Name: Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
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

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Introduction

Reuben Balls are a delicious twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, combining corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese into crispy, bite-sized treats. Paired with a spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce, they make a perfect appetizer or snack that’s sure to impress.

A white plate with seven golden brown, crispy fried balls arranged around a small white bowl filled with a creamy beige sauce speckled with herbs. Each fried ball has a slightly rough texture with darker crispy edges and is topped with a small drizzle of the same creamy sauce and sprinkled with chopped fresh green herbs. The white plate sits on a white marbled surface, and the whole scene is brightly lit, emphasizing the rich colors and textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, and Dijon mustard. Mix well until fully combined, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
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 again to keep them firm.
Step 3: Prepare to bread the balls by coating each one first in flour, then dipping into the beaten eggs, and finally rolling in the breadcrumbs until fully coated.
Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or deep saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the balls in small batches for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Meanwhile, make the dipping sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, hot sauce, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Adjust the heat level to your preference.
Step 6: Arrange the Reuben Balls on a platter and serve warm with the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For an extra crunchy texture, mix finely crushed rye crackers into the breadcrumbs before coating the balls.
Add more hot sauce or smoked paprika to the dipping sauce for a spicier kick.

Storage

Store leftover Reuben Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through. You can also freeze cooked Reuben Balls for up to 1 month; reheat from frozen in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 12-15 minutes.

How to Serve

A white round plate holds seven golden-brown fried balls arranged in a circle around a small white bowl of creamy dipping sauce speckled with black and green herbs. Each fried ball is crispy with a textured surface and topped with a drizzle of light tan sauce and bits of fresh green parsley. The sauce in the bowl is thick, swirled with thicker peaks, and garnished with scattered fresh green herbs. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a cozy, warm lighting that highlights the crispy texture and rich colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Reuben Balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and bread the balls ahead of time and refrigerate them before frying. This makes for easy meal prep or entertaining.

What can I use instead of corned beef?

If you prefer, pastrami or cooked roast beef can be used as a substitute for corned beef, though the flavor will be slightly different.