Reuben Stuffed Baked Potatoes

 

      Another in a series of my exploration of Reuben Style Dishes.  Over the past few years, when we have stopped in Salado, TX I have prepared two different types of Reuben Casseroles for our dear friends, Jody and Juanita Arnold.  I love deli, especially with smoked meat.  Lots of luck with casseroles and sandwiches so far, but this one also tweaks my interests and taste buds.  We are baked potato people and there are many recipes to whet our whistle.  I chose to use my own Smoked Pastrami although the recipe calls for either corned beef or pastrami.  I made a fresh batch back in January after our arrival.   You can make this easily at home with the help of the local deli.  

1 or 2 large Russet baking potatoes (each one serves 2)

1 cup finely cut (some diced, some strips) corned beef or pastrami

1/2 cup (your choice) sauerkraut

1/2 cup shredded Swiss Cheese

3 Tbsp. diced green onions

1 Tbsp. horseradish

1 clove minced garlic

Russian Dressing for drizzle

1 pkg. cream cheese (softened)

3 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese

Paprika

       Bake Potatoes @ 425 for 60 (+-) minutes or until tender, cool.  In a bowl combine Corn beef or pastrami, Frank's Kraut, Swiss Cheese, onion, garlic, horseradish.  Either cut both potatoes in half lengthwise or slice a single potato lengthwise and open to accommodate ingredients.  Carefully scooping out potatoes leaving just the skins of the potatoes.  

Baked and sliced

Mixing taters, etc.

      Mash potatoes with cream cheese and stir in the corn beef mixture, then mound potato mixture into the skins of the potatoes.  Sprinkle with parmesan cheese, green onions, and paprika.  Cover with some strips of meat as well.  

Mixed and ready to finish

       Return to the oven for 30 more minutes or until heated through.  This is very much "Twice Baked Potatoes".  The mix is always much more volume when it is returned and sometimes the final baking eliminates the original baked potato profile.  It will be heaping full when done.  No sides required for this one, it is delicious on it's own.  

Plated 

"Damn, I'm out of Rye Bread.  I wonder if they'll be happy with a baked potato?" 

Arnold Reuben's son Gomer