Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe
Deliciously crispy on the outside and packed with the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich, these Reuben Balls are bite-sized appetizers made from corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut, served with a zesty spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce. Perfect for parties or game day snacks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 20 Reuben Balls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Reuben Balls
- 1 cup finely chopped corned beef
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup drained sauerkraut
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup breadcrumbs, divided
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Oil for frying
Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon relish
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped corned beef, shredded Swiss cheese, drained sauerkraut, softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of the breadcrumbs, and one beaten egg. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly blended into a cohesive mixture.
- Form the balls: Using your hands, roll the mixture into small balls, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place these on a tray and chill them in the freezer for 30 minutes to help them firm up, making them easier to coat and fry.
- Coat the balls: Set up a breading station with three separate bowls: one with flour, one with a beaten egg, and one with the remaining breadcrumbs. Take each chilled ball and roll it first in the flour to lightly coat, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally roll it in the breadcrumbs to create a crunchy exterior.
- Fry the balls: Heat oil in a deep fryer or a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated balls in batches for 3 to 4 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove them carefully and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the dipping sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, hot sauce, and smoked paprika until smooth. Taste and adjust the heat by adding more hot sauce if desired.
- Serve: Serve the Reuben Balls hot alongside the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce for a flavorful appetizer experience.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the sauerkraut well to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet.
- For a spicier kick, add extra hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dipping sauce.
- These can be made ahead and frozen, then fried directly from frozen for convenience.
- Use a thermometer to ensure the oil stays at 350°F for perfect frying.
- For a lighter version, try baking the balls at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy.
Keywords: Reuben Balls, appetizer, spicy Thousand Island sauce, corned beef appetizer, finger food, party snack
