Comforting Reuben Mac 'n Cheese Recipe - the BEST you'll find! (2024)

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Creamy and rich, this Reuben Mac ‘n Cheese is pure comfort food. Cellentani pasta noodles with all of the components of a Reuben sandwich, Swiss cheese, corned beef, sauerkraut, all mixed together with all of the deliciousness of the best macaroni and cheese has to offer. Baked until hot and bubbly, topped with fresh rye bread crumbs. The best of both worlds in one amazing pasta meal.

Comforting Reuben Mac 'n Cheese Recipe - the BEST you'll find! (1)

How do I know this Reuben Mac ‘n Cheese recipe is a winner?

We gauge favorite meals in our house by a couple of statements. I am sure you do, too. Asking “what did you think?” and the response is “It’s fine.” That means if it never hit the kitchen table again nobody would be upset about it.

“It’s good! I’d eat this again.” means it would be a welcome part of the rotation. But one phrase means that I knocked it out of the park, friends. That statement? “I want this for my birthday dinner!”When that phrase comes into play, I know that I have a recipe winner.

And that was how this recipe was received by my youngest daughter. My son-in-law couldn’t wait to try it, and I told him that she said that, and he was like “wow! it must be really good!” He messaged me the day he had it for lunch and said “I can see why she wants it for her birthday dinner, it’s seriously amazing!”

Comforting Reuben Mac 'n Cheese Recipe - the BEST you'll find! (2)

This recipe is sponsored by Frank’s Kraut, but my lifelong love of their sauerkraut and the opinions here are all my own.

SOME OF THE ITEMS BELOW CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS; I AM A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR US TO EARN FEES BY LINKING TO AMAZON.COM AND AFFILIATED SITES. I AM ALSO AN AFFILIATE FOR OTHER BRANDS. HOWEVER, I ONLY PROMOTE THINGS THAT I LOVE AND THINK YOU WILL LOVE, TOO.FOR MY ENTIRE DISCLOSURE POLICY PLEASECLICK HERE.

Reuben Mac ‘n Cheese – Comfort Dish Extraordinaire

I have done polls many times on my facebook page that ask “What is your favorite comfort food?” Every time Mac and Cheese and pasta recipes in general are always at the top of the list. I kept just this in mind when I set out to make my annual comfort food recipe for Frank’s Kraut.

If you have been with me for a bit, you know that I can pretty much Reubenize just about any food. I have oodles of Reuben recipes on my website, but I was missing Mac and Cheese! How dare I?

I put my thinking cap on and planned out my Reuben pasta recipe. It’s as simple as combining my favorite baked macaroni and cheese recipe with all of the ingredients of a traditional Reuben sandwich. And I did that, right down to the Rye bread it’s served upon!

Ingredients in Reuben Macaroni & Cheese

The ingredients that made the rich creamy mac and cheese are cellentani pasta, half and half, butter, sour cream, cream cheese and eggs.

Ingredients to Reubenize it: Corned beef, Frank’s Kraut, Swiss cheese, Thousand Island dressing and Rye bread.

(find the complete list of ingredients and instructions at the bottom of this post in the printable recipe card)

Comforting Reuben Mac 'n Cheese Recipe - the BEST you'll find! (4)

Begin by cooking pasta al dente. Mix in cream cheese, Swiss and Provolone cheese and Half and Half, and melt it all together on the stove over low heat.

Comforting Reuben Mac 'n Cheese Recipe - the BEST you'll find! (5)

I had the deli counter cut me two thick pieces of corned beef, each was about 1/2 pound. Of course, you can use leftover corned beef for this pasta, too. Cube the corned beef, and drain your sauerkraut, just to get the majority of the liquid off of it. No need to squeeze it or anything.

Mix Frank’s Kraut, corned beef and Thousand Island dressing into the pasta and cheese.

Comforting Reuben Mac 'n Cheese Recipe - the BEST you'll find! (6)

Whisk together eggs and sour cream. Combine it with melted butter, freshly cracked black pepper and caraway seeds. Add it to the pasta.

Comforting Reuben Mac 'n Cheese Recipe - the BEST you'll find! (7)

Time to make your bread crumb topping! Toast 3-4 slices of Rye bread, cube it up and toss it in your food chopper along with some butter and fresh parsley. Give it a whir and you have buttery homemade Rye bread crumbs!

Comforting Reuben Mac 'n Cheese Recipe - the BEST you'll find! (8)

Spread mixture into a baking dish, and bake for about 30 minutes. Top with bread crumbs and bake for another 15-20 minutes.

Comforting Reuben Mac 'n Cheese Recipe - the BEST you'll find! (9)

Remove from the oven and let stand for about 10 minutes before serving. The waiting is the hardest part!

Comforting Reuben Mac 'n Cheese Recipe - the BEST you'll find! (10)

Just look at that! Rich, creamy, packed with Reuben flavor. A Reuben casserole like no other.

Comforting Reuben Mac 'n Cheese Recipe - the BEST you'll find! (11)

Love it? Pin it!

Don’t lose this recipe! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go so you can find it easily!

