Reuben Nachos: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Sandwich
Reuben sandwiches are a beloved classic, known for their savory combination of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing, all grilled to perfection on rye bread. But what if you could take all those amazing flavors and transform them into an even more shareable and exciting appetizer? Enter Reuben Nachos – a delicious and crowd-pleasing twist on the traditional sandwich that’s perfect for game day, parties, or just a fun weekend snack.
This recipe takes the core elements of a Reuben and layers them onto a bed of crispy tortilla chips, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s sure to be a hit. Get ready to ditch the bread and embrace a new way to enjoy your favorite Reuben flavors!
Why Reuben Nachos?
Why should you consider making Reuben nachos instead of the classic sandwich? Here are a few compelling reasons:
* **Shareability:** Nachos are inherently a shareable food. They’re perfect for gatherings and parties, allowing everyone to dig in and enjoy.
* **Customization:** The nacho format allows for easy customization. You can adjust the amount of each ingredient to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
* **Texture:** The combination of crispy tortilla chips, tender corned beef, melted cheese, and tangy sauerkraut creates a delightful textural experience.
* **Fun and Unexpected:** Reuben nachos are a fun and unexpected twist on a classic, making them a conversation starter and a memorable dish.
* **Ease of Preparation:** While the ingredients are similar to a Reuben sandwich, the preparation is often faster and easier, especially when feeding a crowd.
Ingredients for Reuben Nachos
Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
* **Tortilla Chips:** Choose sturdy tortilla chips that can hold up to the weight of the toppings. Kettle-cooked or restaurant-style chips are excellent choices.
* **Corned Beef:** Look for pre-cooked corned beef at your local deli or grocery store. You can also cook your own corned beef, but this will add significantly to the preparation time. Thinly sliced corned beef is ideal.
* **Swiss Cheese:** Swiss cheese is a must for that authentic Reuben flavor. Shredded Swiss cheese melts evenly and covers the nachos nicely. Gruyere can be substituted, though it will add a sharper flavor profile.
* **Sauerkraut:** Drain the sauerkraut well to prevent the nachos from becoming soggy. A little bit of tang is good, but excess moisture is not.
* **Russian Dressing:** This is the signature sauce that ties everything together. You can use store-bought Russian dressing or make your own (recipe provided below!). Thousand Island dressing can be substituted in a pinch, but it lacks the distinct flavor of Russian dressing.
* **Optional Toppings:** Feel free to add other toppings to customize your nachos. Some popular options include pickled onions, jalapeños, chopped pickles, green onions, and a sprinkle of caraway seeds.
Homemade Russian Dressing Recipe:
While store-bought Russian dressing is convenient, making your own is surprisingly easy and yields a more flavorful result. Here’s a simple recipe:
* ½ cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons ketchup
* 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
* 1 tablespoon horseradish (prepared)
* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
* ½ teaspoon paprika
* ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
* Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Reuben Nachos
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get started on making those delicious Reuben nachos!
**Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Shred the Swiss cheese if you haven’t already.
* Drain the sauerkraut thoroughly, squeezing out any excess moisture.
* Slice or chop the corned beef into bite-sized pieces.
* Prepare any optional toppings you plan to use.
* Make the Russian dressing (if making homemade).
**Step 2: Assemble the Nachos**
* Spread a layer of tortilla chips on a large oven-safe platter or baking sheet. Make sure the chips are in a single layer to ensure even coverage with the toppings.
* Sprinkle half of the shredded Swiss cheese over the chips.
* Distribute the corned beef evenly over the cheese.
* Spoon the drained sauerkraut over the corned beef.
* Drizzle about half of the Russian dressing over the sauerkraut.
* Sprinkle the remaining Swiss cheese over the top.
**Step 3: Bake the Nachos**
* Place the platter or baking sheet in the preheated oven.
* Bake for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the nachos are heated through. Keep a close eye on them to prevent the chips from burning.
**Step 4: Add Finishing Touches**
* Remove the nachos from the oven.
* Drizzle the remaining Russian dressing over the top.
