Reuben lovers, rejoice! If you adore the classic Reuben sandwich, with its savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and creamy dressing, then you’re in for a treat. This Reuben Dip Crock Pot recipe captures all those flavors in a warm, gooey, and utterly delicious dip that’s perfect for parties, game days, or any gathering.
But what makes this dip truly irresistible? It’s all about the slow-cooking magic! A crock pot ensures that all the ingredients blend together perfectly, creating a creamy and flavorful dip without constant stirring.
Chef’s Story & Feedback
“I’ve been making this Reuben dip for years, and every time, it disappears within minutes! The key to the best flavor is using high-quality corned beef and fresh sauerkraut. Slow cooking enhances the richness and makes every bite taste just like a Reuben sandwich—only creamier!” – Chef Amy Reynolds
Now, let’s dive into the first part of our guide!
What is Reuben Dip Crock Pot? A Hot, Cheesy Take on the Classic Sandwich
Reuben Dip is a hot, cheesy appetizer inspired by the classic Reuben sandwich. It combines corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing into a creamy and flavorful dip that pairs perfectly with bread, crackers, or veggies.
Why Make Reuben Dip Crock Pot ? The Secret to Perfectly Creamy Texture
Using a crock pot makes this dip even easier! Here’s why:
- Hands-off cooking – Just toss in the ingredients and let the slow cooker do its magic.
- Perfect texture – Keeps the dip warm and creamy for hours.
- Easy for parties – No need to reheat; it stays hot throughout the event!
A Brief History about Reuben Dip Crock Pot
The original Reuben sandwich dates back to the early 1900s, with its origins debated between New York and Omaha. Regardless of its birthplace, the combination of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and dressing on rye bread has remained a favorite. Eventually, creative home cooks decided to turn this classic into a hot dip, making it even more shareable and convenient!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 10g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Sodium | 400mg |
Must-Have Ingredients for the Best Reuben Dip Crock Pot
Before diving into the step-by-step process, let’s first gather the essential ingredients that make this Reuben Dip Crock Pot recipe so irresistible.
Essential Ingredients: Corned Beef, Swiss Cheese & More
For an authentic Reuben dip experience, you’ll need these core ingredients:
- Corned beef – Chopped or shredded, this provides the classic meaty flavor.
- Sauerkraut – Adds a signature tang and crunch.
- Swiss cheese – Melts beautifully, giving the dip a creamy consistency.
- Cream cheese – Creates a rich and smooth base.
- Sour cream – Helps balance the flavors and adds creaminess.
- Thousand Island dressing – Brings that signature Reuben sandwich taste.
“A great dip starts with high-quality ingredients! Use fresh sauerkraut and premium corned beef for the best results.” – Chef Amy Reynolds
Choosing the Best Corned Beef for Reuben Dip Crock Pot
Not all corned beef is created equal! You can use:
- Deli-style corned beef – Thinly sliced and chopped for easy mixing.
- Canned corned beef – A budget-friendly option that still tastes great.
- Homemade corned beef – If you have leftovers, this adds an unbeatable homemade touch.
Sauerkraut in Reuben Dip – Fresh vs. Canned
When selecting sauerkraut, you have two choices:
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Canned Sauerkraut | Convenient, widely available | May have excess liquid, less crunch |
| Fresh Sauerkraut | More flavor, better texture | Needs refrigeration, less common in stores |
🔹 Tip: Always drain and squeeze out excess liquid from sauerkraut to prevent a watery dip!
The Role of Swiss Cheese in This Slow Cooker Reuben Dip
Swiss cheese gives Reuben Dip Crock Pot its signature taste, but you can experiment with:
- Gruyère – A richer, slightly nutty alternative.
- Mozzarella – If you prefer a milder, extra-gooey dip.
- Cheddar – Adds sharpness, but may overpower traditional flavors.
Thousand Island or Russian Dressing? Which One Tastes Better?
Both dressings add a creamy, tangy taste, but there’s a difference:
- Thousand Island Dressing – Sweeter, contains pickle relish.
- Russian Dressing – Spicier, with more of a kick from horseradish.
