Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Prepare the bread:
Cut the rye bread into cubes or use 8 slices of bread, cutting them into smaller pieces. Spread the bread evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Layer the ingredients:
Layer the corned beef: Spread the chopped or sliced corned beef evenly over the bread cubes.
Add the sauerkraut: Evenly distribute the sauerkraut over the corned beef layer.
Add the cheese: Sprinkle Swiss cheese over the sauerkraut. You can use shredded cheese or sliced cheese, depending on your preference.
4. Make the custard mixture:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, and Thousand Island dressing (or Russian dressing). Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
For extra flavor, you can add caraway seeds into the mixture for an authentic Reuben taste.
5. Pour the mixture over the layers:
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layered bread, corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese. Press the layers down gently with a spoon to help the bread absorb the liquid.
6. Bake:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.
7. Serve:
Allow the Reuben Bake to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. You can garnish with extra caraway seeds or a drizzle of additional Thousand Island dressing if desired.
