Transform your favorite deli sandwich into an irresistible appetizer with these crispy, golden Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce. Perfect for parties, game day, or any time you’re craving that classic Reuben flavor in a fun, bite-sized format.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce deliver all the beloved flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich in a delightfully crispy, poppable form. The combination of tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese creates the perfect filling, while the golden breadcrumb coating provides a satisfying crunch. The homemade spicy thousand island dipping sauce adds just the right amount of heat and creaminess to complement each bite. These appetizers are crowd-pleasers that work beautifully for entertaining, and they’re surprisingly easy to make ahead for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the 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 (preferably panko)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the 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
How to Make Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare the Filling: Start by combining the chopped corned beef, well-drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, softened cream cheese, and Dijon mustard in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture holds together. The cream cheese acts as a binding agent, so make sure it’s well incorporated throughout.
Form the Balls: Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, portion the mixture into golf ball-sized rounds, approximately 1 ½ inches in diameter. Place the formed balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial as it helps the balls maintain their shape during the coating and frying process.
Set Up Breading Station: While the balls are chilling, prepare your breading station with three shallow dishes: one containing the flour, another with the beaten eggs, and the third with the breadcrumbs. Season the flour lightly with salt and pepper for extra flavor.
Bread the Balls: Remove the chilled balls from the refrigerator. Working with one ball at a time, roll it first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip in beaten egg, and finally coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently to ensure they adhere well. Return the breaded balls to the baking sheet.
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, hot sauce, and smoked paprika until smooth. Taste and adjust the hot sauce level to your preference. Set aside until ready to serve.
Fry the Balls: Heat vegetable oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the breaded balls into the hot oil, working in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Drain and Serve: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried balls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while hot and crispy alongside the spicy thousand island dipping sauce.
Helpful Tips
Moisture Control: Thoroughly drain and squeeze the sauerkraut using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture. This prevents the balls from becoming soggy and helps them hold their shape better during frying.
Temperature Matters: Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature consistently. Oil that’s too hot will brown the outside before the inside is heated through, while oil that’s too cool will result in greasy, soggy balls.
Make-Ahead Option: The formed balls can be breaded and frozen for up to one month. Fry directly from frozen, adding an extra minute to the cooking time.
Baking Alternative: For a healthier option, brush the breaded balls with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden brown and heated through.
Details
Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling) Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes Servings:4-6 people (approximately 20 balls) Difficulty: Intermediate
Notes
The key to perfect Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce lies in achieving the right balance of flavors and textures. Don’t skip the chilling step, as it’s essential for maintaining the balls’ structure during frying. If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the hot sauce or substitute with a pinch of cayenne pepper. For extra richness, you can add a tablespoon of butter to the filling mixture. These balls are best served immediately after frying when the coating is at its crispiest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use deli corned beef instead of leftover corned beef? Absolutely! Deli corned beef works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to chop it into small, uniform pieces for the best texture.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs? Regular breadcrumbs work fine, though panko creates a lighter, crispier coating. You can also make your own by processing day-old bread in a food processor.
Can these be made vegetarian? Yes! Substitute the corned beef with seasoned, sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives for a delicious vegetarian version.
How do I know when the oil is ready? Besides using a thermometer, you can test by dropping a small piece of bread into the oil. If it sizzles and browns within 30 seconds, the oil is ready.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time? The spicy thousand island sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve over time.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator: Store leftover Reuben balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The spicy thousand island dipping sauce can be stored separately for up to one week.
Freezer: Uncooked, breaded balls can be frozen for up to one month. Arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Fry directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating: To restore crispiness, reheat leftover balls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes rather than using a microwave, which will make them soggy.
Conclusion
These Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce prove that sometimes the best recipes come from reimagining classic favorites. By transforming the beloved Reuben sandwich into a shareable appetizer, you’re creating a dish that’s both familiar and excitingly new. The crispy exterior gives way to a creamy, flavorful interior that captures all the essence of the original sandwich, while the spicy thousand island sauce provides the perfect finishing touch. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a unique game day snack, or simply wanting to try something different for dinner, these Reuben balls are sure to impress. The combination of textures and flavors makes every bite a delightful experience that will have your guests asking for the recipe. So gather your ingredients, heat up that oil, and get ready to serve up some seriously delicious Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce!
