Game day food at its best! These Reuben Waffle Fries combine all the ingredients in the classic sandwich with a twist. A true crowd pleaser!
If you’re looking for a fun and delicious appetizer that will wow your guests, these easy Reuben Waffle Fries are the perfect solution! This tasty bite-sized dish brings together the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich—corned beef, Swiss cheese, and coleslaw—on a crispy waffle fry base. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, family gathering, or casual dinner, these appetizers will be a hit. Plus, they’re easy to make and come together in roughly 30 minutes!
Why you’ll love Reuben Waffle Fries
- A spin on the classic Reuben sandwich!
- Fun appetizer!
- Great game day food!
- Super flavorful!
- Bite-sized treat!
Understanding the Ingredients in Reuben Waffle Fries
Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, let’s break down the simple ingredients you’ll need:
- Waffle Fries: The crispy base of this appetizer. Use frozen waffle fries for convenience, or make your own from scratch if you prefer. Popular frozen brands work perfectly.
- Cream Cheese: Creates the base of the sauce. Adds a nice tangy flavor.
- Thousand Island Dressing: Use store-bought dressing for convenience, or whip up a quick homemade version if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Corned Beef: Pre-sliced deli-style corned beef is ideal. You can also use leftover corned beef from another meal. Chop it into bite-sized pieces for easy layering.
- Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese provides the creamy and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with corned beef. Shredded or sliced will both work.
- Coleslaw: This tangy topping adds the signature Reuben zing. Be sure to drain well to avoid sogginess.
- Optional Garnishes: Add some chopped vidalia onion, dill pickles, fresh chives, or a drizzle of mustard for extra flavor.
These basic ingredients create the perfect combination of flavors that mimic the classic Reuben sandwich while making it easy to serve as an appetizer.
Reuben Waffle Fries-Ingredients
- 24 waffle fries (22 ounce package)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups Swiss cheese (divided, shredded)
- 1/3 cup Thousand Island Dressing
- 2 tbsp vidalia onion (diced, small)
- 6 oz corned beef (chopped)
- 1 cup coleslaw
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepping the Ingredients
Cooking the Waffle Fries
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (or according to your waffle fry package instructions). Place your waffle fries on a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they have enough space to crisp up. Bake the fries for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness. If you’re using an air fryer, cook the fries at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket midway.
Preparing the Toppings
While the fries are cooking, prepare your toppings. Chop the corned beef into small, bite-sized pieces that will sit nicely on the fries. Drain the coleslaw to avoid excess moisture and shred or thinly slice your Swiss cheese. Dice vidalia onion.
By prepping everything ahead of time, you can quickly assemble your waffle fry appetizers as soon as the fries are ready.
Mixing the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, Thousand Island dressing, 1 cup of shredded Swiss, and onion until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Step 2: Assembling the Reuben Waffle Fries
Once the waffle fries are perfectly crispy, it’s time to assemble your appetizers.
- Layering the Ingredients: Place about 1 teaspoon of sauce on each waffle fry. Add a teaspoon of coleslaw, followed by corned beef and finish with a small amount of Swiss cheese.
- Bake to Melt the Cheese: After assembling the waffle fries, return them to the oven for 5-7 minutes at 400℉, just long enough to melt the cheese and warm the toppings. For an extra crispy finish, you can broil them for 1-2 minutes, but be sure to watch them closely to avoid burning.
Pro Tip: Make sure not to overload the fries with toppings, or they might get soggy. Keep the layers light for the perfect bite!
Step 3: Serving Suggestions
How to Serve: Arrange the waffle fries neatly on a platter for easy access, the individual waffle fries make for an easy, grab-and-go snack. If the waffle pieces are small, and consider placing toothpicks on the side so guests can grab each piece without any mess.
Dipping Sauces: While the waffle fry appetizers are delicious on their own, serving them with an extra side of Thousand Island dressing for dipping adds an extra layer of flavor. If you want to mix it up, offer a side of spicy mustard or even a creamy horseradish sauce.
Pairings: These savory bites pair well with a cold beer or a simple cocktail like a whiskey sour. You can also serve them alongside other easy appetizers like pretzel bites, mini sliders, or a fresh green salad.
Tips and Variations
To make sure your Reuben Waffle Fry Appetizers are a hit with all your guests, here are a few variations and helpful tips:
Make-Ahead Tips: To save time, you can bake the waffle fries and prepare the toppings ahead of time. Store the cooked fries in an airtight container and reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before assembling.
Troubleshooting Common Issues: If your waffle fries come out too soggy, it may be due to the moisture from the coleslaw. Always make sure to thoroughly drain. If the cheese isn’t melting evenly, broil for just a minute or two, keeping an eye on the oven.
Swap out the coleslaw for sauerkraut: Use sauerkraut instead of coleslaw for a more pronounced flavor profile.
Make these Reuben Waffle Fries for your next game day appetizer!
These easy Reuben Waffle Fries are the perfect blend of crunchy, savory, and tangy flavors that your guests will love. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up a delicious, crowd-pleasing snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Ready to impress your guests? Give them a try at your next party, and don’t forget to enjoy the compliments!
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below or tag me on social media with your creation. Enjoy! And remember…
Life’s too short to eat bad food!
For other great game day appetizers try:
Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
Simple Crockpot Kielbasa Bites
Veri Veri Teriyaki Crockpot Meatballs
Reuben Waffle Fries
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Mixing Bowl
- hand mixer
Ingredients
- 24 waffle fries 22 ounce package
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 cups Swiss cheese divided, shredded
- 1/3 cup Thousand Island Dressing
- 2 tbsp vidalia onion diced, small
- 6 oz corned beef chopped
- 1 cup coleslaw
Instructions
- Prepare waffle fries according to package directions.
- Chop corned beef and onion, drain coleslaw.
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, Thousand Island dressing, 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese and onion until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Once waffles are done and crispy, place a teaspoon of sauce on each waffle fry. Add about 1 teaspoon of coleslaw, followed by corned beef. Top with shredded Swiss cheese.
- After all the waffle fries are assembled, return to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes at 400℉, just long enough to melt the cheese and warm the toppings.
- Remove from the oven, plate and serve. Add dipping sauces if desired.
- Enjoy!
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