Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Dipping Sauce

Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are a delicious and unique twist on the traditional Reuben sandwich. These golden-brown, crispy, bite-sized treats are stuffed with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and cream cheese, creating a rich and savory flavor profile. Perfectly paired with a zesty and spicy Thousand Island sauce, these little bites are sure to be a crowd favorite at parties, game days, or any casual gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Reuben Flavors: Experience all the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich in a fun, easy-to-eat bite-sized form.
• Ideal for Sharing: Whether you’re hosting a party or attending a gathering, these Reuben balls make the perfect finger food for everyone to enjoy.
• Crispy, Golden Exterior: The outside of these Reuben balls is fried to perfection, giving you a crispy, golden crunch with every bite.
• Zesty Spicy Dipping Sauce: The spicy Thousand Island sauce is the perfect complement to the crispy Reuben balls, adding just the right amount of kick to each bite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Reuben Balls:

• Corned beef, finely chopped
• Swiss cheese, shredded
• Sauerkraut, drained and patted dry
• Cream cheese, softened
• Dijon mustard
• Rye breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs with caraway seeds)
• Eggs, beaten
• Flour
• Oil for frying

For the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce:

• Mayonnaise
• Ketchup
• Pickle relish
• Hot sauce
• Paprika
• Garlic powder

Directions

Reuben Balls:

1. Prepare the Filling: Begin by mixing the finely chopped corned beef, shredded Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, softened cream cheese, and Dijon mustard in a large bowl. Stir the ingredients together until well combined and smooth.
2. Shape the Balls: Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them for at least 30 minutes to allow the mixture to firm up. This will make them easier to bread and fry.
3. Bread the Balls: Set up a breading station with three separate bowls. Place the flour in the first bowl, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs in the third. Coat each Reuben ball in flour first, dip it into the egg, and then roll it in breadcrumbs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
4. Fry the Balls: Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the Reuben balls in batches for about 2-3 minutes per batch, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Once fried, remove them and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce:

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, hot sauce, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir everything together until smooth and well-blended. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
2. Chill: Refrigerate the dipping sauce for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to develop and meld together. The cold sauce will pair perfectly with the hot Reuben balls.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 20-24 Reuben balls
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

1. Baked Option: If you’d rather avoid frying, you can bake the breaded Reuben balls. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the breaded balls on a baking sheet. Bake them for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
2. Spicier Sauce: For those who enjoy extra heat, simply add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Thousand Island dipping sauce. This will add an additional layer of spice for those who love a bit of kick.
3. Gluten-Free Version: If you or your guests are following a gluten-free diet, simply substitute the regular breadcrumbs and flour for gluten-free options. This way, you can enjoy the same delicious flavors without any gluten concerns.
4. Cheese Substitution: While Swiss cheese is traditional for Reuben dishes, feel free to switch it out with Gouda, mozzarella, or even cheddar if you prefer a different cheese flavor.

Storage/Reheating Tips

• Storage: Leftover Reuben balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to refrigerate them promptly to maintain their freshness.
• Freezing: If you want to make these ahead of time, freeze the uncooked Reuben balls on a baking sheet until they are solid. After freezing, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to fry them, you can cook them directly from frozen. Just add an extra minute or two to the frying time.
• Reheating: To restore the crispy texture of the Reuben balls, reheat them in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes. This will help them crisp up again without losing their crunch.

Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are a savory twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, fried to crispy perfection and served with a spicy dipping sauce. Perfect for parties or game days!

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 20 balls

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ▢ 1 1/2 cups finely chopped corned beef
• ▢ 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
• ▢ 1/2 cup well-drained sauerkraut
• ▢ 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ▢ 1 1/2 cups rye breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs with caraway seeds)
• ▢ 2 large eggs, beaten
• ▢ 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• ▢ 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• ▢ 2 tablespoons ketchup
• ▢ 2 tablespoons pickle relish
• ▢ 1 tablespoon hot sauce adjust to taste
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl, mix corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, cream cheese, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
• Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls and freeze them on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 30 minutes to firm up.
• Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Roll each ball in the flour, dip in egg, and coat with breadcrumbs.
• Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the balls in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
• In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, hot sauce, paprika, and garlic powder to make the dipping sauce. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
• Serve the crispy Reuben balls with the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1ballsCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 6gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 250mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3g

Keyword Appetizers, Dipping Sauce, Game Day Snacks, Reuben Balls

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the Reuben balls and freeze them until you are ready to fry or bake them. This makes them perfect for meal prepping or getting ready for a party in advance.
2. What’s the best oil for frying? The best oils for frying these Reuben balls are vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. These oils have a high smoke point, which makes them ideal for deep frying.
3. Can I substitute pastrami for corned beef? Absolutely! Pastrami is a great substitute for corned beef and will add a slightly different flavor profile but still taste delicious.
4. How can I keep the Reuben balls warm for a party? Keep them in a warm oven set to 200°F (90°C) until you’re ready to serve. This will help maintain their warmth without overcooking them.
5. Can I air-fry these Reuben balls? Yes, you can air fry the Reuben balls. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the balls for 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through for an even cook.
6. What should I do if my mixture is too wet to roll? If your mixture is too wet and hard to roll, try adding a bit more cream cheese or breadcrumbs. Both will help firm up the mixture and make it easier to shape.
7. Can I use a different dipping sauce? Yes, if you’re not a fan of Thousand Island sauce, try pairing the Reuben balls with ranch dressing or honey mustard for a different flavor profile.
8. Can I make the dipping sauce less spicy? You can easily adjust the spice level of the sauce by reducing the amount of hot sauce or omitting it entirely for a milder version.
9. What type of sauerkraut should I use? Choose a high-quality, well-drained sauerkraut to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the consistency of the Reuben balls.
10. How can I make this vegetarian? For a vegetarian version, swap out the corned beef for finely chopped mushrooms or plant-based deli slices for a meat-free alternative.

Conclusion

Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are an irresistible, savory snack that combines the best elements of the classic Reuben sandwich into a fun, bite-sized appetizer. Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these delicious bites are packed with flavor and will be a hit at any gathering. Serve them with the zesty dipping sauce for an added punch of flavor, and your guests will be reaching for more. Make them today for your next party or game day celebration—your friends and family will thank you!