Immerse yourself in the flavors of a classic sandwich with our delightful Classic Reuben Dip. This dish beautifully combines the creaminess of cheese and sour cream, the tanginess of sauerkraut, and the savory notes of corned beef into a delectable dip that is perfect for any gathering.
The ingredients for the Classic Reuben Dip are commonly found in a typical household pantry, but a few items might require a quick trip to the supermarket. Russian dressing and sauerkraut are integral to achieving the authentic Reuben taste, and corned beef is necessary for its distinctive flavor. Don't forget to grab some caraway seeds and Panko breadcrumbs for that added crunch and depth.
Ingredients for Classic Reuben Dip
Cream cheese: Adds a smooth and creamy texture to the dip.
Sour cream: Offers a tangy flavor and creamy consistency.
Russian dressing: Lends a tangy-sweet flavor profile.
Sauerkraut: Gives the dip its characteristic tanginess.
Corned beef: Provides a robust, meaty flavor.
Swiss cheese: Melts into a velvety layer, lending a mild flavor and extra creaminess.
Caraway seeds: Enhances flavor with a warm, sweet, and slightly peppery aroma.
Panko breadcrumbs: Gives the topping a crispy, crunchy texture.
Butter: Helps brown the breadcrumb topping and adds a rich flavor.
Parsley: Adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note.
One reader, Dallas Guardado says:
This classic Reuben dip recipe is a game-changer! The creamy texture and savory flavors are a hit at every gathering. The combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese creates a mouthwatering delight. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a good dip!
Techniques Required for Making Classic Reuben Dip Recipe
How to prepare the dip: Combine cream cheese, sour cream, and Russian dressing in a mixing bowl and beat until fluffy. Then, add sauerkraut, corned beef, Swiss cheese, and caraway seeds, and gently stir until well combined.
How to make the topping: In a small bowl, combine panko bread crumbs, melted butter, Swiss cheese, and parsley. Sprinkle this mixture over the prepared dip before baking.
How to bake the dip: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spread the prepared dip into a 2-quart baking dish and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the dip is hot and the topping is golden brown.
How to serve: Once baked, serve the Reuben dip with your favorite dippers and enjoy!
This Reuben dip recipe is an attempt to capture the exciting flavors of the Reuben sandwich. When I first tried this cheesy dip, it finally dawned on me why many people keep making it at home. Case in point: it delivers the saltiness and spiciness with the slight tanginess palate of the classic Reuben BUT in the form of a baked ooey-gooey dip. And it also has the most irresistible creaminess. Yummy!
One of the most delicious appetizer dips, this Reuben dip recipe uses the same basic ingredients as the Reuben sandwich, including Thousand Island dressing, corned beef, and sauerkraut. I’m all for a rich and flavorful dip, so I added creamy Swiss cheese and combined it with cream cheese and sour cream. Such a blend of foodstuffs really makes this Reuben sauce taste like the real deal, I swear!
The beauty of this dip recipe is you can tweak it a bit to suit your taste preference. I tried adding a dash of caraway seeds, and I must say, it definitely provides more flavor to my Reuben sauce. But if you’re not a fan of the mild anise flavor of caraway, feel free to leave them out. I even noticed some versions using a splash of Worcestershire sauce, which probably lends an umami flavor to this corned beef dip.
When prepping this cheese dip, I squeezed and drained the sauerkraut. Remember, you must eliminate the liquid. Otherwise, your dipping sauce will turn watery. I also used deli sliced corned beef for this dip. Or, it’s also a great chance to make use of leftover corned beef brisket from last night’s dinner. Just make sure to slice and dice the corned beef yourself. And if you have a soft spot for hot dips, Russian dressing might be the better choice to give your Reuben dip a nice kick. Although, I do love the subtle sweetness that the Thousand Island dressing delivers. Either way, you can rest assured that your corned beef dip will be just as flavorful.
And here comes the fun part of this Reuben dip recipe: the toppings! You can actually play around with the topping. Usually, it’s topped with freshly grated cheese. But to make it a bit extra, I combined panko bread crumbs, butter, shredded cheese, and parsley. Then, I sprinkled the topping over my Reuben dip before popping it in the oven. This dipping sauce is definitely one of the most delicious dip appetizer recipes EVER. It’s just a bonus that this dip is also effortless to prepare.
If you prefer a more hands-off cooking method, you can also cook your homemade Reuben dip in a crockpot or slow cooker. Just toss all the ingredients in the crockpot, and wait until your dip is all cooked. The thing is, it won’t probably get all crusty and brown on the edges as when you bake your dip in the oven.
This cheesy and hot Reuben dip is one of my go-to St. Patrick’s day appetizers. Although, you can also enjoy such a flavorful dip ANY TIME you want. It’s sure to elevate game days, parties, and snack times. For the best eating experience, bring out your favorite dippers! I especially love scooping out the Reuben dip with toasted rye bread, crackers, and bagel chips. But its flavor also surprisingly blends well with cucumber, carrots, and celery.
