If you love the classic Reuben sandwich, you’re going to fall in love with this Hot Reuben Dip! It’s all the best parts of the iconic deli sandwich savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing baked together into a warm, cheesy dip. Serve it with rye crisps or crackers for the ultimate snack experience! Perfect for game days, parties, or cozy nights in, this dip comes together in just 20 minutes and delivers an irresistible combination of bold flavors and creamy, melty goodness. Whether you’re a longtime Reuben fan or just love a good cheesy dip, this is one recipe you’ll be making on repeat!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces deli corned beef, coarsely chopped
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup sauerkraut, drained well
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing
- Triscuit crackers or rye chips, for serving
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a pie plate or oven-safe skillet with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese, corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, sour cream, and Thousand Island dressing until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared dish.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until hot, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Serve immediately with rye chips, crackers, or toasted rye bread pieces.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 160 kcal | Servings: 8
The Origins of the Reuben Sandwich
To truly appreciate this dip, it’s worth taking a moment to understand the origins of the Reuben sandwich. While there are a few different stories about its creation, one of the most popular theories credits Reuben Kulakofsky, a grocer from Omaha, Nebraska, who is said to have invented the sandwich in the 1920s during a late-night poker game. His creation made of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye bread became an instant hit, eventually making its way onto restaurant menus and becoming an American deli staple.
Another origin story claims that the sandwich was created by Arnold Reuben, a New York deli owner, in the early 1900s. Regardless of its true beginnings, one thing is clear: the Reuben sandwich has stood the test of time, beloved for its bold flavors and satisfying textures.
Why Turn a Sandwich into a Dip?
You might wonder, why take a perfectly good sandwich and turn it into a dip? The answer is simple this dip captures all the signature flavors of a Reuben in an easier-to-eat, shareable format. Instead of dealing with sandwich assembly, grilling, and potential sogginess, this dip simplifies things by combining the same key ingredients into a rich, hot, and cheesy dish that pairs perfectly with crunchy rye chips or crackers.
Additionally, making this dip allows you to enjoy the Reuben experience without the bread, making it a lower-carb alternative to the sandwich while still delivering that unmistakable Reuben flavor. It’s also a fantastic make-ahead option, as you can prepare it in advance and simply bake it when you’re ready to serve.
What Makes Hot Reuben Dip So Irresistible?
1. Creamy, Cheesy Goodness
One of the best parts of this dip is its luxurious texture. The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded Swiss cheese creates a creamy base that melts beautifully in the oven. When baked, the dip develops a slightly golden, bubbly top that makes it even more irresistible.
2. The Tangy Bite of Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is a key player in this recipe, bringing its signature tangy, slightly sour flavor that balances the richness of the cheese and corned beef. If you’re hesitant about sauerkraut, don’t worry it blends seamlessly into the dip, adding just the right amount of zest without overpowering the other ingredients.
3. Savory, Tender Corned Beef
Corned beef is the heart of a classic Reuben, and it plays just as important a role in this dip. Whether you use deli-sliced corned beef or leftover homemade corned beef from a St. Patrick’s Day feast, its salty, beefy flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy base and tangy sauerkraut. Some variations of this dip even use pastrami for an extra smoky kick.
4. Thousand Island Dressing for Authentic Flavor
Instead of traditional Russian dressing, this recipe calls for Thousand Island dressing, which adds a slightly sweet and tangy contrast to the salty and savory components. You can use store-bought dressing for convenience, or whip up a quick homemade version with mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and a touch of lemon juice.
5. Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re serving this dip at a Super Bowl party, a holiday gathering, or a casual get-together, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. It’s also incredibly versatile pair it with rye crackers, toasted baguette slices, pretzels, or even fresh vegetables for dipping.
How to Customize Your Hot Reuben Dip
While the traditional recipe is already a knockout, there are plenty of ways to put your own twist on it:
- Spice It Up: Add a little heat with a dash of hot sauce, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or even some diced jalapeños.
- Make It Smokier: Swap out the corned beef for pastrami to get a deeper, smoky flavor.
- Lighten It Up: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and opt for reduced-fat cheese and cream cheese.
- Add Some Crunch: Top the dip with crispy fried onions or crushed rye crackers before baking for an added layer of texture.
- Slow Cooker Version: For an easy, hands-off approach, mix all the ingredients in a slow cooker and heat on low for a few hours until everything is warm and melty.
What to Serve with Hot Reuben Dip
The perfect dip deserves the perfect pairings! Here are some great options to serve alongside this flavorful appetizer:
- Toasted Rye Bread: Staying true to the Reuben sandwich experience, toasted rye bread cut into bite-sized pieces is the best option for dipping.
- Crackers or Rye Chips: Sturdy crackers, especially rye-flavored ones, are excellent for scooping up this rich dip.
- Pretzels: The saltiness of pretzels complements the cheesy and savory notes of the dip.
- Vegetables: If you’re looking for a lighter option, celery sticks, bell pepper strips, or cucumber slices make great dippers.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop the dip in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick snack.
If you’re making this dip ahead of time for a party, you can mix all the ingredients together, store the unbaked dip in the fridge for up to 3 days, and bake it when you’re ready to serve. This makes it a fantastic option for stress-free entertaining!
Conclusion:
This Hot Reuben Dip is everything you love about a classic Reuben sandwich but in an easy-to-make, shareable format. It’s creamy, cheesy, tangy, and packed with bold flavors that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re a die-hard Reuben fan or just love a good cheesy dip, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your rotation.
Perfect for game days, parties, or even a casual weekend snack, this dip is sure to become a new favorite in your appetizer lineup. So go ahead grab some rye chips, toast some bread, and dive into this delicious, melty masterpiece!
