Name: Crispy Reuben Casserole with Pastrami Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 slices rye bread (dark or light) (divided use); 1 pound thinly sliced pastrami or corned beef (divided use); 14.5 ounce can or jar sauerkraut, drained very well; 4 cups shredded Swiss cheese (divided use); 1 cup chopped dill pickles; 2 teaspoons caraway seeds (divided use); 1 cup milk; 3 large eggs, beaten; ⅓ cup thousand island dressing; ¼ cup yellow mustard

If you love all the flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich but want something easier to share at a party or family dinner, you’re going to adore this Crispy Reuben Casserole with Pastrami Recipe. It’s like all the best bits—rye bread, pastrami, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and that tangy special sauce—baked into one cozy, crowd-pleasing dish.

The image shows a thick slice of layered casserole served on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a firm, textured crust, light beige in color. Above the crust are several layers of thin, pink slices resembling ham, interspersed with creamy, pale yellow cheese that looks melted. Mixed into the cheese are bits of light green pickles and shreds of white cabbage or sauerkraut. The top layer is smooth, golden yellow melted cheese covered with a crumbly, light brown topping. The overall texture looks soft with a crunchy crust and topping, and the layers are distinct and well packed together. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Reuben Casserole with Pastrami Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Reuben Casserole with Pastrami Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Reuben Casserole with Pastrami Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I swear, once you try this Reuben casserole, it might just become your new go-to comfort food. It brings all those savory, tangy, melty Reuben sandwich flavors that you crave—but in a warm, sliceable casserole form that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ultimate comfort food: Combines classic Reuben ingredients layered and baked to gooey, crispy perfection.
Easy to make ahead: Prepare the layers, bake when ready, and enjoy minimal fuss on serving day.
Perfect for gatherings: Serves 12, making it ideal for potlucks, family dinners, or game day snacks.
Customizable flavors: Swap pastrami for corned beef or try different cheeses like Gruyère for your own twist.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Shopping for this recipe, it’s key to get quality rye bread and fresh pastrami or corned beef—you want strong, authentic flavors to really shine through. Also, be sure to drain your sauerkraut well; it's the secret to keeping the casserole from getting soggy.

Flat lay of six slices of fresh rye bread, a pile of thinly sliced pink pastrami, a small mound of well-drained sauerkraut, a heap of shredded Swiss cheese with a pale yellow color, a small white ceramic bowl filled with chopped dill pickles, another small white bowl holding whole caraway seeds, a small white bowl with creamy thousand island dressing, a small white bowl containing smooth yellow mustard, a small white bowl with fresh whole uncracked brown eggs, and a small white bowl of fresh milk — all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white ceramic surface, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Rye bread: Adds that iconic, slightly tangy base and texture that’s essential for a Reuben.
Pastrami or corned beef: Thinly sliced for layering, provides rich, smoky, and savory flavor.
Sauerkraut: Offers tang and brightness; draining well prevents excess moisture.
Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully, creating gooey layers that balance the tang of sauerkraut.
Dill pickles: Chopped for little pops of crunch and acidity.
Caraway seeds: Sprinkled throughout for that classic rye bread and Reuben flavor lift.
Milk: Used to create a creamy custard that binds the layers.
Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the custard mixture.
Thousand Island dressing: Adds sweet, tangy, creamy notes typical of Reuben sauce.
Yellow mustard: Brings a little sharpness and depth to the custard flavor.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The Crispy Reuben Casserole with Pastrami Recipe is wonderfully versatile — feel free to tailor it to your tastes or dietary needs without losing that classic, tangy Reuben flavor. Here are some ideas to inspire your own twist!

Variation: Swap out pastrami for corned beef if you prefer a slightly milder flavor or can't find pastrami nearby. I’ve done this when hosting family dinners, and it’s just as delicious and hearty!
Make it vegetarian: For a meatless option, try using smoked or marinated tempeh or mushrooms seasoned with caraway seeds to mimic the savory depth of pastrami. Just make sure to drain the sauerkraut really well to avoid sogginess.
Cheese alternatives: Swiss cheese is classic, but I like to use Gruyère for a nuttier, creamier melt. It changes things up without overpowering the dish.
Crunchier topping: For an extra crispy crust, sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs with a little melted butter mixed in before baking. Also removing the foil for the last 5–7 minutes helps the top golden perfectly.
Flavor tweaks: Adjust the Thousand Island dressing amount to dial the tanginess up or down. I often add a bit more mustard for a sharper bite when I’m in the mood for bold flavors.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Reuben Casserole with Pastrami Recipe

A white plate holds a multi-layered sandwich with visible layers of thin pink meat, white shredded cabbage or sauerkraut, and a yellow sauce or melted cheese on top. The sandwich is crumbly and has crushed topping scattered over it, adding texture. The inside layers show a mix of colors: pink meat stacked with white shredded filling and the sauce flows slightly out from the sides. A fork lifting a bite-sized piece of the sandwich is in focus, showing the same layers clearly. The background has a glass with light brown iced tea and blurred parts of the sandwich on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and prep your baking dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Choose an 11x7-inch dish for a thicker casserole or a 9x13-inch dish if you want a thinner bake. Give it a good spray with nonstick cooking spray so your cheesy layers don’t stick and cleanup is a breeze.

