Reuben Dip is the perfect appetizer for anyone who loves the iconic Reuben sandwich, but with a twist. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors, this dip brings together all the ingredients you adore in a Reuben—corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing—into a warm, melty dip that’s just begging to be paired with crunchy rye chips or sturdy crackers. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s ideal for parties, game days, or any time you want to indulge in a savory treat.
This Ultimate Reuben Dip delivers all the savory goodness of a Reuben sandwich without the need to fuss with bread. The creamy base made from cream cheese and sour cream ensures a rich and smooth texture, while the corned beef and sauerkraut add a zesty and meaty punch. The Swiss cheese melts beautifully, tying everything together with its slightly nutty flavor. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create a dip that’s sure to be a favorite at any gathering.
It’s the perfect blend of comfort food and casual party fare, making it a must-try for anyone who enjoys the classic Reuben flavor profile. Get ready to dip, scoop, and enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Rich and Creamy
The blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and Swiss cheese creates a wonderfully smooth and creamy texture that’s absolutely irresistible.
2. Bold and Flavorful
The combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing delivers all the classic Reuben flavors in a warm, gooey dip form.
3. Easy to Make
This dip is incredibly simple to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and just a little mixing and baking to get the perfect result.
4. Perfect for Sharing
Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a game night, this dip is designed to be shared, making it perfect for any social occasion.
5. Versatile Serving Options
Pair it with rye chips, crackers, or veggies for a variety of dipping options, so everyone can enjoy it just the way they like.
Ingredients
For the Dip:
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Deli corned beef (chopped)
- Swiss cheese (shredded)
- Sauerkraut (drained)
- Sour cream
- Thousand Island dressing
For Serving:
- Rye chips
- Sturdy crackers or chips
- Veggies like carrots and celery
Variations
- Spicy Reuben Dip: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the dip for an extra kick of heat.
- Cheddar Cheese: Swap out the Swiss cheese for sharp cheddar cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Bacon: Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the dip for extra crunch and smoky flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the corned beef and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or a combination of other vegetables for a vegetarian twist on the dip.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped corned beef, shredded Swiss cheese, drained sauerkraut, sour cream, and Thousand Island dressing. Stir everything together until smooth and well mixed.
Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, such as a 9×9-inch square pan or a similarly sized oven-safe dish. Spread it out evenly.
Step 4: Bake the Dip
Bake the dip in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly, and the cheese is fully melted.
Step 5: Serve
Remove the dip from the oven and serve immediately with rye chips, sturdy crackers, or fresh veggies like carrots and celery for dipping.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Make sure to drain the sauerkraut thoroughly before adding it to the dip to avoid excess moisture.
- For a smoother dip, you can soften the cream cheese in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before mixing.
- If you want a crispier top, place the dip under the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, but be careful not to burn it.
- If you prefer a less rich dip, you can reduce the sour cream or use a lighter version of cream cheese.
- This dip can be made ahead of time—assemble it and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake and serve.
How to Serve
Serve this Ultimate Reuben Dip hot from the oven with rye chips for the most authentic experience, or offer a variety of dippers like sturdy crackers, fresh veggies such as carrots and celery, or even tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast to the creamy dip.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Freezing
You can freeze the dip for up to 2-3 months before baking. Assemble the dip and cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, place the dip in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Swiss cheese with other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor.
2. Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking it. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
3. Can I freeze this dip?
Yes, this dip can be frozen before baking. Be sure to cover it tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
4. What can I use instead of Thousand Island dressing?
You can substitute with Russian dressing or make a homemade version by mixing mayo, ketchup, and a little relish.
5. How can I make this dip spicier?
Add a bit of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or even chopped jalapeños to the dip to spice it up.
6. Can I use canned corned beef?
While deli corned beef gives the dip the best flavor and texture, you can use canned corned beef in a pinch.
7. How do I make this dip vegetarian?
Simply omit the corned beef and add sautéed mushrooms or a mix of your favorite veggies for a vegetarian version.
8. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the dip may be slightly less creamy in texture.
9. How can I make this dip gluten-free?
Make sure to serve the dip with gluten-free crackers or veggies for dipping, as the dip itself is naturally gluten-free.
10. Can I prepare this dip in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours until it’s hot and bubbly.
Conclusion
The Ultimate Reuben Dip is a must-try for anyone who loves the classic Reuben sandwich. This creamy, cheesy dip is packed with all the bold flavors you love, and it’s perfect for sharing at parties, gatherings, or as a game day snack. Easy to make and completely satisfying, it’s sure to become a crowd favorite that everyone will ask for again and again. Enjoy with rye chips, crackers, or fresh veggies, and dig into this irresistible dip.
PrintThe Ultimate Reuben Dip
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Ultimate Reuben Dip is the perfect appetizer for any gathering, combining all the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich in a creamy, warm dip. Packed with corned beef, Swiss cheese, and tangy sauerkraut, it’s served with crunchy rye chips and veggies for the ultimate snack.
Ingredients
For the Dip:
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 6 ounces deli corned beef (chopped)
- 1 cup Swiss cheese (shredded)
- ⅔ cup sauerkraut (drained)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup Thousand Island dressing
For Serving:
- Rye chips
- Sturdy crackers/chips
- Veggies like carrots and celery
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, sour cream, and Thousand Island dressing. Stir until well combined and smooth.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish (an 8×8-inch dish works well) and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is heated through and bubbly on the edges.
- Remove from the oven and serve hot with rye chips, sturdy crackers, or veggies like carrots and celery for dipping.
Notes
- If you want a little extra crunch, you can sprinkle some extra shredded Swiss cheese on top of the dip before baking.
- For a spicier version, add some diced pickled jalapeños or hot sauce to the mix.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Deli-style