If you want to enjoy all the flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich, but in a format that’s perfect for a crowd, then you’ll love this Reuben dip recipe! I love to serve mine with rye bread chips and pretzels for dipping, and it’s always a hit for parties, tailgating, St Patrick’s Day, and more!
What is Reuben Dip?
Reuben dip is a warm, creamy, and savory dip inspired by the classic Reuben sandwich. It includes corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese on a creamy base made from cream cheese, sour cream, mascarpone and/or mayonnaise.
I also like to incorporate Thousand Island or Russian dressing to replicate the signature Reuben flavor – a drizzle over the top adds a fun finishing touch!
This dip can be baked in a regular oven, but I prefer my air fryer since it’s quick and easy (and a great option if you don’t have an oven). Serve your dip hot with rye bread, crackers, or pretzels for dipping.
Reuben dip is a popular appetizer for parties, game days, and St Patricks, offering all the flavors of a Reuben sandwich in a rich and shareable form!
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Ingredients Needed
- ½ pound corned beef, shredded or diced
- 2 cups shredded swiss cheese, divided (about 8 ounces)
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained well
- 8 ounces cream cheese or mascarpone, softened
- Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
- ¼ cup Thousand Island dressing (or Russian)
- Dippers as desired (I use pretzels and rye bread chips)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can use deli counter sliced corned beef, or if you’ve made a whole roast, just dice some up and that works great too (perfect for St Paddy’s leftovers)! You could also substitute pastrami, beef brisket, or even turkey to make a “Rachel” version!
- Instead of cream cheese, you can also use about ⅓ cup of sour cream or mayonnaise (or use a combination of any of them). Note that mascarpone is more oily when heated, so if you want a thick, creamy dip, opt for cream cheese instead (but if you don’t like cream cheese like my family, it’s a good alternative)!
- Other good additions would be Worcestershire sauce, dill relish, fresh dill, grainy mustard, caraway seeds, or some fresh green onions or parsley on top of the dip!
How to Toast Bread For This Recipe
I like making rye chips from bread to serve with this dip, to emulate the classic sandwich feel. Cut your sliced bread into triangles or cube shapes. You can butter them or lightly spray with oil for a deeper brown, but it’s not necessary.
Then, we just need to toast the bread, so here are my favorite methods:
- Air Fryer. Set the air fryer to 400°F and air fry for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway, until desired level of crispiness is reached
- Oven. Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake in an oven preheated to 400°F for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway, until browned and crisped to your liking
You could also bake this dip in a rye bread bowl, making the serving dish the dipper!
How to Make Reuben Dip
- In a large bowl, combine the corned beef, cream cheese or mascarpone, half the Swiss cheese (1 cup), and the sauerkraut, along with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until well combined
- Spread the mixture into a baking dish that fits into your air fryer’s basket or rack. I use two smaller dishes because I have a Dual Zone air fryer with two baskets. For a single basket unit, just use one square or round dish like a cake pan or casserole dish
- Place the filled dish into your air fryer and cook on the air fry setting at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly. If the top starts to brown too much, stir the dip so it mixes in
- Add the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top of the hot dip, and air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until melted and lightly browned
- Drizzle Thousand Island dressing over the top, then serve dip hot with your favorite dippers!
Alternate Oven Baking Directions
- Spread dip into an oven-safe casserole dish or cake pan (or place a filled rye bread boat onto a baking sheet)
- Bake in an oven preheated to 400°F for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly
- Add the remaining 1 cup reserved shredded cheese and bake an additional 5 minutes, or until browned
Pairing Suggestions
Dippers
- Rye Bread or Pumpernickel – The classic choice, offering the signature Reuben sandwich flavor!
- Pretzels – Sturdy and salty, they add a nice crunch to balance the creamy dip
- Bagel Chips – A crisp, slightly chewy option that holds up well to thick dips
- Crackers – Buttery or seeded crackers complement the dip’s rich, tangy taste
- Tortilla Chips – A more neutral option that lets the dip shine
- Vegetables (Carrot Sticks, Celery, Bell Peppers) – For a lighter, fresh contrast!
Other Dishes
- Mini Reuben Sandwiches – Serve alongside for a complete Reuben experience! Try my Reuben Sliders recipe for easy preparation!
- German Potato Salad – A tangy, warm side that pairs well with the dip’s richness. My Air Fryer German Potato Salad is a great choice!
- Soft Pretzels – A great alternative to pretzel sticks with a chewy texture. Try Frozen Soft Pretzels in the Air Fryer for a quick option!
