Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe
Delicious Reuben Balls are a fun and flavorful appetizer made by blending chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheeses into bite-sized balls, breaded and fried to golden perfection. Served with a spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce, these crispy treats capture the classic Reuben sandwich flavors in a party-friendly format.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 18-20 Reuben balls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Reuben Balls
- 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
Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
- 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
- Mix Filling: Combine chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until well combined to form the filling base.
- Form Balls and Chill: Shape the mixture into walnut-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up and hold their shape during breading and cooking.
- Bread the Balls: Prepare three separate bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with rye breadcrumbs. Roll each chilled ball first in flour, then dip into the eggs, and finally coat with rye breadcrumbs, ensuring an even breading.
- Cook Reuben Balls: For frying: heat vegetable oil to 350°F in a skillet or deep fryer. Fry the breaded balls in batches for 3–4 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. For air frying: spray balls lightly with oil and cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp and golden.
- Make Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, prepared horseradish, hot sauce, sweet relish, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and chill until ready to serve alongside the Reuben balls.
Notes
- Use freshly sliced deli corned beef for the best flavor and texture.
- Chilling the balls before breading helps them maintain their shape during cooking.
- The spicy Thousand Island sauce can be prepared a day in advance and kept refrigerated.
Keywords: Reuben balls, appetizer, corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, fried snacks, party food, spicy dipping sauce, Thousand Island sauce
