Hot Reuben Dip: The Ultimate Party Appetizer
Reuben sandwiches are a classic for a reason: the savory combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and tangy Russian dressing is simply irresistible. But what if you could enjoy all those flavors in a warm, gooey, and shareable dip? Enter: Hot Reuben Dip. This recipe takes everything you love about the sandwich and transforms it into the perfect appetizer for parties, game day gatherings, or even a cozy night in.
This dip is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and ingredients. It’s also highly customizable – you can adjust the ratios of ingredients to suit your taste preferences and even add a few extra touches to make it your own. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious and addictive Hot Reuben Dip!
Why This Reuben Dip Recipe Works
* **Classic Flavors:** It faithfully recreates the iconic taste of a Reuben sandwich in dip form.
* **Easy to Make:** Requires only a few simple steps and readily available ingredients.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Always a hit at parties and gatherings.
* **Versatile:** Can be served with a variety of dippers, from rye bread to tortilla chips.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can prepare it in advance and bake it just before serving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Reuben Dip:
* **Corned Beef:** The star of the show! Use leftover corned beef, deli-sliced corned beef (chopped), or even canned corned beef (drained well). I recommend using a good quality deli-sliced corned beef for the best flavor and texture. Roughly 1 pound provides enough for a hearty dip. Look for corned beef that is lean and flavorful.
* **Sauerkraut:** Adds that signature tanginess. Be sure to drain it well and squeeze out any excess moisture to prevent a watery dip. The acidity of the sauerkraut is essential to balancing the richness of the other ingredients. Experiment with different types of sauerkraut; some are more sour than others.
* **Swiss Cheese:** Provides a melty, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor. Shredded Swiss cheese melts beautifully into the dip. You can also use Baby Swiss or Gruyere for a similar flavor profile. Pre-shredded cheese works fine, but freshly shredded cheese will melt more smoothly.
* **Cream Cheese:** Forms the creamy base of the dip. Use softened cream cheese for easy mixing. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best texture and flavor, but you can use reduced-fat cream cheese if desired.
* **Russian Dressing:** Adds sweetness, tang, and spice. You can use store-bought or homemade Russian dressing. If you can’t find Russian dressing, Thousand Island dressing can be substituted, although it will have a slightly sweeter flavor. The Russian dressing is what truly ties the entire dip together.
* **Green Onions (optional):** Provide a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
* **Caraway Seeds (optional):** Enhance the Reuben flavor. A small pinch goes a long way.
Equipment
* Large Bowl
* Mixing Spoon or Electric Mixer
* Baking Dish (oven-safe)
How to Make Reuben Dip: Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a detailed guide to making the perfect Hot Reuben Dip:
**Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**
* Finely chop the corned beef. This ensures that it’s evenly distributed throughout the dip and easy to scoop up. Aim for pieces about ¼ inch in size. If you are using canned corned beef, make sure to crumble it well.
* Drain the sauerkraut very well. Place it in a colander and press out as much liquid as possible. Excess moisture will make the dip watery. Squeeze it between paper towels if necessary.
* Shred the Swiss cheese if you bought it in a block.
* Soften the cream cheese by leaving it at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This will make it easier to mix and prevent lumps in the dip.
* Chop the green onions (if using).
**Step 2: Combine the Ingredients**
* In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Russian dressing, shredded Swiss cheese, chopped corned beef, and well-drained sauerkraut.
* Mix everything together until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps of cream cheese remaining. An electric mixer can be helpful for this step, but be careful not to overmix.
* If using, gently fold in the chopped green onions and caraway seeds.
**Step 3: Bake the Dip**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Transfer the Reuben dip mixture to a baking dish. An 8×8 inch baking dish works well, but you can use any oven-safe dish that is approximately the same size. You can also use a cast iron skillet for a rustic presentation.
* Spread the dip evenly in the baking dish.
* Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent the top from browning too much. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
**Step 4: Serve and Enjoy**
* Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
* Garnish with extra green onions (if desired).
* Serve hot with your favorite dippers.
Tips for the Best Reuben Dip
* **Don’t Skip Draining the Sauerkraut:** This is crucial for preventing a watery dip. Drain it thoroughly and squeeze out any excess moisture.
