Reuben Balls Recipe

Introduction

Reuben Balls are a fun and flavorful twist on the classic Reuben sandwich. These crispy, golden bites combine the savory flavors of corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut for a perfect party appetizer or snack.

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 thoroughly until evenly blended.
2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch balls. 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 the flour, one with the remaining beaten egg, and one with the remaining breadcrumbs. Coat each chilled ball first in flour, then dip in the beaten egg, and finally roll in the breadcrumbs to coat fully.
4. Step 4: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated balls in batches for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
5. Step 5: For the dipping sauce, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, hot sauce, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Adjust the hot sauce amount to your spice preference.
6. Step 6: Serve the Reuben Balls hot alongside the spicy Thousand Island-style dipping sauce for a delicious appetizer or snack.

Tips & Variations

• For extra tang, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice into the dipping sauce.
• Swap Swiss cheese for cheddar or mozzarella if preferred.
• Use an air fryer at 375°F for 8-10 minutes as a healthier alternative to deep frying.
• If you want a milder flavor, reduce or omit the hot sauce in the dipping sauce.

Storage

Store any leftover Reuben Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to maintain 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 and keep them frozen before frying. Just heat the oil and cook them straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the frying time.

What can I use if I don’t have sauerkraut?

If sauerkraut isn’t available, you can substitute with finely chopped pickles or cabbage mixed with a little vinegar to mimic the tangy flavor.

Reuben Balls Recipe

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4.8 from 117 reviews

Reuben Balls are a delicious appetizer that combines the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich into crispy, golden-fried bite-sized balls. Made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and a creamy seasoned sauce for dipping, these savory treats are perfect for parties or game day snacks.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: About 20 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 large bowl, combine the finely chopped corned beef, shredded Swiss cheese, drained sauerkraut, softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of the breadcrumbs, and 1 beaten egg. Mix everything thoroughly until evenly blended.
2. Form the Balls: Roll the mixture into balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the formed balls on a tray and chill them in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up.
3. Prepare for Breading: Set up three separate shallow bowls – one with all-purpose flour, the second with a beaten egg, and the third with the remaining 3/4 cup breadcrumbs. This will be used for coating the balls.
4. Bread the Balls: Take each chilled ball and first coat it evenly in flour, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally roll it in the breadcrumbs to ensure a crispy crust when fried.
5. Fry the Balls: Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the balls in small batches for 3-4 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
6. Make the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, hot sauce, and smoked paprika. Adjust the heat level by adding more or less hot sauce according to your preference.
7. Serve: Serve the Reuben Balls hot alongside the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce for a perfect appetizer or snack.

Notes

• Make sure to drain sauerkraut well to avoid soggy filling.
• Chilling the balls before frying helps maintain their shape and results in a better texture.
• Adjust the hot sauce in the dipping sauce to match your preferred spice level.
• Use a thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature during frying to avoid greasy or undercooked Reuben Balls.
• These can be prepared ahead of time and reheated in an oven for convenience.

Keywords: Reuben Balls, appetizer, corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, fried snacks, party food, game day recipes, dipping sauce