Comforting Reuben Mac 'n Cheese Recipe - the BEST you'll find! (12)

Elevate your Mac and Cheese

My kids love that mac n cheese in the box. They always have. I was one of those weird kids that hated it. In fact, my mom always took a little bit of the noodles out with just butter on them for me. I could just never get behind that whole powdered cheese. Ack.

But as I got older, I tried what I like to refer to as “Adult Mac and Cheese.” I have shared a couple of those with you in the past, Alaskan Snow Crab Macaroni and Cheese, Loaded Mac and Cheese (mmm bacon…) and this Chili Cheese Mac are my favorites! These kinds of mac and cheese recipes I am happy to partake in!

Comforting Reuben Mac 'n Cheese Recipe - the BEST you'll find! (13)

Frank’s Kraut – The BEST Sauerkraut on the Planet

My relationship developing recipes for Frank’s Kraut has spanned the last six years, but my love affair with their sauerkraut has spanned my lifetime. You see, with my Polish and German heritage, sauerkraut has had a place of honor on our table for my whole life.

As I grew up, I realized that it wasn’t just good, it was good for me. Did you know that sauerkraut is considered to be a superfood?

Health Benefits of Sauerkraut

One of the not so secret benefits of sauerkraut is the boost it gives to the immune systems. Packed with vitamins and minerals, sauerkraut has been used as a lay immune booster for centuries. Sauerkraut contains phytochemicals which are created during the fermentation process.

These naturally occurring, beneficial by-products of sauerkraut help boost the immune system which leads to a decrease in a number of health problems. The common cold, skin problems, weight gain and tainted blood are all fixed by a healthy functioning immune system.

Going into cold and flu season, who couldn’t use a tried and true immune system booster?

Comforting Reuben Mac 'n Cheese Recipe - the BEST you'll find! (14)

Sauerkraut Pasta Recipes

I have lots of pasta recipes that I have made with Frank’s Kraut. There is truly something for everyone.

Kluski noodles, onion, sauerkraut and celery fried in butter and then baked to make up a traditional meatless casserole (Kluski Kapusta Kiszona or Polish Haluski) and this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup with Sauerkraut, like grandma always said chicken soup can help with colds, but adding a superfood like sauerkraut? The healing powers will boggle your mind!

Made on stovetop or on the grill, my is fantastic served with brats. This one makes a great camping recipe. And I would be remiss if I left out my Traditional Reuben Casserole.

Be sure to follow along with Frank’s Krauton their website and their social media to get delicious recipes all year long.

Follow them onFacebook,Twitter,PinterestandInstagramfor all things sauerkraut!

Comforting Reuben Mac 'n Cheese Recipe - the BEST you'll find! (16)

I can’t wait to eat! Let’s grab the recipe for this Reuben Mac ‘n Cheese! Comforting Reuben Mac 'n Cheese Recipe - the BEST you'll find! (17)

Comforting Reuben Mac 'n Cheese Recipe - the BEST you'll find! (18)

4.85 from 13 votes

Print Recipe

Reuben Mac 'n Cheese

Creamy and rich, this Reuben Mac 'n Cheese is pure comfort food. Cellentani pasta noodles with all of the components of a Reuben sandwich, Swiss cheese, corned beef, kraut, all mixed together with all of the deliciousness of the best macaroni and cheese has to offer. Baked until hot and bubbly, topped with fresh rye bread crumbs. The best of both worlds in one amazing pasta meal.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time45 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr

Course: Pasta

Cuisine: American

Keyword: comfort food, corned beef, Frank's kraut, Mac 'n Cheese, Pasta bake, Reuben, Reubenized, Sauerkraut

Servings: 12

Calories: 561kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Ingredients

  • 1 1 pound box cellentani pasta, cooked al dente
  • 1 ½ cups half-and-half
  • 16 ounces Swiss cheese shredded
  • 6 ounces Provolone cheese shredded
  • 6 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 3/4 cup sour cream
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 stick 8 Tablespoons butter, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon caraway seed
  • ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • 1 pound corned beef cubed
  • 1 cup Frank's Kraut drained
  • 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing
  • 4 small slices Rye bread toasted
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 3-quart baking dish with non-stick spray; set aside.

  • In a large pot, cook pasta according to package directions just until al dente; drain. Return pasta to pot. Stir in half-and-half, cream cheese, Swiss cheese and Provolone. Cook on low heat until cheese is melted.

  • Melt 6 Tablespoons butter. In a medium bowl, whisk eggs together with sour cream until combined. Add in melted butter, mix. Mix in caraway seeds and fresh ground black pepper.

  • Cube corned beef into small pieces, and drain liquid from the kraut. Add both of these plus the Thousand Island dressing into the pasta/cheese mixture.

  • Stir in egg mixture into pasta mixture in pot.

  • Spread mixture in prepared dish. Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes.

  • Add cubed up toasted rye bread, parsley and remaining 2 Tablespoons of butter to a food processor and pulse until bread crumbs are achieved.

