Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe

Crispy, golden Reuben balls bring a playful twist to classic deli flavors that will make you smile.

Packed with corned beef, swiss cheese, and sauerkraut, these bite-sized treats reimagine a beloved sandwich in a totally unexpected way.

Each morsel delivers a crunch that reveals rich, tangy ingredients waiting inside.

Popping these delectable spheres at your next gathering, watching guests’ eyes light up with surprise.

The spicy Thousand Island sauce adds a zesty kick that perfectly complements the savory filling.

Salty, creamy, and irresistibly crunchy, these Reuben balls transform an iconic sandwich into an interactive appetizer.

You’ll want to make a double batch because these little flavor bombs disappear fast.

Why Reuben Balls With Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Are So Tasty

• Savor Classic Deli Flavors: These Reuben balls transform the beloved sandwich into a crispy, bite-sized appetizer that packs all the iconic tasty elements of a traditional Reuben into one irresistible pop.
• Enjoy Effortless Party Pleaser: With simple preparation and quick frying time, these balls are perfect for gatherings, game nights, or unexpected guests wanting a delicious crowd-pleasing snack that comes together in under 30 minutes.
• Experience Textural Delight: Crispy golden-brown exterior gives way to a creamy, cheesy interior loaded with tender corned beef and tangy sauerkraut, creating a mouthwatering contrast that keeps everyone coming back for more.
• Master No-Fuss Entertaining: The make-ahead freezing step and straightforward breading technique mean you can prep these delectable bites in advance, reducing stress and maximizing enjoyment during your social events.

Everything That Goes Into Reuben Balls With Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

Main Ingredients:

• Corned Beef: Provides the classic Reuben sandwich flavor with rich, savory meat profile.
• Swiss Cheese: Adds creamy, mild nutty taste that melts beautifully in the mixture.
• Cream Cheese: Helps bind ingredients and creates smooth, rich texture.

• Sauerkraut: Brings tangy, fermented cabbage flavor classic to Reuben sandwiches.
• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle, aromatic background seasoning.
• Onion Powder: Provides mild, sweet onion undertone without raw onion texture.
• Black Pepper: Gives slight sharp, warming spice to the mixture.

• Flour: Creates first dry layer for breading, helping eggs adhere.
• Eggs: Acts as binding agent for breadcrumb coating.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides crispy, golden exterior when fried.
• Vegetable Oil: Essential for deep frying and creating crunchy exterior.

How To Make Reuben Balls With Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

Step 1: Blend Flavor-Packed Filling

• Shredded corned beef
• Grated Swiss cheese
• Tangy sauerkraut
• Creamy cream cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Freshly ground black pepper

Thoroughly mix ingredients until they form a unified, mouthwatering blend.

Step 2: Shape Irresistible Bite-Sized Treasures

Grab the mixture and shape into perfectly round, bite-sized balls using your hands or a small scoop. Arrange these little flavor bombs on a baking sheet and pop them in the freezer for 20-30 minutes. This quick chill helps them hold their shape during the next steps.

Step 3: Prepare Crispy Coating Station

• First dish: All-purpose flour
• Second dish: Whisked eggs
• Third dish: Seasoned breadcrumbs

Step 4: Coat with Crispy Goodness

Roll each chilled ball through the stations:

First, dust with flour

Next, dunk in beaten eggs

Finally, roll generously in breadcrumbs until completely covered

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer until it reaches 350°F. Carefully lower the breaded balls into the hot oil, working in small batches. Fry for 2-3 minutes, rotating to ensure an even, golden-brown exterior.

Step 6: Create Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Ketchup
• Chopped pickles
• Hot sauce
• Finely minced onion
• Dash of Worcestershire sauce

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer crispy Reuben balls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with the spicy dipping sauce, watching as guests devour these irresistible appetizers.

Helpful Tips For Reuben Balls With Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

• Chill for Structural Stability: Freezing the mixture helps balls maintain shape during breading and frying, preventing them from falling apart.
• Perfectly Coat with Triple-Layer Technique: Flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs create a crispy, golden exterior that locks in the delicious filling.
• Control Oil Temperature: Maintain consistent 350F heat to ensure even cooking, preventing greasy or undercooked centers.
• Drain Excess Oil Strategically: Use paper towels to absorb additional oil, keeping the Reuben balls light and crisp instead of soggy.
• Customize Breadcrumb Variation: Experiment with panko or seasoned breadcrumbs for extra crunch and personalized flavor profile.

How To Store And Reheat Reuben Balls With Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Reuben balls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Let them cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freeze: Wrap individual balls in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat to 375F. Spread balls on a baking sheet and warm for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through. This method restores their crispy exterior.
• Reheat Air Fryer: Cook at 350F for 4-5 minutes, shaking the basket midway. This technique helps maintain the original crunchiness without extra oil.

