Easy Baked Reuben Dip Recipe: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer

Experience all the beloved flavors of the classic Reuben sandwich in a warm, creamy, and undeniably cheesy dip! This sensational Reuben dip recipe transforms the iconic combination of savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melty Swiss cheese, and luscious Thousand Island dressing into an irresistible party appetizer. Perfect for game day, holiday gatherings, or simply a cozy night in, this baked dip offers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it an instant favorite for any occasion.

Reuben Dip IN A CAST IRON SKILLET, bubbling and golden

Why This Reuben Dip Recipe Works So Well

There’s no denying the deliciousness of a good Reuben sandwich. Whether it’s enjoyed on St. Patrick’s Day or any other time of year, its unique blend of flavors is universally loved. However, preparing individual Reuben sandwiches for a large group can be quite time-consuming. That’s precisely where this incredible Reuben dip steps in, taking center stage as the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer.

This recipe brilliantly condenses all the vibrant tastes and textures of the sandwich into a convenient, communal dip. With just a quick mix of the essential classic ingredients, plus a few strategic additions to create an extra creamy base, you’ll have an ultra-cheesy, warm, and bubbly party snack ready in hardly any time at all. It’s an ideal choice for effortless entertaining, offering all the satisfaction of a Reuben without the individual assembly. If you prefer a handheld option, our Reuben Egg Rolls are another fantastic twist!

Beyond its convenience, this Reuben dip is incredibly versatile. It’s hearty enough to serve as a satisfying starter, yet light enough not to spoil appetites for the main course. The combination of rich cream cheese and mayonnaise creates a smooth foundation that perfectly complements the savory corned beef, sharp Swiss cheese, and distinct tang of sauerkraut. Baked to golden perfection, it emerges from the oven bubbling and irresistible, promising a flavor explosion with every scoop. It’s an easy recipe that consistently delivers a winning appetizer experience.

dipping a chip into warm, cheesy Reuben Dip

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Reuben Dip

Crafting this savory dip requires a harmonious blend of classic Reuben components and creamy binders. You’ll find a complete list of measurements and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post, but let’s dive deeper into what makes each ingredient essential.

Ingredients laid out for Reuben Dip recipe including corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Thousand Island dressing

Ingredient Details and Smart Substitution Suggestions

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the signature Reuben flavor profile. Understanding their characteristics and potential alternatives can help you customize the dip to your liking while maintaining its delicious essence.

Corned Beef: This is truly the star of the show. While this recipe is fantastic for using up leftover corned beef from a holiday meal, you can easily find pre-cooked, thinly sliced corned beef in the deli section of most grocery stores. If starting from scratch, you can prepare a raw brisket using our Instant Pot Corned Beef recipe for speed, or go with the traditional method of our Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe. Ensure your corned beef is finely chopped or shredded so it disperses evenly throughout the dip.
Swiss Cheese: Shredded Swiss cheese provides that distinctive nutty and slightly sweet flavor, along with an incredible melty texture. For the best results, we highly recommend shredding a block of Swiss cheese yourself. Pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting as smoothly. If Swiss isn’t your favorite, mozzarella or Gruyere can be good alternatives, offering a similar melty quality.
Sauerkraut: The tangy, briny flavor of sauerkraut is non-negotiable for a true Reuben experience. It cuts through the richness of the cheese and beef, adding a crucial layer of complexity. It is absolutely vital to drain the sauerkraut extremely well, pressing out as much liquid as possible. Excess moisture will make your dip watery and less appealing. You can use a fine-mesh sieve or paper towels to squeeze out the liquid.
Cream Cheese & Mayonnaise (or Sour Cream): These form the rich, creamy base of the dip. Softened cream cheese ensures a smooth, lump-free mixture, while mayonnaise adds a luscious texture and subtle tang. We strongly advise against skipping either of these, as they are key to the dip’s luxurious consistency. However, sour cream can be an excellent substitute for mayonnaise if you prefer a slightly tangier flavor profile.
Thousand Island Dressing (or Russian Dressing): This iconic dressing ties all the flavors together, contributing a sweet, tangy, and savory note that makes the dip unmistakably Reuben-like. Both Thousand Island and Russian dressing are excellent choices; Thousand Island tends to be sweeter with finely chopped relish, while Russian dressing is often spicier and more piquant with horseradish. Choose your favorite or what you have on hand.

Step-by-Step: How to Make This Delicious Reuben Dip

These step-by-step photos and instructions are designed to help you visualize the process of making this incredibly easy Reuben dip. For a printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and comprehensive instructions, simply jump to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease or spray a 9-12 inch pie plate or an oven-proof skillet. A cast iron skillet works wonderfully for even baking and a beautiful presentation.
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the prepared ingredients: the softened cream cheese, chopped corned beef, shredded Swiss cheese, well-drained sauerkraut, mayonnaise (or sour cream), and Thousand Island dressing (or Russian dressing). Mix everything together thoroughly until all components are evenly distributed and the mixture is smooth and cohesive.
Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish or skillet. Make sure the surface is relatively flat to ensure even baking and a beautiful golden top.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly around the edges, and the top is beautifully golden brown. The melted cheese and creamy base will be irresistible.
Once baked, remove from the oven and, if desired, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve your hot Reuben dip immediately with your favorite dippers.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for the Best Reuben Dip

Can I make Reuben dip ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dip is fantastic for meal prep or party planning. You can prepare the entire mixture, combine all ingredients in your baking dish, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. This ensures more even cooking and helps it heat through beautifully. It’s also an ideal recipe for transport – simply mix, cover, and bake at your destination!

