent roll dough triangles easily.
- Oven mitts – for safe handling of the hot baking dish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap corned beef for sliced turkey or ham to create a lighter, milder version.
- Use provolone or mozzarella cheese instead of Swiss for a creamier melt.
- Add thinly sliced pickles inside for extra crunch and tanginess.
- Mix a little caraway seed into the sauerkraut for a classic Reuben spice twist.
Reuben Bake Recipe with Crescent Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (8 oz) can refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1/2 pound thinly sliced corned beef or deli-style corned beef
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
- 8 oz Swiss cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
- 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing or Russian dressing
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake, plus a short cool-down time of around 5 minutes before serving. It’s a quick and easy meal that comes together in under 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Dish and Crescent Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Unroll the crescent roll dough and carefully separate it into triangles following the package directions.
2. Assemble the Reuben Rolls:
Take one crescent roll triangle and lay a layer of thinly sliced corned beef on the wider end. Add a spoonful of drained sauerkraut on top of the beef, then sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese over it. Drizzle a little Thousand Island dressing over the filling.
Starting from the wide end, roll up the crescent roll tightly around the fillings. Place the rolled piece seam side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat until all crescents are filled and arranged snugly side by side in the dish.
3. Add Butter, Seasoning, and Cheese Topping:
Brush the tops of all the rolled crescents with melted butter. Sprinkle garlic powder evenly over the top for extra flavor. Then, generously sprinkle the remaining shredded Swiss cheese over the top of the rolls to create a cheesy crust.
4. Bake and Serve:
Bake the assembled dish in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm with extra Thousand Island or Russian dressing on the side for dipping, and enjoy your delicious Reuben Bake!
Can I Use Frozen Crescent Rolls for This Recipe?
It’s best to use refrigerated crescent rolls as directed on the package for optimal texture. If you only have frozen, thaw them completely in the fridge overnight before using to ensure they roll and bake properly.
Can I Prepare the Reuben Bake Ahead of Time?
Yes! Assemble the rolls and place them in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and add butter, garlic powder, and cheese on top before baking as instructed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the crescent rolls crisp and melty.
Can I Substitute the Corned Beef with Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can swap the corned beef with pastrami, roast beef, or even thinly sliced turkey or ham for a milder flavor. Just choose deli meats you enjoy for best results.