The Reuben sandwich holds a special place in the hearts of many, a classic deli favorite known for its hearty combination of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and thousand island dressing. This recipe takes the beloved Reuben and transforms it into a shareable, melt-in-your-mouth dish perfect for gatherings, breakfast, or a delightful snack. Picture a large, golden-brown grilled cheese filled with all the traditional Reuben flavors, topped off with an unexpected layer of crescent rolls and a touch of chocolate to create an enticing dip for your Russian dressing. This twist on the classic sandwich is sure to impress and satisfy any crowd.
I remember the first time I made these Reuben squares for a family brunch. The kitchen was filled with the comforting aroma of baking bread and melting cheese, and the sight of everyone eagerly reaching for seconds was a testament to how irresistible this dish is. It’s not just the flavor that makes it special, but also the joy of sharing it with loved ones. The combination of savory and slightly sweet, the crispy and gooey textures – it’s a symphony of contrasts that come together harmoniously in every bite.
Ingredients
3/4 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
1/3 cup thousand island salad dressing
1 (8 ounces) tube refrigerated crescent rolls
3/4 pound thin-sliced cooked corned beef
8 slices Swiss cheese
1 beaten egg white
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 190 degrees C (375 degrees F). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to ensure easy removal of the Reuben squares later on.
2. Prepare the Sauerkraut Mixture
In a bowl, combine the sauerkraut and thousand island salad dressing. Mix until well combined. This mixture will add that distinctive tangy flavor and creamy texture that is essential to a good Reuben.
3. Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough
Unroll the crescent roll dough and cut it in half. Place one half of the dough on a floured work surface. Pinch the perforations closed to create a seamless sheet of dough. Roll out this dough sheet until it measures about 12 inches square.
4. Form the Bottom Crust
Place the rolled-out dough sheet into the greased baking pan, ensuring it covers the bottom completely. This layer will form the base crust of your Reuben squares.
5. Prebake the Bottom Crust
Prebake the dough crust in the preheated oven until it is lightly browned, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes. This step helps ensure the bottom crust is crispy and holds up well under the filling.
6. Layer the Filling
Once the crust is prebaked, remove the pan from the oven. Begin layering the ingredients:
Lay 4 slices of Swiss cheese evenly over the bottom crust.
Add the thinly sliced corned beef on top of the cheese slices.
Spread the sauerkraut and thousand island dressing mixture over the corned beef.
Finally, place the remaining 4 slices of Swiss cheese on top of the sauerkraut mixture.
7. Prepare the Top Crust
Take the second half of the crescent roll dough and pinch the perforations closed. Roll it out to about 9 inches square. This will be the top crust of your Reuben squares.
8. Seal and Brush with Egg
Place the rolled-out dough over the layered ingredients in the baking dish. Press down gently around the edges to seal the top crust to the bottom crust. Brush the top with the beaten egg white. This will give the crust a beautiful golden-brown color as it bakes.
9. Bake to Perfection
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Once baked, let the dish stand for about 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to cut into neat squares.
Variations and Substitutions
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the corned beef with a hearty mushroom or a meat substitute like tempeh or seitan.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free crescent rolls or a gluten-free pie crust instead of the regular crescent roll dough.
Different Cheeses: While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses such as Gruyère, provolone, or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Additional Fillings: Add layers of pickles or onions for extra crunch and flavor.
Conclusion
These melty Reuben squares are a testament to how classic flavors can be reimagined into something new and exciting. The combination of a crispy crescent roll crust, gooey melted cheese, savory corned beef, and tangy sauerkraut and dressing makes for a dish that is both nostalgic and novel. The added touch of a chocolate dip for the Russian dressing may seem unconventional, but it adds an intriguing sweetness that complements the savory elements perfectly.
Whether you’re serving these squares for breakfast, as a snack, or at a gathering, they are sure to be a hit. The recipe is straightforward and adaptable, allowing you to make variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Most importantly, making these Reuben squares is an enjoyable process, bringing the pleasure of creating and sharing delicious food with those you care about.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the joy of biting into a melty, cheesy, and utterly delightful Reuben square. Happy cooking!