Reuben Dip in a Rye Bread Bowl

Okay, so this dip? It tastes just like a warm, melty Reuben sandwich. But it’s even better—because it’s in a bread bowl.

I stuffed creamy, cheesy Reuben dip right into a round rye loaf. It’s gooey, tangy, and totally scoopable. And that crispy bread edge? Yeah, it’s my favorite part.

We make it for game day, holidays, or just whenever we want a fun snack. It’s super easy and always the first thing gone. People actually fight over the last bite.

Wanna try it for your next get-together? I’ll show you how to make this Reuben dip in a rye bread bowl. Let’s dig in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Comfort Food: If you’re a fan of the classic Reuben sandwich, this dip will give you all the flavors you love in a creamy, dip-able form.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, everyone will love scooping up the dip with pieces of fresh, crusty rye bread or crackers.
• Cheesy and Creamy: The blend of Swiss cheese, cream cheese, and Thousand Island dressing creates a rich and creamy texture that’s utterly irresistible.
• Quick and Easy to Prepare: With just a handful of ingredients, this dip comes together in under 30 minutes. Plus, the rye bread bowl adds a fun and impressive touch without any extra effort.
• Perfect for Meal Prepping: If you’re preparing for a big party, you can assemble this dip in advance and bake it right before serving.
• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of tangy sauerkraut, savory corned beef, and creamy cheese creates the perfect flavor balance that everyone will enjoy.

Required Kitchen Tools

Here’s a list of kitchen tools you’ll need to make this recipe. These tools will ensure everything goes smoothly and your Reuben dip turns out perfectly:

• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two mixing bowls. One to combine the dip ingredients and one for any mixing of seasonings or bread.
• Large Spoon or Spatula: A large spoon or spatula will help you mix everything together in the bowl.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For measuring out your ingredients accurately, you’ll need measuring cups and spoons.
• Bread Knife: A serrated bread knife is crucial to cut the top off the rye bread and hollow it out without squishing the bread.
• Baking Dish or Cast Iron Skillet: For baking the dip in the oven, a baking dish or cast iron skillet works well. Make sure it’s large enough to hold the dip.
• Oven: Preheat the oven to bake the dip to perfection.

Ingredients

This recipe brings together some classic Reuben sandwich ingredients, but with a creamy dip twist. Here’s everything you’ll need to create this savory masterpiece:

• 1 loaf of Rye Bread (round loaf for the bread bowl): Rye bread serves as the perfect base for this dip. You’ll use the bread both for the dip and for serving. The round shape of the bread is key to creating a sturdy, edible bowl.
• 1 cup of Thousand Island dressing: This creamy dressing is a hallmark of the Reuben sandwich and adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the dip.
• 2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese: Swiss cheese is the traditional choice for a Reuben, and it melts beautifully in this dip, giving it a rich, cheesy texture.
• 1 cup of chopped corned beef: You can use leftover corned beef (from a St. Patrick’s Day meal, perhaps) or purchase pre-sliced deli corned beef. Either way, you want it chopped into bite-sized pieces for easy dipping.
• 1 cup of sauerkraut (well-drained): The tangy, fermented flavor of sauerkraut is a key component in the Reuben flavor profile. Be sure to drain it well to avoid adding too much moisture to the dip.
• 8 oz of cream cheese (softened): The cream cheese makes the dip creamy and rich, and it binds the ingredients together, making each bite smooth and satisfying.
• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard: This adds a slight tang and a bit of spice to the dip, rounding out the flavor perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder: Garlic powder adds a savory depth to the dip without overpowering the other flavors.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is key to bringing out the best in this dip, so be sure to taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.

Variations for Reuben Dip in a Rye Bread Bowl

While the traditional Reuben flavor is delicious on its own, you can easily customize this dip to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas to make the dip uniquely yours:

• Add More Heat: If you enjoy a bit of spice, try adding a dash of hot sauce or finely chopped jalapeños to the dip for a little kick.
• Add Caramelized Onions: For a bit of sweetness and richness, you can caramelize some onions and mix them into the dip.
• Use Pastrami: If you prefer pastrami over corned beef, swap it out for an equally tasty option.
• Use Different Cheese: If you’re not a fan of Swiss cheese, you could use provolone or even mozzarella for a milder flavor.
• Make It Veggie-Friendly: Skip the meat entirely and load the dip up with extra sauerkraut and Swiss cheese for a vegetarian twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread Bowl

The first thing you’ll want to do is prepare your rye bread bowl. Start by cutting the top off the round loaf of rye bread. Once the top is removed, use your hands to hollow out the center, leaving about an inch of bread around the edges. Make sure not to cut too deep to avoid a soggy bowl. You can tear up the removed bread into pieces, which will be used later for dipping!

2. Mix the Dip Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the Thousand Island dressing, shredded Swiss cheese, chopped corned beef, well-drained sauerkraut, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir the ingredients together until well combined. The mixture should be thick and creamy with a well-balanced flavor from the dressing, cheese, and corned beef.

