Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe
Crispy Reuben Balls filled with tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy cheeses, and served with a zesty spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer or party snack, these golden fried bites combine classic deli flavors in a fun and irresistible form.
- 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
For the 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
For the 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
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped or shredded corned beef, drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, softened cream cheese, and Dijon mustard. Mix until well combined and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up the mixture.
- Form the Balls: Scoop the chilled mixture into 1-inch portions and roll each into a smooth ball. Place the formed balls on a lined baking sheet and return to the refrigerator to chill further and help them hold shape.
- Bread the Balls: Set up a breading station with the flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs in a third. Roll each ball first in the flour to coat, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally roll thoroughly in breadcrumbs to cover completely.
- Fry the Balls: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or deep saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the breaded balls in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally until they become golden brown and crispy on all sides. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Dipping Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, hot sauce, and smoked paprika until smooth. Taste and adjust the hot sauce or paprika as desired for more heat and smoky flavor.
- Serve: Arrange the hot and crispy Reuben Balls on a serving platter alongside the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy the savory, tangy bites!
Notes
- For an extra crunchy texture, mix finely crushed rye crackers into the breadcrumbs before coating the balls.
- To reheat leftovers, bake the Reuben Balls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crisp.
- Cooked Reuben Balls freeze well for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 12-15 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Adjust the spiciness of the dipping sauce by adding more hot sauce or smoked paprika to suit your taste.
Keywords: Reuben Balls, Corned Beef Appetizer, Fried Snacks, Thousand Island Sauce, Party Food, Fried Cheese Balls
