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Reuben Balls Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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