Reuben Dip with Easy Baked or Crock-Pot Methods

This easy hot Reuben dip turns the classic deli sandwich into a warm, creamy, scoopable appetizer. With melted Swiss cheese, savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, cream cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, it delivers bold Reuben flavor in every bite.

This hot Reuben dip for St. Patrick’s Day is simple to prepare and budget-friendly. You can also serve it during game day or on any party spread.

Why You’ll Love This Reuben Dip

• True Reuben flavor: Thousand Island, sauerkraut, and Swiss make it taste just like the classic Reuben sandwich. This is a great way to use leftover corned beef from St. Patrick’s Day.
• Crowd-pleaser: This is the perfect St. Patrick’s Day appetizer dip, and also works for game day, holidays, and potlucks
• Easy and forgiving: No fancy steps needed; just mix everything and heat.
• Baked or crockpot version: One recipe that can be made two ways, depending on your vibe and preferred serving method.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can assemble ahead of time and heat just before serving.
• Budget-friendly: Uses deli pastrami meat, or leftover corned beef from St. Patty’s Day, with common pantry staples. 

Ingredients for Reuben Dip Appetizer

Reuben sandwiches are typically made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing on rye bread. Here’s what you need to transform this corned beef leftover recipe into a cheese dip:

The Reuben Essentials

• Corned beef: Gives the dip its classic flavor. Chop it finely so it distributes evenly throughout the dip. It’s easy to make at home by using my Instant Pot corned beef recipe.
• Sauerkraut: Adds acidity and prevents the dip from tasting too heavy. Drain and pat dry very well to avoid excess moisture.
• Swiss cheese: Melts smoothly and gives that signature nutty Reuben flavor. Freshly shredded melts best.
• Thousand Island dressing: Adds sweetness and tang. Use it lightly so it enhances rather than overwhelms. Russian dressing can also be used in this dip.

The Creamy Base

• Cream cheese: Creates the thick, stable structure that makes this baked Reuben dip scoopable.
• Mayonnaise: Adds extra creaminess and helps smooth the texture.

Tip: Using both cream cheese and a small amount of mayo keeps the dip rich, but still balanced and creamy.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Meat swap: Use leftover homemade corned beef, deli corned beef, pastrami, or even chopped roast beef.
• Dressing swap: Thousand Island or Russian both work. Use what you have.
• Extra tang: Stir in a teaspoon of pickle juice or mustard to brighten the flavors more. You can also add in some of my Lacto Fermented Carrots.
• Spicier: Add horseradish, but start with a small amount. Or mix in some pickled radishes.
• Cheese blend: Use Swiss and a little mozzarella to make the flavors slightly milder.

Dietary Substitutions

• Low-carb and keto Reuben dip: This recipe is keto-friendly as written. Just serve with cucumber rounds, celery, bell pepper strips, or keto bread. 
• Gluten-free: This dip is gluten-free; just be sure to use gluten-free dippers.
  
• Dairy-free: Not recommended, as cream cheese and Swiss are core components. Alternative dairy products will not have the correct texture for melting.
• Vegetarian: You could leave out the pastrami or corned beef, but it won’t have the same classic Reuben sandwich flavor.

Tips for the Best Reuben Dip

• Drain sauerkraut thoroughly: Excess moisture will create a watery dip.
• Use softened (room temperature) cream cheese: This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth texture.
• Shred the cheese: Even if you use sliced Swiss cheese, shredding it is recommended so it melts more evenly. 
• Don’t go light: Light cream cheese, mayonnaise, or Swiss cheese are not recommended. Use regular (full-fat) for the best texture and flavor.
• Add dressing to taste: Too much can overpower the flavor.
• Don’t add too much salt: Pastrami and corned beef already contain a lot of sodium. Additional salt is likely not needed in the dip.
• Avoid overheating in the slow cooker: High heat and extra steam can cause separation with your slow cooker Reuben dip.
• Broil briefly at the end: A 1 to 2 minute broil creates a golden, bubbly top.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Reuben dip made of?