Step 2: Cube and layer the rye bread base

Take 4 slices of rye bread and cut them into nice 2-inch cubes. Spread these cubes evenly on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This creates the absorbent base that will soak up all those rich, tangy flavors as it bakes—so don’t skip this step!

Step 3: Process breadcrumbs for the crunchy topping

Pop the remaining 2 slices of rye bread into your food processor and pulse until they become fine breadcrumbs. Set these aside to sprinkle on top later — this finishing touch adds a nice crispy crust once baked.

Step 4: Build your layers — pastrami, sauerkraut & pickles

Layer half of your pastrami slices evenly over the cubed bread. Then spread the thoroughly drained sauerkraut on top, making sure to get rid of excess liquid to keep the casserole from getting soggy. Sprinkle 1 cup of chopped dill pickles and 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds evenly over the sauerkraut for that authentic Reuben zing.

Step 5: Add your Swiss cheese and second pastrami layer

Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese over the sauerkraut layer, then top with the remaining pastrami slices. Gently press down to compact the layers — this helps everything meld together beautifully as it bakes. Then sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of Swiss cheese and the last teaspoon of caraway seeds on top.

Step 6: Whisk your custard mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of milk, 3 beaten eggs, ⅓ cup Thousand Island dressing, and ¼ cup yellow mustard until smooth and well combined. This creamy custard mixture is what binds all your delicious layers into a cohesive, comforting casserole.

Step 7: Pour custard, top with breadcrumbs, and bake

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in your baking dish, making sure to cover everything thoroughly. Then sprinkle the reserved rye breadcrumbs on top for that irresistible crispy crust. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, until the casserole is heated through and set.

Step 8: Rest and serve

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This brief rest helps the custard fully set, making it easier to slice and serve. Then, dig in and enjoy the melding of all those classic Reuben flavors in an irresistible, cozy casserole perfect for feeding a crowd.

Top Tip

These tips can help you get the most delicious and perfectly textured Crispy Reuben Casserole with Pastrami Recipe every time. Small details really add up!

Drain the Sauerkraut Thoroughly: I always make sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the sauerkraut. This prevents the casserole from becoming soggy and keeps each bite delightfully crispy on top.
Fine Rye Breadcrumbs for Topping: Pulsing the remaining rye bread into fine crumbs and spreading them over the custard layer is my secret for that irresistible golden crust that makes this casserole stand out.
Compact Layers Gently: Pressing down gently after layering the pastrami adds a nice density to the casserole, so the flavors meld better and slices hold their shape when serving.
Don’t Skip the Rest Time: Letting the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking lets everything set perfectly, making it much easier to slice and providing the best texture experience.

How to Serve Crispy Reuben Casserole with Pastrami Recipe

A clear rectangular glass dish sits on a white marbled surface. Inside, the dish shows multiple layers: the bottom is a red sauce layer visible through the sides, topped with a textured mixture of light-colored ingredients and scattered green pepper rings. The whole top is thickly covered with pale yellow shredded cheese, unevenly spread but covering the entire surface. The dish is neat and ready for baking, with the cheese layer being the thickest and most prominent. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or dill on top adds a burst of color and fresh flavor that brightens up the rich layers. For an extra tangy punch, drizzle some additional Thousand Island dressing on each serving or serve with lemon wedges on the side. Pickled red onions also add a lovely sharp contrast that complements the pastrami beautifully.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads like a simple arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a classic coleslaw to balance out the richness. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes add a comforting touch. And of course, no Reuben-inspired meal is complete without some crunchy dill pickles on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. Your Crispy Reuben Casserole with Pastrami Recipe will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying next-day lunches.

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole either before baking or after it has cooled post-baking. Wrap it tightly in foil and then plastic wrap or place in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat leftovers uncovered in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. This helps maintain the casserole’s crisp top. Microwaving is quicker but can make the casserole softer, so use that method only if you're in a pinch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use corned beef instead of pastrami for this casserole?

Absolutely! Corned beef is a great substitute in the Crispy Reuben Casserole with Pastrami Recipe and works just as well to give you that classic Reuben flavor.

How do I prevent the casserole from becoming soggy?

Make sure to drain your sauerkraut very well before layering. Also, using fine rye breadcrumbs on top helps absorb excess moisture and creates a delicious crispy crust.

Can I make the casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Just add the breadcrumb topping and bake it on the day you plan to serve.

What can I serve with this casserole for a complete meal?

Serve it with a fresh green salad, roasted veggies, or a crisp coleslaw. Don’t forget some crunchy dill pickles on the side to complete the classic Reuben experience.

Final Thoughts

Creating this Crispy Reuben Casserole with Pastrami Recipe is like bringing a beloved sandwich into a warm, comforting hug — perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a hearty family meal. With those layers of rye bread, flavorful pastrami, tangy sauerkraut, and melty Swiss cheese tied together with that tangy custard sauce, it's simply irresistible. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to make this casserole your own go-to when you’re craving something comforting, crispy, and full of classic flavor. Happy cooking and even happier eating!