3. Transfer the Dip to a Baking Dish

Once everything is mixed, transfer the dip into a baking dish or cast iron skillet. Spread it out evenly in the dish to ensure it bakes evenly. If you have any extra filling, you can spoon it into the hollowed-out rye bread bowl.

Baking the Reuben Dip

4. Bake the Dip

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the oven is heated, place your baking dish (or cast iron skillet) into the oven and bake the dip for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top. The cheese should be melted, and the dip should be slightly browned around the edges. Keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid overbaking.

If you’re using the rye bread bowl as the vessel to bake the dip, be sure to check it around 15-20 minutes to ensure the bread doesn’t burn while the dip bakes inside. If the dip starts to brown too much before the inside is fully heated, you can cover the top loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking until the dip is bubbling.

5. Toast the Bread Pieces for Dipping

While the dip is baking, use the leftover pieces of rye bread (from hollowing out the bread bowl) and cut them into bite-sized cubes. Lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer. If you like, drizzle the bread cubes lightly with olive oil or butter and season with a pinch of salt. Toast the cubes in the oven for 5-7 minutes until they’re golden and crispy. This will create perfect little bite-sized pieces for dipping once your dip is ready.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Reuben Dip

Once your dip is hot and bubbly, it’s time to serve! Here’s how to make sure everyone enjoys it to the fullest:

1. Serve in the Rye Bread Bowl: If you’ve chosen to bake the dip inside the hollowed-out rye bread bowl, carefully transfer it to your serving area. The bread bowl will hold the dip, but keep in mind that the bread may become a little soggy from the creamy dip. You can serve the dip directly in the bread bowl or place the bread bowl on a large platter.
2. Serve with Toasted Rye Bread Cubes: The toasted cubes of rye bread are perfect for dipping. Set them around the dip, making sure they’re within easy reach. You can also serve with crackers or fresh vegetable sticks (like carrot sticks or cucumber slices) if you want to offer alternative dipping options.
3. Garnish for Extra Flair: For an extra touch, sprinkle some extra shredded Swiss cheese on top of the dip just before serving. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could garnish the dip with a few extra chopped corned beef pieces or a light drizzle of Thousand Island dressing to make it even more eye-catching.

Reuben Dip Pairings

If you’re looking to serve your Reuben dip alongside other snacks or dishes, here are some perfect pairing ideas:

• Pickles: Just like the classic Reuben sandwich, serving your dip with dill pickle spears or slices adds a refreshing crunch and balance to the richness of the dip.
• Potato Chips: Serve some crispy, salty potato chips on the side for an extra crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy dip.
• Veggie Sticks: Fresh vegetables like celery, carrots, or cucumbers are a healthy and crunchy contrast to the richness of the dip. These are also great for making the dish a bit lighter.
• Salads: A simple side salad with greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes can complement the hearty, indulgent nature of the dip without overwhelming it.

Storing Reuben Dip Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (though I doubt you will with how delicious this dip is), storing the Reuben dip properly will ensure you can enjoy it again later. Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigeration: Once the dip has cooled, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer the leftover dip to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the dip is well-covered to prevent it from absorbing any other odors in the fridge.
• Freezing: If you want to store the dip for a longer period, you can freeze it. Place the leftover dip in an airtight container or freezer-safe dish, and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly again.
• Reheating: Reheat the dip in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until it’s warmed through and bubbly again. You can also microwave individual servings if you prefer a quicker method, but the oven method will keep it from becoming too soggy.

Reuben Dip FAQs

Can I make this dip in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the dip up to a day ahead of time. Simply assemble the dip in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just preheat the oven and bake as directed. It might need a few extra minutes in the oven, as it will be cold from the fridge.

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! While rye bread is traditional for a Reuben sandwich, you could easily swap it out for another type of bread like sourdough or pumpernickel. You could also use bread cubes or crackers for dipping if you don’t want the bread bowl.

Can I make the dip vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this dip by omitting the corned beef and using extra sauerkraut or sautéed mushrooms for a similar texture. The cheese, Thousand Island dressing, and sauerkraut will still give it that classic Reuben flavor.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values for one serving of Reuben Dip in a Rye Bread Bowl (based on 8 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	320
Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	9g
Cholesterol	45mg
Carbohydrates	16g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	4g
Protein	14g
Sodium	730mg

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use and portion sizes.

Conclusion

Reuben Dip in a Rye Bread Bowl is a delightful twist on the traditional Reuben sandwich. With its creamy, cheesy base and classic ingredients like corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese, this dip is the perfect appetizer for parties, game days, or casual gatherings. The addition of a rye bread bowl adds a fun, edible element that will impress your guests and keep the flavors soaking in as they dip and enjoy.

Whether you’re making this dip for a special occasion or just for a family snack, it’s sure to be a hit. Plus, it’s simple to make, can be prepped ahead of time, and even tastes amazing as leftovers (if there are any!). So go ahead, try out this indulgent, mouthwatering dip and treat yourself and your guests to the irresistible flavors of a Reuben sandwich, all in dip form!