If you’re someone who loves that classic deli flavor in a new and exciting form, then you’re going to absolutely flip for this Reuben Pizza Recipe. Imagine the iconic Reuben sandwich—corned beef, sauerkraut, tangy Thousand Island dressing, and melty Swiss cheese—all piled on top of a crispy pizza crust. It’s comfort food meets pizza night, and trust me, once you try this, your family’s going to go crazy for it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A Flavor Explosion: The combo of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese is like a party in your mouth.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this pizza fits perfectly into busy weeknights.
- Kid-Friendly Twist: Even picky eaters often surprise you when you turn sandwiches into pizza.
- Versatile Recipe: You can easily swap or add toppings to suit your tastes and pantry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Reuben Pizza Recipe is all about layering familiar flavors on a crispy crust. Each ingredient plays a starring role but also balances beautifully with the rest, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. When shopping, pick good quality corned beef—makes a big difference!
- 12″ Pizza Crust: Pick one that’s pre-baked or bake your own for that extra crispy base.
- Corned Beef: Thickly sliced is key to get hearty bites that don’t get lost on the pizza.
- Frank’s Kraut: Drained but still a bit juicy to add tang without sogging the crust.
- Thousand Island Dressing: The sauce that brings the Reuben flavor all together.
- Swiss Cheese: Shredded for melty richness that’s classic to the Reuben.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Adds gooey stretch and helps balance the tangy toppings.
Variations
I love making this Reuben Pizza Recipe my own depending on what’s in the fridge or the mood we’re in at home. It’s super flexible and forgiving, which is great if you want to experiment with flavors or dietary tweaks.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap corned beef with hearty grilled mushrooms or smoked tempeh—my vegetarian friends swear by it!
- Extra Crunch: Add thinly sliced pickles or crispy fried onions on top right before serving for a wonderful texture contrast.
- Spicy Kick: Mix a little hot sauce into the Thousand Island or sprinkle red pepper flakes—perfect if you like things with a punch.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pizza crust so everyone can enjoy this delicious twist.
How to Make Reuben Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Get That Crust Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). If your crust isn’t pre-baked, bake it just until it starts to turn golden and crispy—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This helps prevent sogginess once all the juicy toppings come on, which is something I learned after a few too many soggy slices!
Step 2: Layer Your Base
Next, spread the Thousand Island dressing evenly over the crust—think of it as your pizza sauce here. It’s what brings that unmistakable Reuben flavor. Don’t skimp on this step; I always slather it on so every bite has that tangy zing.
Step 3: Add Corned Beef and Kraut
Scatter the cubed corned beef evenly to cover the pizza, then top with drained sauerkraut. You want a good balance here—too much kraut can make the pizza soggy, so I always drain it well and pat it dry before adding.
Step 4: Cheese it Up!
Finally, sprinkle the shredded Swiss and mozzarella cheese on top. This combo melts beautifully and gives you that gooey, stretchy cheese pull we all crave. And yes, it’s as delicious as it sounds!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your masterpiece into the oven for about 10 minutes. You’re aiming for melted, bubbly cheese with some golden brown spots. Keep an eye on it so the crust doesn’t burn. Once it looks perfect, pull it out and let it rest a minute or two before slicing.
Pro Tips for Making Reuben Pizza Recipe
- Don’t Overload the Kraut: Drain it well and avoid adding too much to keep your crust crisp.
- Layer Flavors Thoughtfully: Spread dressing first, then meats and veggies, then cheese—this keeps everything balanced and melty.
- Use a Pizza Stone or Steel: If you have one, it helps get that restaurant-style crispy bottom crust.
- Slice After Resting: Let the pizza cool for a few minutes to prevent toppings from sliding off when you cut it.
How to Serve Reuben Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
I like to add a little extra tang when serving—sometimes a sprinkle of chopped fresh dill or a few pickle slices right on top before slicing. It’s that fresh flavor boost that brings everything full circle and adds some crunch.
Side Dishes
Pair your Reuben Pizza with a simple green salad dressed in vinegar or a classic creamy coleslaw to complement the richness. And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, some kettle-cooked chips or baked fries always go down well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try making mini personal Reuben pizzas on small flatbreads for parties or game days. Another fun idea I tried was serving it open-faced with extra sauce on the side for dipping—it was a total hit and super easy to customize for everyone.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually wrap leftover slices tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps the flavors fresh and the crust reasonably crisp for up to 2 days—though honestly, it rarely lasts that long at my place!
Freezing
If you want to freeze the pizza, it’s best to freeze individual slices wrapped well in foil and plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn. Then, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, I like popping slices into a hot skillet on medium heat to crisp the bottom back up while melting the cheese nicely. If you prefer the oven, 350°F for about 8 minutes works great too—just avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust crispy.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade pizza dough for this Reuben Pizza Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade dough works wonderfully and gives you full control over thickness and crispness. Just pre-bake it until it starts to brown slightly before adding the toppings to avoid sogginess.
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What’s the best way to prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Pre-baking the crust and draining the sauerkraut well are key. Also, don’t add too much Thousand Island dressing—spread it thin and even for the best balance.
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Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For sure! Swap the corned beef for grilled mushrooms, tempeh, or even thinly sliced marinated tofu. This keeps the pizza flavorful and hearty without the meat.
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Is this Reuben Pizza Recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes! Just freeze slices well-wrapped. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to keep the texture and taste intact.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, the first time I threw together this Reuben Pizza Recipe, I was blown away by how effortlessly it captured that nostalgic Reuben sandwich flavor in a whole new way. It quickly became a family favorite for pizza night, and the best part? It’s so easy you can throw it together any time. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s rich in flavor, quick to make, and sure to impress, give this one a try—I promise it’ll become a go-to for you too!
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Reuben Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 12 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 22 min
- Yield: 12-inch pizza, serves 8 slices
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Reuben Pizza is a creative twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, combining tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Thousand Island dressing, and a blend of Swiss and Mozzarella cheeses atop a pre-baked pizza crust. This easy-to-make pizza offers a gooey, flavorful experience that’s perfect for Pizza Night or anytime you crave a hearty, savory dish.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 12″ pizza crust, pre-baked
Toppings
- 1 pound Corned Beef (cut about 1/2″ thick and cubed)
- 1 cup Frank’s Kraut
- 1/2 cup Thousand Island Dressing
- 8 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the pizza.
- Pre-Bake the Crust: Place the 12-inch pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone and pre-bake it according to the package instructions or until it just begins to brown. This ensures a crisp crust base that can hold the toppings without becoming soggy.
- Assemble Toppings: Spread the Thousand Island dressing evenly over the pre-baked pizza crust. Next, distribute the cubed corned beef across the surface, followed by the sauerkraut. Finally, sprinkle the shredded Swiss and Mozzarella cheeses evenly on top to achieve a perfect cheesy melt.
- Bake the Pizza: Bake the assembled pizza in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and golden brown, creating a deliciously gooey topping.
- Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly. Slice and serve piping hot for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Reuben Pizza transforms the classic Reuben sandwich flavors into a unique and delicious pizza form.
- The combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, and a Swiss-Mozzarella cheese blend creates a rich, savory flavor profile.
- Using a pre-baked crust prevents sogginess and ensures a crispy base.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of sauerkraut and dressing based on your taste preference for tanginess and creaminess.
- Perfect for an easy weeknight meal or casual entertaining with a twist on traditional pizza.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pizza)
- Calories: 446
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 1170 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 113 mg