* **Use Quality Ingredients:** The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the dip will taste. Especially focus on the corned beef and Swiss cheese.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking can make the dip dry and rubbery. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the dip is heated through.
* **Adjust to Your Taste:** Feel free to adjust the ratios of ingredients to suit your preferences. If you like a tangier dip, add more sauerkraut. If you prefer a sweeter dip, add more Russian dressing.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can prepare the dip ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions
Reuben Dip is delicious with a variety of dippers. Here are some of our favorites:
* **Rye Bread:** A classic choice that complements the Reuben flavors perfectly. Serve with toasted rye bread slices or rye crackers.
* **Pumpernickel Bread:** Another great option with a slightly sweeter and more robust flavor than rye bread.
* **Tortilla Chips:** A crispy and versatile option that everyone loves. Choose a sturdy tortilla chip that can hold up to the dip.
* **Pretzel Crisps:** Add a salty and crunchy element to the dip.
* **Vegetables:** For a healthier option, serve with carrot sticks, celery sticks, or bell pepper strips.
* **Crackers:** Any type of cracker will work, but we recommend using sturdy crackers that can hold up to the dip. Ritz crackers, club crackers, or even simple water crackers are all good choices.
Variations and Add-Ins
Want to customize your Reuben Dip? Here are some ideas:
* **Spicy Reuben Dip:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dip for a kick.
* **Smoked Reuben Dip:** Use smoked corned beef for a smoky flavor.
* **Beer Cheese Reuben Dip:** Add a splash of your favorite beer to the dip for a cheesy and flavorful twist. A dark beer like a stout or porter works well.
* **Jalapeño Reuben Dip:** Add chopped jalapeños to the dip for a spicy and cheesy combination.
* **Everything Bagel Seasoning:** Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top of the dip before baking for added flavor and texture.
* **Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Emmental, or even a sharp cheddar, in addition to or instead of the Swiss cheese.
* **Add a Topping:** Before baking, top the dip with extra shredded Swiss cheese, a sprinkle of breadcrumbs, or even a swirl of Russian dressing.
Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover Reuben Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
* **Freezer:** While not ideal, you can freeze Reuben Dip for up to 2 months. However, the texture may change slightly after thawing. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
Hot Reuben Dip Recipe
This recipe serves approximately 8-10 people.
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20-25 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound Corned Beef, finely chopped
* 1 (14 ounce) can Sauerkraut, drained well and squeezed dry
* 8 ounces Swiss Cheese, shredded
* 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened
* 1 cup Russian Dressing
* 2 Green Onions, chopped (optional)
* 1/4 teaspoon Caraway Seeds (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, Russian dressing, shredded Swiss cheese, chopped corned beef, and well-drained sauerkraut.
3. Mix everything together until well combined. Gently fold in green onions and caraway seeds (if using).
4. Transfer the Reuben dip mixture to an 8×8 inch baking dish (or similar sized oven-safe dish).
5. Spread the dip evenly in the baking dish.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
8. Garnish with extra green onions (if desired).
9. Serve hot with rye bread, tortilla chips, pretzel crisps, or your favorite dippers.
Enjoy this warm and comforting Reuben Dip – it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.*
Per Serving (estimated for 1/10th of the dip):
* Calories: Approximately 350-400
* Fat: 25-30g
* Saturated Fat: 15-20g
* Cholesterol: 80-100mg
* Sodium: 800-1000mg
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g
* Fiber: 2-3g
* Sugar: 5-8g
* Protein: 15-20g
This Reuben Dip recipe is a delightful twist on the classic sandwich, perfect for sharing with friends and family. The creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors are simply irresistible. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a truly memorable appetizer!
More Appetizer Recipes to Try
If you enjoyed this Reuben Dip recipe, here are a few other appetizer recipes you might like:
* **Spinach Artichoke Dip:** A classic crowd-pleaser.
* **Buffalo Chicken Dip:** A spicy and cheesy dip perfect for game day.
* **French Onion Dip:** A rich and savory dip that’s easy to make.
* **Crab Rangoon Dip:** A creamy and flavorful dip inspired by the popular appetizer.
Happy dipping!