Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Reuben Balls are a delightful twist on the classic sandwich, combining savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese in crispy, bite-sized bites. Paired with a spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce, they make a perfect appetizer or party snack.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups chopped or shredded corned beef
• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, and Dijon mustard. Mix until well blended, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up the mixture.
2. Step 2: Scoop the chilled mixture into 1-inch portions and roll each into a ball. Place the balls on a lined baking sheet and refrigerate while you prepare for breading.
3. Step 3: Coat each ball lightly with flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally roll them in breadcrumbs until fully covered.
4. Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the balls in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, hot sauce, and smoked paprika to make the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Step 6: Serve the Reuben Balls warm on a platter alongside the dipping sauce and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch and a lighter coating.
• Adjust the hot sauce in the dipping sauce to your preferred heat level for a milder or spicier kick.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
• Leftover balls can be baked at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes to reheat without losing crispiness.

Storage

Store leftover Reuben Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through and crispy. The dipping sauce should be kept refrigerated and consumed within 3 days.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the Reuben Balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and bread the balls in advance and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before frying. This makes them easy to cook fresh when you’re ready to serve.

What can I use instead of corned beef?

If you prefer, you can substitute corned beef with cooked pastrami or roast beef, but keep in mind that this will change the traditional flavor of the dish.

Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 90 reviews

Delicious and crispy Reuben Balls packed with flavorful corned beef, sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese, served with a spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack, these bite-sized treats combine classic Reuben sandwich flavors into a fun, fried ball.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 20 Reuben Balls 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Reuben Balls

• 1 ½ cups chopped or shredded corned beef
• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine chopped or shredded corned beef, drained and squeezed dry sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, softened cream cheese, and Dijon mustard. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
2. Form the Balls: Once chilled, scoop the mixture into 1-inch portions and roll each portion into tight balls. Place the formed balls on a lined baking sheet and refrigerate again to keep them firm for easier breading.
3. Bread the Balls: Prepare three separate stations: flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Coat each ball evenly in all-purpose flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally roll it thoroughly in the breadcrumbs, ensuring they are fully coated for a crispy exterior.
4. Fry the Balls: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the breaded balls in small batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking them for 2 to 3 minutes. Turn occasionally to ensure an even, golden-brown, and crispy crust. Once done, remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
5. Make the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, hot sauce, and smoked paprika until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more hot sauce if desired.
6. Serve: Arrange the hot Reuben Balls on a serving platter alongside the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy this flavorful appetizer.

Notes

• Make sure to squeeze the sauerkraut dry to prevent excess moisture which can affect the texture of the balls.
• Panko breadcrumbs are recommended for extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs can be used.
• Adjust the heat level in the dipping sauce by adding more or less hot sauce according to your preference.
• Keep the balls chilled before frying to help them hold their shape during cooking.
• Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature around 350°F for perfect frying results.
• Leftover Reuben Balls can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: Reuben Balls, Corned Beef Appetizer, Fried Snacks, Thousand Island Sauce, Party Food, Crispy Cheese Balls