Go Back
- 1 cup cooked corned beef, finely chopped - 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and chopped - 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded - ½ cup cream cheese, softened - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko) - ½ cup mayonnaise - ¼ cup ketchup - 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish sauce - 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust according to preference) Reuben Balls blend the rich taste of corned beef and cheese. Each bite offers a crunchy outside and a warm, gooey inside. The sauerkraut gives a nice tang that shines through. For the filling, mix the cooked corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and cream cheese in a bowl. Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper to enhance the flavor. Use panko breadcrumbs for the best crunch. They add a light and crispy texture that regular breadcrumbs can't match. For the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, and hot sauce in a bowl. Adjust the hot sauce for your preferred spice level. This sauce pairs perfectly with the Reuben Balls. For the full recipe, you can check the complete details. Enjoy your cooking! In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients: - 1 cup cooked corned beef, finely chopped - 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and chopped - 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded - ½ cup cream cheese, softened - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - ½ teaspoon black pepper Mix these ingredients well until fully integrated. You want a smooth and cohesive mixture that holds together. This is the heart of your Reuben Balls. Take about one tablespoon of the filling. Roll it into a compact ball using your hands. This helps maintain the shape during frying. Place each ball on a tray lined with parchment paper. Keep rolling until you use all the filling. This step is fun and gets you ready for the next part! Set up a breading station. Place panko breadcrumbs in one shallow bowl and beaten eggs in another. Dip each ball into the beaten eggs first. Make sure it’s fully coated. Then roll it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to stick. Repeat this until all balls are coated. This gives them a nice crunch when fried. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. You want the oil to reach about 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the breaded Reuben balls in small batches. Avoid overcrowding the pot. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them, and let them drain on paper towels. In a medium bowl, whisk together the following for your spicy dipping sauce: - ½ cup mayonnaise - ¼ cup ketchup - 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish sauce - 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference) - Salt and pepper to taste Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You want a good balance of heat and flavor that pairs well with the Reuben Balls. Arrange the crispy Reuben Balls on a large serving platter. Present the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce in a small bowl alongside. This makes for a delightful treat at parties or family gatherings. Enjoy every bite! For the full recipe, check the details above. To get the right texture for Reuben Balls, you need to mix well. Make sure all the ingredients blend together. This creates a smooth filling. You should also use panko breadcrumbs. They add a super crunchy texture. Regular breadcrumbs can make them soggy. So, stick to panko for the best results. To check if your oil is ready, drop a small piece of bread into it. If it sizzles and bubbles, it’s good to go. Aim for an oil temperature of 350°F (175°C). This helps avoid soggy or overcooked balls. Fry them in small batches. Overcrowding will drop the oil temperature. This can lead to greasy Reuben Balls. For a beautiful platter, add some fresh parsley or dill sprigs. This gives a nice pop of color. You can also use toothpicks for easy serving. They make it fun to grab and dip. Plus, it keeps your hands clean while enjoying these tasty treats. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above. {{image_4}} You can make Reuben Balls without meat. Swap the corned beef for plant-based options. Try using tempeh or mushrooms for a hearty bite. You can also add more veggies. Shredded carrots or bell peppers add color and crunch. For cheese, consider using vegan mozzarella or a blend of nut cheeses. This keeps the flavors while making it suitable for vegetarian diets. To boost the taste, add spices or herbs. A pinch of smoked paprika gives a nice kick. Fresh dill or thyme brings a bright flavor. Don’t stop at just one sauce! Try ranch or a spicy aioli as an alternative to the dipping sauce. This way, you can find the flavor you love best. If you prefer baking, you can skip the frying. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray them lightly with oil for a crispy texture. Bake for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through. This method is healthier and still gives you that golden finish. Check for doneness to ensure they are cooked through. For a complete guide on making these tasty bites, refer to the Full Recipe. To keep your Reuben Balls fresh, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. This helps lock in flavor and moisture. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. When you are ready to enjoy your Reuben Balls again, you need to reheat them properly. The oven is the best choice for crispiness. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the balls on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This will keep them crunchy. If you use a microwave, heat for about 1-2 minutes. However, they may turn soft. You can freeze Reuben Balls before or after frying. If you freeze them before frying, place the balls on a tray and freeze them until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. If you fry them first, let them cool, then store them in a freezer-safe container. To thaw, leave them in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the oven for best results. This way, you always have a tasty snack ready! You can prepare Reuben Balls ahead of time. First, mix all the filling ingredients as before. Once the mixture is ready, form the balls and place them on a tray. Cover the tray with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just coat them with breadcrumbs and fry. Yes, you can switch the Swiss cheese for other types. Here are some great options: - Gouda adds a rich flavor. - Cheddar gives a sharp taste. - Monterey Jack melts well and has a mild flavor. Choose one that you like best! Reuben Balls pair well with many sides. Consider serving them with: - A crisp green salad for freshness. - Potato wedges for a hearty side. - Pickles to add a tangy crunch. These sides enhance the meal and make it more satisfying. The Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce can be adjusted. If you prefer less spice, reduce the hot sauce. For more heat, add more horseradish or hot sauce. Taste as you go to find your ideal level of spice. Yes, you can make Reuben Balls gluten-free. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko. Make sure the corned beef and sauces are gluten-free as well. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty dish! In this blog post, I shared an easy recipe for Reuben Balls. We covered main and additional ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips for perfect results. I also discussed variations, storage methods, and answered common questions. In conclusion, these tasty bites are fun to make and share. Whether you fry or bake them, Reuben Balls bring joy to any gathering. Experiment with flavors, and enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce. Happy cooking!

Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

Indulge in the deliciousness of Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce! These crispy, golden bites filled with corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese are perfect for parties or game days. With an easy dip that packs a spicy punch, your snack time will never be the same. Discover the full recipe and tips for perfecting these tasty treats, and get ready to impress your friends and family. Click to explore now!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup cooked corned beef, finely chopped

1 cup sauerkraut, drained and chopped

1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded

½ cup cream cheese, softened

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

2 large eggs, beaten

Oil for frying (enough for deep-frying)

For the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise

¼ cup ketchup

1 tablespoon prepared horseradish sauce

1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust according to your spice preference)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Prepare the Reuben Balls Filling: In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the finely chopped corned beef, drained and chopped sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully integrated and create a cohesive mixture.

    Form the Balls: With your hands, take approximately one tablespoon of the filling mixture and roll it into a compact ball. Place each ball on a tray lined with parchment paper or a clean surface. Continue this process until you have used up all the filling.

      Coat the Balls: Create a breading station by placing the panko breadcrumbs in one shallow bowl and the beaten eggs in another. Take each ball, dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it's completely coated, and then roll it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs. Repeat until all balls are coated.

        Fry the Balls: In a deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the breaded Reuben balls in small batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry each batch for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Using a slotted spoon, remove them from the oil and allow them to drain on paper towels.

          Prepare the Dipping Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish sauce, hot sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as desired for your preferred balance of heat and flavor.

            Serve: Arrange the crispy Reuben Balls on a large serving platter. Present the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce in a small bowl alongside for dipping enjoyment.

              Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                - Presentation Tips: Garnish the platter with fresh parsley or dill sprigs for an extra touch of color and aroma. Serve with toothpicks for easy eating during gatherings!