Reuben Balls Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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