Can I make this dip in a slow cooker instead of the oven?

Absolutely! Layer the ingredients in your slow cooker the same way you would in a baking dish. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-1.5 hours until everything is melted and bubbly. This method is perfect for keeping the dip warm during parties.

What's the best way to shred corned beef?

Ask your deli to slice the corned beef thickly, then shred it yourself with two forks pulling in opposite directions. Alternatively, you can chop it into small pieces. For convenience, some stores sell pre-shredded corned beef around St. Patrick's Day.

My dip seems too oily after baking. What happened?

This can happen if your cheese has a high fat content. Simply blot the excess oil with a paper towel before serving. You can also try using part-skim Swiss cheese next time.

Can I use fresh sauerkraut instead of canned or jarred?

Fresh sauerkraut works wonderfully and often provides better texture and flavor. Just make sure to drain and rinse it thoroughly, the same as you would with canned or jarred varieties.

Reuben Dip Recipe - Jmrecipes

Name: Reuben Dip Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 ounces sauerkraut, rinsed and squeezed dry; 8 ounces shredded corned beef; 16 ounces shredded Swiss cheese; ½ cup mayonnaise; ½ cup Thousand Island dressing

This incredible Reuben Dip transforms all the classic flavors of a traditional Reuben sandwich into a warm, gooey, crowd-pleasing appetizer. Layers of tangy sauerkraut, savory corned beef, and melty Swiss cheese come together with creamy dressings to create a dip that will disappear from your table in minutes. Perfect for game days, holiday gatherings, or anytime you need a sure-fire hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Restaurant-Quality at Home: This dip delivers all the distinctive Reuben sandwich flavors in a shareable form that tastes like it came from your favorite deli.
Incredibly Simple: With just 5 ingredients and minimal prep work, you can create an impressive appetizer that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Crowd-Pleaser: Even people who think they don’t like sauerkraut end up loving this dip! The combination of flavors balances perfectly, making it irresistible.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble this dip ahead of time and simply pop it in the oven when guests arrive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sauerkraut: The foundation of authentic Reuben flavor. Rinsing and squeezing it dry removes excess brine, preventing the dip from becoming watery.
Corned Beef: Provides that distinctive savory, slightly spiced flavor that makes a Reuben sandwich special. You can use leftover corned beef or purchase it from the deli counter.
Swiss Cheese: Creates that perfect stretchy, gooey layer that makes this dip utterly addictive. Its nutty flavor complements the tangy sauerkraut beautifully.
Mayonnaise: Adds richness and creaminess, helping to bind the ingredients together while baking into a cohesive dip.
Thousand Island Dressing: The classic Reuben sandwich condiment brings sweetness and tang that ties all the flavors together perfectly.

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.

Variations

Rye Bread Crumbs Topping

Add a sprinkle of toasted rye bread crumbs on top before serving to incorporate that classic Reuben sandwich bread element.

Pastrami Twist

Substitute pastrami for corned beef for a slightly smokier flavor profile that some dip enthusiasts prefer.

Extra Cheesy Version

Mix in some cream cheese with the mayonnaise and dressing mixture for an even creamier, cheesier experience.

Spicy Reuben Dip

Add a few dashes of hot sauce or horseradish to the dressing mixture for a kick of heat that cuts through the richness.

How to Make Reuben Dip

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F. While it’s heating, thoroughly rinse your sauerkraut under cold water, then squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This crucial step prevents a soggy dip.

Step 2: Mix the Dressings

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and Thousand Island dressing until smooth and well integrated. This creamy mixture will melt beautifully into the other ingredients while baking.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Spread the prepared sauerkraut evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This creates your tangy foundation. Next, distribute the shredded corned beef evenly over the sauerkraut. Top with an even layer of shredded Swiss cheese, completely covering the corned beef. Finally, pour the mayonnaise-dressing mixture over everything, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.

Step 4: Bake to Bubbling Perfection

Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is completely melted and the edges are bubbling with golden-brown deliciousness.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Quality Sauerkraut Matters: Choose a good-quality sauerkraut for the best flavor. The refrigerated kind typically tastes better than canned varieties.
Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent that perfect melt. Taking a few minutes to shred your own Swiss will reward you with superior texture and flavor.
Don’t Skip Drying the Sauerkraut: This might seem tedious, but it’s essential for preventing a watery dip. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to squeeze out every bit of excess moisture.
Let It Rest: Allow the dip to cool for about 5 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This helps it set slightly and makes for easier dipping without burning your guests’ mouths.

How to Serve

This Reuben Dip deserves the perfect companions to showcase its amazing flavors:

Dippers:

Serve with sturdy rye bread crostini, pretzel crisps, or thick-cut potato chips that can handle this substantial dip. Pumpernickel toasts are particularly authentic and delicious.

Presentation:

For an impressive spread, surround the warm baking dish with an array of dippers, some cornichons (small pickles), and extra Thousand Island dressing on the side.

Meal Planning:

This dip can easily serve as a hearty appetizer before a lighter meal, or become the star of a grazing table at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

You can assemble this dip completely up to 24 hours ahead of time, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply remove from the refrigerator while the oven preheats, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen and improve overnight, making leftovers particularly delicious.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers in a 325°F oven until bubbly, about 15 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I make this dip in a slow cooker instead of the oven?

Absolutely! Layer the ingredients in your slow cooker the same way you would in a baking dish. Cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-1.5 hours until everything is melted and bubbly. This method is perfect for keeping the dip warm during parties.
What’s the best way to shred corned beef?

Ask your deli to slice the corned beef thickly, then shred it yourself with two forks pulling in opposite directions. Alternatively, you can chop it into small pieces. For convenience, some stores sell pre-shredded corned beef around St. Patrick’s Day.
My dip seems too oily after baking. What happened?

This can happen if your cheese has a high fat content. Simply blot the excess oil with a paper towel before serving. You can also try using part-skim Swiss cheese next time.
Can I use fresh sauerkraut instead of canned or jarred?

Fresh sauerkraut works wonderfully and often provides better texture and flavor. Just make sure to drain and rinse it thoroughly, the same as you would with canned or jarred varieties.

Final Thoughts

This Reuben Dip captures everything wonderful about the classic sandwich but in a shareable, dippable form that’s guaranteed to impress. The combination of tangy sauerkraut, savory corned beef, and melty Swiss cheese creates layers of flavor that will have everyone asking for your recipe. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, holiday party, or just want to elevate your appetizer game, this dip delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Give it a try – your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!