We love Reuben sandwiches in our family. Or perhaps I should say your grandparents, your uncles, and I love them!
The challenge with a classic Reuben sandwich, however, is that it is not always the easiest option when you are entertaining a crowd. A Reuben really needs to be grilled and served immediately to be at its best, which can make it difficult to manage when you are hosting guests.
So what do you do when you love the flavors of a dish but the format is not ideal for entertaining?
You change the format.
Over the years I have taken several dishes that I enjoy and adapted them to better fit the needs of a gathering. Sometimes that means turning something into a mini version, and other times it means transforming the flavors into a dip or spread that can be served easily to a group.
That is exactly what this Hot Reuben Dip does. It takes everything we love about a classic Reuben sandwich—corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and creamy dressing—and turns it into a warm, scoopable dip that is perfect for parties.
I have collected and adjusted a few different Reuben dip recipes over the years, and this is the one I return to most often. It is flexible and easy to prepare. The dip can be made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, and it can be served from the oven, a slow cooker, or even a chafing dish for larger gatherings.
Another thing I appreciate about this recipe is how well it scales. The dip can easily be doubled or tripled for a crowd, and it stays warm nicely for serving throughout a party.
Leftovers are also a treat. The next day, you can spread the dip on slices of bread or bagels and place them under the broiler to create delicious open-face sandwiches. It also is delicious stuffed in a baked potato.
This Hot Reuben Dip is especially popular during football playoffs and Super Bowl gatherings. It is warm, hearty, and easy to keep hot in a slow cooker, making it a natural choice for game-day entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Hot Reuben Dip
- All the flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich
- Perfect for game day and casual gatherings
- Easy to make in a slow cooker or on the stovetop
- Keeps warm for serving throughout a party
- Great use for leftover corned beef
What to Serve with Hot Reuben Dip
This dip pairs well with:
- Rye bread slices
- Toasted baguette slices
- Crackers
- Pretzel crisps
- Bagel chips
Hot Reuben Dip Recipe (Easy Slow Cooker or Oven Party Appetizer)
A warm, hearty dip with all the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich, perfect for game day and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Spray inside of a 1 to 2 1/2 quart slow-cooker with cooking spray.
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Mix all ingredients together except crackers/bread. Spoon into the cooker.
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Cover and cook on low heat setting 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until cheese is melted. Periodically stir and scrape down sides of the cooker with a silicone spatula to help prevent edge of the spread from scorching. When cooked through and you've stirred the spread so that it is smooth and well blended, turn to low heat setting.
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Serve with crackers or cocktail ryes. Spread will hold up to 4 hours.
Note
Alternatively, for a faster preparation, from step 2 you can spoon into a saucepan and heat on the stovetop, stirring and scraping down sides as needed, then serve in a bowl, chafing dish, or spoon into your slow-cooker for serving.
