Why You’ll Love These Reuben Nachos

• Crispy, Cheesy, and Flavorful: Every bite is a perfect balance of crunch, gooey melted cheese, and tangy toppings.
• Great for Parties and Sharing: Serve these nachos for game nights, Super Bowl parties, or casual get-togethers.
• Perfect for Using Up Leftover Corned Beef: If you have leftover corned beef from St. Patrick’s Day, this is a delicious and creative way to enjoy it.
• Easy to Customize: You can swap the chips, change up the toppings, or adjust the flavors to make this dish exactly how you like it.
• Quick and Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, these nachos come together in under 20 minutes.

The Best Chips for Reuben Nachos

Since these nachos are loaded with toppings, using the right type of chip is essential. You’ll want sturdy, thick chips that can hold up to the melted cheese and toppings without getting soggy.

• Bagel Chips: The best choice because they are crunchy, sturdy, and have a mild flavor that lets the Reuben ingredients shine.
• Rye Chips: For an authentic Reuben taste, rye chips mimic the flavor of rye bread from the sandwich.
• Pretzel Chips: Slightly salty and crunchy, pretzel chips are great for an extra-snappy texture.
• Pita Chips: If you prefer a milder base, pita chips work well, but make sure they’re thick enough to hold the toppings.

Avoid thin tortilla chips or regular potato chips, as they won’t support the weight of the toppings and may become soggy.

Corned Beef – The Star Ingredient

A Reuben wouldn’t be a Reuben without corned beef, a brined and seasoned brisket that’s tender, salty, and packed with flavor.

• Deli Corned Beef: If you’re making these nachos quickly, thinly sliced deli corned beef works great—just chop it into bite-sized pieces before using.
• Leftover Corned Beef: If you have homemade corned beef from St. Patrick’s Day, shred or chop it up for the ultimate flavor boost.
• Alternative Options: If you don’t have corned beef, you can swap it for pastrami (which has a smokier, spicier flavor) or even roast beef.

Why Sauerkraut is Essential for Authentic Flavor

Sauerkraut is a key ingredient in a classic Reuben because it adds a tangy, slightly sour contrast that balances out the richness of the cheese and meat.

• Drain It Well: Too much liquid can make the nachos soggy, so be sure to squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the chips.
• Milder Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of strong sauerkraut, you can use coleslaw for a similar crunch with a sweeter taste.

Swiss Cheese – The Best Cheese for a Reuben Twist

Swiss cheese is the traditional choice for a Reuben, known for its nutty, mild, and slightly sweet flavor that melts beautifully.

• Best Swiss Cheese for Nachos: Shred it yourself for better melting—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
• Alternative Cheese Options: If you want extra boldness, try a mix of Gruyère, provolone, or sharp white cheddar.

For extra cheesiness, you can add a drizzle of cheese sauce or fondue-style melted Swiss cheese before serving.

Russian Dressing – The Creamy, Tangy Finishing Touch

Russian dressing is a creamy, slightly sweet, and tangy sauce that ties all the flavors together.

• What’s in Russian Dressing? It’s made from mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and spices, giving it a balanced mix of richness, tang, and spice.
• Drizzle Before Serving: The best way to enjoy Russian dressing on these nachos is to drizzle it over the top just before serving, so it doesn’t make the chips soggy.
• Substitutes for Russian Dressing: If you don’t have Russian dressing, Thousand Island dressing is a great alternative with a slightly sweeter taste.

Horseradish – An Optional But Delicious Addition

For a bolder kick, horseradish adds a sharp, spicy bite that enhances the flavors of the corned beef and dressing.

• Mild Option: If you prefer a milder taste, you can mix horseradish into the Russian dressing rather than adding it directly to the nachos.
• Spicy Option: For extra heat, use hot horseradish or a few dashes of hot sauce or Dijon mustard.

Best Garnishes to Enhance the Flavor

Once the nachos are baked to crispy, cheesy perfection, finishing touches make all the difference.

• Chopped Chives or Green Onions: Adds freshness and a slight onion flavor.
• Dill Pickles: Sliced pickles or pickle relish enhance the Reuben-inspired taste.
• Crushed Rye Crackers: Sprinkle on top for extra crunch.

How to Serve Reuben Nachos

These nachos are best served fresh out of the oven, when the cheese is still gooey and the chips are perfectly crisp. Here are some great ways to serve them:

• On a Large Platter: Perfect for sharing at parties or game day gatherings.
• With Extra Russian Dressing on the Side: Some people love extra sauce, so serving it in a small dish on the side is always a great option.
• As an Appetizer or Main Course: While these nachos are great for snacking, they can also be served as a fun and hearty main dish.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

While nachos are best eaten fresh, you can store leftovers if needed.

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Heat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to crisp up the chips and re-melt the cheese. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chips soggy.

Why These Reuben Nachos Are a Must-Try

• Combines the Best of Nachos and a Reuben Sandwich
• Packed with Tangy, Savory, and Cheesy Goodness
• Quick and Easy to Make with Just a Few Ingredients
• Perfect for Game Days, Parties, or Leftover Corned Beef

Conclusion

Reuben nachos take all the beloved flavors of the classic deli sandwich and transform them into a fun, crispy, and cheesy snack. With layers of bagel chips, Swiss cheese, corned beef, sauerkraut, and creamy Russian dressing, every bite is packed with bold and comforting flavors.

Whether you’re making them for a crowd, a cozy night in, or as a creative way to use up leftovers, these nachos are guaranteed to be a hit. Try them once, and they just might become your new favorite party snack or comfort food indulgence!