If you love the flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich but want a fun, shareable appetizer perfect for parties, game days, or casual get-togethers, this Reuben Dip recipe is exactly what you need. Combining all the iconic ingredients — corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing — into a warm, creamy, cheesy dip, this dish will become an instant favorite.
In this article, we will explore everything you need to know to make the perfect Reuben Dip: from the carefully measured ingredients and step-by-step instructions, to useful tips, variations, serving ideas, and nutritional information. Whether you are a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, you’ll find helpful insights to make this dip irresistible.
What is Reuben Dip?
The traditional Reuben sandwich is a beloved American deli classic, featuring layers of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian or Thousand Island dressing, grilled between slices of rye bread. The Reuben Dip takes these flavors and transforms them into a warm, creamy, and cheesy appetizer that’s perfect for dipping with bread, crackers, or vegetables.
This dip offers the same tangy, savory, and rich profile you love in the sandwich but in a form that’s perfect for sharing. It’s ideal for parties and gatherings where everyone can scoop up a hearty bite. It’s also a great way to use up leftover corned beef!
Ingredients for Reuben Dip
To create this creamy, flavorful dip, you’ll need the following ingredients. I have provided US measuring cup equivalents where appropriate to make it easy for you to follow along:
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
Cream cheese is the base of the dip and gives it a rich, smooth texture. -
8 oz corned beef, chopped
Use deli-style corned beef or leftover cooked corned beef. Chop it finely so it blends well. -
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
Swiss cheese melts beautifully and adds that signature flavor. -
1/2 cup mayonnaise
Mayonnaise adds creaminess and helps bind the ingredients. -
1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing
This adds the tangy, slightly sweet flavor essential to a Reuben. -
1/2 cup sauerkraut, drained
Sauerkraut brings the classic sour bite that balances the richness.
Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by softening the cream cheese at room temperature — this will make mixing easier. Chop the corned beef into small pieces to ensure it mixes well into the dip without large chunks.
Make sure the sauerkraut is well-drained to avoid excess liquid in your dip, which can make it runny.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped corned beef, shredded Swiss cheese, mayonnaise, Thousand Island dressing, and drained sauerkraut.
Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything thoroughly until you have a uniform mixture. The ingredients should be well distributed for every bite to have the full flavor experience.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Choose a small to medium-sized oven-safe dish, such as a 9-inch pie plate or a casserole dish.
Lightly grease the dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and make serving easier.
Step 4: Assemble the Dip
Transfer the mixed ingredients into the prepared baking dish.
Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the mixture evenly.
Step 5: Bake the Dip
Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the top starts to turn lightly golden.
This baking step melts the cheeses and blends the flavors beautifully, creating a warm, luscious dip.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Remove from the oven and let the dip cool for a minute or two — it will be very hot.
Serve the dip immediately with your choice of dippers such as rye bread cubes, crackers, pretzel bites, or even raw vegetables like celery or carrot sticks.
Preparation Time and Nutrition Information
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 35 minutes
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Servings: Approximately 8
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Calories per Serving: Approximately 165 kcal
This makes the dip a moderately light appetizer option, especially when enjoyed in reasonable portions. It’s rich in protein from the corned beef and cheese but also carries a good amount of fat due to the creamy base.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Reuben Dip
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Use high-quality corned beef: The flavor of your dip largely depends on the meat, so go for fresh deli corned beef or good-quality leftovers.
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Drain your sauerkraut thoroughly: Too much liquid from sauerkraut can make the dip watery. Press it between paper towels or use a fine mesh strainer.
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Don’t skip softening the cream cheese: This helps you achieve a smooth texture without lumps.
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Make ahead: You can mix the dip the day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh right before serving.
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Customize the dressing: If you prefer a spicier dip, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the Thousand Island dressing or substitute with Russian dressing.
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Add some fresh dill or chives: Fresh herbs sprinkled on top before serving can add a nice burst of color and fresh flavor.
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Slow cooker option: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2–3 hours for a no-fuss party dip.
Variations to Try
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Vegetarian Version: Skip the corned beef and add chopped mushrooms or shredded jackfruit for a vegetarian twist.
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Extra cheesy: Add some shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese on top during baking for an extra cheesy crust.
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Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the dip mixture.
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Crunchy topping: Sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top before baking for a crunchy topping.
Serving Suggestions
This dip is extremely versatile and pairs well with a variety of dippers. Here are some ideas:
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Rye bread cubes: Toasted rye bread pairs perfectly with the classic Reuben flavors.
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Crackers: Choose sturdy crackers that can hold up to the creamy dip.
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Pretzel bites: The salty crunch of pretzels balances the richness of the dip.
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Vegetable sticks: Celery, carrots, and cucumber slices add freshness and crunch.
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Pita chips: Homemade or store-bought pita chips make for great dipping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Easy to prepare: Minimal prep and straightforward baking.
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Perfect for entertaining: Serve it as an appetizer, snack, or party food.
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Full of flavor: All the classic Reuben flavors in a creamy, shareable form.
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Customizable: Adapt to your tastes and dietary needs easily.
Final Thoughts
Reuben Dip brings the iconic deli sandwich into an easy, shareable, and crowd-pleasing appetizer. Its creamy texture, balanced tanginess, and savory meatiness make it a perfect choice for any gathering.
With just a handful of simple ingredients and a quick 35-minute preparation time, you can wow guests and satisfy cravings effortlessly.
Try this recipe for your next party or family night — it’s sure to become a new favorite!