* Add any optional toppings, such as pickled onions, jalapeños, or green onions.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips and Variations for Reuben Nachos
Want to customize your Reuben nachos even further? Here are some tips and variations to try:
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Russian dressing or sprinkle some diced jalapeños over the nachos for a spicy kick.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, provolone, or even a smoked Gouda, to add unique flavor profiles.
* **Add a Protein Boost:** Include other protein sources like shredded pastrami or chopped bacon for an even more decadent nacho experience.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Substitute the corned beef with vegetarian corned beef alternatives or use grilled portobello mushrooms for a hearty and flavorful vegetarian option. You can even use jackfruit, seasoned to mimic the taste and texture of corned beef.
* **Try Different Chips:** Experiment with different types of tortilla chips, such as flavored chips or even sweet potato chips, to add a unique twist.
* **Grill the Nachos:** For a smoky flavor, try grilling the nachos on a grill pan or in a cast iron skillet. Be sure to use a grill-safe platter.
* **Slow Cooker Reuben Nachos:** You can also make Reuben nachos in a slow cooker. Layer the chips, cheese, corned beef, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 1-2 hours, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
* **Individual Nacho Portions:** For parties, consider making individual nacho portions in small oven-safe dishes. This makes serving and cleanup easier.
* **Reuben Quesadillas:** While not exactly nachos, you can take the same ingredients and create Reuben quesadillas. Simply layer the corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing between two tortillas and grill until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
* **Deconstructed Reuben Nachos (Reuben Salad):** If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider deconstructing the nachos into a salad. Chop the tortilla chips and mix them with the corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing. Add some lettuce and other salad vegetables for a healthier and refreshing meal.
Serving Suggestions
Reuben nachos are best served immediately while the cheese is melted and the chips are crispy. Here are some serving suggestions:
* **As an Appetizer:** Serve Reuben nachos as an appetizer at parties, game day gatherings, or potlucks.
* **As a Main Course:** For a casual meal, serve a large platter of Reuben nachos as a main course. Add a side salad or some coleslaw to complete the meal.
* **With Dipping Sauces:** Offer additional dipping sauces, such as extra Russian dressing, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli, for those who like to customize their nachos.
* **With Drinks:** Pair Reuben nachos with your favorite drinks, such as beer, soda, or cocktails. A classic pairing would be an Irish beer or a Manhattan cocktail.
Make-Ahead Tips
While Reuben nachos are best served fresh, there are a few things you can do to prepare ahead of time:
* **Prepare the Russian Dressing:** Make the Russian dressing up to a few days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
* **Shred the Cheese:** Shred the Swiss cheese ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Prepare the Corned Beef:** Slice or chop the corned beef ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Drain the Sauerkraut:** Drain the sauerkraut ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
However, it is not recommended to assemble the nachos completely ahead of time, as the chips will become soggy.
Nutritional Information
(Note: The nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
A typical serving of Reuben nachos (approximately ¼ of the recipe) contains:
* Calories: 600-800
* Fat: 40-60g
* Saturated Fat: 20-30g
* Cholesterol: 80-120mg
* Sodium: 1000-1500mg
* Carbohydrates: 40-60g
* Fiber: 5-10g
* Sugar: 5-10g
* Protein: 20-30g
Reuben nachos can be high in calories, fat, and sodium. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Reuben nachos, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best consumed within 1-2 days. Keep in mind that the chips will likely become soggy. Reheating in the oven or toaster oven can help to crisp them up slightly, but they won’t be as crispy as when they were first made. You can also pick off the toppings and add them to fresh chips for a better texture.
Conclusion
Reuben nachos are a fun, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing twist on the classic Reuben sandwich. With their crispy tortilla chips, tender corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Russian dressing, they’re the perfect appetizer for any occasion. So, ditch the bread and embrace this creative and delicious way to enjoy your favorite Reuben flavors. Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!
Now you have a unique and delicious recipe to add to your repertoire. Enjoy experimenting with different variations and toppings to create your own signature Reuben nachos. Happy cooking and happy eating!