Reuben Crescent Bake

Introduction: A Reuben Crescent Bake is a simple and delicious twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, but in a convenient casserole form using crescent roll dough. This dish combines the traditional flavors of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and tangy dressing, all wrapped up in golden, flaky crescent rolls. It’s the perfect comfort food for a weeknight dinner, potluck, or gathering. Not only is it quick and easy to make, but it’s also customizable to suit your tastes. Whether you love extra corned beef or a little more cheese, this dish can be tailored to your liking. Plus, the crescent rolls provide a buttery, flaky crust that complements the savory fillings.

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Ingredients:

• 2 cans (8 oz each) crescent roll dough (preferably the seamless dough sheet for a cleaner look)
• 1 lb (450 g) corned beef, thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded (or Gruyère for a richer flavor)
• 1 1/2 cups sauerkraut, drained and squeezed of excess liquid
• 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing or Russian dressing (for a tangy kick)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra seasoning)
• 1 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing on top)

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Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Dough

1. Unroll the crescent dough: Open the cans of crescent dough and unroll it. If you’re using a seamless dough sheet, just lay it out flat. If using traditional crescent rolls, pinch the perforated seams together to form one large sheet.
2. Line the baking dish: Lay one sheet of the dough at the bottom of the prepared baking dish, pressing it down to fit. The dough should cover the bottom and slightly up the sides.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

1. Spread the dressing: Evenly spread 1/4 cup of the Thousand Island or Russian dressing on top of the crescent dough. If using Dijon mustard, you can mix it with the dressing and spread it on as well.
2. Add the corned beef: Layer the thin slices of corned beef over the dressing, covering it evenly.
3. Top with sauerkraut: Add a layer of drained sauerkraut over the corned beef. Be sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible to avoid sogginess in the bake.
4. Add the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese generously over the sauerkraut. If you want a richer flavor, feel free to add more cheese to your liking.

Step 4: Top with Crescent Dough

1. Add the second layer of dough: Unroll the second can of crescent dough and layer it on top of the cheese, stretching it to cover the filling completely. If using traditional crescent rolls, pinch together the seams to form one large top layer. If you have any gaps or holes, patch them with dough from the edges.
2. Brush with butter: Brush the top layer of dough with melted butter. This will help it turn golden brown and crispy as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake the Reuben Crescent Bake

1. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and fully cooked through. The edges should be crisp, and the filling should be bubbling.
2. Check the doneness: If the top starts to brown too quickly before the dough is fully cooked, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Cool slightly: Once done, remove the bake from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to cool slightly. This makes it easier to slice and serve.
2. Slice and serve: Slice the Reuben Crescent Bake into squares or rectangles and serve hot. It’s delicious on its own or paired with a simple side salad or potato chips.

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Notes:

• Customization: Feel free to add more ingredients to suit your taste. For example, you can add more Swiss cheese for a cheesy, gooey texture, or use different cheeses like Gruyère or cheddar for variety. You can also adjust the amount of sauerkraut depending on how much tang you prefer.
• Make it lighter: If you want to lighten the dish up a bit, you can use reduced-fat crescent dough, reduced-fat cheese, or even a whole-grain option for the crescent rolls.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven for the best results. The flavors will continue to develop overnight, making it even better the next day!
• Make-ahead: You can prepare the entire Reuben Crescent Bake a day ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. This is great for meal prepping or if you want to save time on the day of serving.

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Total Time:

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 25-30 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes

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Conclusion: The Reuben Crescent Bake is a quick, easy, and satisfying dish that captures all the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich in a casserole form. With flaky crescent dough as the base and topping, and layers of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and creamy dressing in between, it’s sure to be a hit at dinner time or any gathering. This dish is a great way to enjoy the hearty, savory flavors of the Reuben in a more convenient and shareable form, perfect for a family meal or a crowd. Enjoy!