Reuben Stuffed Baked Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Combine the iconic, savory flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich with the comforting warmth of a perfectly baked Russet potato, and what do you get? Reuben Stuffed Baked Potatoes! This dish transforms your favorite deli classic into a hearty, satisfying, and utterly delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Forget the bread and dive into a potato stuffed with tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melty Swiss cheese, all drizzled with a zesty Thousand Island dressing. It’s a game-changer for anyone seeking a unique twist on beloved comfort food.
Why You’ll Love These Reuben Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Reuben sandwiches are a personal favorite, especially when it comes to utilizing leftover corned beef. However, for those looking to cut down on bread or simply enjoy a different culinary experience, these Reuben Stuffed Baked Potatoes are an absolute revelation. They capture the essence of the sandwich – the rich, salty corned beef, the sour crunch of sauerkraut, the creamy Swiss, and the distinctive Thousand Island dressing – all nestled within a fluffy, tender baked potato shell. It’s a complete meal in one convenient package, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing weekend feast.
These loaded baked potatoes are not just incredibly flavorful; they’re also exceptionally filling. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, making them an instant classic in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Reubens or new to its delights, this potato version offers a comforting and satisfying experience that will have you coming back for more.
How to Master Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Creating the perfect stuffed baked potato is simpler than you might think. The key lies in preparing a superb potato base and then layering in the delicious Reuben fillings. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve potato perfection:
- Prepare Your Baked Potatoes to Perfection: The foundation of this dish is, of course, the baked potato. While you can certainly bake them in a conventional oven for that classic crispy skin, my preferred method for consistently perfect, fluffy potatoes in record time is using an Instant Pot. They’re done in just 15 minutes, making weeknight meal prep a breeze. If you’re aiming for a truly crispy jacket potato experience, where the skin is almost a meal in itself, there are fantastic techniques available, such as this guide from The Kitchn. Whichever method you choose, ensure your potatoes are cooked through and tender before moving to the next step.
- Skillfully Stuff Your Potatoes: Once your potatoes are baked, it’s time for the fun part – stuffing! Carefully slice each baked potato lengthwise down the middle, using a butter knife or a small paring knife. Be gentle and avoid cutting all the way through, as you want the potato to remain intact as a vessel for your fillings. Gently pull the sides open to create a pocket. Then, use a fork to fluff up the interior flesh of the potato. This creates more space for your fillings and makes for a creamier texture. Generously fill the potato with your pre-cooked, sliced corned beef, plenty of shredded or sliced Swiss cheese, and a hearty portion of tangy sauerkraut.
- Finish in the Oven for Melty Goodness: Arrange your stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet. Place them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 5-7 minutes. This short baking time is crucial for warming all the toppings through and, most importantly, achieving that glorious, gooey, melted Swiss cheese. The cheese will become beautifully bubbly, indicating it’s ready. Once out of the oven, generously drizzle each potato with Thousand Island Dressing. For an extra touch of freshness and color, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Elevating Your Loaded Potatoes with Wholesome Ingredients
These Stuffed Baked Potatoes are truly a complete and satisfying meal, making them an ideal choice for a busy weeknight dinner. The best part is how quickly they come together, a feature I always appreciate in a recipe! I could honestly incorporate these delicious potatoes into our weekly dinner rotation without ever getting tired of them. For those mindful of their diet and preferring less processed options, here are some tips to make your Reuben Stuffed Baked Potatoes even better for you:
- Corned Beef: To ensure the cleanest ingredients, I highly recommend using my own Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe. This homemade approach guarantees no unnecessary added sugars, gluten, or artificial preservatives often found in store-bought versions. If making it from scratch isn’t an option, look for high-quality, nitrate-free deli corned beef with a minimal ingredient list.
- Sauerkraut: The sauerkraut adds that essential tangy counterpoint to the rich corned beef. When purchasing, seek out brands that contain only fermented cabbage and salt, free of added sugars, sulfites, or other unfamiliar additives. Many health food stores offer raw, unpasteurized sauerkraut, which also provides beneficial probiotics.
- Thousand Island or Russian Dressing: This creamy, zesty dressing is non-negotiable for a true Reuben experience. While many commercial dressings contain high fructose corn syrup and unhealthy oils, you have excellent alternatives. Consider whipping up your own homemade Thousand Island or Russian Dressing, allowing you to control the ingredients completely. Alternatively, several fantastic brands now offer Whole30-compliant or dairy-free options, such as Primal Kitchen’s Thousand Island Dressing, which is made with avocado oil and free from artificial ingredients.
- Swiss Cheese: The melty Swiss cheese provides a wonderful creamy texture and nutty flavor. If you are dairy-free, following an elimination diet like Whole30, or simply prefer to keep it lighter, you can absolutely omit the Swiss cheese altogether. The potatoes will still be incredibly flavorful with the other components. For a dairy-free alternative, you could explore plant-based cheese shreds that melt well.
Ingredient Flexibility and Serving Suggestions
One of the beauties of these Reuben Stuffed Baked Potatoes is their adaptability. While corned beef is the classic choice, you don’t have to wait for St. Patrick’s Day or have fresh leftovers on hand to enjoy this dish. If you’re craving these savory potatoes when corned beef isn’t readily available – perhaps during football season when quick, hearty meals are essential – you can easily substitute with high-quality corned beef deli meat or even pastrami in a pinch. Just make sure to chop it into manageable pieces for stuffing. This flexibility ensures you can enjoy this comforting meal whenever the craving strikes.
To round out your meal, consider pairing these loaded potatoes with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad will cut through the richness of the potato, creating a perfectly balanced plate. A bowl of creamy tomato soup or a clear broth-based vegetable soup would also make an excellent accompaniment, especially on a chilly evening.
Storage and Reheating Tips
These Reuben Stuffed Baked Potatoes are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored and reheated. Allow any remaining potatoes to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, the best method is to warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is re-melted. This helps maintain the potato’s texture. Microwaving is also an option for a quicker reheat, though the skin might not be as crispy.
Other Delicious Potato Recipes You’ll Love
If you’ve enjoyed these Reuben Stuffed Baked Potatoes, you’re in for a treat! Potatoes are incredibly versatile, forming the base for countless delicious and comforting meals. Here are a few more potato recipes from our collection that you might just fall in love with:
- Kielbasa Stuffed Twice-Baked Potatoes: Another fantastic loaded potato, featuring savory kielbasa and creamy fillings.
- Whole30 Pizza Potato Skins: A healthier take on a party classic, perfect for a guilt-free indulgence.
- Whole30 Greek Lemon Potatoes: Bright, zesty, and incredibly flavorful – a wonderful side dish or light meal.
- Garlic Smashed Potatoes: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with garlic flavor.
We hope you enjoy exploring the wonderful world of potatoes and discover new favorites along the way!
How to make Reuben Stuffed Baked Potatoes
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Ingredients
- 4 large Russet potatoes – baked
- 4 ounces corned beef – chopped can also use pastrami or corned beef deli meat
- 1 cup sauerkraut – approx 1/4 cup per potato
- 4 ounces swiss cheese – sliced or shredded – approx 1-ounce per potato
- 3 tablespoons thousand island dressing
- Parsley – to garnish
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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Using a butter knife, cut each baked potato lengthwise and gently pull open without breaking in half. Then, use a fork to fluff the inside of the potato. Fill the potato with the sliced corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut.
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Bake for 5-7 minutes to warm toppings and melt cheese.
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Drizzle with Russian dressing and top with parsley. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
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