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
Scale
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.
