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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Craft compact spherical portions using hands or a small portioning tool, ensuring consistent sizing for even cooking.
- Transfer formed orbs to a chilled tray and refrigerate approximately 25 minutes to solidify structural integrity and enhance breading adherence.
- Prepare three separate shallow containers: one with seasoned flour, another with whisked eggs, and the final with crisp breadcrumbs.
- Methodically enrobe each chilled morsel by first rolling in flour, ensuring complete coverage, then dipping into egg wash, and finally coating thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
- Preheat cooking oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or specialized frying apparatus to precise temperature, maintaining consistent heat around 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Carefully lower breaded spheres into hot oil, working in controlled batches to prevent temperature disruption, and fry until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior.
- Extract fried delicacies using a perforated utensil, allowing excess oil to drain on absorbent paper towels.
- 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