Name: Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 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 bring all the flavors of the classic Reuben sandwich into a crispy, bite-sized snack. These savory treats are perfect for parties or a fun appetizer, served with a spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce that adds the perfect tangy kick.

The image shows several round deep-fried balls with a crispy golden-brown crumb coating, topped with small green chopped herbs. One ball is cut open in the front center, revealing melted white cheese stretching out and a savory brown filling inside. They rest on thin purple cabbage strips scattered on a white marbled surface. Above the balls, a spoon drips a smooth, creamy mustard-yellow sauce onto one of them. In the background, there is a white cup filled with the same sauce, slightly blurred. 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 well until evenly blended. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up the mixture.
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 help them hold their shape.
Step 3: Prepare for breading by first coating each ball in flour, shaking off the excess. Then dip the balls into the beaten eggs, followed by rolling them thoroughly in the breadcrumbs until fully coated.
Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the Reuben Balls in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 5: To make the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, hot sauce, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Arrange the fried Reuben Balls on a platter and serve warm with the dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch in the coating.
Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the dipping sauce to match your preferred spice level.
For a twist, try swapping corned beef with pastrami or adding a bit of chopped green onion to the filling.
Chilling the mixture and formed balls helps them hold together better during frying.

Storage

Store 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 (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. The dipping sauce can be kept separately in the fridge for up to a week.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate filled with seven golden-brown, crispy round balls that look fried with a rough, crunchy texture on the outside, topped with small chopped green herbs. Next to the balls, there is a small white bowl filled with creamy, light orange sauce with visible green herb bits sprinkled on top. The balls vary slightly in size and are arranged close to the bowl, sitting on 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 the Reuben Balls instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through, although frying gives the crispiest texture.

Can I prepare the Reuben Balls ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare and bread the balls, then refrigerate or freeze them before frying. If frozen, fry directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.