If you love everything about classic Reuben sandwiches but want to jazz things up, this Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe is an absolute game changer. These golden, crispy little bites pack all the smoky, tangy, and cheesy flavors of your favorite deli staple into each irresistible morsel. Plus, the creamy, spicy dipping sauce brings the perfect punch that keeps you coming back for more. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to appetizer or snack for parties, cozy nights, or anytime you want comfort food with a fun twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these Reuben Balls just right means starting with simple, quality ingredients that build layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a starring role, whether it’s the tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, or melty Swiss cheese that oozes at every bite.
- 1 ½ cups chopped or shredded corned beef: The heart of the recipe, delivering that classic savory, smoky taste.
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry: Adds tang and moisture, balancing richness perfectly.
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully to create gooey pockets inside each ball.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Provides creaminess and helps bind everything together.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Offers a subtle kick and depth of flavor.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: For coating, giving a base layer that helps the breading stick.
- 2 eggs, beaten: Acts as a glue for the breadcrumbs, helping create that crave-worthy crunch.
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko recommended): Panko ensures extra crispy, light coating that contrasts the soft filling.
- Vegetable oil, for frying: Choose a neutral oil that heats to the right temperature for frying crispiness without greasiness.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Base for the dunkable dipping sauce, creamy and smooth.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Brings sweetness and tang, key to the Thousand Island vibe.
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish: Adds texture and bursts of briny flavor.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste): A touch of heat to awaken your taste buds.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses smoky warmth that ties the sauce and balls together.
How to Make Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by mixing together the chopped corned beef, well-drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, softened cream cheese, and Dijon mustard in a bowl. This combo forms the flavorful core of your balls. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let it firm up a bit, making it easier to shape later on.
Step 2: Form the Balls
Once chilled, scoop about one-inch portions of the mixture using a spoon or your hands and roll them gently into smooth balls. Place each ball on a lined baking sheet, keeping some space between them, and pop them back into the fridge while you prepare the breading station.
Step 3: Bread the Balls
To achieve that perfect crispy coating, dust each ball lightly in flour, dip into the beaten eggs, and then roll thoroughly in panko breadcrumbs. This three-step process creates layers of texture that fry up golden and crunchy without absorbing too much oil.
Step 4: Fry the Balls
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or deep saucepan to around 350°F (175°C). Fry the balls in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes, turning them carefully so all sides get evenly golden brown. When done, transfer them to paper towels to drain off excess oil—crispy on the outside with a melty, tangy center inside.
Step 5: Make the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, hot sauce, and smoked paprika in a bowl. Whisk gently until smooth and perfectly balanced. Taste and adjust the heat or seasoning to suit your preferences. This sauce is what really brings the whole dish to life with a creamy, zesty kick.
How to Serve Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped fresh parsley or chives over the Reuben Balls to add a pop of color and fresh flavor. A light dusting of smoked paprika on top can echo the sauce’s smoky warmth and make the presentation even more inviting.
Side Dishes
These bites pair wonderfully with classic sides like crispy potato chips or a simple green salad for balance. If you want to go all out, pickled vegetables or coleslaw bring the tanginess that complements the rich flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Reuben Balls skewered with cocktail sticks for easy party snacking, or arrange them in a circle around a bowl of the dipping sauce for a dramatic appetizer platter. You can also experiment by stuffing the balls in mini slider buns with extra sauce for a twist on a Reuben sandwich experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Reuben Balls, let them cool completely then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making for a delicious next-day snack.
Freezing
You can freeze the breaded balls before frying. Place them on a baking sheet so none touch, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Fry straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the refrigerated or thawed balls in a 375°F oven for about 10-12 minutes. This method keeps them crispy without sogginess. Avoid microwaving for best texture.
FAQs
Can I make Reuben Balls without frying?
Yes! For a lighter version, you can bake the breaded balls at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy as fried but still delicious.
What can I substitute for corned beef?
If you want to try a different protein, pastrami or cooked shredded roast beef work well to keep the iconic Reuben flavor profile.
Is the spicy Thousand Island sauce very hot?
The heat is adjustable—simply reduce or omit the hot sauce if you prefer mild, or add extra if you want more of a kick.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Absolutely. You can make the filling and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before forming the balls, which makes assembly faster when you’re ready to cook.
What type of oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil, canola, or peanut oil are great choices because they have high smoke points and neutral flavors, ensuring crispiness without overpowering the taste.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe enough if you’re looking to bring something flavorful, fun, and downright addictive to your table. Whether it’s a casual get-together or just because you want to treat yourself, these little bites deliver big on classic deli charm with a crispy, creamy twist. Give them a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first dip!
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Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 16–20 Reuben balls depending on size) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy and flavorful Reuben Balls filled with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and cream cheese, served with a zesty spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce. These bite-sized appetizers are perfect for parties or snack time, combining classic deli flavors in a fun, fried treat.
Ingredients
Reuben Balls
- 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
Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, softened cream cheese, and Dijon mustard. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Cover the mixture and refrigerate for 30 minutes to help it firm up.
- Form the Balls: Once chilled, scoop the mixture into 1-inch portions using a spoon or small ice cream scoop. Roll each portion into a smooth ball shape. Place the formed balls onto a lined baking sheet and refrigerate again to keep them firm before breading.
- Bread the Balls: Prepare three separate bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. First, coat each ball evenly in flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally roll it in the breadcrumbs until fully coated. This triple-coating ensures a crispy, golden crust when fried.
- Fry the Balls: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the breaded balls in small batches, turning occasionally, for about 2 to 3 minutes or until they achieve a golden brown and crispy exterior. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, hot sauce, and smoked paprika until smooth. Taste and adjust the hot sauce or any other ingredient to your preference for spiciness and flavor.
- Serve: Arrange the Reuben Balls on a serving platter alongside a bowl of the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce. Serve warm and enjoy these flavorful bites as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Ensure the sauerkraut is well drained and squeezed to prevent excess moisture from making the mixture too wet.
- Chilling the filling and formed balls helps maintain their shape during breading and frying.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to avoid greasy or undercooked balls.
- Adjust hot sauce in the dipping sauce according to your preferred spice level.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated by baking for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
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