How To Make Cheesy Reuben Dip
Savor the delicious flavors of the classic Reuben sandwich with this easy Reuben dip recipe. Simply combine corned beef, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, and Swiss cheese to make one of the best appetizer dips!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese,softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup Russian dressing, or Thousand Island dressing
- 1½ cups sauerkraut, squeezed dry, chopped
- 1½ cups corned beef, deli, chopped, about 6 ounces
- 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
- ½ tsp caraway seeds, optional
For Topping:
- ⅔ cup Panko bread crumbs
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- ¼ cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 tbsp parsley, fresh
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Lightly coat the baking dish with cooking spray.
- Combine cream cheese, sour cream, and the Thousand Island dressing in a small bowl. Stir them using a spatula or a mixer.
- Then, add sauerkraut, corned beef, Swiss cheese, and caraway seeds. Stir until they’re well-combined.
- Spread the Reuben dip evenly in the baking dish.
Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix together panko bread crumbs, butter, swiss cheese, and parsley.
- Then, sprinkle the topping over your Reuben dip.
- Bake for about 18 to 22 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown.
- Serve with your favorite dippers, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- Incorporate mayonnaise if you want to add extra flavor to your dip.
- You can also replace corned beef with pastrami if you want.
- You can also pair this delicious dip with tortilla chips and pretzel chips.
- Feel free to prepare this Reuben dip recipe in advance or up to three days ahead. Just make sure to store it properly in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Calories: 174.14kcal
- Fat: 14.50g
- Saturated Fat: 8.49g
- Trans Fat: 0.09g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.89g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.57g
- Carbohydrates: 4.16g
- Fiber: 0.50g
- Sugar: 1.23g
- Protein: 7.17g
- Cholesterol: 45.02mg
- Sodium: 225.15mg
- Calcium: 179.19mg
- Potassium: 85.33mg
- Iron: 0.44mg
- Vitamin A: 124.72µg
- Vitamin C: 3.79mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting Classic Reuben Dip Recipe
When preparing your reuben dip, it's crucial to drain the sauerkraut thoroughly before adding it to the mix. Excess moisture can make your dip runny and dilute the flavors. To do this, simply place the sauerkraut in a colander and press down with a spoon or squeeze it with your hands to remove as much liquid as possible. This will ensure your dip has the perfect consistency and robust flavor.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Reuben Dip
Prep ahead: Prepare the sauerkraut, corned beef, and swiss cheese the night before to save time on the day of making the dip.
Use store-bought: Consider using store-bought Russian dressing to save time, or make the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
One-pot cooking: Cook the corned beef, sauerkraut, and swiss cheese together in one pot to save time on cleaning up.
Make it a day ahead: The flavors of the dip will meld together even more if you make it a day ahead, saving you time on the day of serving.
Pre-portion: Consider pre-portioning the ingredients to save time during the mixing process.
Substitute Ingredients For Reuben Dip Recipe
cream cheese - Substitute with vegan cream cheese: Vegan cream cheese is a great substitute for regular cream cheese and provides a similar creamy texture and flavor. It's a good option for those who are looking for a dairy-free alternative.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream in this recipe. It offers a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture while adding a boost of protein.
russian dressing - Substitute with Thousand Island dressing: Thousand Island dressing can be used as a substitute for Russian dressing. It provides a similar creamy and tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients in the dip.
sauerkraut - Substitute with cabbage and salt: If sauerkraut is not available, you can make a quick substitute by combining shredded cabbage and salt. Allow the mixture to ferment for a few days to achieve a similar tangy flavor.
corned beef - Substitute with pastrami: Pastrami can be used as a substitute for corned beef in this recipe. It offers a similar smoky and savory flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
swiss cheese - Substitute with Gruyère cheese: Gruyère cheese can be used as a substitute for Swiss cheese. It has a similar nutty flavor and melts well, making it a great option for this dip.
caraway seeds - Substitute with fennel seeds: Fennel seeds can be used as a substitute for caraway seeds. They provide a similar aromatic and slightly sweet flavor that complements the other flavors in the dip.
panko bread crumbs - Substitute with regular bread crumbs: Regular bread crumbs can be used as a substitute for panko bread crumbs. They will still provide a crispy texture when used as a topping for the dip.
Best Presentation Ideas for a Reuben Dip
Elevate the plating: When presenting the classic Reuben Dip, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use a clean, white serving dish to allow the colors of the dip and the topping to stand out. Consider using a circular dish to create a sense of symmetry and balance.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of freshness and color to the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. Sprinkle it over the top of the dip to add a pop of green, enhancing the overall visual appeal.
Incorporate texture: Consider serving the dip with a variety of dippable items such as toasted rye bread slices, pretzel crisps, or even homemade potato chips. The different textures will add interest to the presentation and provide a range of options for enjoying the dip.
Utilize complementary colors: When selecting the serving dish and garnishes, consider the color wheel and opt for complementary colors. For example, if the dip has a golden brown topping, consider using a serving dish that contrasts with this color to make the dish visually striking.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of the dip and the arrangement of the accompanying dippers. Precision in plating demonstrates attention to detail and elevates the overall presentation of the dish.
