A crunchy, cheesy riff on two beloved comfort-food worlds — fries and Reuben flavors — this recipe lands fast and dramatic on the table. It’s playful pub food that doubles as a weeknight rescue or game-day star.
There’s an ease to it: a bag of waffle fries, leftover corned beef, sauerkraut, melty Swiss, and a tangy Thousand Island to bring it all together. The result is savory, tangy, and delightfully textural.
If you love reinvented classics, this is a dish that will make people take seconds. For similar comfort-food creativity, try the cheesy French onion meatballs for another flavor-packed twist.
Why You’ll Love This Delicious Irish Nachos: A Fun Twist on Comfort Food
- Crispy waffle fries stand up to heavy toppings without going soggy.
- Corned beef adds salty, savory depth and great leftover use.
- Sauerkraut brings bright acidity to cut through richness.
- Emmental Swiss melts smoothly for luxurious, stringy cheese pulls.
- Thousand Island adds sweet-tang and ties all the flavors together.
- Quick to assemble and excellent for sharing at parties or family dinners.
The flavor profile balances salty, tangy, and creamy textures with a satisfying crunch from properly cooked waffle fries. Think of it as a Reuben deconstructed over fries: bright sauerkraut lifts the meaty corned beef while creamy dressing rounds each bite.
"This was an instant hit — the potato crunch, melty Swiss, and corned beef were a perfect combo. I made it for a small crowd and everyone asked for the recipe. Five stars!" — Reader review
Key Ingredients for Delicious Irish Nachos: A Fun Twist on Comfort Food
Waffle fries (Alexia recommended): The waffle shape gives more surface area for crisping and holds toppings better than thin-cut fries. Choose a high-quality brand like Alexia for consistent texture and fewer additives. If you swap for shoestring fries, expect faster sogginess and less structural support for the toppings.
Corned beef (chopped, about 2 cups): Corned beef delivers the signature cured, savory note central to the Reuben idea. Use leftover brisket-style corned beef for the best texture; if buying pre-packaged, look for slices you can roughly chop. Substituting roast beef or pastrami will shift the flavor profile but still yield a satisfying result.
Emmental Swiss cheese (1–2 cups shredded): Emmental melts into long, elastic strands and offers a mild nutty sweetness that complements sauerkraut. Buy a block and shred it yourself for superior melt and flavor compared to pre-shredded. If you want bolder taste, swap in Gruyère; you’ll get a slightly saltier, earthier finish.
Thousand Island dressing (1/2 cup homemade preferred): This dressing provides the sweet-tang bridge that pulls the dish together. Homemade tends to be brighter and less cloying; use store-bought in a pinch but taste and adjust acidity with lemon or vinegar. If you prefer less sweetness, swap for Russian dressing or a simple mayo-ketchup blend with a squeeze of pickle brine.
Full Ingredient List for Delicious Irish Nachos: A Fun Twist on Comfort Food
- 1 bag waffle fries (Use Alexia brand for best results.)
- 2 cups corned beef, chopped (perfect for using leftovers)
- 1 cup sauerkraut (Choose any brand to suit your taste)
- 1–2 cups Emmental Swiss cheese, shredded (Gruyère can be substituted)
- 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing, homemade preferred (store-bought okay)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Delicious Irish Nachos: A Fun Twist on Comfort Food
Step 1: Bake the waffle fries until ultra-crisp
Preheat your oven according to the bag instructions and spread the waffle fries in a single layer on a rimmed sheet pan. Give them space and avoid crowding so steam doesn’t build up and make them limp.
Pro Tip: Visual cue — fries should be deep golden at the edges and visibly crisp when you tap them; they will smell toasty and slightly sweet.
Step 2: Warm and chop the corned beef
While the fries bake, warm the corned beef in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil, just to loosen any fats and intensify aroma. Chop or shred it to bite-sized pieces so it distributes evenly across the fries.
Pro Tip: Visual cue — the corned beef should be sizzling lightly, with edges caramelizing and a deep, savory aroma; bright pink bits are fine so long as it’s warmed through.
Step 3: Drain and refresh the sauerkraut
Place sauerkraut in a fine mesh sieve and press gently to remove excess liquid; too much brine will make the nachos soggy. If the kraut is particularly tangy, rinse briefly and squeeze, then heat briefly in a pan to mellow sharpness.
Pro Tip: Visual cue — sauerkraut should glisten but not drip; it should smell pleasantly vinegary rather than overwhelmingly acidic.
Step 4: Assemble layers and add cheese
Arrange the hot fries on a sheet pan or oven-safe platter, scatter the chopped corned beef evenly over the top, then distribute sauerkraut in small handfuls. Sprinkle the Emmental Swiss evenly, covering as much surface as possible for even melting.
Pro Tip: Visual cue — before returning to the oven, you should see bare pockets of fries peeking through a uniform layer of cheese; the cheese surface should look dry, not clumpy.
Step 5: Melt and finish under the broiler
Return the pan to the oven on the top rack and broil 1–3 minutes, watching closely, until cheese is gooey and edges begin to brown. Remove and drizzle with Thousand Island dressing just before serving to keep textures distinct.
Pro Tip: Visual cue — cheese should be bubbly and just browned at the peaks; you should smell a warm, savory-but-sweet mix of cheese and cured meat.
In the same spirit of hearty, shareable dishes, this is a great plate to enjoy alongside a simple soup like the comforting one-pot creamy vegetable soup as a starter.
Expert Tips for Delicious Irish Nachos: A Fun Twist on Comfort Food
- Temperature tip: Start fries in a hot oven (425–450°F) to set a crisp crust quickly; if broiling, move the pan to the top rack to brown cheese without overcooking fries.
- Texture troubleshooting: If toppings make fries soggy, re-crisp by spreading on a baking sheet and returning to 400°F for 5–7 minutes before serving.
