Easy Turkey Reuben Crescent Bake Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For an extra touch of flavor, brush the top of the crescent dough with a little melted butter and a sprinkle of dried parsley before baking. This enhances the golden color and adds a subtle savory note to the crust. If you find the crust is browning too quickly before the center is cooked, you can loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil for the last few minutes of baking.

If you want to add more texture, consider sprinkling a small amount of caraway seeds over the sauerkraut layer before adding the dressing. This provides an authentic flavor boost that is often associated with traditional Reuben sandwiches.

Always serve the dish while it is warm to ensure the cheese remains soft and the crust stays crisp, as the texture of the pastry can change once it cools down to room temperature.

Variations

• Spicy Reuben Bake: Add a tablespoon of finely chopped pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the Thousand Island dressing before drizzling it over the sauerkraut to give the dish a pleasant, spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Reuben: Replace the deli turkey with extra sauerkraut and thinly sliced sautéed mushrooms or cooked tempeh strips to create a hearty vegetarian version that maintains the classic Reuben flavor profile.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat

Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the crust is crisp again, approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely at room temperature for no more than 2 hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Store the container in the refrigerator to keep the ingredients fresh.

The dish can be kept for up to 3 days in the fridge. When you are ready to eat again, ensure you reheat it thoroughly until it is steaming hot throughout to maintain quality and food safety.

You can prepare the base of the dish by layering the turkey, sauerkraut, and dressing in the baking dish and storing it covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours before baking.

However, it is best to add the cheese and the crescent dough just before you are ready to put the dish in the oven. This prevents the dough from becoming soft or absorbing too much moisture from the other ingredients while waiting to bake.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish warm, ideally cut into neat squares using a sharp knife to preserve the layers. A side of pickles or a light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the Reuben bake perfectly, providing a refreshing contrast.

Because the dish is quite hearty, one square is usually sufficient for a serving, though you can adjust the portion size based on your needs.

Consider setting out a small bowl of extra Thousand Island dressing on the side for those who prefer an extra tangy kick. Because the casserole includes both the protein and the bread element, it is a complete meal on its own, but serving it alongside some roasted vegetables or a cup of soup can turn it into a more substantial dinner for special occasions or hungry guests.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Turkey Reuben Crescent Bake

Prep 10 minCook 20 minRest 5 minTotal 35 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb deli turkey, chopped
• 1 cup sauerkraut, shredded and drained
• 1/2 cup thousand island dressing
• 8 slices swiss cheese
• 1 package refrigerated crescent dough

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread the chopped deli turkey evenly across the bottom. Top the turkey with an even layer of the drained sauerkraut, ensuring it covers the turkey completely.
2. Drizzle the Thousand Island dressing over the sauerkraut layer. Place the Swiss cheese slices in a single layer on top of the dressing. Finally, unroll the crescent dough and lay it over the cheese, sealing the edges of the dish as needed.
3. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the crescent dough is puffed and golden brown. Ensure the internal temperature of the turkey layer reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Contains: gluten, eggs, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

22.5 g

Carbohydrates

28 g

Fat

24 g

Fiber

1.5 g

Sugar

6 g

Sodium

950 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.