Last night I whipped up a quick Reuben Sauerkraut Dip, and wow, it was a hit! This little snack is tangy, creamy, and just a touch sweet, with all the flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich in a simple dip.
The best part? I enjoyed it cold, so all the probiotics in the sauerkraut stayed intact. For me, the tangy sauerkraut is a key ingredient. A delicious hearty dip.
Reuben Sauerkraut Dip: Tangy, Savory, and Gut-Friendly
This dip is a twist on reuben sandwiches. Many recipes call for heating this dip until warm and melty, which definitely makes it taste amazing, but warming kills the beneficial bacteria in the sauerkraut.
Since I like to keep those gut-friendly probiotics, I kept mine cold. It’s refreshing, tangy, and just as satisfying, especially when served with crunchy chips.
This dip is a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. The sauerkraut adds that punch of acidity, the cheese gives it a savory finish, and the summer sausage adds a little meaty richness.
It’s an easy snack that comes together in minutes and disappears just as quickly.
Number of Servings
This batch is fairly small, perfect for a snack or appetizer. I’d estimate 2–3 servings for casual snacking, or 4–5 if it’s being served as part of a larger party spread with other dips and snacks. If you’re feeding a crowd, simply double or triple the recipe. It scales beautifully.
Easy Reuben Sauerkraut Dip Recipe: Tangy and Savory
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2/3 Cup Sauerkraut drained
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons Mayonnaise
- 1 Teaspoon Yellow Mustard or stone ground mustard
- 2 Teaspoons Sugar
- 1/4 Cup Swiss Cheese shredded or Parmesan cheese
- 1 Ounce Summer Sausage chopped fine or corned beef, pastrami, or bacon
Instructions
- And the method couldn’t be easier. In a large bowl mix all the ingredients together, sauerkraut, mayonnaise, mustard, sugar, cheese, and summer sausage.2/3 Cup Sauerkraut, 1 1/2 Tablespoons Mayonnaise, 1 Teaspoon Yellow Mustard, 2 Teaspoons Sugar, 1/4 Cup Swiss Cheese, 1 Ounce Summer Sausage
- You can serve it with chips, crackers, or even crunchy veggies for a quick snack or appetizer.
Notes
Warming Your Reuben Sauerkraut Dip
If you’d like to enjoy this dip warm, it’s easy to do—but keep in mind the probiotics won’t survive the heat. For best results, preheat your oven to a medium heat, 350°F (175°C). Place the dip in an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top if you like it melty. Then bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the dip is heated through and just starting to turn golden brown. You can also warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, just until heated. Or use a slow cooker set to low heat. Don’t use high heat, as it can cause the cheese to separate and the flavors to become overly sharp.Nutrition
Why You Might Want to Skip the Heat
Sauerkraut is naturally fermented, which means it’s packed with probiotics. Those friendly bacteria that help support your gut and digestion. When you heat sauerkraut, even just a little, many of these probiotics are destroyed.
That doesn’t mean your warm dip won’t taste good. It absolutely does, but eating it cold allows you to enjoy the full gut benefits. So, if your goal is both flavor and gut health, keeping your Reuben Sauerkraut Dip chilled is the way to go.
Recipe Variations
One of the things I love about this dip is how easy it is to tweak. Here are some ideas:
- Cheese swaps. Try cheddar, Gruyère, or a sharp Asiago instead of Swiss or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Meat-free version. Leave out the summer sausage and add diced pickles or roasted red peppers for texture and tang.
- Extra tang. Add a splash of pickle juice or a little horseradish for more zing.
- Creamy twist. Stir in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or cream cheese for an extra creamy texture.
Sausage Substitutes
- Corned beef or pastrami. For a true Reuben flavor, finely chop corned beef or pastrami. This keeps the meaty, savory notes but can be leaner than summer sausage.
- Cooked bacon. Crisped and chopped bacon adds smoky richness and a satisfying crunch.
- Deli turkey or ham. Finely diced deli meat works well if you want something milder and lower in fat.
- Vegetarian options
- Smoked tofu. Finely chopped or crumbled, it adds protein and a subtle smoky flavor.
- Roasted mushrooms. Finely diced mushrooms bring a savory, umami punch that pairs beautifully with sauerkraut.
- Vegan deli slices or plant-based sausage. Many brands can be chopped and stirred in for a fully plant-based version.
Each of these options keeps the dip flavorful, while giving you flexibility depending on dietary preferences or what’s on hand in your fridge.
What to Serve It With
This dip is incredibly versatile:
- Potato Chips, Rye Chips, Pita chips, or other crackers. Perfect for casual snacking or a party platter.
- Veggie sticks. Carrots, celery, and bell peppers are crunchy, colorful, and healthy dippers.
- Mini toasts, slices of rye bread, or slices of Irish soda bread. Bring out the Reuben sandwich vibes without the full sandwich prep.
- Pretzels. The salty crunch pairs beautifully with the tangy, creamy dip.
Storage Tips
Keep your leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for 3–4 days, making it great for meal prep, snack trays, or a quick appetizer on busy nights. Just give it a quick stir before serving, as the flavors tend to meld and intensify after sitting for a while.
When to Serve Reuben Sauerkraut Dip
This dip is a crowd-pleaser for almost any occasion! It’s perfect for game day snacks, movie nights, or casual get-togethers with friends. Serve it at your next gathering. Here are some ideas where this delicious dip would be welcomed. A holiday appetizer spread, potluck, or family gathering, and it will disappear fast. It also makes a fun after-school snack, a quick office treat, or even a tasty addition to a picnic.
Basically, anytime you want something tangy, creamy, and a little indulgent, this dip fits the bill.
Next time you’re craving a Reuben but don’t want to make a full sandwich, give this easy reuben dip recipe a try. It’s simple, tasty, and good for your gut if you keep it cold.
Personally, I love the cold version for the tang and the gut benefits, but I won’t lie, the warm version is irresistible at parties.
Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be a staple in your snack rotation.
delicious, nutritious and easy.