Reuben Garbage Bread

Are you ready to indulge in a delicious twist on the classic Reuben sandwich? The Reuben Garbage Bread is not just a meal; it’s an experience. This savory dish combines the beloved flavors of corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut, all wrapped up in a warm, golden crust. Perfect for game day gatherings, casual dinners, or festive occasions like St. Patrick’s Day, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its unique presentation and mouthwatering taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
• Flavor Explosion – The combination of savory corned beef and tangy sauerkraut creates a delightful balance that will keep you coming back for more.
• Versatile Serving Options – Enjoy it as an appetizer, main dish, or even as a fun party snack; this bread fits any occasion!
• Crowd-Pleaser – It’s hard to resist the comforting flavors of a Reuben, making it a guaranteed hit with guests of all ages.
• Make Ahead Friendly – Prepare it in advance and simply bake when you’re ready to serve!

Tools and Preparation

To whip up this delicious Reuben Garbage Bread, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Rolling Pin
• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper
• Knife
• Cooking Brush

Why These Tools Matter

• Rolling Pin – Essential for rolling out the pizza dough evenly, ensuring the perfect base for your bread.
• Baking Sheet – Provides a sturdy surface for baking and easy handling when transferring your creation to the oven.
• Parchment Paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze after baking.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create your own Reuben Garbage Bread:

For the Dough

• 1 lb Pizza Dough (plus ingredients needed to create pizza dough)

For the Filling

• 1 lb Corned Beef (shaved)
• 1 cup Sauerkraut (drained)
• 8 slices Swiss Cheese
• 1/3 cup Thousand Island Dressing Topping

For Finishing Touches

• 1 tablespoon Butter
• 1 teaspoon Pure Cane Sugar

How to Make Reuben Garbage Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9×13 baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Roll Out the Dough

Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until it fits the dimensions of your baking sheet.

Step 3: Spread the Dressing

Spread the Thousand Island dressing evenly over the pizza dough, leaving about an inch on each side bare. This will help seal in all the delicious filling.

Step 4: Layer Your Ingredients

Layer the shaved corned beef evenly over the dressing. Next, add drained sauerkraut and top it off with slices of Swiss cheese.

Step 5: Roll It Up

Starting from one long side of the dough, carefully roll it up tightly into a log shape. Pinch the seams to seal well, ensuring that they are facing down on the baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake Your Bread

Place your rolled-up dough in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Once done, remove from oven and brush with melted butter; sprinkle sugar on top before returning it to bake for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 7: Cool Before Serving

Allow your Reuben Garbage Bread to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps maintain its structure when serving!

Enjoy every bite of this delightful bread that combines comfort food with fun!

How to Serve Reuben Garbage Bread

Reuben Garbage Bread is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s for a casual gathering or a festive occasion, serving this delightful twist on the classic sandwich can elevate any meal.

Pair with Pickles

• Dill Pickles: The tangy crunch of dill pickles complements the rich flavors of the Reuben Garbage Bread.
• Sweet Pickle Chips: For a contrast in flavor, sweet pickle chips add a delightful touch.

Serve with Soup

• Tomato Soup: A warm bowl of tomato soup pairs beautifully, creating a comforting meal experience.
• Potato Leek Soup: This creamy soup enhances the overall dish with its smooth texture and subtle flavors.

Add a Side Salad

• Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw provides a crunchy texture that balances the richness of the bread.
• Mixed Greens: Lightly dressed mixed greens offer a fresh contrast to each bite of Reuben Garbage Bread.

Accompany with Dips

• Mustard Dip: A zesty mustard dip can enhance the flavors and adds an extra layer of taste.
• Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch dressing serves as a perfect complement for those who enjoy dipping.

How to Perfect Reuben Garbage Bread

To achieve the best results with your Reuben Garbage Bread, consider these simple tips. These suggestions will help you create a delicious and visually appealing dish every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corned beef and sauerkraut greatly enhance flavor and texture.
• Don’t Skimp on Cheese: Ensure you use plenty of Swiss cheese for that gooey, melty goodness.
• Roll Tightly: Rolling the dough tightly helps maintain the filling and ensures even cooking throughout.
• Let It Cool Slightly: Allowing the bread to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing makes it easier to serve without losing filling.
• Experiment with Spices: Adding spices like garlic powder or onion powder to your dressing can elevate the flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Reuben Garbage Bread

Pairing side dishes with your Reuben Garbage Bread can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent choices to consider:

1. French Fries: Crispy French fries are always a crowd-pleaser and pair well with any savory dish.
2. Sweet Potato Wedges: Baked sweet potato wedges add sweetness and nutrition, balancing out the meal nicely.
3. Potato Chips: Classic potato chips provide an additional crunch and are easy to serve alongside.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring color and healthiness to your plate.
5. Caesar Salad: A hearty Caesar salad adds freshness and complements the savory flavors perfectly.
6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds sweetness and is refreshing against the rich flavors of the bread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Reuben Garbage Bread, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping Dough Preparation – Ensure your pizza dough is rolled out evenly. Uneven dough can lead to inconsistent baking and filling distribution.
• Overstuffing the Bread – While it may be tempting to add more corned beef or cheese, overstuffing can make it difficult to seal and may cause filling to spill out during baking.
• Neglecting Sauerkraut Drainage – Always drain your sauerkraut well. Excess liquid can make the bread soggy and impact the overall texture.
• Ignoring Bake Time – Keep an eye on your bread as it bakes. Overbaking can lead to a dry crust, while underbaking may leave the inside gooey.
• Using Cold Ingredients – Allow your ingredients, especially cheese, to come to room temperature. Cold cheese does not melt well and affects the overall flavor.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing it in containers.

Freezing Reuben Garbage Bread

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for optimal protection.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Reuben Garbage Bread

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread on a baking tray until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 30-60 seconds. This method may result in a softer crust.
• Stovetop – Heat slices in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes per side until warmed through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Reuben Garbage Bread?

Reuben Garbage Bread is a delicious twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, combining flavors of corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut rolled into pizza dough.

Can I customize my Reuben Garbage Bread?

Absolutely! You can switch out ingredients or add extras like pickles or different cheeses based on your taste preferences.

How do I ensure my Reuben Garbage Bread stays crispy?

Make sure to drain the sauerkraut properly and avoid excess liquid when preparing your filling.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the filling and assemble it earlier in the day or even freeze it for later baking.

Conclusion

Reuben Garbage Bread is not only a fun take on a classic sandwich but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with various fillings according to your tastes. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to delight friends and family alike!