Reuben Dip is warm and melty, capturing all the flavors of the classic Reuben sandwich—sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, corned beef, and Thousand Island dressing. Serve it with toasted cocktail rye and fresh vegetables for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
What is St. Patrick’s Day?
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated every year on March 17th. Originally a religious observance honoring Saint Patrick, the day has grown into a broader celebration of Irish culture. Typical festivities include parades, music, dancing, and regional traditions—like dyeing the Chicago River green. Food and drink are an important part of the holiday, and while corned beef and cabbage are commonly associated with Irish-American celebrations, the Reuben sandwich is an American creation inspired by those flavors. Regardless of origin, the Reuben’s combination of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island is delicious—and that same combination transforms beautifully into a creamy dip.
Reuben Dip Overview
This slow cooker Reuben Dip brings the classic sandwich into party-friendly dip form. It combines drained sauerkraut, shredded corned beef, cream cheese, mayonnaise, shredded Swiss (or Gruyère/Emmental), and Thousand Island dressing. The slow cooker gently melts and combines the ingredients into a warm, creamy dip perfect for toasting cocktail rye or dipping fresh veggies.
Ingredients
- 14–16 ounces sauerkraut, well drained
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups shredded Swiss, Gruyère, or Emmental cheese
- 1 1/2 cups cooked corned beef, shredded
- 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing (or Russian dressing)
- Small bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
For serving
- Cocktail rye bread, toasted, or other bread of choice
- Fresh vegetables such as radishes, snow peas, celery, carrots, or sliced bell peppers
What to Serve With Reuben Dip
Cocktail rye bread, often found in grocery bakery or deli sections, toasts up perfectly and pairs naturally with Reuben Dip. If cocktail rye isn’t available, use small slices of rye, baguette rounds, or sturdy crackers. Fresh vegetables add crunch and brightness—radishes, sugar snap peas, celery sticks, and carrot sticks are all excellent choices. For variety, offer both toasted bread and vegetables so guests can mix and match.
Making Reuben Dip in the Slow Cooker
This recipe is designed for a slow cooker, which yields a hands-off, evenly melted dip. Use pre-cooked corned beef—leftover corned beef from a roast works perfectly, or use deli corned beef that you shred. Make sure to drain the sauerkraut thoroughly to avoid excess liquid.
Instructions
- Add the drained sauerkraut, cream cheese, mayonnaise, shredded cheese, shredded corned beef, and Thousand Island dressing to the slow cooker. Reserve parsley for garnish.
- Stir the ingredients well with a wooden spoon until evenly combined.
- Cover and heat on High for 45–55 minutes, or on Low for 2–2½ hours. Stir once or twice during cooking to ensure even melting and prevent sticking.
- When hot and the cheese has melted, stir again to combine everything into a smooth, creamy dip. Transfer to a serving dish if desired.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or a light drizzle of additional Thousand Island dressing. Serve hot with toasted cocktail rye and fresh vegetables.
Prep, Cook Time & Servings
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 45–55 minutes (High) or 2–2½ hours (Low)
- Total time: about 1 hour (varies by slow cooker setting)
- Servings: about 8 appetizer portions
This Reuben Dip is an easy, flavorful appetizer for gatherings, game days, or holiday parties. It captures the savory, tangy profile of the classic sandwich while offering a shareable, melty option that’s simple to prepare. Toast cocktail rye, arrange fresh vegetables, set out a spoon, and let guests help themselves. Enjoy!
