There’s something incredibly satisfying about taking two beloved comfort foods and turning them into one unforgettable dish. Enter my Reuben Pizza! Imagine the warm, toasty aroma of pizza blending with that irresistible scent of pastrami and Swiss cheese, all drizzled with creamy Thousand Island dressing. This is not just a pizza; it’s a nostalgic experience that transports you straight to a cozy deli, with each slice inviting you to indulge in flavors that dance on your palate.
After a week of fast food and uninspired meals, I found myself craving something unique and delightful. Inspired by a classic Reuben sandwich, I decided to channel my love for homemade food into this inventive recipe. With minimal prep and cook time, you’ll have a show-stopping dish ready to impress family or friends at the dinner table. Whether it’s game night or just a comforting evening at home, this Reuben Pizza promises to steal the spotlight and please everyone with its savory goodness. Let’s dive in!
Why is Reuben Pizza so special?
Simplicity at its core: This Reuben Pizza is super easy to make with just a few key ingredients.
Rich, bold flavors: The combination of pastrami, Swiss cheese, and tangy Thousand Island dressing creates a taste sensation that’s hard to resist.
Quick and satisfying: With only 40 minutes from prep to table, it’s ideal for a weeknight dinner.
Crowd-pleaser: Whether serving friends or family, everyone will love this unique twist on a classic!
Versatile: Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings or use leftover meats from your fridge. You can easily whip up a delightful meal this week!
Reuben Pizza Ingredients
For the Dough
• Pizza dough – A store-bought or homemade base that serves as the foundation for your Reuben pizza.
For the Sauce
• Thousand Island dressing – A creamy dressing that adds a tangy kick, perfectly complementing the other ingredients.
For the Toppings
• Swiss cheese – Melts beautifully, offering that classic Reuben flavor that you’ve come to love.
• Sauerkraut – Gives a delightful crunch and sour note, balancing the richness of the cheese.
• Deli pastrami or corned beef – Sliced thin and chopped, this is the star protein that makes this pizza a true delight.
• Caraway seeds (optional) – Adds a distinct flavor reminiscent of rye bread, enhancing the overall experience.
• Shredded mozzarella – Creates that gooey, melted texture that will pull you in for another slice!
How to Make Reuben Pizza
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Roll Out Dough: Start by rolling your pizza dough to your desired thickness. Place it on a preheated pizza stone or a baking sheet to set the foundation for your delicious Reuben Pizza.
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Spread Sauce: Generously spread a layer of Thousand Island dressing over the crust. This creamy tang adds a delightful punch to the base of your pizza that will melt in your mouth.
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Layer Cheese: Lay down the Swiss cheese slices evenly over the dressing, ensuring every bite is filled with that iconic cheesy flavor.
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Add Sauerkraut and Pastrami: Evenly distribute the sauerkraut and chopped pastrami over the cheese, allowing their robust flavors to meld perfectly as they bake together.
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Sprinkle Seeds: If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle some caraway seeds on top for that authentic Reuben flavor reminiscent of rye bread.
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Top with Mozzarella: Finish off your masterpiece by generously adding shredded mozzarella, creating a bubbly, gooey layer that’s hard to resist.
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Bake: Bake your Reuben Pizza in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is cooked through and the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
Optional: Drizzle a bit more Thousand Island dressing on top before serving for an extra kick!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing your Reuben Pizza in advance can save you valuable time during a busy week! You can make the crust and layer on the sauce, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and pastrami up to 24 hours ahead. Store your assembled pizza covered in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. For the best results, wait to add the shredded mozzarella until just before baking; this ensures that the cheese stays perfectly gooey and doesn’t become rubbery. When you’re ready to enjoy your Reuben Pizza, simply top it with the mozzarella and bake it at 425°F for 20-25 minutes. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll have a delicious, stress-free meal that’s sure to impress!
Storage Tips for Reuben Pizza
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Room Temperature: Enjoy your Reuben Pizza fresh out of the oven! If you have leftovers, keep them at room temperature for up to 2 hours before refrigerating.
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Fridge: Store any leftover Reuben Pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps maintain flavor while keeping the contents fresh.
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Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual slices of Reuben Pizza tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
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Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat slices in the oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes for that fresh, gooey goodness, or microwave for 1-2 minutes if you’re short on time.
Reuben Pizza Variations
Unleash your creativity and transform this Reuben Pizza into a personal masterpiece tailored to your taste buds!
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pizza crust for a delicious alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños for a heat boost that will ignite your taste buds while enjoying each slice.
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Meat-Free: Swap out the pastrami or corned beef for sautéed mushrooms or smoked tempeh—still hearty, yet vegetarian!
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Extra Crunch: Top with crispy fried onions or crushed potato chips right before serving for that delightful texture contrast.
