If you love the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich but are looking for a fun and hearty twist, this Reuben Stuffed Baked Potatoes Recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort food. Combining tender, fluffy baked potatoes with the bold zest of corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melty Swiss cheese, and creamy thousand island dressing, it’s like all the best parts of a Reuben packed into a satisfying, easy-to-eat dish. This recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners, casual gatherings, or anytime you want a meal that feels both familiar and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in bringing the flavors and textures together. From the crispy potato skin to the savory filling, you’ll find everything needed to create a delicious feast.
- 4 large russet potatoes: Choose firm, starchy potatoes for that perfect fluffy interior after baking.
- 1 lb corned beef: Thinly sliced and chopped, providing the savory, meaty richness that defines a Reuben.
- 1 cup sauerkraut: Well-drained and squeezed dry to avoid sogginess, adding a tangy bite.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully to create that irresistible gooey layer.
- 1/2 cup thousand island dressing: Creamy with a touch of sweetness, it ties all the flavors together.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds moisture and richness, keeping the potatoes soft on the inside.
- Salt and pepper: To season and enhance the natural flavors.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For a pop of color and fresh herbal note at the end.
How to Make Reuben Stuffed Baked Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub your russet potatoes clean to remove any dirt, then pierce them several times with a fork to help steam escape. This step ensures a perfectly tender potato without bursting.
Step 2: Prepare Potatoes for Baking
Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. This will create a crispy, flavorful skin that contrasts beautifully with the soft inside. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet, whichever you prefer.
Step 3: Bake Until Tender
Bake the potatoes for 45-60 minutes, or until you can easily pierce them with a fork. The goal here is a fluffy potato interior, which is the perfect canvas for your Reuben filling.
Step 4: Mix the Reuben Filling
While the potatoes bake, combine chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, and shredded Swiss cheese in a medium bowl. Add the thousand island dressing and stir everything together until evenly mixed. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to bring out all the flavors.
Step 5: Fluff and Butter the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are tender, remove them from the oven and let them cool just enough to handle. Cut a careful slit down the center of each and gently fluff the inside with a fork. Adding a tablespoon of butter to each one will add extra richness and help the filling meld with the potato.
Step 6: Stuff the Potatoes
Spoon the Reuben filling into each potato, packing it in gently so every bite includes a delicious mix of beef, sauerkraut, cheese, and dressing.
Step 7: Final Bake to Melt and Heat
Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven for 10-15 minutes. This melts the Swiss cheese perfectly and heats the filling through, melding the flavors even more.
Step 8: Serve Hot and Delicious
Drizzle more thousand island dressing on top, sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like, and dive right in. The combination of textures and flavors makes these potatoes truly special.
How to Serve Reuben Stuffed Baked Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A little fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds brightness and a splash of color that makes this dish even more inviting. If you want extra tang, a small dollop of thousand island dressing on the side complements the stuffed potatoes beautifully.
Side Dishes
Since these stuffed potatoes are quite hearty, pair them with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Steamed or roasted vegetables also make a fresh, vibrant accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these stuffed potatoes on a rustic wooden board with extra condiments so everyone can customize their bites. For a fun twist, you could hollow out mini potatoes and stuff bite-sized versions as appetizers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover stuffed baked potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They’ll keep their flavor and texture well, making for an easy reheatable meal the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the stuffed potatoes by wrapping each one tightly in foil and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen stuffed potatoes will stay good for up to 2 months. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight.
Reheating
To warm leftovers, bake the potatoes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty and bubbly again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the texture doesn’t stay quite as nice.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but double-check the thousand island dressing and corned beef packaging to ensure there are no additives containing gluten.
Can I substitute another type of cheese?
Swiss cheese is classic for a Reuben, but you can definitely use Gruyère or mozzarella if you prefer. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will change slightly.
Is it possible to use a slow cooker to bake the potatoes?
Definitely! Wrap the potatoes in foil and cook them on low in a slow cooker for 6-8 hours until tender. Then proceed with stuffing and finishing under the broiler or in the oven.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, mixing the filling a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated and stuff the potatoes right before baking the final time.
What if I don’t have thousand island dressing?
You can make a quick substitute by mixing mayonnaise, ketchup, a little pickle relish, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. It will capture that tangy, creamy vibe wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say the Reuben Stuffed Baked Potatoes Recipe will quickly become a favorite for anyone who loves big, bold flavors wrapped in cozy comfort. It’s surprisingly simple to make but packs a wonderful punch that hits all the right notes. So, grab your ingredients, don your apron, and enjoy making this delicious twist on a classic Reuben!
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Reuben Stuffed Baked Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Reuben Stuffed Baked Potatoes are a delightful twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, combining tender baked russet potatoes filled with a savory mixture of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and tangy thousand island dressing. This hearty recipe makes a satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for rubbing)
Reuben Filling
- 1 lb corned beef, thinly sliced and chopped
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup thousand island dressing (plus extra for drizzling)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bake the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes clean, then pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Season the Potatoes: Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt to enhance the skin’s flavor and crispness. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet.
- Bake Until Tender: Bake the potatoes for 45-60 minutes, or until a fork easily pierces through the flesh, indicating they are fully cooked and tender inside.
- Prepare the Filling: While the potatoes bake, combine the chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, and shredded Swiss cheese in a medium bowl. Stir in the thousand island dressing until all ingredients are evenly mixed. Season lightly with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Stuff the Potatoes: When the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly so they can be handled safely. Cut a slit down the center of each potato and fluff the interior with a fork to create space for the filling.
- Add Butter and Fill: Place a tablespoon of butter inside each potato for richness, then spoon the prepared Reuben filling into each potato, slightly packing it in to fill the cavity completely.
- Bake the Stuffed Potatoes: Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. This reheats the filling and melts the cheese, making the filling hot and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the stuffed potatoes from the oven, drizzle with extra thousand island dressing for added flavor, sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For extra crispy skin, rub the potatoes with a little olive oil before baking.
- Make sure to drain and squeeze dry the sauerkraut to prevent soggy potatoes.
- You can substitute thousand island dressing with Russian dressing for a similar but slightly different flavor profile.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to maintain the melted cheese texture.
- Choose medium to large russet potatoes for best results and easier stuffing.
