Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe
Crispy and flavorful Reuben Balls filled with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and cream cheese, served with a spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack, these golden-fried bites offer classic Reuben flavors in a fun, handheld form.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 Reuben Balls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Reuben Balls:
- 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 (preferably panko)
- Vegetable oil, for frying (canola or sunflower oil recommended)
For the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the corned beef, sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, cream cheese, and Dijon mustard. Mix thoroughly until well combined and the mixture forms a cohesive texture. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up for easier shaping.
- Form the Balls: After chilling, scoop the mixture with a tablespoon or small scoop and roll into 1-inch diameter balls. Place them on a lined baking sheet and refrigerate again while preparing the breading station.
- Bread the Balls: Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Roll each ball first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat completely with breadcrumbs. Ensure all balls are evenly coated.
- Fry the Reuben Balls: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the balls in batches without overcrowding for 2–3 minutes each batch, turning occasionally until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Dipping Sauce: While frying, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, hot sauce, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the warm, crispy Reuben Balls on a serving platter with the spicy Thousand Island sauce in the center. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Be sure to drain and squeeze the sauerkraut thoroughly to prevent sogginess.
- Chilling the filling and formed balls helps maintain shape during frying.
- Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying to avoid off-flavors.
- Adjust hot sauce in the dipping sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
- These can be prepared ahead and fried just before serving for convenience.
Keywords: Reuben Balls, appetizer, corned beef, fried snacks, spicy Thousand Island, party food, finger food, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut
