Easy Reuben Balls Recipe
These Easy Reuben Balls are a delicious appetizer inspired by the classic Reuben sandwich. Made with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and flavorful seasonings, the mixture is formed into crispy fried balls and served with a tangy, spicy Thousand Island-style dipping sauce. Perfect for parties and gatherings, these bite-sized treats offer all the savory flavors you love in a fun and crispy form.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45-60 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 Reuben Balls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Reuben Balls
- 2 cups cooked corned beef, finely chopped
- 1 cup sauerkraut, well-drained and squeezed dry
- 1 ½ cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Thousand Island Dip
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp minced onion or onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped corned beef, well-drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Chill Mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for 30 to 45 minutes to allow it to firm up, making it easier to shape into balls.
- Shape Balls: Use your hands or a cookie scoop to form the chilled mixture into balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Prepare Breading Station: Arrange three bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. This setup will make the breading process organized and efficient.
- Bread the Balls: Roll each Reuben ball first in the flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it evenly with panko breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps once more.
- Heat Oil and Fry: Pour vegetable oil into a pot until it measures about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the Reuben balls in batches for 2 to 3 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Drain: Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried balls from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Make the Dip: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, hot sauce, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and minced onion or onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the hot Reuben balls with the spicy Thousand Island dip on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Make sure to squeeze excess moisture from the sauerkraut to avoid soggy mixture.
- Double breading (egg and panko twice) provides extra crunchiness.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to prevent greasy or undercooked balls.
- If desired, you can bake the balls at 375°F for 15–20 minutes as a healthier alternative, turning halfway through.
- Serve immediately for best texture; leftovers can be reheated in the oven to retain crispness.
Keywords: Reuben Balls, Corned Beef Appetizer, Fried Appetizer, Party Food, Swiss Cheese, Sauerkraut, Thousand Island Dip
Find it online: https://platedandproud.com/easy-reuben-balls-recipe/
