Description
Delicious and crispy Reuben Balls served with a spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce. These bite-sized appetizers are filled with classic Reuben ingredients—corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss and cream cheeses—and perfectly seasoned for a flavorful snack or party treat. They can be fried or air-fried for a lighter option.
Ingredients
Scale
Reuben Balls
- 1 cup chopped corned beef
- 1 cup drained sauerkraut
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup rye breadcrumbs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying or spray for air frying
Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon sweet relish
- 0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is evenly combined.
- Form the balls: Shape the mixture into walnut-sized balls and place them spaced evenly on a baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up for easier breading.
- Bread the balls: Prepare three separate shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with rye breadcrumbs. Roll each chilled ball first in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with rye breadcrumbs.
- Cook the Reuben balls: For frying: heat vegetable oil in a skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the balls in batches for 3–4 minutes each, or until they are golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels. For air frying: lightly spray the balls with oil and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness.
- Prepare the dipping sauce: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, prepared horseradish, hot sauce, sweet relish, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Chill the sauce until ready to serve alongside the hot Reuben balls.
Notes
- Chilling the Reuben balls before breading helps them hold their shape during cooking.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the dipping sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
- For a healthier option, air frying is recommended over deep frying.
- Serve immediately after cooking for best texture and flavor.
- Make sure the sauerkraut is well-drained to prevent sogginess in the balls.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Reuben balls, appetizer, corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, fried snacks, party food, spicy dipping sauce, Thousand Island sauce