Either works, but Thousand Island is the classic choice!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Reuben Dip in a Crock Pot
Now that we’ve got the ingredients covered, let’s get cooking!
Prepping Your Ingredients for a Perfect Slow Cooker Reuben Dip
- Chop the corned beef into small bite-sized pieces.
- Drain and squeeze the sauerkraut to remove excess liquid.
- Mix the cream cheese, sour cream, and dressing in a bowl until smooth.
- Layer the ingredients in the crock pot:
- First, half of the cheese
- Then, the corned beef and sauerkraut
- Top with remaining cheese
“Layering the ingredients properly ensures every scoop is full of flavor!” – Chef Amy Reynolds
Cooking Time & Temperature – The Best Settings for a Crock Pot Dip
For the best results, follow these slow-cooker settings:
| Setting | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| Low | 2–3 hours |
| High | 1–1.5 hours |
Stir occasionally to ensure even melting.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Creamy Texture
Use full-fat ingredients – Low-fat versions can make the dip watery.
Stir occasionally – This helps the cheese blend smoothly.
Add cheese in batches – Prevents clumping and ensures even melting.
How to Prevent the Dip from Becoming Too Watery
If your Reuben Dip Crock Pot is turning out runny, try these tricks:
- Drain the sauerkraut thoroughly – Excess liquid is the #1 culprit.
- Use thicker dressings – Some brands are more watery than others.
- Add a bit of flour or cornstarch – Helps thicken the dip if needed.
“If your dip is too thin, let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce excess moisture.” – Chef Amy Reynolds
Alternative Cooking Methods: Oven-Baked or Stovetop Reuben Dip
No crock pot? No problem! Here are alternative methods:
Oven-Baked:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine all ingredients in an oven-safe dish.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Stovetop:
- Heat a non-stick pan over low heat.
- Stir ingredients continuously until melted and combined.
- Serve immediately to maintain creaminess.
How to Serve Reuben Dip Crock Pot for Maximum Flavor
Once your Reuben Dip Crock Pot is hot and creamy, it’s time to serve it up! The right dippers and presentation can take this dish to the next level.
Best Dippers: Rye Bread, Crackers & More for a Perfect Bite
A delicious dip needs the perfect partner! Here are some of the best dippers to serve alongside your Reuben dip:
Breads
- Rye bread – A must-have to match the classic Reuben sandwich taste!
- Baguette slices – Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside.
- Pumpernickel bread – Adds a deep, rich flavor.
Crackers & Chips
- Pita chips – Sturdy enough for thick, cheesy dips.
- Pretzels – A salty, crunchy contrast to the creamy dip.
- Tortilla chips – A fun, unexpected twist!
Vegetables
- Celery sticks – A fresh, crisp option.
- Bell pepper slices – Sweet and colorful.
- Cucumber rounds – Light and refreshing.
“For a party platter, mix bread, crackers, and veggies to give guests a variety of textures!” – Chef Amy Reynolds
Presentation Tips for Parties and Gatherings
Want your dip to impress? Try these serving ideas:
Use a bread bowl – Hollow out a round loaf of rye or sourdough and pour the dip inside.
Garnish with fresh herbs – A sprinkle of parsley or chives makes it look extra fancy.
Serve in a mini slow cooker – Keeps the dip warm for hours!
Creative Ways to Use Leftover Reuben Dip
If you have leftovers, don’t let them go to waste! Here are fun ways to repurpose them:
Reuben Grilled Cheese – Spread the dip between two slices of bread and grill until golden.
Stuffed Mushrooms – Fill mushroom caps with dip and bake until bubbly.
Reuben Pizza – Spread the dip on pizza dough, top with extra cheese, and bake!
“Leftover dip makes an amazing sandwich spread! Just smear it on toasted rye bread and enjoy.” – Chef Amy Reynolds
Delicious Variations of Reuben Dip Crock Pot
Love the idea of Reuben Dip Crock Pot, but want to switch things up? Here are some tasty variations to try!
Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly Reuben Dip – A Guilt-Free Alternative
Want a low-carb version? Just skip the Thousand Island dressing (which has sugar) and use homemade Russian dressing with mayo, horseradish, and paprika. Serve with keto-friendly dippers like:
- Pork rinds
- Cheese crisps
- Celery sticks
Spicy Reuben Dip – Adding Jalapeños & Hot Sauce for an Extra Kick
If you like heat, spice things up by adding:
Chopped jalapeños – Stir them into the dip before cooking.
Hot sauce – Mix in a dash of sriracha or buffalo sauce.
Spicy mustard – Adds a kick without overpowering the Reuben flavors.
“Spicy lovers, this one’s for you! A little heat makes this dip even more addictive.” – Chef Amy Reynolds
Vegetarian Reuben Dip – Plant-Based Alternatives to Corned Beef
No meat? No problem! Swap corned beef for meaty mushrooms or a plant-based alternative like jackfruit or tempeh.
Use Vegan Ingredients
- Dairy-free cream cheese and Swiss-style cheese
- Vegan Russian dressing (made with cashew mayo)
- Smoked paprika to add a meaty flavor
Pastrami vs. Corned Beef – Which One Works Best in a Crock Pot?
If you prefer pastrami over corned beef, go for it! Pastrami has a smokier, spicier taste, making it a fun twist on the classic recipe.
“Pastrami gives the dip a deeper, smokier flavor—perfect for meat lovers!” – Chef Amy Reynolds
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Reuben Dip Crock Pot
Here are the most common questions people have about Reuben Dip Crock Pot and their answers!
1. Can I Make Reuben Dip Crock Pot Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare all the ingredients in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. When you’re ready to serve, just add everything to the crock pot and cook as usual.
Tip: If the dip thickens in the fridge, add a splash of milk or extra dressing before reheating.
2. How to Store & Reheat Reuben Dip Without Losing Flavor
Storing and reheating your dip properly will keep it tasting fresh.
- Storage: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheating: Warm the dip in the crock pot on low for 30 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Avoid freezing, as dairy-based dips can separate and become grainy when thawed.
3. Can I Freeze Reuben Dip?
Freezing is not recommended because the dairy ingredients (cream cheese, Swiss cheese, and sour cream) can change in texture once thawed. However, if you must freeze it:
- Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
- Reheat slowly on the stovetop with extra cream cheese to bring back the creamy texture.
4. How to Make Reuben Dip Extra Creamy & Smooth
If you love an ultra-creamy texture, try these tricks:
Use full-fat cream cheese instead of reduced-fat versions.
Stir in extra shredded Swiss cheese at the end for a richer consistency.
Add a splash of heavy cream or whole milk if the dip feels too thick.
Try More Comforting & Easy Recipes!
Looking for more cozy, comforting recipes to enjoy alongside your Reuben Dip Crock Pot? Here are three must-try dishes that will complement your appetizer spread perfectly:
Tuscan Bean Soup – A Hearty Comfort Dish for Every Occasion – This rich and flavorful soup is the perfect warm side dish to serve alongside your cheesy dip.
Creamy Mushroom Gnocchi – A Comfort Food Masterpiece – If you’re a fan of creamy textures, you’ll love this gnocchi dish that melts in your mouth.
Shaved Steak Sandwich Recipe – Juicy, Flavorful & Easy – Pair your Reuben Dip with a hearty steak sandwich for a filling and indulgent meal.
For more mouthwatering recipes and cooking tips, explore our full collection of delicious comfort food recipes! Happy cooking!
Conclusion – Why You’ll Love This Reuben Dip Crock Pot Recipe
If you love the classic Reuben sandwich, this Reuben Dip Crock Pot is a must-try! It’s easy, creamy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a party, enjoying it on game day, or just craving a warm, cheesy appetizer, this dip never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Simple ingredients – Everything is easy to find!
Minimal effort – Just mix, cook, and enjoy.
Crowd-pleaser – Everyone will love it!
“Once you try this Reuben dip, you’ll never look at a sandwich the same way again!” – Chef Amy Reynolds
Now, it’s your turn! Grab your ingredients, fire up the crock pot, and enjoy a delicious batch of Reuben Dip Crock Pot today!