Description
Crispy, golden Reuben Balls filled with savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese, served with a zesty and spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce. These bite-sized appetizers are perfect for game day, parties, or any snack craving.
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 chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, softened cream cheese, and Dijon mustard. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Cover and refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to allow it to firm up for easier shaping.
- Form the Balls: Once chilled, scoop the mixture into 1-inch portions using a spoon or small scoop, then gently roll each portion into a smooth ball. Place the formed balls onto a lined baking sheet and refrigerate to keep them firm.
- Bread the Balls: Set up a breading station by placing the flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs into separate shallow bowls. Roll each ball first in the flour, ensuring it is fully coated, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally roll in the breadcrumbs until completely covered. This triple coating ensures a crispy exterior 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 to avoid overcrowding, cooking them for 2 to 3 minutes while turning occasionally for even golden browning. Once crispy and golden, remove and drain on paper towels to absorb 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 hot sauce seasoning as desired for spiciness.
- Serve: Arrange the crispy Reuben Balls on a serving platter alongside the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce. Serve warm and enjoy this delicious appetizer!
Notes
- Ensure sauerkraut is well drained and squeezed dry to prevent sogginess in the filling.
- Chilling the mixture before forming balls helps maintain shape during breading and frying.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for optimal frying results and to prevent greasiness.
- Adjust the hot sauce in the dipping sauce to suit your heat preference.
- Can be made ahead and frozen after breading; fry directly from frozen for convenience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Reuben Balls, Corned Beef Appetizer, Fried Appetizer, Spicy Thousand Island Sauce, Party Snack, Game Day Food
