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); Breadcrumbs from 2 slices rye bread; 1 pound thinly sliced pastrami or corned beef (divided use); 14.5 ounce can or jar sauerkraut, drained very well; 1 cup chopped dill pickles; 4 cups shredded Swiss cheese (divided use); 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 the classic deli favorite but want something a little different for dinner, this Crispy Reuben Casserole with Pastrami Recipe is an absolute game-changer. It’s all the flavors of that iconic sandwich, baked into one warm, gooey, and crispy casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

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’ve made this crispy Reuben casserole more times than I can count because it’s reliably delicious and so easy to throw together. It’s the kind of dish that satisfies that craving for something hearty without all the fuss of assembling individual sandwiches.

Layered Goodness: Each bite hits you with rye, pastrami, sauerkraut, and melty Swiss cheese in perfect harmony.
Feed a Crowd: Makes 12 servings, so it’s great for family dinners or potlucks.
Crispy and Comforting: The breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch to the warm, cheesy layers below.
Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and deli favorites you probably already have.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, let me share a few thoughts on picking the best ingredients for this Reuben casserole. Choosing good quality rye bread and well-drained sauerkraut makes all the difference. Also, opt for thinly sliced pastrami or corned beef from the deli for that authentic deli flavor.

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: The base of this recipe, rye bread gives that classic Reuben flavor both as cubes in the casserole and breadcrumbs on top.
Pastrami or corned beef: Thinly sliced deli meat provides meaty, savory goodness throughout the layers.
Sauerkraut: Well-drained sauerkraut adds tang and a little bite, balancing the rich cheese and meat.
Dill pickles: Chopped pickles bring extra crunch and acidity for complex flavor.
Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully and adds nutty, creamy richness to every bite.
Caraway seeds: These subtle seeds complement the rye flavor and add a subtle aromatic punch.
Milk and eggs: The binding wet ingredients that soak through the layers, making the casserole nice and custardy.
Thousand Island dressing: A key flavor component mimicking the classic Reuben sauce.
Yellow mustard: Adds a little tang and depth to the sauce mixture.

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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 beauty of this Crispy Reuben Casserole with Pastrami Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you love it extra cheesy, prefer a bit more tang, or want to keep it gluten-free, this casserole welcomes your personal touch with open arms.

Gluten-Free Version: I swapped in gluten-free rye bread once for a family gathering and was thrilled that the casserole held together perfectly while still delivering that classic Reuben flavor we all love.
Corned Beef Swap: If pastrami isn’t your thing, using corned beef adds a slightly different, yet still delicious, flavor profile. The texture remains wonderfully hearty.
Extra Pickle Punch: For a bolder pickle presence, toss in some additional chopped dill pickles or even a dash of pickle juice to the wet ingredients – it gives the casserole an exciting zing.
Caraway Seed Options: Not a fan of caraway seeds? No problem! Feel free to reduce the amount or leave them out completely. You can even add a sprinkle of celery seeds for a subtle twist.

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: Prepping the Oven and Baking Dish

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. While it warms up, grab an 11×7-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish and generously spray it with nonstick cooking spray. This helps keep your Crispy Reuben Casserole from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cubing that Rye Bread Base

Take 4 slices of your rye bread and cut them into roughly 2-inch cubes. Spread these cubes evenly on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This creates a sturdy and flavorful foundation for the layers to come.

Step 3: Grinding Breadcrumbs for the Crunch

Put the remaining 2 slices of rye bread into a food processor and pulse until they form fine breadcrumbs. Set these aside for sprinkling on top later—this little step adds a wonderful crispy finish to your casserole.

Step 4: Layering the Pastrami

Now, evenly spread half of the thinly sliced pastrami over the cubed rye bread. Distributing the meat uniformly ensures every bite gets that savory, smoky richness.

Step 5: Sauerkraut, Pickles, and Caraway Seed Magic

Drain the sauerkraut very thoroughly to avoid extra moisture. Spread it evenly over the pastrami, then sprinkle 1 cup of chopped dill pickles and 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds on top. This layer brings that signature tang and spice to the dish.

Step 6: The First Cheesy Layer

Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the sauerkraut mixture. The cheese not only adds creamy goodness but also helps bind the flavors together.

Step 7: Adding the Second Pastrami Layer and Compacting

Top the cheese layer with the remaining pastrami, spreading it out just like the first layer. Then, gently press down on the layers to compact everything slightly—this helps the casserole hold together as it bakes.

Step 8: Finish with Cheese and Seeds

Sprinkle the last 2 cups of Swiss cheese and the remaining 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds on top of the pastrami. This final cheesy layer guarantees each serving is rich and melty with a hint of that warm seed flavor.

Step 9: Whisking Together the Wet Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of milk, 3 beaten eggs, ⅓ cup Thousand Island dressing, and ¼ cup yellow mustard. Whisk everything together until smooth—this mixture is what ties your casserole into a gooey, flavorful bake.

Step 10: Pouring and Topping

Pour the milk and egg mixture evenly over all the casserole layers, allowing it to settle and soak in a bit. Then, sprinkle the reserved rye breadcrumbs evenly on top to create that coveted crispy topping.

Step 11: Bake and Rest Your Masterpiece

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes at 350°F. Once done, take it out and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This rest time helps all those delicious layers firm up, making for clean, perfect servings every time.

Top Tip

To get the most out of your Crispy Reuben Casserole with Pastrami Recipe, a few thoughtful tricks can make all the difference between a good dish and a fantastic one!

Drain the Sauerkraut Thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. I always press the sauerkraut with paper towels or a colander before layering to keep the casserole from getting soggy.
Use Fresh Rye Bread for Crumbs: Instead of store-bought breadcrumbs, I pulse the reserved rye bread slices in a food processor. It adds an authentic rye flavor and creates that lovely crunchy topping we all crave.
Press Down the Layers: After layering the pastrami and cheese, gently pressing down helps compact everything so the casserole bakes evenly, making slicing easier and the flavors meld beautifully.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Leaving the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking allows it to set perfectly, so each portion holds together without falling apart.

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 extra caraway seeds on top adds a lovely aroma and subtle crunch. Fresh dill or parsley also brightens up the dish visually and flavor-wise. For a little extra tang, a dollop of Thousand Island or a drizzle of your favorite mustard makes a perfect finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty, so sides with a fresh contrast work best. Try a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, roasted Brussels sprouts, or simple steamed green beans. If you want to keep things cozy, creamy potato salad or baked potato wedges also pair beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After letting the casserole cool completely, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days — perfect for easy weeknight meals.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of this casserole wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or placed in freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty. To revive some of the original crispiness on top, remove any foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Corned beef is a delicious substitute and will give you that classic Reuben flavor variation you might enjoy.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free rye bread or any gluten-free bread you prefer. Just be sure all other ingredients like mustard and Thousand Island dressing are also gluten-free.

Why do I need to drain the sauerkraut so well?

Draining sauerkraut thoroughly prevents excess moisture from making the casserole soggy. A dry sauerkraut layer helps keep that crispy texture everyone loves.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole a few hours ahead, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold going into the oven.

Final Thoughts

Making this Crispy Reuben Casserole with Pastrami Recipe is like bringing the spirit of the classic Reuben sandwich to your table in a warm, comforting way that feeds a crowd. Whether for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, its layers of savory pastrami, tangy sauerkraut, melty Swiss cheese, and crunchy rye topping come together to create pure comfort food magic. I hope you enjoy every delicious bite as much as I do!