You’ll love these Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce. They are fun to make and perfect for sharing. Imagine warm, crispy bites filled with creamy cheese and savory corned beef. It’s a cozy snack that everyone will enjoy.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
These Reuben Balls are a delicious twist on a classic sandwich. They are easy to put together and perfect for family gatherings or casual game day snacks. The crispy outside and soft inside make each bite delightful. Plus, the spicy dipping sauce adds a zesty kick that everyone will love.
How to Make Reuben Balls
Making these balls is a straightforward process. You’ll mix up simple ingredients, chill, and fry them until they are golden and crispy. They are easy enough for beginners and delicious enough to impress your friends.
What You Need
- 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
Step-by-Step
In a mixing bowl, combine the corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, and Dijon mustard. Mix everything until it’s well combined. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. After chilling, scoop the mixture into 1-inch portions and roll them into balls. Place the balls on a lined baking sheet and refrigerate them again.
Coat each ball with flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and roll it in breadcrumbs. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the balls in small batches for 2-3 minutes, turning them occasionally until they’re golden and crispy. Drain them on paper towels.
Finally, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, hot sauce, and smoked paprika in a bowl. Adjust the seasoning to taste. Arrange the Reuben Balls on a platter with the dipping sauce, serve warm, and enjoy!
How to Serve Reuben Balls
These Reuben Balls are great on their own, but you can also serve them with fresh veggies or potato chips. They make a wonderful appetizer for parties or a fun snack for movie nights. Your friends will love munching on these crispy treats with the spicy dipping sauce.
How to Store Reuben Balls
To keep your leftovers fresh, store the Reuben Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze them, place the cooled balls in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to eat, reheat them in the oven to regain their crispy texture. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until warm.
Recipe Tips
- Use leftover corned beef to make this recipe quicker.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough to get a nice crispy crust.
- Don’t skip the chilling steps; it helps the balls hold together.
- Panko breadcrumbs will give you the best texture.
- Adjust the hot sauce in the dipping sauce to suit your taste.
- Experiment with different cheeses for unique flavors.
Variations & Swaps
- For a vegetarian version, swap the corned beef with cooked lentils or mushrooms.
- Try adding some shredded carrots or diced bell peppers for added crunch.
- If you want to make mini balls, just reduce the size before frying.
FAQs
Can I make these Reuben Balls ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the mixture and form the balls a day ahead. Just chill them until you’re ready to fry.
Can they be frozen?
Absolutely! Freeze before frying, then just cook from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy them.
How do I reheat leftover Reuben Balls?
Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes for best results.
Can I substitute the corned beef?
Yes, shredded chicken or even jackfruit can work well for a different flavor.
What if my balls fall apart while frying?
Make sure your mixture is chilled before frying. If it’s too loose, add a bit more flour.
Reuben Balls
Ingredients
Reuben Balls
- 1.5 cups chopped or shredded corned beef Use leftover corned beef for quicker preparation.
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese Feel free to experiment with different cheeses.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour Used for coating.
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1.5 cups breadcrumbs (panko recommended) Panko will give the best texture.
- Vegetable oil, for frying Make sure the oil is hot enough.
Dipping Sauce
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce Adjust to taste.
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, combine the corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, and Dijon mustard. Mix until well combined.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- After chilling, scoop the mixture into 1-inch portions and roll them into balls. Place the balls on a lined baking sheet and refrigerate them again.
Frying
- Coat each ball with flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and roll it in breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the balls in small batches for 2-3 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are golden and crispy.
- Drain them on paper towels.
Dipping Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, hot sauce, and smoked paprika. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
