Name: Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; ½ cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon pickle relish; 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste); ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Introduction

Reuben Balls are a fun and tasty twist on the classic Reuben sandwich. Packed with corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese, these bite-sized treats are crispy on the outside and creamy inside. Served with a spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce, they make a perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion.

Seven golden-brown crispy fried balls with a rough texture are arranged in a circle on a white plate, each topped with a smooth beige sauce and small green herb pieces. In the center of the plate, there is a small white bowl filled with creamy beige sauce speckled with black seasoning and garnished with herbs. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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

½ cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons ketchup

1 tablespoon pickle relish

1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, and Dijon mustard. Mix well until fully incorporated, then refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 2: Scoop the chilled mixture into 1-inch portions and roll each into a ball. Place the balls on a lined baking sheet and refrigerate again to keep them firm.

Step 3: Prepare for breading by coating each ball in flour, then dipping it into the beaten eggs, and finally rolling it thoroughly in breadcrumbs to cover all sides.

Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the Reuben Balls in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 5: To make the dipping sauce, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, hot sauce, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning according to your taste.

Step 6: Arrange the Reuben Balls on a platter alongside the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier coating on the Reuben Balls.

For extra tang, add a small amount of sauerkraut to the dipping sauce.

Adjust the hot sauce in the dipping sauce to make it milder or spicier according to preference.

Try baking the balls at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes as a healthier alternative to frying.

FAQs

Can I make Reuben Balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and shape the balls ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until ready to fry. The dipping sauce can also be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.

What can I use instead of corned beef?

If you prefer, you can substitute cooked pastrami or roast beef for the corned beef to create a similar flavor profile with a slight twist.