If you adore the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich but want something easy to share at your next gathering, this Hot Reuben Dip Recipe is your new best friend. It turns all those iconic ingredients—corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing—into a creamy, melty dip that’s irresistibly savory and perfect for any party or cozy night in. Once you try this, it’s hard to go back to ordinary dips because the combination of textures and flavors brings that beloved deli experience right to your table in dip form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Hot Reuben Dip Recipe is surprisingly simple but every ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of tang, creaminess, and cheesy goodness. These staples come together easily but deliver so much character in every bite.
- Cream cheese, 8 ounces (softened): Provides a smooth, creamy base that melts beautifully and holds all the flavors together.
- Sour cream, 1/2 cup: Adds a subtle tang and lightens the richness, keeping the dip from being too heavy.
- Thousand Island dressing, 1/2 cup: Brings the signature sweet and tangy taste essential to Reuben dishes.
- Swiss cheese, 2 cups shredded (divided): Offers gooey, nutty flavor that melts into the dip and creates a golden topping.
- Corned beef, 1 1/2 cups chopped: Delivers the salty, savory meatiness that defines this dip’s character.
- Sauerkraut, 1 cup (drained and squeezed dry): Adds a punch of acidity and crunch, balancing the richness of cheese and cream.
- Caraway seeds, 1 teaspoon (optional): Locks in the authentic Reuben flavor with a slight anise-like note that’s subtle but unmistakable.
- Fresh parsley (finely chopped, for garnish): Brightens and freshens the finished dish with a pop of color and herbaceous flair.
How to Make Hot Reuben Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F and lightly grease a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet. This sets the stage by ensuring your dip won’t stick and will bake evenly, giving that irresistible golden cheese crust.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and Thousand Island dressing until completely smooth. This creamy mixture forms the luscious foundation of the dip and blends all those wonderful flavors into one tangy, dreamy base.
Step 3: Combine Your Fillings
Next, stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese, chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, and the caraway seeds if you’re using them. This is where the magic happens as you bring together the hearty, tangy, and slightly crunchy components that truly echo the essence of a Reuben.
Step 4: Assemble and Top
Spread the mixed dip evenly in your prepared dish, then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Swiss cheese on top. This final cheesy layer will turn golden and bubbly during baking, making the dip irresistible both in flavor and appearance.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Pop your dish in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You want the dip to bubble around the edges and the cheese on top to melt into a gorgeous, golden crust that calls out for that first warm scoop.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve Hot
Remove your dip from the oven and sprinkle with finely chopped fresh parsley. The parsley not only looks inviting but also adds a fresh note to balance the richness. Serve immediately with rye bread pieces, hearty crackers, or crisp veggies for dipping.
How to Serve Hot Reuben Dip Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is a classic and simple garnish that visually brightens the dish and adds a subtle herbaceous lift that cuts through the richness. You can also add a pinch of extra caraway seeds on top if you want a little extra flavor punch.
Side Dishes
This dip pairs spectacularly with soft rye bread chunks, crunchy crackers, or even grainy mustard toasting points. Fresh crunchy veggies like celery, carrot sticks, and cucumber slices also make refreshing dippers that add variety and texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dip in a hollowed-out rye bread bowl for an even bigger Reuben experience. You can also portion it into mini cast iron skillets for single servings that look charming and keep the dip warm longer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover Hot Reuben Dip Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will slightly meld and deepen, making leftovers just as tasty as fresh.
Freezing
This dip doesn’t freeze well because of the cream cheese and sour cream, which can separate and become grainy after thawing. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or refrigerated instead.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a microwave or in a small oven-safe dish at 325°F until warmed through and bubbly again. Add a few extra cheese shreds on top before reheating for a refreshed golden crust.
FAQs
What can I use instead of Thousand Island dressing?
If you don’t have Thousand Island on hand, you can mix mayonnaise with a bit of ketchup, pickle juice, and a touch of paprika to create a similar tangy and sweet flavor that still captures the essence of the original dip.
Can I make this dip vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the corned beef for cooked diced mushrooms or seasoned tempeh to keep that savory umami kick while staying vegetarian-friendly.
Is there a way to make this dip less tangy?
If you find sauerkraut too strong, give it an extra rinse and squeeze out more liquid before mixing it in. You can also reduce the amount slightly and add a bit of extra cream cheese to mellow the tang.
What’s the best bread for serving with Hot Reuben Dip Recipe?
Classic rye bread is the top choice to echo the Reuben sandwich vibe, but pumpernickel, sourdough, or baguette slices also offer sturdy dippers with great flavor.
Can I prepare this dip a day ahead?
You can mix the dip ingredients the day before and refrigerate, then bake and serve fresh when ready. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and packed with all those iconic Reuben sandwich flavors, this Hot Reuben Dip Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s effortless to whip up, perfect for sharing, and guaranteed to have everyone reaching for seconds. So grab your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to enjoy one of the most flavorful, melty dips you’ll ever come across.
Print
Hot Reuben Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 appetizer servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Hot Reuben Dip is a warm, creamy appetizer inspired by the classic Reuben sandwich, combining cream cheese, sour cream, Thousand Island dressing, Swiss cheese, corned beef, and sauerkraut. Baked until bubbly and golden, this dip is perfect for serving with rye bread or crackers at gatherings and parties.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (divided)
- 1 1/2 cups chopped corned beef
- 1 cup sauerkraut (drained and squeezed dry)
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional, for authentic Reuben flavor)
Garnish
- Finely chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep: Heat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a small baking dish or skillet to prevent the dip from sticking during baking.
- Mix base: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and Thousand Island dressing. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add fillings: Stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese, the chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, and caraway seeds if using. Mix everything thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Assemble dip: Spread the combined mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Swiss cheese evenly over the top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the dip is bubbly and the cheese topping is melted and golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with finely chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness, and serve the dip hot alongside rye bread pieces or crackers for dipping.
Notes
- Drain and squeeze the sauerkraut well to avoid excess moisture in the dip.
- Caraway seeds are optional but add authentic Reuben flavor.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated; bake just before serving.
- Pair with rye bread or sturdy crackers to scoop up the rich dip.