- Bratwurst or Sausages – Their smoky, savory flavors complement the dip. Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Brats fit the bill perfectly!
- Pickles or Pickled Vegetables – Their acidity cuts through the richness of the dip
Drink Pairings
- Dark Beer (Stout or Porter) – The malty flavors balance the tangy sauerkraut and creamy cheese
- German Lager or Pilsner – Crisp and refreshing, it complements the dip’s salty, savory notes
- Irish Whiskey – A smooth pairing, especially if serving the dip at a St. Patrick’s Day gathering! Try a bold Tipperary Cocktail for a classic option
- Classic Manhattan – The rye whiskey and vermouth enhance the dip’s bold flavors
- Dry White Wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling) – The acidity helps cut through the richness
Recipe FAQs
Do You Need to Rinse the Sauerkraut?
Rinsing sauerkraut is optional and depends on your preference. If you want to reduce its tanginess and saltiness, a quick rinse under cold water can help.
However, if you enjoy the bold, briny flavor, simply drain it well before adding it to the dip.
Is Sauerkraut Supposed to be Heated?
Sauerkraut can be eaten hot or cold, depending on the recipe. For Reuben dip, heating it enhances the flavors and helps it blend smoothly with the other ingredients.
If using raw sauerkraut, heating also mellows its tanginess slightly.
Recipe Pro Tips For the Best Reuben Dip
- Especially if you use mascarpone, letting the dip rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking can help it thicken slightly. If serving in a baking dish, this also helps it cool a bit for safety!
- This recipe is also slow cooker (crock pot) friendly. Heat on low for about 2 hours before serving, then keep on warm to keep the dip heated for your party!
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also wrap well and store in the freezer for up to 3 months, but I usually find the texture is less creamy afterwards
- To reheat Reuben dip, microwave on high for about 1 minute, heat at 350°F in a dish in the air fryer for 5-6 minutes, or bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes. In all cases, time can vary by specific portion sizes, so adjust as needed. Defrost overnight in the fridge if your dip is frozen before reheating
- Reuben Crescent Rolls
Final Thoughts
This hot Reuben dip is just like the classic sandwich, but in an easy to eat cheesy dip! It’s the perfect appetizer for parties, tailgates, March Madness, game day, St Patrick’s Day, and more!
I love it as a way to use up leftover corned beef from St Paddy’s, but it’s so good you can honestly enjoy it any time of year (just grab some sliced corned beef at the deli)!
Serve it with pretzels, rye crackers, pita chips, veggie slices, toasted slices of rye bread, or your favorite dippers for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Reuben Dip (Air Fryer or Oven)
Equipment
- Air Fryer (or oven)
- Spatula (or spoon; for mixing)
- Casserole dish (or similar oven safe dish that fits in your air fryer)
Ingredients
- ½ pound corned beef (shredded or diced)
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (divided)
- 1 cup sauerkraut (drained well)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
- ¼ cup Thousand Island dressing (or Russian)
- Pretzels and rye bread chips for dipping
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine everything except half the cheese and the dressing. Mix until well combined½ pound corned beef, 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese, 1 cup sauerkraut, 8 ounces cream cheese, Salt and pepper to taste
- Spread the mixture into a baking dish that fits into your air fryer’s basket or rack. I use two smaller dishes because I have a Dual Zone air fryer with two baskets. For a single basket unit, just use one square or round dish like a cake pan or casserole dish
- Place the filled dish into your air fryer and cook on the air fry setting at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly. If the top starts to brown too much, stir the dip so it mixes in
- Add the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top of the hot dip, and air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until melted and lightly browned2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- Drizzle dressing over the top, then serve dip hot with your favorite dippers!Pretzels and rye bread chips for dipping, ¼ cup Thousand Island dressing
Alternate Oven Directions
- Spread dip into an oven-safe casserole dish or cake pan (or place a filled rye bread boat onto a baking sheet)
- Bake in an oven preheated to 400°F for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly
- Add the remaining 1 cup reserved shredded cheese and bake an additional 5 minutes, or until melted and browned
Notes
- Use deli counter sliced corned beef, or dice up a larger roast! You can substitute pastrami, beef brisket, or even turkey to make a “Rachel” version!
- Instead of cream cheese, you can also use mascarpone, or about ⅓ cup of sour cream or mayonnaise (or use a combination of any of them). Note that mascarpone is more oily when heated, so if you want a thick, creamy dip, use the cream cheese
- Other good dip additions would be Worcestershire sauce, dill relish, fresh dill, grainy mustard, caraway seeds, or some fresh green onions or parsley on top of the dip!
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any toppings added, dippers used, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