Reuben dip is made with corned beef (or pastrami), sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, and Thousand Island dressing. It combines the classic sandwich ingredients into a warm and creamy appetizer dip.

What type of meat is in Reuben dip?

Reuben dip is made with corned beef or pastrami. Corned beef is more common and traditional. You can cook your own, look for pre-cooked corned beef in the deli section, or even use canned corned beef for a Reuben dip.

Should you use cream cheese in Reuben cheese dip?

Cream cheese is the best base for a Reuben dip because it creates a thick, creamy texture that holds together well when baked or slow-cooked. Using mostly cream cheese with a small amount of mayo and Thousand Island keeps the flavor balanced while making the dip slightly more creamy.

Should I use pastrami or corned beef in Reuben dip?

Corned beef is the traditional choice for a classic Reuben dip and gives the most authentic sandwich flavor. It’s also a great way to use leftover corned beef from St. Patrick’s Day.

Pastrami is more common in the deli section, and would work as well. It adds a slightly smokier, peppery taste. 

If you want a true deli-style Reuben dip, use corned beef. If you prefer a bolder, more seasoned flavor, go with a Reuben dip with pastrami.

Thousand Island or Russian Dressing for Reuben Dip?

For this dip, they are interchangeable, so use whatever you prefer. Russian dressing is more traditional in Reuben sandwiches, while Thousand Island provides a comparable flavor and is more common in most grocery stores.

Here are some more details on the flavors to help you decide:

• Thousand Island dressing is creamier and slightly sweeter. It’s usually made with mayonnaise, ketchup, and sweet pickle relish.
• Russian dressing is tangier and a little spicier. It’s typically sweet and mayo-based as well, but can also include horseradish, bell pepper, and spices like turmeric.

Can I make Reuben dip in a crockpot?

Yes, for making Reuben dip in a crock pot, it’s best to cook over LOW temperature for about 1 hour, while stirring occasionally. Avoid high heat to keep the texture smooth and prevent burning.

How long to cook crockpot Reuben dip?

Heat the Reuben dip mixture in a crock-pot or slow cooker over LOW heat for 1 to 2 hours, to completely heat and melt the ingredients together.

How do you keep Reuben dip from getting watery?

Drain and pat dry the sauerkraut thoroughly before mixing. If the dip is still thin, bake uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce moisture.

Can I make Reuben dip ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the dip up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake or slow cook just before serving.

Can you freeze Reuben dip?

Freezing is not recommended. Dairy-based dips can separate and become grainy and too liquidy after thawing.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Let the dip cool to room temperature, then store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended for dairy-based dips, as it will ruin the texture when defrosted.
• Serving leftovers: To reheat, warm in a 300°F oven or crock-pot on LOW until heated through. Or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round, until warm.

Pro tip: If needed, stir in a small splash of dressing or milk to loosen the texture while reheating.

What to Serve with Reuben Dip

Here are some suggestions for serving this dip:

• Rye bread cubes (toasted for better texture)
• Pumpernickel toast points
• Pretzel bites
• Crackers
• Veggies, such as celery sticks, bell pepper wedges, or cucumber slices
• For a garnish, add a bit of relish or diced pickles
• This Reuben dip would also pair with my Instant Pot corned beef and cabbage for a complete St. Patrick’s Day meal

More Dip Recipes You Might Like

• Eggplant Dip
• Easy Homemade Hummus
• Black Bean Hummus
• Chorizo Queso Dip
• Rice and Crab Dip
• Sausage Pesto Pizza Dip
• Philly Cheesesteak Dip
• Warm Blue Cheese Dip
• Peanut Butter Dip

More Appetizers for Your Next Gathering

• Air Fryer Chicken Wings
• Smoked Chicken Wings
• Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
• Mexican Street Corn Salad
• Craisins White Cheddar Cheese Ball
• Zucchini and Turkey Meatball Skewers
• Coconut Shrimp Spring Rolls
• Caribbean Mango Sauced Meatballs