Name: Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 50 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 fun and flavorful twist on the classic Reuben sandwich. Crispy on the outside and filled with savory corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese, they pair perfectly with a spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce. This appetizer is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering.

A white round plate on a white marbled surface holds seven crispy, golden-brown fried balls arranged in a circle around a small white bowl of creamy dipping sauce in the center. Each ball is topped with a drizzle of light beige sauce speckled with herbs, matching the sauce in the bowl. The fried balls have a crunchy, textured outer layer with visible green herb bits, and small chopped green herbs are scattered on the plate for garnish. 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 thoroughly until well combined. Cover and refrigerate the mixture 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 chill.
Step 3: Prepare a breading station with separate dishes for the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Coat each ball first in flour, then dip into the eggs, and finally roll them in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or saucepan over medium heat to 350°F (175°C). Fry the balls in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 5: While the balls fry, prepare the dipping sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, hot sauce, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Adjust the seasoning and heat level to your preference.
Step 6: Arrange the Reuben Balls on a serving platter alongside the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs and make sure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying.
Try adding a little grated horseradish to the filling for a spicy kick.
To keep balls firm, don’t skip chilling the mixture before shaping and after forming the balls.

Storage

Store leftover Reuben Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through to maintain their crispness. The dipping sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 5 days.

How to Serve

Six round, golden-brown fried balls with a crunchy texture are placed closely together on white parchment paper. Each ball has small, fresh green herb pieces sprinkled on top, adding contrast to their rich, crispy surface. Behind the balls is a white ramekin filled with creamy light orange sauce, garnished with small green herbs. The scene is set on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture softly visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the Reuben Balls instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy, turning halfway through. However, frying gives the best texture.

Can I prepare the dipping sauce in advance?

Absolutely. The spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This allows flavors to meld and saves time on serving day.