How do I store leftovers and how long will it last?

Reuben dip is best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. If you happen to have any leftovers, allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through, or pop it back into a preheated oven (around 350°F/175°C) until bubbly again, covering with foil if it starts to brown too much.

Can I make this Reuben dip in a slow cooker (Crockpot)?

Yes, this Reuben dip adapts wonderfully to a slow cooker, making it perfect for potlucks or keeping warm during a party. For the ingredient quantities listed in this recipe, we recommend using a small 4-quart slow cooker. If you have a larger Crockpot, you might consider doubling the recipe to fill it adequately. Simply combine all ingredients directly in the slow cooker, then cook on high for 1 hour or on low for 2-3 hours. Remember to stir the dip once or twice during the cooking process to prevent it from sticking or burning on the bottom and to ensure even melting and distribution of ingredients.

Can you freeze Reuben dip?

Yes, this dip can be frozen, though some texture changes may occur upon thawing (especially with dairy products). To freeze, allow the baked dip to cool completely. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw the dip overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly. Stir well before serving.

Tips for the perfect texture:

Always use softened cream cheese for a smooth mix. Cold cream cheese will result in lumps. Ensure your sauerkraut is very thoroughly drained; excess liquid will make the dip watery. If you’re shredding your own Swiss cheese, use the fine side of a box grater for quicker melting and better integration.

Variations to try:

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. Some people like to add finely diced onion or a teaspoon of caraway seeds to enhance the classic Reuben flavor. You can also experiment with other types of cheese like provolone or white cheddar for a different cheesy dimension.

overhead shot of hot Reuben Dip in a cast iron skillet with dippers around it

Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Reuben Dip

Since this incredible Reuben dip encapsulates all the savory, tangy, and creamy elements of the sandwich itself – minus the bread – your choice of dippers is key to completing the experience. We highly recommend serving it with substantial dippers that can stand up to the rich, hearty texture of the dip.

Chunks of robust rye bread are an absolute classic and provide the most authentic sandwich-like feel. Look for cocktail rye bread, which are perfectly sized mini rye slices, or simply cut regular rye bread into bite-sized cubes and lightly toast them for extra crunch. Rye chips are another excellent choice, offering a satisfying crunch and complementing the dip’s flavor profile beautifully. Beyond traditional rye, sturdy crackers, pita chips, pretzel crisps, or even tortilla chips make fantastic vessels for scooping up this cheesy goodness.

For those looking for a lighter, refreshing contrast, a platter of crunchy fresh vegetables is a great addition. Celery sticks, bell pepper strips (red, yellow, or orange), cucumber slices, or even crisp radish rounds provide a wonderful counterpoint to the dip’s richness. Offer a variety to please all tastes and add visual appeal to your appetizer spread!

More Irresistible Dip Recipes to Try

If you loved this Reuben dip, you’re in for a treat! We have a fantastic collection of other crowd-pleasing dip recipes that are perfect for any gathering or craving. Explore these delicious options for your next party spread:

Creamy Beer Cheese Dip
Classic Hot Spinach Dip
Hearty Philly Cheesesteak Dip
Tangy Dill Pickle Dip
Decadent Million Dollar Dip
Spicy Rotel Dip

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Reuben Dip

With a quick mix of all the classic sandwich ingredients plus some additions for an extra creamy base, you’ll have an ultra-cheesy party appetizer in hardly any time at all.

5 from 25 votes

IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!

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Course:: Appetizer
Cuisine:: American
Servings:: 8 servings
Prep time:: 10 minutes
Cook time:: 20-25 minutes
Total time:: 30-35 minutes
Calories:: 388 cal
Author:: Amanda Davis

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
8 oz corned beef, chopped
1 ½ cups Swiss cheese, shredded (freshly shredded for best melt)
8 oz sauerkraut (1 can), very well drained
½ cup mayonnaise (or sour cream for a tangier flavor)
½ cup Thousand Island dressing (or Russian dressing)

Things You’ll Need

Cast iron skillet (9-12 inch) or pie plate
Large mixing bowl

Before You Begin / Expert Tips

The cream cheese and mayonnaise are crucial for a deliciously creamy base; avoid skipping them. Sour cream can replace mayo. Russian dressing can substitute Thousand Island.
For the best melt, shred your own Swiss cheese. Pre-bagged cheese contains anti-caking agents that hinder smooth melting. Mozzarella is a possible substitute.
Serve with cocktail rye bread, rye chips, crackers, tortilla chips, celery sticks, or other crunchy vegetables.
This dip can be made in a crockpot. Use a small 4-quart slow cooker for this recipe size, or double the recipe for a larger one. Cook on high for 1 hour or low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
This dip is best served warm. Leftovers keep for up to 3 days in the fridge and reheat well in the microwave or oven.
You can prepare the dip mixture up to 3 days ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Bring to room temperature before baking for even results.
To freeze, wrap the cooled, baked dip in plastic wrap and then foil (or an airtight container) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease or spray a 9-12 inch pie plate or an oven-proof skillet.
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped corned beef, shredded Swiss cheese, well-drained sauerkraut, mayonnaise (or sour cream), and Thousand Island dressing (or Russian dressing). Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking pan.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley (optional) and serve immediately with your favorite dippers.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.