Craving the flavors of a classic deli sandwich but want something warm and comforting? This Pastrami Crescent Sandwich Bake is the answer! Imagine layers of savory pastrami, melted Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Thousand Island dressing, all nestled between flaky, buttery crescent dough. It’s a delightful twist on the traditional Reuben sandwich, transformed into an easy-to-make casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or even a hearty brunch.

This recipe takes the familiar ingredients of a Reuben and elevates them with the convenience and deliciousness of crescent rolls. The buttery, flaky crust adds a delightful textural contrast to the savory filling, creating a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Looking for other easy and delicious crescent roll recipes? Try my Bacon Chicken Alfredo Crescent Ring or these fun Pizza Crescent Pockets.

Watch the Recipe Video

Before you dive into the recipe, take a minute to watch this quick video. It’ll show you exactly how to assemble this delicious Pastrami Crescent Sandwich Bake, making the process even easier and more enjoyable.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe

Growing up, I always loved a good deli sandwich. This recipe is my easy and delicious way to bring those beloved flavors into a warm, comforting, and bubbly bake. The combination of salty pastrami, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Thousand Island dressing, all melting together with Swiss cheese under a buttery crescent crust, is simply irresistible. It’s truly one of my favorite comfort foods, perfect for any occasion.

Beyond its incredible taste, this Pastrami Crescent Sandwich Bake is a fantastic option for feeding a crowd, especially on game day or at family gatherings. I love slicing it into squares, making it easy for everyone to grab a piece. Whether served warm straight from the oven or reheated the next day, it always tastes amazing!

• ⏰ Total Time: 35 minutes
• 🍂 Perfect For: Game day, casual dinners, family gatherings
• 🛒 Key Ingredients: Crescent roll dough, pastrami, Swiss cheese, Thousand Island dressing
• 🍽️ Servings: 6
• 🥄 Skill Level: Easy
• 🧊 Storage: 3 days in the fridge, freezer-friendly up to 1 month

If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to try my Cheesy Chicken Crescent Roll Casserole or the Crescent Roll Sausage Egg Casserole.

Made With Love,

What You’ll Need to Make Pastrami Crescent Sandwich Bake

• Crescent dough sheets: These form the flaky and delicious top and bottom crust of the bake. Look for seamless dough sheets for the best results.
• Pastrami: Sliced thin, just like you’d get at the deli counter. Good quality pastrami makes a difference!
• Swiss cheese: The classic melting cheese that complements the Reuben-inspired flavors perfectly.
• Sauerkraut: Adds a wonderful tanginess that balances the richness of the other ingredients. Be sure to drain it well.
• Thousand Island dressing: The creamy and classic dressing that ties all the flavors together.
• Caraway seeds: A finishing touch that enhances the Reuben sandwich flavor and adds a hint of spice.

For another delicious and cheesy layered bake, try my Ham and Cheese Sliders.

Full Ingredients List

• 2 cans (8 oz each) crescent dough sheets (or crescent roll dough, unrolled and pressed into sheets)
• 10 slices Swiss cheese
• ¾ lb pastrami, sliced
• ¼ cup sauerkraut, drained
• ¾ cup Thousand Island dressing
• 1 tsp caraway seeds
• Non-stick cooking spray

🔒 The printable recipe card below contains the complete ingredient list and precise measurements, making it perfect for saving or printing for later use.

How to Make Pastrami Crescent Sandwich Bake: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the bake from sticking.

Step 2: Gently unroll one crescent dough sheet and lay it evenly in the prepared baking dish. Use a fork to poke holes across the surface of the dough. This will prevent it from puffing up too much during baking and create a more even base for the filling. Bake for 10 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Step 3: Once the bottom crust has baked for 10 minutes, remove it from the oven. Now, layer 5 slices of Swiss cheese evenly across the baked crust. Next, add all of the sliced pastrami, spreading it out to cover the cheese layer.

Step 4: In a small bowl, combine the drained sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing. Mix well until the sauerkraut is evenly coated with the dressing. Spread this mixture evenly over the layer of pastrami.

Step 5: Layer the remaining 5 slices of Swiss cheese evenly on top of the sauerkraut and dressing mixture, ensuring it’s well-covered.

Step 6: Gently unroll the second crescent dough sheet and carefully place it over the cheese layer, creating the top crust. Lightly press the edges of the top crust to seal it with the bottom crust, enclosing the filling. Sprinkle the top with caraway seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.

Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly and heated through.

Step 8: Remove the Pastrami Crescent Sandwich Bake from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it into squares. This will allow the filling to set slightly and make it easier to slice. Serve warm and enjoy!

🔒 Don’t forget to save the printable recipe card below for complete step-by-step instructions and easy reference later!

Pastrami Crescent Sandwich Bake Variations

Want to customize your Pastrami Crescent Sandwich Bake? Here are a few delicious variations to try:

• Corned Beef Reuben: Swap the pastrami for corned beef for a true Reuben experience.
• Rye Flavored Dough: Use rye seasoning in the dough instead of caraway seeds to give a more intense rye taste.
• Add Pickles: Serve with pickles on the side for extra tang and crunch.

If you loved this recipe, make sure to check out my Pizza Crescent Pockets.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Pastrami Crescent Bake

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Pastrami Crescent Sandwich Bake turns out perfectly every time:

• Bake the bottom crust first: This prevents the bottom crust from becoming soggy under the filling.
• Drain the sauerkraut well: Excess moisture in the sauerkraut can make the bake watery, so be sure to drain it thoroughly.
• Let it cool slightly before slicing: Allowing the bake to cool slightly before slicing helps it hold together better.
• Double the recipe for a crowd: This bake is always a hit, so consider doubling the recipe if you’re serving a larger group. It disappears quickly!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bake up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Can I use turkey instead of pastrami?

Yes, you can substitute turkey for pastrami, although the flavor will be milder. You might consider using smoked turkey for a more robust flavor.

Do I have to use Thousand Island dressing?

While Thousand Island dressing is the classic choice, you can substitute Russian dressing for a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, you can create your own dressing by mixing mayonnaise, ketchup, and a touch of mustard.

Can I freeze this bake?

Yes, you can freeze the baked squares for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw the squares in the refrigerator overnight and then warm them in the oven until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some delicious serving suggestions to complement your Pastrami Crescent Sandwich Bake:

• Serve with Mozzarella-Stuffed Garlic Breadsticks for a perfect game-day spread.
• Add a side salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the bake.
• Pair with Cheesy Garlic Bread (with Crescent Dough) for extra cheesy goodness.
• For dessert, try Crescent Roll Cinnamon Rolls or Apple Crescent Donuts.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Instructions

• Fridge: Store the baked Pastrami Crescent Sandwich Bake, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze baked squares in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
• Reheat: Warm the squares in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out my Easy Casserole Recipes.

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