Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

this RECIPE

A crispy, cheesy, and flavor-packed twist on the classic Reuben sandwich! Perfect for parties, game nights, or just a fun snack.

If you love a classic Reuben sandwich, you’ll adore these bite-sized Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce! They’re crunchy on the outside, cheesy and tangy on the inside, and served with a zesty, smoky dipping sauce that takes things to the next level. Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself, these are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

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

1. Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, mix together corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, and Dijon mustard until well combined. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.

2. Form the Balls

Scoop out about 1-inch portions of the chilled mixture and roll them into balls. Place them on a lined baking sheet and refrigerate for another 15-20 minutes.

3. Bread the Balls

Set up a breading station with three bowls:
1️⃣ Flour
2️⃣ Beaten eggs
3️⃣ Panko breadcrumbs

Roll each ball in flour, dip into the egg mixture, and coat with breadcrumbs.

4. Fry the Balls

Heat vegetable oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the balls in small batches for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

5. Make the Dipping Sauce

Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, hot sauce, and smoked paprika until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Arrange the Reuben Balls on a platter with the dipping sauce and serve warm.

Notes

• Sauerkraut Tip: Be sure to squeeze out excess moisture, or the mixture may become too wet to form balls properly.
• Baking Alternative: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes if you prefer a healthier option.
• Make-Ahead: The balls can be prepped in advance and stored in the fridge before frying.

Helpful Tips for Making the Best Reuben Balls

1. Drain That Sauerkraut Well – Excess moisture can make your mixture too wet to roll into balls. Press the sauerkraut with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to remove as much liquid as possible.
2. Chill the Mixture Before Rolling – This helps firm up the filling, making it easier to shape into balls and hold their structure when frying.
3. Double-Coat for Extra Crunch – Want a crispier texture? Dip the balls in the egg and breadcrumb mixture twice for an extra crunchy coating.
4. Use a Cookie Scoop – A small cookie scoop helps keep the balls uniform in size, ensuring even cooking.
5. Maintain the Right Oil Temperature – Keep the oil at 350°F (175°C). If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is warm; too cool, and the coating will absorb oil and become greasy.
6. Test with One Ball First – Fry a single Reuben Ball before frying the whole batch to check the seasoning, texture, and cooking time.
7. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and achieve an even golden crust.
8. Keep Them Warm – If making a big batch, keep fried balls warm in a 250°F (120°C) oven while you finish frying the rest.
9. Make the Sauce in Advance – The flavors develop better if the Spicy Thousand Island Sauce is prepared a few hours ahead and chilled.
10. Customize the Heat – Adjust the level of hot sauce in the dipping sauce to match your spice preference. Prefer it mild? Use less hot sauce. Love the heat? Add extra!

Conservation and Storage

Refrigeration:

• Store leftover Reuben Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce refrigerated in a separate airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezing:

Want to make these ahead? You can freeze them either before or after frying!

Freezing Before Frying:

1. Prepare and bread the Reuben Balls, but do not fry them.
2. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1-2 hours.
3. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
4. Store for up to 1 month.

????️ To cook from frozen: Fry directly from the freezer at 350°F (175°C), adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the frying time.

Freezing After Frying:

1. Allow the fried balls to cool completely.
2. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours.
3. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag/container and store for up to 2 months.

????️ To reheat from frozen:

• Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes.
• Air Fryer: Heat at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Not recommended, as it makes them soggy.

Reheating Leftovers (Not Frozen):

Skillet: Warm them over medium heat for a few minutes to re-crisp the exterior.

Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until hot and crispy.

Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Reuben Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the uncooked, breaded balls for up to 1 month. Fry directly from frozen (just add an extra minute to the frying time).

Reheating

• Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
• Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Not recommended, as it makes them soggy.

Substitutions and Variations

• No corned beef? Swap it for shredded pastrami or roast beef.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
• Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños to the filling for extra heat.
• Cheese Swap: Try Gruyère or sharp cheddar instead of Swiss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prep the filling and refrigerate overnight. You can also bread the balls and keep them chilled until ready to fry.

What’s the best oil for frying?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes! Air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Conclusion

These Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are the ultimate bite-sized indulgence! Whether you’re making them for a party, game night, or just because, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

???? Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments below! And if you’re looking for more irresistible appetizers, check out our Loaded Nacho Bites or Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls.

Happy cooking! ????️✨

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