There’s something undeniably delightful about nachos, isn’t there? I mean, who can resist a crispy chip piled high with mouthwatering toppings? My journey with nachos took a surprising twist when I stumbled upon the magnificent idea of transforming the classic Reuben sandwich into nachos. Oh boy, let me tell you; these Reuben Nachos are now my go-to dish for game nights, casual gatherings, or when I’m just hanging out on the couch binge-watching my favorite series.
Every time I whip up this scrumptious treat, I’m taken back to lively family gatherings. I can still hear my Aunt Ruth arguing about how a ‘real’ Reuben must have extra sauerkraut while Uncle Jack stealthily adds more cheese to everything. This recipe is like a celebration of those fun-filled moments, and I can assure you, once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your home, too!
What’s in The BEST Reuben Nachos?
Kettle-cooked potato chips: These are the foundation of our nachos. I recommend a bag that holds about 10-12 ounces. Kettle-cooked is key because they add that satisfying crunch that can handle all those glorious toppings without getting soggy too quickly.
Cooked corned beef: About a cup of this savory goodness, diced, will provide that classic Reuben flavor. If you want to save time, you can use deli corned beef from the store. Just make sure it’s well-seasoned!
Sauerkraut: You’ll need one cup of this tangy treat. Make sure to drain it well to avoid sogginess—nobody likes sad nachos!
Swiss cheese: A cup of shredded Swiss cheese melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture that’s essential to this dish. Get the good stuff for the best flavor!
Thousand island dressing: Just half a cup is needed, but don’t be shy about drizzling more on top when serving. It brings everything together in a tangy, creamy embrace.
Green onions: These are for garnish and add a fresh crunch and a pop of color. Slicing up about a quarter cup is perfect.
Caraway seeds: This is optional, but if you’re feeling adventurous, these seeds add a nice flavor reminiscent of rye bread, making your nachos even more authentic.
Freshly ground black pepper: A pinch or two to taste brings all the flavors together.
Is The BEST Reuben Nachos Good for You?
Well, let’s be real—these nachos are more about indulgence than health, but that doesn’t mean they don’t offer some benefits!
Corned beef: Packed with protein, this tasty meat can keep you feeling full longer. Just keep an eye on the sodium levels as processed meats can be a bit salty.
Sauerkraut: You’re in for a treat here! This fermented delight is not just tangy; it’s a gut-friendly probiotic! Just remember, moderation is key since it can be salty.
Swiss cheese: A good source of calcium and protein, this cheese can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
While these nachos might not be what you’d consider a health food, they can certainly be a delightful treat worth indulging in—especially when shared with good company!
Ingredients
– 1 bag of kettle-cooked potato chips (about 10-12 ounces)
– 1 cup cooked corned beef, diced
– 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
– 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
– 1/2 cup thousand island dressing (more for drizzling if desired)
– 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)
– 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional, for added flavor)
– Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
This recipe generously serves about 4 people, which is perfect for sharing, but let’s be honest—you might just want to have it all to yourself!
How to Make The BEST Reuben Nachos?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get that oven warming up so we can dive into cheesy goodness soon!
2. In a baking dish, spread an even layer of kettle-cooked potato chips across the bottom. Try not to overlap them too much; we want every chip to get its fair share of toppings!
3. Layer the diced corned beef evenly over the chips. This is where the magic begins!
4. Spread the sauerkraut over the corned beef. Make sure it’s well-drained for optimal crunch!
5. Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese generously on top—don’t be shy!
6. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle some caraway seeds over the cheese. They add that signature rye flavor.
7. Drizzle some thousand island dressing over the top of the nachos for that creamy, tangy goodness.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Oh, that smell will drive you wild!
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a minute (if you can wait). Drizzle additional thousand island dressing over the nachos if desired to make them extra delicious.
10. Garnish with sliced green onions and freshly ground black pepper before serving. The final touch for those Insta-worthy nachos!
Ultimate Nacho Tips and Variations!
– Feeling extra fancy? Try adding jalapeños for a spicy kick or swap out the corned beef for pulled pork or chicken.
– Use leftover corned beef from St. Patrick’s Day celebrations for a fun way to utilize those leftovers!
– If you want a little more crunch, serve these nachos with extra kettle chips on the side for dipping.
So, what are you waiting for? I encourage you to whip up these Reuben Nachos and share in the joy they bring. I promise you’ll find them just as heavenly as I do! After you make them, I’d love to hear how they turned out. Happy cooking!