Consider the vessel: Instead of a traditional baking dish, consider serving the dip in individual ramekins for a more refined presentation. This allows for personalized servings and adds a touch of sophistication to the dish.
Add a touch of elegance: Consider serving the dip alongside a small bowl of pickles or pickled vegetables to add a touch of elegance and provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dip.
Balance flavors and textures: When selecting dippers, aim for a balance of flavors and textures. For example, include something crunchy, something soft, and something with a bit of tang to provide a well-rounded tasting experience for the judges.
Essential Tools for Making Classic Reuben Dip
- Food processor: A versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining ingredients, mixing batters, and preparing various recipes.
- Mixer: An electric appliance used for blending, beating, and whipping ingredients to achieve a smooth and uniform texture.
- Baking dish: A heat-resistant dish used for baking and roasting various dishes in the oven.
- Small bowl: A smaller-sized bowl used for mixing small quantities of ingredients or preparing dressings and toppings.
- Baking sheet: A flat, metal sheet used for baking cookies, pastries, and other baked goods in the oven.
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food items.
Storing and Freezing Reuben Dip: A Guide
- Let the reuben dip cool completely to room temperature before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, transfer the dip to an airtight container and cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze, transfer the cooled dip to a freezer-safe container, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top for expansion. Cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap, then wrap the entire container in a layer of aluminum foil for extra protection against freezer burn. Label the container with the date and contents.
- The reuben dip can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- To thaw, transfer the frozen dip to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Once thawed, give it a good stir to redistribute any separated ingredients.
- To reheat, transfer the thawed dip to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the dip in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Note: The texture of the dip may change slightly after freezing and thawing, but the flavor should remain delicious. If the dip seems a bit watery after thawing, you can stir in a little extra sour cream or cream cheese to help thicken it up.
How To Reheat Leftover Reuben Dip
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover classic reuben dip in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dip is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to crisp up slightly.
Alternatively, you can reheat the dip in the microwave. Transfer the leftover dip to a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until the dip is heated through and the cheese is melted.
For a crispy topping, place the reheated dip under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. This will give the top layer of breadcrumbs and cheese a golden brown and crunchy texture.
If the dip seems too thick after reheating, stir in a tablespoon or two of sour cream or milk to help loosen it up and restore its creamy consistency.
Serve the reheated classic reuben dip with an assortment of dippers, such as rye bread pieces, crackers, pretzels, or fresh vegetables like carrot sticks and celery.
Random Fact About Reuben Dip
Reuben dip is a popular appetizer that originated in the United States. It is a delicious combination of flavors inspired by the classic Reuben sandwich, including corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing. This dip is perfect for parties and gatherings, and it's a great way to enjoy the flavors of a Reuben in a new and exciting form.
Is Making Reuben Dip at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this classic reuben dip recipe largely depends on the availability and prices of ingredients. Considering the use of sauerkraut, corned beef, and swiss cheese, it may not be the most budget-friendly option. However, the dish's rich flavors and the ability to serve a group make it a worthwhile indulgence for special occasions. On a scale of 1-10, the overall verdict for this recipe is 8. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $25-$30, factoring in the quality of ingredients and potential leftovers.
Is This Dip Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This classic Reuben dip recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients - cream cheese, sour cream, Russian dressing, corned beef, and Swiss cheese - are all high in saturated fat and calories. Sauerkraut, while fermented and potentially beneficial for gut health, is often high in sodium. The topping, consisting of butter and more cheese, further adds to the calorie and fat content of the dish. Consuming this dip regularly could contribute to weight gain and increased risk of heart disease.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or pureed cottage cheese to reduce fat and increase protein
- Use low-fat sour cream or replace it entirely with additional Greek yogurt
- Opt for a lower-sodium Russian dressing or make your own using Greek yogurt, ketchup, and horseradish
- Rinse the sauerkraut to remove some of the excess sodium
- Choose a leaner cut of corned beef or substitute with turkey pastrami
- Reduce the amount of Swiss cheese in the dip and topping, or use a lower-fat cheese like part-skim mozzarella
- Replace the butter in the topping with olive oil or omit it entirely
- Serve the dip with fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers instead of bread or crackers
Editor's Opinion on This Classic Reuben Dip Recipe
This classic Reuben dip recipe is a delightful twist on the traditional sandwich. The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, Russian dressing, sauerkraut, corned beef, and Swiss cheese creates a rich and flavorful dip. The addition of caraway seeds adds a lovely depth of flavor. The crispy panko bread crumb topping provides a satisfying crunch. Overall, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser and a perfect addition to any gathering or party.
Enhance Your Reuben Dip Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Reuben Dip Recipe:
This recipe is a tried and true favorite, crafted by a seasoned chef with a passion for culinary creativity. The combination of cream cheese, sauerkraut, and corned beef creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The addition of Swiss cheese and caraway seeds adds depth and richness to the dip. The use of Russian dressing infuses a unique and zesty tang, elevating the overall experience. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe, and savor the delightful fusion of ingredients that promises to impress even the most discerning palates.
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