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Easy Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dip Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 127 reviews

These Easy Reuben Balls are a fun and flavorful appetizer inspired by the classic Reuben sandwich. Made with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and a creamy blend of seasonings, these crispy, golden fried bites are paired with a spicy Thousand Island dip that perfectly complements their savory richness. Perfect for parties or a tasty snack, they offer a delicious twist on deli favorites.

Ingredients

Scale

Reuben Balls

  • 2 cups cooked corned beef, finely chopped
  • 1 cup sauerkraut, well-drained and squeezed dry
  • 1 ½ cups shredded Swiss cheese
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
  • Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches deep)

Spicy Thousand Island Dip

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tsp hot sauce
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp minced onion or onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the mixture: In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped corned beef, well-drained and squeezed sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  2. Chill the mixture: Cover the bowl and place the mixture in the refrigerator for 30 to 45 minutes to firm up. This step helps make shaping the balls easier and cleaner.
  3. Shape the balls: Once chilled, use your hands or a cookie scoop to roll the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch balls. Try to keep them evenly sized for consistent cooking.
  4. Set up dredging station: Prepare three shallow bowls — one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. This setup will make the breading process efficient.
  5. Bread the balls: Roll each ball first in flour, shake off excess, dip into the beaten eggs, then coat evenly with panko breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, repeat dipping in egg and coating with breadcrumbs once more.
  6. Heat the oil: In a deep pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You’ll need about 2 inches of oil to fully submerge the balls for frying.
  7. Fry the balls: Fry the Reuben Balls in batches for 2 to 3 minutes each, or until they turn golden brown and have a crisp exterior. Avoid crowding the pot to maintain oil temperature.
  8. Drain excess oil: Remove the fried balls using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
  9. Make the spicy Thousand Island dip: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, hot sauce, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, minced onion or onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
  10. Serve: Serve the warm Reuben Balls immediately with the spicy Thousand Island dip on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Chilling the mixture before forming the balls helps them hold their shape better and makes handling easier.
  • Ensure the sauerkraut is thoroughly squeezed dry to prevent excess moisture, which can cause the balls to fall apart during frying.
  • For a healthier variation, try baking or air frying the balls instead of deep frying. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes or air fry at 380°F for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through.

Keywords: Reuben Balls, Appetizer, Corned Beef, Sauerkraut, Swiss Cheese, Fried Snack, Party Food, Spicy Thousand Island Dip

Find it online: https://hannahdelgado.com/easy-reuben-balls-with-spicy-thousand-island-dip-recipe/