Turn the popular deli sandwich into a heavenly party appetizer with this Reuben dip recipe!
A fun mix of corned beef, sauerkraut, cheese, and mayo dressing, this dip will be gone in a flash.
Hosting a party any time soon? Be sure this dip is on the menu! One scoop will get everybody hooked.
It’s thick and creamy with the perfect combination of flavors. It’s primarily rich and savory.
But the sauerkraut and dressing both provide a tangy contrast to balance it out.
The contrasting textures among the layers give the dip extra oomph, too.
Basically, it has all the flavors and textures you love in a Reuben, minus the bread.
Looking to impress your guests at your next get-together? This Reuben dip is exactly what you need.
Reuben Dip Recipe
This recipe combines all the ingredients you’d find in a Reuben and transforms it into one glorious dip.
Ever considered using fermented cabbage to make a dip? It may sound ridiculous, but it works! This dip is proof.
As it contains mayonnaise, Thousand Island dressing, corned beef, and cheese, you’ll need something acidic to dial the richness down a bit.
That’s what makes sauerkraut so crucial to the success of this dip.
Its tartness ensures that this dip isn’t overwhelmingly delectable, only perfectly delicious.
Ingredients
As I said, the Reuben dip is essentially a deconstructed Reuben, sans the bread.
It uses the same ingredients you would find in the sandwich.
- Mayonnaise – It forms half of the dressing. Aside from flavor, its consistency is also key in making the dip thick and creamy. You can swap some of the mayo for sour cream if you like.
- Thousand Island Dressing – The other half of the dressing. The ketchup in the dressing adds a subtle sweetness, while the pickles add tanginess and crunch.
- Sauerkraut – The fermented cabbage provides crunch and acidity – a lovely contrast to the creamy and savory dip.
- Shredded Corned Beef – Not the canned kind! For best results, get fresh corned beef from your local deli counter.
- Shredded Swiss Cheese – To me, no dip is complete without cheese! Smooth and soft, Swiss cheese melts perfectly into the dip when baked, lending its sweet and nutty flavor.
How Do You Make Reuben Dip?
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse and squeeze the sauerkraut dry.
Watery sauerkraut will thin out your dip!
3. Make the dip’s dressing.
Whisk together the mayonnaise and Thousand Island dressing. You can use a store-bought dressing or make your own.
4. Assemble the layers.
Here’s the order: sauerkraut, corned beef, shredded Swiss cheese, and mayo dressing.
5. Bake and enjoy!
Bake the dip in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Serve the Reuben dip with your favorite dippers and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Reuben Dip
- This dip is highly addictive and will disappear in a flash. Double this recipe at the very least!
- For a more flavorful Reuben, use pastrami instead of corned beef. This smoked meat is typically seasoned with spices, giving it a more complex flavor.
- For a richer, denser dip, add a block of softened sour cream to the mix.
- Shred the cheese yourself for a more flavorful, meltier dip.
- Instead of baking, cook the dip on the stovetop. Just combine the ingredients in a saucepan and cook over medium heat, until the cheese melts.
- Or, for more effortless cooking, make this dip in the slow cooker. Mix all the ingredients in your crockpot and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-6.
Can I Make Reuben Dip in Advance?
No time to make this dip on the day of your party? That’s fine, it’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Just cover the serving bowl in plastic wrap and refrigerate it until ready to serve.
Alternatively, you can also assemble the layers on the baking sheet, refrigerate it, and bake it when ready to serve.
Be sure to add a few minutes to the cooking time if you’ll bake it cold from the fridge.
What to Serve with Reuben Dip
When serving Reuben dip at a party, be sure to give your guests tons of dipping options.
Just like any creamy and cheesy dip, this Reuben dip pairs well with all sorts of savory dippers.
Anything dunkable works! Here are some suggestions:
- Toasted Bread/Breadsticks
- Baguette Crisps/Crostini
- Crackers
- Vegetable Sticks (Carrots, Celery, Cucumber)
- Pretzels