What To Serve With Reuben Balls With Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

• Brew Bold Irish Beer Pairing: Grab a rich, malty Guinness or a crisp Irish red ale to complement the savory corned beef and tangy sauerkraut flavors in these delightful Reuben balls.
• Match with Zesty Pickle Sidekick: Serve some cold, crisp dill pickles on the side to enhance the sandwich-inspired appetizer's salty and tangy profile, cutting through the deep-fried richness.
• Create Creamy Coleslaw Companion: Whip up a light, creamy coleslaw with a touch of apple cider vinegar to balance the fried balls' heaviness and add a fresh, crunchy texture to the plate.
• Pour Spicy Bloody Mary Cocktail: Mix a classic Bloody Mary with extra horseradish to mirror the dipping sauce's kick and provide a zesty, tomato-based drink that complements the appetizer's bold flavors.

Twists On Reuben Balls With Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

• Reuben Sliders: Transform the balls into mini sandwiches by slicing them in half and serving on small rye bread rounds with extra sauerkraut and sauce.
• Baked Reuben Bites: Skip the frying and bake the breaded balls at 400F for 15-20 minutes, creating a lighter version with less oil.
• Vegetarian Reuben Spheres: Replace corned beef with chopped roasted mushrooms or plant-based meat alternative, maintaining the classic flavor profile.
• Spicy Reuben Poppers: Add diced jalapeños to the mixture and incorporate hot sauce into the dipping sauce for extra heat and kick.

Reuben Balls With Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce FAQs

• What are Reuben Balls?

Reuben Balls are a bite-sized appetizer inspired by the classic Reuben sandwich. They combine corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and cream cheese, then breaded and deep-fried for a crispy, delicious snack.

• Can I make Reuben Balls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the balls and freeze them before breading. When ready to serve, thaw slightly and proceed with breading and frying. This makes them perfect for party prep or advance cooking.

• Are Reuben Balls kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids usually love these crispy, cheesy bites. The flavors are milder than a traditional Reuben sandwich, making them appealing to younger palates. Just be careful with the hot oil during frying.

• What makes the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce special?

The sauce adds a tangy, spicy kick that complements the rich, savory Reuben Balls. It’s a zesty twist on the classic Thousand Island dressing, bringing extra flavor and excitement to the appetizer.

Reuben Balls With Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Crispy Reuben balls bring classic New York deli flavors into bite-sized perfection, offering a playful twist on the beloved sandwich. Tangy corned beef, melted Swiss, and zesty thousand island sauce combine for an irresistible appetizer that sparks conversation at any gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Dairy:

• 1 cup (150 g / 5.3 ounces) cooked corned beef, finely chopped
• 1 cup (100 g / 3.5 ounces) shredded Swiss cheese
• 4 ounces (115 g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs, beaten

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 g / 4.2 ounces) sauerkraut, well-drained and chopped
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup (30 g / 1.1 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (100 g / 3.5 ounces) breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce:

• ½ cup (120 g / 4.2 ounces) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly blend shredded corned beef, grated Swiss cheese, drained sauerkraut, softened cream cheese, and seasonings in a spacious mixing vessel until ingredients are uniformly distributed.
2. Craft compact spherical portions using hands or a small portioning tool, ensuring consistent sizing for even cooking.
3. Transfer formed orbs to a chilled tray and refrigerate approximately 25 minutes to solidify structural integrity and enhance breading adherence.
4. Prepare three separate shallow containers: one with seasoned flour, another with whisked eggs, and the final with crisp breadcrumbs.
5. Methodically enrobe each chilled morsel by first rolling in flour, ensuring complete coverage, then dipping into egg wash, and finally coating thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
6. Preheat cooking oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or specialized frying apparatus to precise temperature, maintaining consistent heat around 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Carefully lower breaded spheres into hot oil, working in controlled batches to prevent temperature disruption, and fry until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior.
8. Extract fried delicacies using a perforated utensil, allowing excess oil to drain on absorbent paper towels.
9. Rest briefly to cool and stabilize before serving alongside zesty thousand island dipping sauce.

Notes

• Chilling the mixture before forming balls helps maintain their shape and prevents them from falling apart during breading and frying.
• Use cold cream cheese to bind ingredients more effectively and create a smoother, more cohesive texture.
• For a gluten-free version, swap wheat flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour and gluten-free panko crumbs.
• Keep oil temperature consistent at 350F to ensure even browning and prevent balls from becoming greasy or undercooked.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg