Name: Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: undefined
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

Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and easily accessible ingredients, you can whip up these Reuben balls in no time.

Unforgettable Flavor: The combination of corned beef, Swiss cheese, and spicy dipping sauce creates a flavor explosion in every bite.

Versatile Snack: Whether for a cozy night in or a lively gathering, these balls fit right into any setting.

Crowd Pleaser: Their delicious taste and unique presentation make them a hit at parties and gatherings.

Perfectly Pairable: These Reuben balls go well with various drinks and sides, enhancing your meal experience.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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

Directions

Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, and Dijon mustard. Mix until well combined. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up.
Form the Balls
Scoop the mixture into approximately 1-inch portions, roll each portion into balls, place them on a lined baking sheet, and refrigerate again.
Coat the Balls
Prepare three bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Coat each ball in flour first, dip it into the eggs, then roll it in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
Fry the Balls
Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the balls in small batches for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Make the Dipping Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, hot sauce, and smoked paprika. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve
Arrange the Reuben Balls on a platter alongside the dipping sauce. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12–15 balls
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes

Variations

Use ground corned beef for a finer texture in the filling.
Substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère for a nuttier flavor.
Add a teaspoon of horseradish to the dipping sauce for extra kick.
Bake instead of fry for a lighter version.
Make mini Reuben Balls for cocktail-style servings.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the coating crispy.

FAQs

Can I make Reuben Balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the balls and refrigerate them until ready to fry.

Can I freeze Reuben Balls?

Absolutely. Freeze them uncooked in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cook time.

Can I use leftover corned beef?

Yes, leftover corned beef works perfectly as long as it’s chopped or shredded.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions.

Can I bake them instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.

Can I use a different cheese?

Swiss cheese is traditional, but Gruyère, Havarti, or even cheddar can be used.

How spicy is the dipping sauce?

The spice level is mild. Adjust the hot sauce to your preference.

Can I make them smaller or larger?

Yes, adjust portion size for mini or jumbo Reuben Balls. Cooking time may vary accordingly.

Can I prepare the dipping sauce in advance?

Yes, the sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

Are Reuben Balls suitable for parties?

Yes, they’re perfect finger food and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion

Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are a delicious and fun twist on the classic sandwich. Crispy on the outside, cheesy and flavorful on the inside, and perfectly paired with a zesty dipping sauce, they’re ideal for parties, game days, or a cozy night at home. With simple preparation and customizable options, these bite-sized treats are sure to become a favorite snack in your kitchen.