Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce: A Crispy, Flavor-Packed Twist
Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce combine all the flavors of the classic Reuben sandwich into crispy, golden bites perfect for snacking or entertaining. These crunchy deep-fried delights feature corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut, all enveloped in a crisp coating for the ultimate balance of texture and taste. Paired with a creamy and zesty spicy Thousand Island sauce, these Reuben Balls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
If you enjoy the rich, savory notes of a Reuben sandwich, this recipe delivers the same satisfying flavors in an exciting new form. The crispy shell gives way to a gooey, cheesy center packed with juicy corned beef and tangy sauerkraut. Ideal for game days, holiday gatherings, or even as an appetizer for family dinners, these Reuben Balls are as visually appealing as they are delicious.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A perfect balance of rich corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Swiss cheese, and a hint of spice from the dipping sauce.
- Texture: Crispy on the outside, gooey and cheesy inside, with a satisfying crunch.
- Aroma: The irresistible scent of frying combined with smoky, savory notes of corned beef.
- Visual Appeal: Golden, crispy bites served with a vibrant dipping sauce create a stunning presentation.
- Skill Level Needed: Intermediate—straightforward to prepare, but requires proper frying technique.
- Special Equipment: A deep fryer or heavy-bottomed skillet, mixing bowls, and a slotted spoon.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Reuben Balls are an innovative way to enjoy a beloved classic in finger-food form. Their bite-sized nature makes them ideal for sharing and entertaining guests. The creamy dipping sauce enhances the rich and tangy elements of the filling, making each bite irresistible.
Preparation is simple enough for home cooks, and ingredients are easy to find. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a fun appetizer, this Reuben-inspired snack fits the bill. They’re also an excellent way to use up leftover corned beef.
Texture plays a key role in their appeal—the contrast between the crunchy coating and the gooey interior ensures a delightful eating experience. Pair them with an ice-cold beer or cocktail for an unforgettable appetizer.
Affordability is another plus. The ingredients are reasonably priced, and this recipe allows for easy substitutions based on availability. Making them from scratch is cost-effective compared to ordering similar fried appetizers at a restaurant.
The Recipe
Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
Serves: 6
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed skillet
- Slotted spoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
For the Reuben Balls:
- 2 cups cooked corned beef, finely chopped
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and patted dry
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Spicy Thousand Island Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped pickles
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well.
- Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls, about one inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roll each ball in flour, dip into beaten eggs, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the balls in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- For the sauce, mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve the Reuben Balls hot with the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce.
Recipe Notes
- For a crispier coating, double-bread the balls by repeating the egg and breadcrumb step.
- Adjust the spice level in the dipping sauce by increasing or decreasing the hot sauce and horseradish.
- Leftover Reuben Balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are an exciting way to enjoy all the traditional Reuben flavors in a crunchy, bite-sized form. Perfect for gatherings, game days, or a fun appetizer, this easy-to-make recipe will quickly become a favorite! Try it today and let us know what you think in the comments!
