Corned Beef and Kraut Pizza

Welcome to a culinary masterpiece that marries two beloved comfort foods into one extraordinary dish: the Reuben Pizza! Imagine all the savory, tangy, and cheesy greatness of a classic Reuben sandwich, now piled high on a perfectly baked, whole wheat, cheese-stuffed crust. This isn’t just a pizza; it’s a flavor adventure, crafted to crispy yet chewy perfection, promising a delightful bite with every slice. Prepare to revolutionize your pizza night and impress everyone with this incredibly creative and undeniably delicious fusion.

The Reuben Pizza Recipe: A Fusion of Flavors

For many, the classic Reuben sandwich holds a special place in their heart. That irresistible combination of thinly sliced corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, rich Swiss cheese, and creamy Thousand Island dressing creates a symphony of flavors that is truly unparalleled. It’s comforting, it’s bold, and it’s utterly delicious. My passion for this iconic deli staple, combined with an undeniable obsession with pizza, led to the creation of something truly spectacular: the Reuben Pizza. This recipe isn’t just a simple topping swap; it’s a thoughtful reinterpretation that honors the essence of the Reuben while celebrating the joy of pizza.

Crafting the Perfect Foundation: Our Whole Wheat Stuffed Crust

Every great pizza begins with an exceptional crust, and our Reuben Pizza is no exception. We’ve elevated the standard pizza crust by incorporating whole wheat flour, which not only imparts a beautiful, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor but also adds a heartier texture and nutritional boost. This isn’t your average thin crust; it’s designed to stand up to the generous Reuben toppings while offering a satisfying chew. But the real game-changer lies within: a glorious, cheese-stuffed crust. We’ve meticulously tucked shredded Swiss cheese into the perimeter of the dough, creating a warm, gooey surprise that makes every bite even more enjoyable. This extra layer of cheese adds an unexpected indulgence, perfectly complementing the robust flavors of the toppings and ensuring a truly memorable pizza experience.

Prepare Your Dough in Advance for Effortless Pizza Nights!

Life can be hectic, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a gourmet homemade pizza. This pizza dough recipe is wonderfully simple, requiring just about an hour to rise to fluffy perfection. The resulting crust is incredibly tender on the inside with a delightful crispness on the outside – truly one of my all-time favorites. For those busy weekdays, you can easily prepare the dough in the morning, allow it to rise, and then place it in the refrigerator. This advance preparation makes dinner time a breeze! About an hour before you’re ready to assemble and bake, simply take the dough out to let it come to room temperature. This flexibility makes Reuben Pizza an ideal choice for a quick weeknight meal, a fun Friday pizza night, a delicious treat for game day, or a crowd-pleasing dish for any gathering with friends and family. Even our youngest taste-testers are smitten with this pizza, often won over by the subtle sweetness of the Thousand Island dressing and, of course, that irresistible cheese-stuffed crust!

Reuben Pizza: Ingredients and Essential Supplies

To embark on your Reuben Pizza journey, you’ll need a handful of fresh, quality ingredients and a couple of key kitchen tools. (For precise measurements and detailed step-by-step instructions, please refer to the full recipe below.)

Ingredients:

For the Hearty Whole Wheat Crust:

• Active dry yeast: The magic behind a perfectly risen, airy crust.
• Dark brown sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps activate the yeast, contributing to the crust’s rich color.
• Warm water: Essential for proofing the yeast and bringing the dough together.
• Bread flour: Provides the structure and chewiness characteristic of a great pizza crust.
• Whole wheat flour: Adds depth of flavor, fiber, and a satisfying density.
• Olive oil: Contributes to the dough’s elasticity and a tender crumb.

For the Irresistible Reuben Toppings:

• Thousand Island dressing: The signature creamy, tangy base that ties all the Reuben flavors together.
• Shredded Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully and offers that distinct nutty, creamy flavor of a classic Reuben.
• Chopped corned beef: The star protein, bringing a savory, robust flavor.
• Sauerkraut: Adds essential tanginess and a delightful textural contrast.
• Garlic salt: A simple seasoning to enhance the crust and toppings.
• Sweet relish: A optional garnish that provides a final touch of brightness and balance.