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Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs such as dill or parsley into the Thousand Island dressing to elevate the flavor with vibrant freshness.
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Three Cheese Blend: Combine Swiss, mozzarella, and provolone for a cheesy extravaganza that takes your pizza to new heights.
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BBQ Twist: Replace the Thousand Island with barbecue sauce for a sweeter and smokier alternative that reinvents the classic.
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Savory Sauerkraut Variants: Try flavored sauerkraut like pickle or garlic for an unexpected twist that adds depth to every bite.
Each of these options allows you to bring a slice of your style to the table and create a memorable dining experience that’s completely your own!
Tips for the Best Reuben Pizza
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Perfect Dough: Ensure your pizza dough is at room temperature for easy rolling. Cold dough can be tough to shape and may not rise properly.
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Layer Wisely: Instead of packing toppings too tightly, spread them evenly to allow for thorough cooking. This ensures every bite of your Reuben Pizza is delicious!
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Topping Alternatives: Feel free to customize with leftover meats or even switch up cheeses for different flavor profiles. Just keep balance in mind.
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Avoid Soggy Base: Pre-bake your pizza dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings. This helps create a sturdy base that won’t get soggy from the sauce and toppings.
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Bake Until Perfect: Keep an eye on your pizza; all ovens cook differently. Look for that golden brown cheese and crisp crust to know when it’s ready!
What to Serve with Reuben Pizza?
Imagine a cozy meal that brings everyone together, with flavors that warm the heart and satisfy the palate.
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Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: Lightly seasoned and baked until golden, these fries provide a sweet contrast to the rich flavors of your pizza. Perfect for dipping in extra Thousand Island dressing!
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Garlicky Green Beans: Sautéed with garlic and olive oil, these green beans add a fresh, vibrant crunch, balancing the heaviness of the Reuben Pizza. They are a delightful and healthy side!
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Classic Coleslaw: Creamy and tangy, coleslaw offers a refreshing bite that contrasts beautifully with the pizza’s savory notes. The crunchiness enhances every mouthful, making it an ideal companion.
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Pickle Platter: A selection of dill pickles or pickled vegetables can brighten the flavor profile of the meal. The tangy notes mirror the sauerkraut, enriching the entire dining experience.
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Savory Matzo Ball Soup: This comforting soup brings nostalgia and homey warmth to your meal. The delicate matzo balls offer a delightful texture complementing the robust pizza.
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Chilled Beer or Cider: A crisp lager or apple cider pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of your Reuben Pizza. The carbonation cuts through the richness, enhancing each bite.
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Rich Chocolate Cake: For dessert, a slice of moist chocolate cake with a dollop of whipped cream adds a sweet finish. It contrasts the savory bread and meat beautifully, rounding off the meal on a blissful note.
Reuben Pizza Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best pizza dough?
Absolutely! If you’re opting for store-bought dough, look for one that is fresh and has a good texture—usually found in the refrigerated section. If you prefer homemade, ensure you let it rest to achieve the perfect elasticity for rolling.
What is the best way to store leftover Reuben Pizza?
After enjoying your delicious Reuben Pizza, let it cool to room temperature for no more than 2 hours. Then, place it in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it.
Can I freeze my Reuben Pizza?
Yes, indeed! To freeze your Reuben Pizza, let it cool completely. Then, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag, squeezing out any excess air. You can keep it frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat it in the oven for the best results.
What if my pizza dough is too sticky?
Very! If your dough feels sticky, dust it with a light sprinkle of flour while rolling it out. You can also knead in a little extra flour until the dough is manageable, but be careful not to add too much, or it could become tough. Aim for a balance that retains elasticity.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Absolutely! If you’re cooking for someone with dietary restrictions, consider using gluten-free pizza dough and ensuring that your choice of pastrami or corned beef is nitrate-free if necessary. Additionally, always check labels for dairy allergies in the cheeses and dressing. It’s always best to consult with your guests beforehand.
How can I enhance the flavor of my Reuben Pizza?
For a flavor boost, consider marinating your sauerkraut in apple cider vinegar and a dash of sugar before layering it onto your pizza. This adds a zesty twist while balancing the rich flavors. You can also try using flavored or herb-infused mozzarella for an extra layer of deliciousness!
Irresistible Reuben Pizza: A Flavor-Packed Twist on Tradition
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Roll Out Dough: Start by rolling your pizza dough to your desired thickness and place it on a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Spread Sauce: Generously spread a layer of Thousand Island dressing over the crust.
- Layer Cheese: Lay down the Swiss cheese slices evenly over the dressing.
- Add Sauerkraut and Pastrami: Evenly distribute the sauerkraut and chopped pastrami over the cheese.
- Sprinkle Seeds: If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle some caraway seeds on top.
- Top with Mozzarella: Finish off by adding shredded mozzarella.
- Bake: Bake your Reuben Pizza in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes.