Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Reuben Balls are a delightful twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, combining corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut into crispy, bite-sized treats. Paired with a spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce, they make a perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 cup finely chopped corned beef
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 1 cup drained sauerkraut
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup breadcrumbs, divided
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Oil for frying
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon relish
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine the chopped corned beef, shredded Swiss cheese, drained sauerkraut, softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of the breadcrumbs, and one beaten egg. Mix until all ingredients are evenly blended.
2. Step 2: Roll the mixture into balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a tray and chill in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up.
3. Step 3: Prepare three separate bowls: one with flour, one with the remaining beaten egg, and one with the remaining breadcrumbs. Coat each ball first in flour, then dip into the egg, and finally roll in breadcrumbs to coat thoroughly.
4. Step 4: Heat oil in a deep fryer or a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated balls in batches for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
5. Step 5: For the dipping sauce, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, hot sauce, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your preferred spice level.
6. Step 6: Serve the Reuben Balls hot alongside the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of caraway seeds to the mixture to echo traditional Reuben seasoning.
• Use turkey or pastrami instead of corned beef for a different twist.
• If you prefer baking over frying, bake the balls at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through for even crispiness.

Storage

Store leftover Reuben Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain their crispiness. The dipping sauce can be kept refrigerated for up to one week.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Reuben Balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and shape the balls in advance, then freeze them before frying. Simply fry them from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

What can I use instead of sauerkraut?

If you don’t have sauerkraut on hand, finely chopped dill pickles can provide a similar tangy crunch, though sauerkraut remains the classic choice.

Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 737 reviews

These Reuben Balls are a flavorful appetizer combining classic Reuben sandwich ingredients into crispy, golden-fried bite-sized balls. Filled with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and cream cheese, coated with breadcrumbs, and served with a spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce, they offer a savory and tangy treat perfect for parties or snacks.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: About 20–24 Reuben Balls 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Reuben Balls

• 1 cup finely chopped corned beef
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 1 cup drained sauerkraut
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup breadcrumbs, divided
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)

Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon relish
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

1. Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine finely chopped corned beef, shredded Swiss cheese, drained sauerkraut, softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs, and one beaten egg. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until evenly blended to ensure your filling is cohesive and flavorful.
2. Form the Balls: Roll the mixture into balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a tray and chill in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up; this step helps the balls hold together during frying.
3. Prepare Breading Stations: Set up three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with the remaining beaten egg, and one with the remaining breadcrumbs. Coat each chilled ball first in flour, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs for a crispy outer layer.
4. Fry the Balls: Heat oil in a deep fryer or a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the Reuben Balls in batches, carefully placing them into hot oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Make the Dipping Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, hot sauce, and smoked paprika until smooth. Taste and adjust the hot sauce quantity according to your preferred spice level.
6. Serve: Serve the hot Reuben Balls immediately alongside the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce for dipping. They make a perfect appetizer or snack with a delicious blend of textures and flavors.

Notes

• Freezing the formed balls before breading prevents them from falling apart during frying.
• You can adjust the hot sauce in the dipping sauce to make it milder or spicier as desired.
• Serve immediately for the crispiest texture; they tend to soften if left too long.
• Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F for even frying.
• For a lighter version, consider baking instead of frying, but note that the texture will differ.

Keywords: Reuben Balls, appetizer, fried snacks, corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, spicy Thousand Island sauce, party food