  • Sprinkle bread crumb mixture over pasta and bake 15 to 20 minutes more or until golden brown and bubbly. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

I didn't use all of the bread crumbs. You can put them on as heavy as you like.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 561kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 225mg | Sodium: 936mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g

Comforting Reuben Mac 'n Cheese Recipe - the BEST you'll find! (2024)

FAQs

What to add to mac and cheese to make it better? ›

8 Ways to Elevate Your Macaroni and Cheese Dinners
  1. Add extra cheese to your dish.
  2. Mix in some hot sauce and chicken to make buffalo chicken mac n' cheese.
  3. Add in vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and spinach.
  4. Sprinkle some bacon bits or breadcrumbs on the top of your dish.
  5. Add spices and fresh herbs to your dish.
May 21, 2022

How does Gordon Ramsay make the best mac and cheese? ›

Preparation
  1. In a large pot over medium heat, combine the pasta and milk. ...
  2. Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and add the butter, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. ...
  3. Divide between serving bowls and top with the bread crumbs.
  4. Enjoy!
  5. All your favorite recipes, stored in one place.
May 4, 2023

Which cheese is best for mac and cheese? ›

What Is the Best Cheese for Mac and Cheese? Sharp cheddar is the overwhelming popular choice, but for extra-creamy results, we think medium cheddar is even better. Other delicious options include Gruyère, smoked Gouda, and Monterey Jack.

What meat goes well with mac and cheese? ›

Popular choices are bacon, ground beef, shredded chicken, cooked sausage or pulled pork, which add a savory depth to the dish. Is mac and cheese for dinner? Absolutely! Mac and cheese can be a satisfying main dish, especially when paired with sides like a protein or a salad.

What keeps Mac and cheese moist? ›

There are a few different ways to keep your macaroni and cheese moist, from adding a solid layer of shredded cheese on top to holding back on the cream when making your sauce.

What cheeses are not to use for mac and cheese? ›

I would avoid Swiss (greasy when melted), mozzarella (melts great but noticeably bland here), parm (doesn't blend well with this technique), pecorino (same problem), and all low-fat or part-skim cheeses, which will not turn into a sauce at all but a bunch of stringy sludge. Avoid at all costs.

Why add cream cheese to mac and cheese? ›

While the cream cheese adds an important lusciousness, it doesn't do the macaroni and cheese any favors when it comes to its flavor, so it's important to use the sharpest, tangiest Cheddar you can get your hands on. For perfectly coated noodles, make sure to cook the pasta in the sauce for a minute or two.

What kind of milk is best for mac and cheese? ›

Milk: Keeps our cheese sauce super creamy. I use whole milk or reduced-fat milk. Mustard and spices: A combination of Dijon mustard, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt makes this macaroni and cheese extra delicious. Cheese: I use white cheddar and parmesan or pecorino cheese.

What compliments mac and cheese? ›

  • 1 / 25. Roasted Broccoli. Perfectly seasoned broccoli florets roasted until crisp and caramelized. ...
  • 2 / 25. Garlic Green Beans. ...
  • 3 / 25. Glazed Carrots. ...
  • 4 / 25. Easy Sautéed Spinach. ...
  • 5 / 25. Easy 10-Minute Garlic Broccolini. ...
  • 6 / 25. 5-Ingredient Kale Caesar Salad. ...
  • 7 / 25. Shaved Brussels Sprouts. ...
  • 8 / 25. Spanakopita Kale Salad.

What side dish goes with mac and cheese? ›

More ideas to serve with mac and cheese
  • Southern Baked Beans (Gluten-Free) ...
  • Roasted Broccoli and Cheese. ...
  • Bacon Brussels Sprouts. ...
  • Overnight 7 Layer Salad. ...
  • Roasted Zucchini. ...
  • Cream Cheese Jello Salad. ...
  • Cornbread. ...
  • Corn Casserole.
Oct 22, 2021

What mixes well with mac and cheese? ›

Adding a little extra protein isn't a bad plan, either; chicken and broccoli are a great healthy combination that works exceptionally well with mac and cheese. If you prefer a quick mac and cheese cooked on the stovetop, we recommend stirring through some easy steamed broccoli.

What adds Flavour to Mac and cheese? ›

Cayenne, Nutmeg, Black Pepper, and Dry Mustard

Simply add ½ teaspoons of cayenne, black pepper, and dry mustard with a dash of nutmeg to a mixture of 1 egg and 1 cup (0.24 l) of heavy cream. Pour this spice mixture on top of your traditional mac and cheese recipe before baking.

How do you increase the flavor of cheese in Mac and cheese? ›

Cayenne pepper is a classic seasoning that adds warmth and enhances the flavour of the cheese.

What compliments Mac and cheese? ›

  • 1 / 25. Roasted Broccoli. Perfectly seasoned broccoli florets roasted until crisp and caramelized. ...
  • 2 / 25. Garlic Green Beans. ...
  • 3 / 25. Glazed Carrots. ...
  • 4 / 25. Easy Sautéed Spinach. ...
  • 5 / 25. Easy 10-Minute Garlic Broccolini. ...
  • 6 / 25. 5-Ingredient Kale Caesar Salad. ...
  • 7 / 25. Shaved Brussels Sprouts. ...
  • 8 / 25. Spanakopita Kale Salad.

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