This Reuben Crescent Bake is a delicious and comforting twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, using crescent roll dough to create a savory, flaky crust.
Packed with chicken ham, turkey bacon, and beef pastrami, layered with sauerkraut and Swiss cheese, all topped with Thousand Island dressing and a golden crust, this bake is the perfect hearty meal for any occasion.
It’s easy to prepare, perfect for family dinners, or as a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love the classic Reuben sandwich, you’ll fall head over heels for this Reuben Crescent Bake.
The flaky, buttery crust of crescent roll dough is the perfect base for the savory meat layers and the tangy sauerkraut, with Swiss cheese adding a creamy finish.
The Thousand Island dressing gives it that classic, creamy Reuben flavor, while the egg wash gives the top a crispy, golden finish.
It’s a one-pan wonder that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredient Highlights
Crescent Roll Dough: The crescent roll dough serves as a buttery, flaky base and top, creating a perfect golden crust.
Thousand Island Dressing: Thousand Island dressing adds a creamy, tangy element that complements the savory meats and sauerkraut.
Meat Layers: The combination of chicken ham, turkey bacon, and beef pastrami gives this dish a robust, hearty flavor.
Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese melts beautifully, adding a creamy texture to the layers.
Sauerkraut: The tangy sauerkraut balances out the richness of the meats and cheese, giving the dish an authentic Reuben flavor.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Drain the Sauerkraut Well: Be sure to drain the sauerkraut well to avoid excess moisture in the bake.
Use a Sharp Knife for Slicing: After baking, allow the dish to cool for about 10 minutes to make slicing easier without making a mess.
Customize the Meat: Feel free to substitute chicken ham and turkey bacon with other deli meats or corned beef for a more traditional Reuben.
Add Caraway Seeds: If you like the traditional Reuben flavor, sprinkle caraway seeds on top for an authentic touch.
How to Make Reuben Crescent Bake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Lay the Base
Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of the baking dish.
Seal the seams to create a solid crust.
Step 3: Add the Dressing
Spread Thousand Island dressing evenly over the dough layer, covering the entire base.
Step 4: Layer the Fillings
Evenly distribute the chicken ham, turkey bacon, beef pastrami, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese on top of the dressing.
Step 5: Top It Off
Unroll the second can of crescent dough and gently place it over the fillings.
Pinch the seams and edges to seal.
Step 6: Egg Wash & Seeds
Brush the top layer with the beaten egg and sprinkle with caraway seeds, if desired.
Step 7: Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Step 8: Cool & Serve
Allow the bake to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Serving Ideas
This Reuben Crescent Bake is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides.
Serve it with a side of coleslaw, potato salad, or even crispy fries for a complete meal.
It also goes great with a side of pickles for an added crunch and tang.
Storage
Store any leftover Reuben Crescent Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
For longer storage, you can freeze the bake. Wrap it tightly and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Swiss cheese with cheddar, provolone, or American cheese, depending on your preference.
Can I use a different type of dough?
If you don’t have crescent roll dough, you can use pizza dough or even puff pastry for a flakier finish.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the bake the night before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
This Reuben Crescent Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich in a simple, one-pan dish.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even as a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings.
With its savory meat layers, tangy sauerkraut, and golden crescent dough crust, it’s a guaranteed hit!
Easy Reuben Crescent Bake
Ingredients
- 2 (8 oz) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- ½ cup Thousand Island dressing
- 8 slices chicken ham
- 8 slices cooked turkey bacon
- 8 slices beef pastrami
- 2 cups sauerkraut drained well
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 tablespoon caraway seeds optional
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Lay the crescent dough in the dish and spread with Thousand Island dressing.
- Layer with meats, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese.
- Cover with another layer of crescent dough and seal the edges.
- Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with caraway seeds.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, then cool and slice.
Notes
- Sauerkraut Tip: Squeeze out excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to prevent sogginess.
- Meat Swaps: You can use corned beef or regular deli ham depending on your preference.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble up to 6 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Freezer Tip: Baked and cooled squares can be frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat in oven until warmed through.
