Slow Cooker Reuben Dip: A Deliciously Easy Party Appetizer

The Reuben sandwich is a classic for a reason. That tangy sauerkraut, savory corned beef, creamy Swiss cheese, and zesty Thousand Island dressing create a flavor combination that’s simply irresistible. Now, imagine all those incredible flavors transformed into a warm, cheesy, and utterly addictive dip! This Slow Cooker Reuben Dip is the perfect party appetizer, game-day snack, or anytime treat. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and yielding maximum flavor. Let’s dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Reuben Dip

• Effortless: Simply dump the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work.
• Flavorful: All the classic Reuben flavors you love in a warm, cheesy dip.
• Crowd-pleasing: Guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering.
• Versatile: Serve with rye bread, crackers, pretzels, or vegetables.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare it in advance and keep it warm in the slow cooker until ready to serve.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing Slow Cooker Reuben Dip:

• Corned Beef: 1 pound, cooked and shredded. You can use leftover corned beef, deli corned beef, or even purchase pre-shredded corned beef for convenience.
• Sauerkraut: 1 (14-ounce) can, drained and squeezed dry. Draining the sauerkraut is crucial to prevent the dip from becoming watery. Squeezing it dry removes even more excess moisture.
• Swiss Cheese: 8 ounces, shredded. Freshly shredded Swiss cheese melts best. You can use pre-shredded, but be sure to toss it with a little cornstarch to prevent clumping.
• Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened. Softened cream cheese ensures a smooth and creamy dip. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using.
• Thousand Island Dressing: 1 cup. Adds that classic Reuben tang and sweetness. You can use store-bought or homemade.
• Green Onions: 2-3, thinly sliced (for garnish). Adds a fresh, vibrant touch.
• Rye Bread or Crackers: For serving. Rye bread is the classic pairing, but crackers, pretzels, and vegetables also work well.

Equipment

• Slow Cooker: A 3-quart or larger slow cooker works perfectly.
• Cheese Grater: If you’re using a block of Swiss cheese.
• Can Opener: For the sauerkraut.
• Mixing Spoon: To combine the ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your Slow Cooker Reuben Dip:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Shred the cooked corned beef. Drain the sauerkraut well, squeezing out any excess moisture. Shred the Swiss cheese (if using a block). Soften the cream cheese. Slice the green onions.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: In the slow cooker, combine the shredded corned beef, drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, softened cream cheese, and Thousand Island dressing.
3. Stir Well: Stir all the ingredients together until well combined. Ensure the cream cheese is evenly distributed.
4. Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the cheese is melted and the dip is heated through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Cook on High (Optional): If you’re short on time, you can cook the dip on high for 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. However, cooking on low yields the best results in terms of flavor and texture.
6. Stir and Serve: Before serving, give the dip a good stir to ensure everything is fully melted and combined. Garnish with sliced green onions. Serve warm with rye bread, crackers, pretzels, or vegetables.

Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Reuben Dip

• Drain the Sauerkraut Thoroughly: This is the most important tip! Excess moisture will make the dip watery. Squeeze the sauerkraut dry with your hands or use a clean kitchen towel.
• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the dip will taste. Opt for good-quality corned beef, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing.
• Don’t Overcook: Overcooking can make the cheese greasy and the dip less appealing. Cook just until the cheese is melted and the dip is heated through.
• Stir Occasionally: Stirring prevents the dip from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker and ensures even melting.
• Keep it Warm: Once the dip is cooked, you can keep it warm in the slow cooker on the “warm” setting for several hours.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the dip before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a pinch of salt or pepper.
• Make it Spicy: For a spicy kick, add a dash of hot sauce or some pickled jalapenos to the dip.
• Add a Topping: Consider adding a sprinkle of caraway seeds or a drizzle of extra Thousand Island dressing on top for added flavor and visual appeal.

Variations and Substitutions

Here are some variations and substitutions you can try to customize your Slow Cooker Reuben Dip:

• Turkey Reuben Dip: Substitute cooked and shredded turkey for the corned beef for a lighter twist.
• Pastrami Reuben Dip: Use pastrami instead of corned beef for a different flavor profile.
• Low-Fat Reuben Dip: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and Swiss cheese to lower the fat content.
• Gluten-Free Reuben Dip: Serve with gluten-free crackers or vegetables.
• Spicy Reuben Dip: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Add Garlic: Mix in a teaspoon of garlic powder or a clove of minced garlic for extra flavor.
• Use Different Cheese: Try using Gruyere or Emmental cheese instead of Swiss for a slightly different flavor.
• Homemade Thousand Island Dressing: For an extra special touch, make your own Thousand Island dressing. There are plenty of easy recipes online.

Serving Suggestions

This Slow Cooker Reuben Dip is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• With Rye Bread: The classic pairing! Serve with toasted or grilled rye bread slices for dipping.
• With Crackers: Offer a variety of crackers, such as rye crackers, water crackers, or buttery crackers.
• With Pretzels: Soft pretzel bites or pretzel chips are a great salty complement to the dip.
• With Vegetables: Serve with carrot sticks, celery sticks, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips for a healthier option.
• As a Sandwich Spread: Spread the dip on rye bread to make a Reuben-inspired sandwich.
• On Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with the Reuben dip for a hearty and flavorful meal.
• As a Filling for Phyllo Cups: Fill mini phyllo cups with the Reuben dip for an elegant appetizer.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This Slow Cooker Reuben Dip can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for parties and gatherings:

• Prepare in Advance: You can prepare the dip up to 24 hours in advance. Simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker, cover, and refrigerate.
• Cook Later: When ready to serve, cook the dip in the slow cooker according to the instructions. You may need to add a little extra cooking time if the dip is very cold.
• Reheat: If you’ve already cooked the dip, you can reheat it in the slow cooker on low or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover Slow Cooker Reuben Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Recipe

Slow Cooker Reuben Dip

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 2-3 hours

Servings: 8-10

Ingredients:

• 1 pound cooked and shredded corned beef
• 1 (14-ounce) can sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
• 8 ounces shredded Swiss cheese
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup Thousand Island dressing
• 2-3 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
• Rye bread, crackers, or pretzels for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Shred the cooked corned beef. Drain the sauerkraut well, squeezing out any excess moisture. Shred the Swiss cheese (if using a block). Soften the cream cheese. Slice the green onions.
2. Combine ingredients in the slow cooker: In the slow cooker, combine the shredded corned beef, drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, softened cream cheese, and Thousand Island dressing.
3. Stir well: Stir all the ingredients together until well combined. Ensure the cream cheese is evenly distributed.
4. Cook on low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the cheese is melted and the dip is heated through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Stir and serve: Before serving, give the dip a good stir to ensure everything is fully melted and combined. Garnish with sliced green onions. Serve warm with rye bread, crackers, pretzels, or vegetables.

Notes:

• For a spicier dip, add a dash of hot sauce or some pickled jalapenos.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Reuben Dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s incredibly easy to make. With its classic Reuben flavors and warm, cheesy goodness, it’s the perfect appetizer for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy this delicious and addictive dip! Your guests will thank you.