Supplies:

• Electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment: Makes dough preparation effortless and efficient.
• Large round pizza pan: Ensures even baking and helps achieve that desirable crispy crust.

How to Make Reuben Pizza: A Step-by-Step Culinary Journey

Creating this Reuben Pizza is an enjoyable process that yields incredible results. Follow these detailed steps to bring your masterpiece to life:

Preparing Your Whole Wheat Pizza Dough:

1. In the bowl of your electric mixer, equipped with the paddle attachment, combine the active dry yeast and dark brown sugar with the warm water. Stir gently. Allow this mixture to proof for approximately 10 minutes. During this time, the yeast should become foamy, indicating it’s active and ready to work its magic.
2. Next, add both the bread flour and whole wheat flour to the yeast mixture. Begin mixing on a low speed for a few minutes, allowing the flours to start incorporating. Gradually, slowly drizzle in the olive oil.
3. Continue mixing on low to medium speed until a smooth, cohesive dough begins to form. This process usually takes about 5 minutes. The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl and be slightly sticky but manageable.
4. Lightly oil a clean bowl. Transfer the prepared dough to this bowl, turning it once to coat all sides with oil.

5. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in a warm, draft-free spot. Allow the dough to rise for approximately 1 hour, or until it has visibly doubled in size. This step is crucial for achieving a light and airy crust.
6. While your dough is rising, preheat your oven to a blazing 450°F (230°C). Lightly spray your large round pizza pan with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring no sticking and easy removal.

Assembling Your Flavor-Packed Reuben Pizza:

7. Once the dough has risen, gently remove it from the bowl. With well-floured hands, form it into a smooth ball. Place the dough ball onto a generously floured surface (this prevents sticking). Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out into a large circle, ensuring it’s about an inch larger in diameter than your pizza pan. This extra perimeter will be used for your delightful stuffed crust.
8. Carefully transfer the rolled dough to your prepared pizza pan. Spread 1/3 cup of the Thousand Island dressing evenly over the dough, leaving a clear border around the edge for the crust. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Swiss cheese over the dressing.

9. Next, cover the cheese layer with the chopped corned beef, distributing it evenly. Follow this with a layer of sauerkraut, spreading it out. Now for the stuffed crust magic: place a line of shredded Swiss cheese around the perimeter of the dough, directly on the edge of the pan. Sprinkle the remaining Swiss cheese evenly over the sauerkraut across the main pizza surface.
10. To create the stuffed crust, gently fold the dough that’s hanging over the edge of the pan inwards, over the cheese lining the perimeter. Carefully tuck and seal the dough to enclose the cheese completely. This forms a beautiful, enclosed cheese-filled border.

Baking to Golden Perfection:

11. Brush the newly formed stuffed crust with a little olive oil. This will help it achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and a satisfying crispness. Sprinkle the entire crust with garlic salt for an extra burst of flavor.
12. Transfer the pizza to your preheated 450°F (230°C) oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese on top is bubbly and beautifully melted. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.

13. Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it set for about 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese to firm up slightly, preventing the toppings from sliding off. Drizzle with the remaining Thousand Island dressing and a sprinkle of sweet relish (if using) before serving.
14. Cut into eight equal slices and serve immediately. Enjoy every incredible bite of your homemade Reuben Pizza!

Tips for Success & Variations

• Dough Consistency: Don’t be afraid to adjust the flour slightly if your dough is too sticky or too dry. Humidity can play a role. Aim for a dough that is soft, pliable, and slightly tacky to the touch.
• Quality Ingredients Matter: Using good quality corned beef and fresh sauerkraut (drained well!) will make a noticeable difference in the final flavor of your pizza.
• Homemade Thousand Island: For an extra special touch, consider making your own Thousand Island dressing. It’s surprisingly simple and allows you to control the exact flavor profile.
• Add Caraway Seeds: For an even more authentic Reuben flavor, you can sprinkle a teaspoon of caraway seeds into your pizza dough or over the top of the crust before baking.
• Spice it Up: If you enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes sprinkled over the toppings before baking can add a nice kick.