- Equipment tips: Use a rimmed sheet pan or cast-iron skillet for even heat and easy transitions from oven to table.
- Cheese tip: Coarsely grate Emmental from a block; pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that interfere with silky melting.
- Assembly timing: Assemble just before broiling; excessive wait time will let moisture migrate into fries.
- Common mistakes: Overloading one area causes uneven melting and sogginess; distribute toppings in thin, even layers.
- Flavor balance: Taste the sauerkraut and dressing before using; if either is overly assertive, rinse or dilute slightly to avoid overpowering corned beef.
- Serving suggestion: Keep extra dressing on the side so guests can add more as needed and fries retain crispness.
For a creamy, tangy dip to serve alongside, consider pairing with the delicious ricotta dip with hot honey for a contrasting sweet finish.
Storage & Freezing for Delicious Irish Nachos: A Fun Twist on Comfort Food
Fridge storage: Store leftover components separately when possible. Place fries and toppings in airtight containers; refrigerate up to 2 days for best texture.
Freezer storage: Cooked assembled nachos do not freeze well due to texture changes, but freeze chopped corned beef in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Freeze sauerkraut only if properly drained and stored in a sealed container; quality may decline after a month.
Thawing: Thaw frozen corned beef overnight in the fridge. For quick thawing, place sealed bag in cold water for an hour and then reheat gently.
Reheating: Reheat fries on a sheet pan in a 400°F oven for 6–10 minutes to recrisp. Reheat corned beef in a skillet over medium heat until warmed; add sauerkraut at the end and broil briefly with cheese to refresh the dish. Use oven-safe containers or glass for reheating; avoid microwaves if you want to preserve crispness.
Variations & Substitutions for Delicious Irish Nachos: A Fun Twist on Comfort Food
Corned beef to pastrami variation: Swap corned beef for pastrami for a peppery kick. The texture will be similar but the peppercorn crust adds spice and smokiness.
Vegetarian version: Replace corned beef with smoked tempeh or thinly sliced, seasoned mushrooms. You’ll lose the cured-salty profile but gain umami and a meat-free option that pairs well with Swiss and dressing.
Spicy kick version: Add sliced pickled jalapeños and a drizzle of sriracha-mayo alongside Thousand Island. Expect a brighter, spicier plate that cuts through cheese richness.
Loaded Reuben dip variation: Layer fries in a deep dish, top with corned beef, kraut, and extra cheese, then bake until bubbling and serve with crusty bread instead of fries. The result becomes a communal dip-focused party dish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Delicious Irish Nachos: A Fun Twist on Comfort Food
Q1: Can I make Delicious Irish Nachos: A Fun Twist on Comfort Food ahead of time?
A1: You can prep most components ahead: chop corned beef, drain sauerkraut, shred cheese, and bake fries until just shy of crisp, then store separately in airtight containers. Assemble and broil up to 30 minutes before serving to maximize texture. If you fully assemble too early, moisture migration will soften fries.
Q2: What’s the best cheese for Delicious Irish Nachos: A Fun Twist on Comfort Food if I don’t have Emmental?
A2: Gruyère is the top substitute for a nuttier, more assertive flavor and excellent melt. Mild Swiss or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack will also melt well but change the flavor profile. Avoid low-moisture pre-shredded blends if you want that silky, stringy melt.
Q3: How do I keep the waffle fries from getting soggy under the toppings?
A3: Use a single, high-temperature bake to crisp the fries fully first, drain sauerkraut well, and assemble right before broiling. If you must assemble early, keep fries and wet toppings separate and combine at the last minute. Also use thin even layers of toppings so steam escapes instead of trapping moisture.
Q4: Is there a lighter version of Delicious Irish Nachos: A Fun Twist on Comfort Food that still tastes great?
A4: Yes — swap waffle fries for baked sweet potato waffle fries, use leaner corned beef or a vegetarian protein, and opt for reduced-fat Swiss or smaller cheese amounts. Replace Thousand Island with a yogurt-based remoulade for tang with fewer calories.
Q5: What dessert pairs work well after Delicious Irish Nachos: A Fun Twist on Comfort Food for a crowd?
A5: A simple, comforting caramelized banana bread or quick loaf is a great follow-up. For a tested crowd-pleaser, try the delicious banana bread by Chef Gordon Ramsay which offers a tender, familar sweet finish to balance the savory main.
Final Thoughts on Delicious Irish Nachos: A Fun Twist on Comfort Food
This mash-up of Reuben elements and waffle fries is an easy way to elevate leftovers into something shareable and fun. If you enjoyed the recipe, please leave a star rating in the recipe card below and pin it to Pinterest for later.
Delicious Irish Nachos
Ingredients
For the nachos
- 1 bag waffle fries (Use Alexia brand for best results.)
- 2 cups corned beef, chopped Perfect for using leftovers.
- 1 cup sauerkraut Choose any brand to suit your taste.
- 1-2 cups Emmental Swiss cheese, shredded Gruyère can be substituted.
- 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing Homemade preferred but store-bought is okay.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven according to the bag instructions and spread the waffle fries in a single layer on a rimmed sheet pan. Avoid crowding.
- While the fries bake, warm the corned beef in a skillet over medium heat. Chop or shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- Drain sauerkraut in a fine mesh sieve to remove excess liquid and rinse if too tangy. Heat briefly in a pan if necessary.
Assembly
- Arrange the hot fries on a sheet pan or oven-safe platter, scatter corned beef, and distribute sauerkraut.
- Sprinkle the Emmental Swiss cheese evenly over the top.
Cooking
- Broil the assembled nachos on the top rack for 1-3 minutes, watching closely until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Drizzle with Thousand Island dressing just before serving.
