Reuben-Topped Irish Nachos

Take your nacho game to the next level with these Reuben-Topped Irish Nachos! Instead of tortilla chips, this recipe uses crispy, oven-baked potato slices as the base—delivering that perfect crunchy texture with a soft, fluffy inside. Layered with lean corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and a creamy Thousand Island drizzle, these nachos bring the beloved flavors of a classic reuben sandwich into an irresistible appetizer! Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, planning a game-day feast, or just craving something indulgent yet healthier, these Irish Nachos are a total crowd-pleaser. They’re baked instead of fried, making them a lighter twist on traditional pub food—without sacrificing flavor! Serve them up at your next gathering and watch them disappear in no time! 🍀✨

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

Thousand Island Dressing:

• 2 1/2 tablespoons nonfat plain Greek yogurt

• 1 1/2 tablespoons ketchup (natural or organic)

• 2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish (natural or organic)

• 3/4 teaspoon white vinegar

• 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s Red Hot)

• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/8 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

Potatoes:

• 1 1/2 pounds russet potatoes, scrubbed

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• 3/4 teaspoon onion powder

• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Reuben Topping:

• 3 ounces extra-lean deli corned beef, chopped

• 1 cup shredded, reduced-fat Swiss cheese

• 1/4 – 1/3 cup sauerkraut, drained and gently pressed

• Finely chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 475ºF.

2. In a medium bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, ketchup, relish, vinegar, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Cover and refrigerate.

3. Slice potatoes evenly into 1/8″-thick rounds.

4. In a large bowl, toss potato slices with olive oil, then coat evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

5. Spread potato slices in a single layer on two parchment-lined baking sheets, ensuring they do not overlap.

6. Bake for 12-14 minutes until golden brown. Flip slices and bake for another 5-8 minutes. Remove any thinner slices early if needed.

7. Once potatoes are crispy, pile them in the center of one baking sheet, layering with corned beef, cheese, and sauerkraut.

8. Return to the oven for 5 minutes until cheese melts.

9. Garnish with parsley and serve with Thousand Island dressing on the side or drizzled on top.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Kcal: 190 kcal per serving | Servings: 8 servings

Reuben-Topped Irish Nachos: The Ultimate Twist on a Classic Pub Favorite

When it comes to comfort food, nachos have an undeniable charm. But what happens when you swap the traditional tortilla chips for crispy oven-baked potatoes and top them with the iconic flavors of a Reuben sandwich? You get the ultimate Reuben-Topped Irish Nachos—a fusion of two beloved dishes that delivers a bold, savory, and utterly delicious experience.

This dish combines golden-brown potato slices with melty Swiss cheese, lean corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and a drizzle of creamy Thousand Island dressing—bringing the essence of a classic Reuben sandwich into a fun and shareable appetizer. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, hosting a game-day party, or simply craving a unique twist on nachos, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Let’s dive into the background, health benefits, variations, and serving suggestions for this flavor-packed dish!

The Story Behind Irish Nachos and the Reuben Influence

Irish Nachos have an interesting history. Unlike traditional Mexican nachos, which use corn tortilla chips, Irish Nachos swap in thinly sliced potatoes, offering a hearty, crispy base. This variation is believed to have originated in pubs and sports bars, where chefs sought creative ways to use potatoes—one of Ireland’s most famous staple foods.

However, the real twist in this recipe comes from its Reuben sandwich inspiration. The Reuben is an American deli classic, consisting of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing on rye bread. It’s rich, tangy, and perfectly balanced—a favorite in diners and delis across the U.S. By fusing these two iconic dishes, we get Reuben-Topped Irish Nachos, an appetizer that pays homage to both the hearty nature of Irish cuisine and the bold flavors of a classic deli sandwich.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This recipe isn’t just about flavor—it also comes with several benefits that make it a standout choice for your menu:

1. Healthier Alternative to Fried Nachos

Traditional nachos are often fried, making them high in unhealthy fats and calories. This recipe bakes the potato slices instead, reducing the overall fat content while still achieving that crave-worthy crispness.

2. Naturally Gluten-Free

Since this dish replaces tortilla chips with potatoes, it’s naturally gluten-free—making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

3. Perfect for Sharing

These nachos are the ultimate party food! Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, family gathering, or a casual movie night, this dish is easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.

4. A Creative Twist on a Classic

Love Reuben sandwiches but want to try them in a different form? These nachos allow you to enjoy the same flavors in a more fun and shareable way!

5. Balanced Flavor Profile

The combination of crispy potatoes, salty corned beef, creamy cheese, and tangy sauerkraut is perfectly balanced—giving you a little bit of everything in every bite.

Key Ingredients and Their Benefits

1. Russet Potatoes

• Provide a hearty, starchy base
• Naturally gluten-free and fiber-rich
• Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside when baked properly

2. Extra-Lean Corned Beef

• Adds a savory, meaty depth to the dish
• Lower in fat than traditional corned beef brisket
• High in protein and essential vitamins like B12 and iron

3. Swiss Cheese

• Melts beautifully over the potatoes
• Adds a creamy, nutty flavor
• Lower in lactose, making it easier to digest for some people

4. Sauerkraut

• Provides a tangy contrast that cuts through the richness
• A great source of probiotics for gut health
• Adds a natural, salty bite to complement the dish

5. Thousand Island Dressing

• Ties all the flavors together with a creamy, slightly sweet, and tangy kick
• Greek yogurt in the dressing adds protein and reduces fat compared to traditional versions

How to Serve and Customize Reuben-Topped Irish Nachos

1. Perfect Pairings

These nachos can be served with a variety of dips and sides to create an unforgettable meal. Some great pairings include:
✔️ A side of extra Thousand Island dressing for dipping
✔️ A cold pint of beer (try an Irish stout or a crisp lager!)
✔️ A light coleslaw to balance the richness
✔️ Pickles or spicy mustard for an extra layer of tang

2. Fun Variations to Try

✅ Make it Spicy: Add a drizzle of sriracha or sprinkle on red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.

✅ Go Low-Carb: Swap out potatoes for cauliflower slices or zucchini rounds for a keto-friendly version.

✅ Vegetarian Twist: Replace corned beef with mushrooms, jackfruit, or tempeh for a meatless alternative.

✅ Extra Crispy: For even crunchier potatoes, soak the slices in water for 30 minutes before baking. This removes excess starch and helps achieve that crispy bite.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Reuben-Topped Irish Nachos

Step 1: Prepare the Thousand Island Dressing

In a bowl, mix together:

• 2 1/2 tablespoons nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish
• 3/4 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

Cover and refrigerate until needed.

Step 2: Prepare and Bake the Potatoes

1. Preheat oven to 475ºF.
2. Slice russet potatoes evenly into 1/8″-thick rounds.
3. Toss with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Bake for 12-14 minutes, flip, then bake for another 5-8 minutes until crispy.

Step 3: Assemble the Nachos

1. Layer the crispy potatoes with chopped corned beef, shredded Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut.
2. Return to the oven for 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
3. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Drizzle with Thousand Island dressing and serve immediately!

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a fun, flavorful, and easy-to-make appetizer, these Reuben-Topped Irish Nachos are the perfect choice. With crispy baked potatoes, melty Swiss cheese, savory corned beef, and tangy sauerkraut, every bite is packed with comfort and indulgence—without being overly heavy.

Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, hosting a party, or craving an inventive new take on nachos, this dish is guaranteed to become a new favorite. So, fire up your oven and get ready to enjoy the best of both worlds—Reuben flavors + crispy nachos! 🍀🥔🧀