How to Store and Reheat Reuben Pizza

Should you be lucky enough to have any leftovers of this incredible Reuben Pizza, proper storage and reheating will ensure you can enjoy them just as much the next day.

To Store: Allow any leftover pizza slices to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. This prevents the crust from becoming soggy and keeps the toppings fresh.

To Reheat (for ultimate crispness): My preferred method for reheating pizza for the best texture is on the stovetop. Warm a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a slice of pizza and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the crust begins to crisp up again and you hear a gentle sizzle around the edges. To achieve perfectly melted cheese, add a few drops of water to the pan (away from the pizza itself). Immediately cover the skillet with a lid and let it steam for another minute or two. The steam will rehydrate the cheese and make it wonderfully gooey without overcooking the crust.

Alternatively (oven method): If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place your pizza slices on a prepared baking sheet (you can line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup). Reheat for approximately 5-8 minutes, or until the pizza is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This method is great for reheating multiple slices at once.

Why This Reuben Pizza Will Become Your New Favorite

This Reuben Pizza is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to creative cooking and a celebration of comfort food. It takes the beloved, familiar flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich – the savory corned beef, the tangy sauerkraut, the nutty Swiss cheese, and the creamy Thousand Island dressing – and elevates them onto a crispy, chewy, and utterly satisfying whole wheat stuffed crust. This fusion offers an exciting twist for pizza lovers and Reuben enthusiasts alike, providing a unique culinary experience that is both gourmet and comforting. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family dinner, or simply craving something extraordinary, this pizza is guaranteed to be a showstopper. Its harmonious blend of textures and tastes, coupled with the delightful surprise of a cheesy crust, makes it an unforgettable dish that will undoubtedly earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

Join the Reuben Revolution!

If you take the plunge and make this incredible Reuben Pizza, I would absolutely love to see your creations! Be sure to snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can admire your work. It truly inspires me to see how creative and enthusiastic you all get with the recipes I share. Enjoy every single savory, cheesy, tangy bite!

xoxo,

Reuben Pizza

• Author: Maegan – The BakerMama
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Rising Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 mins
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: pizza

Print Recipe

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Description

The Reuben Pizza, friends! All the greatness of a classic Reuben sandwich piled on a whole wheat cheese stuffed crust and baked to crispy yet chewy pizza perfection!

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Ingredients

Crust:

• 1 package (2 and 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 cup bread flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Toppings:

• 1/2 cup thousand island dressing
• 1 pound shredded Swiss cheese
• 1/2 pound chopped corned beef
• 1/2 cup sauerkraut
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/4 cup sweet relish

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Instructions

1. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the yeast and brown sugar with the warm water. Allow to proof about 10 minutes.
2. Add both flours and mix on low speed for a few minutes before slowly adding the olive oil. Mix until a smooth dough starts to form, about 5 minutes.
3. Transfer dough to a well-oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 450°F and lightly spray a large round pizza pan with non-stick cooking spray.
5. Once dough has risen, remove it from the bowl and form it into a ball with well-floured hands. Place the ball of dough onto a well-floured surface. Roll the dough out into a circle that’s an inch larger than your pizza pan.
6. Spread dough with 1/3 cup of the thousand island dressing. Sprinkle with some of the shredded Swiss cheese. Cover the cheese with the chopped corn beef and sauerkraut. Place some shredded cheese around the perimeter of the dough on the edge of the pan and sprinkle the rest of the cheese evenly over the sauerkraut on the pizza.
7. Fold the dough that’s hanging over the edge of the pan over the cheese around the perimeter and tuck it in to seal it. This will create the cheese stuffed crust. Brush the crust with a little olive oil and sprinkle with the garlic salt.
8. Bake the pizza for 20-25 minutes or until the crust starts to brown and the cheese starts to bubble. Let set 5 minutes before drizzling with the remaining thousand island dressing and sweet relish. Cut and serve.

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