If you’re a fan of that iconic deli classic, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Reuben Dip Recipe. It captures all the hearty, tangy, and cheesy flavors of a traditional Reuben sandwich but in one irresistible, shareable dip. Perfect for game day, parties, or simply whenever the craving strikes, this dip blends creamy cream cheese, tangy sauerkraut, savory corned beef, and melty Swiss cheese into a warm, bubbly crowd-pleaser that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Reuben Dip Recipe lies in its simple yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Each one is essential to achieving that classic Reuben flavor while contributing texture and richness that make this dip so delightful.
- Cream Cheese (4 oz., softened): Provides a smooth, creamy base that blends all the flavors together beautifully.
- Thousand Island Dressing (1/2 cup): Adds tanginess and a subtle sweetness that mimics the traditional sandwich spread.
- Corned Beef (1/4 lb., chopped): The star protein, offering a savory and tender bite that’s packed with flavor.
- Sauerkraut (1/2 cup, well-drained): Brings that essential tangy crunch that cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat.
- Swiss Cheese (1 1/2 cups, shredded): Half mixed in and half sprinkled on top, it melts wonderfully and adds a nutty, gooey goodness.
- Fresh Parsley (optional, 1 tbsp.): For a fresh, colorful garnish that brightens up the dish visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Reuben Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Mixture
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and Thousand Island dressing until completely smooth and creamy. This creamy base is what binds all the delicious layers of flavor so take your time to get it well combined — a stand mixer makes this especially quick and easy.
Step 2: Add the Meaty and Tangy Ingredients
Next, fold in the chopped corned beef, well-drained sauerkraut, and 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese into the creamy mixture. Each element brings its own personality to the dip: the beef’s savory depth, the sauerkraut’s bright tang, and the cheese’s gooey, melty texture.
Step 3: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Spread this enticing mixture evenly into a 9-inch pie plate or a similarly sized shallow baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Swiss cheese on top to create that irresistible golden crust once baked. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and turning golden brown.
How to Serve Reuben Dip Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of green and freshness to balance the rich, cheesy dip. Chopped chives or a little cracked black pepper can also add subtle extra layers of flavor without overpowering the classic taste.
Side Dishes
This Reuben Dip Recipe shines when paired with traditional dippers like hearty pumpernickel bread or rye crackers, echoing the original sandwich experience. For a lighter option, crisp veggies like cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or crunchy celery are excellent too and add a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, try serving the dip in a hollowed-out round rye loaf—perfect for scooping and sharing! Alternatively, portion it into smaller ramekins for individual servings at a party, or even layer the dip in a clear dish for a colorful dip parfait with layers of sauerkraut and cheese peeking through.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Reuben Dip Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making for a convenient, tasty snack or lunch addition.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dip freezes nicely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the texture of the sauerkraut might slightly change after freezing, but the flavor remains fantastic.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the dip overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm it up in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through and bubbly again, around 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave it on medium power in short intervals, stirring in between for even heating.
FAQs
Can I make this dip vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the corned beef and add extra sauerkraut or even substitute with chopped mushrooms or a plant-based deli meat alternative to maintain the hearty flavor and texture.
What if I don’t have Thousand Island dressing?
You can easily make a quick substitute by mixing ketchup, mayonnaise, a bit of pickle juice, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. This DIY version captures the tangy sweetness nicely.
Is it okay to use fresh sauerkraut straight from the jar?
It’s best to drain the sauerkraut well to avoid excess liquid that can make the dip runny. Pat it dry with paper towels if needed for the best texture.
Can I double this Reuben Dip Recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it might take a little longer to heat through evenly.
What are some good alternatives to Swiss cheese?
Gruyère or mozzarella can work well in a pinch. They melt beautifully and add a slightly different flavor but will still complement the other ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Reuben Dip Recipe is a total showstopper that turns a beloved classic into an irresistible party appetizer or snack. It’s simple to make, rich in flavor, and endlessly comforting, making it a must-try for anyone who loves nostalgic deli flavors with a fun, shareable twist. So go ahead, whip up a batch and watch it disappear fast—you’ll be glad you did!
Print
Reuben Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Reuben Dip is a warm, creamy appetizer combining classic Reuben sandwich flavors into an easy-to-make dip. Featuring softened cream cheese, tangy Thousand Island dressing, savory corned beef, zesty sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese, it’s perfect for serving with pumpernickel bread, veggies, or crackers at any gathering.
Ingredients
Reuben Dip Ingredients
- 4 oz. Cream Cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup Thousand Island Dressing
- 1/4 lb. cooked corned beef (leftovers or deli, chopped, about 1 cup)
- 1/2 cup well-drained sauerkraut
- 1 and 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese (divided)
- Optional garnish – 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the dip.
- Mix base ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and Thousand Island dressing until smooth and creamy, using a stand mixer or a sturdy spoon.
- Add main fillings: Stir in the chopped corned beef, well-drained sauerkraut, and 1 cup of the shredded Swiss cheese until evenly incorporated.
- Transfer and top: Spread the mixture evenly into a 9-inch pie plate or shallow baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Swiss cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake the dip: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm with pumpernickel bread, vegetables, or crackers for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure the sauerkraut is well-drained to prevent the dip from becoming too watery.
- Use a stand mixer for the creamiest result, but mixing by hand works fine too.
- This dip is best served warm to enjoy the melted cheese and blended flavors.
- Leftover dip can be refrigerated and gently reheated before serving.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of black pepper or a dash of garlic powder to the mixture.
