Name: Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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

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Introduction

Reuben Balls are a delicious twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, combining savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese into crispy, bite-sized treats. Served with a spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce, they’re perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or party snack.

The image shows seven golden-brown, crispy baked snacks arranged in a circle around a small white bowl filled with creamy beige sauce with green herb bits. Each snack has a rough, textured top with some darker brown spots and is sprinkled with chopped green herbs. The snacks have a slightly uneven shape and are sitting on a smooth white marbled surface. The photo has warm lighting that highlights the crunchiness and herbs on the snacks. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, and Dijon mustard. Mix until well combined, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 2: Scoop the chilled mixture into 1-inch portions and roll each into a ball. Place the balls on a lined baking sheet and refrigerate again to set.
Step 3: Coat each ball first in flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally roll it in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the balls in small batches for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Step 5: For the dipping sauce, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, hot sauce, and smoked paprika in a bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 6: Arrange the Reuben Balls on a serving platter with the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, mix finely crushed rye crackers into the breadcrumbs before coating the balls.
Add more hot sauce or smoked paprika to the dipping sauce if you like a spicier kick.

Storage

Store leftover Reuben Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through. You can also freeze cooked Reuben Balls for up to 1 month; reheat from frozen in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 12-15 minutes.

How to Serve

The image shows a round white plate with six golden-brown baked savory muffins arranged in a circle around a small white bowl filled with a creamy light brown dipping sauce speckled with green herbs. Each muffin has a slightly rough, crispy top with some darker browned spots and green herb bits sprinkled on the surface. The plate is placed on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 ahead and keep them refrigerated before frying. This helps save time right before serving.

What can I use instead of corned beef?

If you prefer, you can substitute with pastrami or cooked deli-style roast beef for a similar flavor profile.