Name: Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup chopped corned beef; 1 cup drained sauerkraut; 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.25 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup rye breadcrumbs; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; Vegetable oil for frying or spray for air frying; 0.5 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish; 1 teaspoon hot sauce; 1 tablespoon sweet relish; 0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika; Pinch of salt

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Introduction

Reuben Balls are a delightful twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, combining tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melty Swiss cheese into crispy, bite-sized treats. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack, these flavorful balls come with a spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce that adds a zesty kick.

A close-up view of several crispy, golden-brown round cheese balls, one of which is cut open to show a gooey, melted yellow cheese interior with small red pieces inside, all resting next to a white small dipping bowl filled with a creamy light brown sauce, placed on a white marbled surface. The cheese balls have a crunchy texture with visible breadcrumbs on the outside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup chopped corned beef
1 cup drained sauerkraut
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup rye breadcrumbs
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable oil for frying or spray for air frying
0.5 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1 tablespoon sweet relish
0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly blended.
Step 2: Form the mixture into walnut-sized balls and arrange them on a baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape during cooking.
Step 3: Prepare three separate bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with rye breadcrumbs. Dredge each chilled ball first in the flour, then dip into the eggs, and finally coat with rye breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Heat vegetable oil to 350°F in a skillet or fryer. Fry the Reuben balls in batches for 3–4 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels. For air frying, place balls in the air fryer basket, spray lightly with oil, and cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 5: To make the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, prepared horseradish, hot sauce, sweet relish, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Chill until ready to serve alongside the warm Reuben Balls.

Tips & Variations

Use freshly sliced deli corned beef for the best texture and flavor.
Chilling the formed balls before breading helps them keep their shape while frying.
The dipping sauce can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator to enhance the flavors.
For a milder sauce, reduce or omit the hot sauce and horseradish.

Storage

Store any leftover Reuben Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through to maintain their crispiness. Keep the dipping sauce refrigerated separately and use within 3 days.

How to Serve

A close-up view shows several crispy, golden-brown fried cheese balls on a white plate, each with a crunchy outer layer coated in breadcrumbs. One cheese ball is cut open in the front, revealing a creamy, light yellow melted cheese center with bits of red inside. A white ramekin filled with smooth, light brown dipping sauce is placed in the background. The image also shows a woman's hand dipping a cheese ball into the sauce. The setting features a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake Reuben Balls instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake them at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until golden, turning halfway through. However, frying or air frying gives a crispier exterior.

Can I make the Reuben Balls ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare and shape the balls, then freeze them before breading and frying. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator and proceed with coating and cooking.