If you have a soft spot for classic deli flavors but want to serve them up in a fun, bite-sized way, you are absolutely going to adore this Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe. These golden, crispy little balls pack all the savory goodness of a Reuben sandwich—tangy sauerkraut, juicy corned beef, and melty Swiss cheese—wrapped into an irresistible handheld treat. Paired with a kicky spicy Thousand Island sauce, they’re perfect for parties, snack time, or cozy nights when you want something special without any fuss. Trust me, once you try this dish, it will quickly become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to bringing maximum flavor and perfect texture to these Reuben balls. Each item plays its unique role, from the tender corned beef to the cheesy indulgence of Swiss, all balanced beautifully by the crispness of sauerkraut and a touch of spice in the dipping sauce.
- 1 cup corned beef, chopped: Provides the hearty, savory foundation that makes these balls taste like a Reuben sandwich.
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained: Adds a tangy crunch that brightens every bite and keeps things delightfully fresh.
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded: Melts into gooey pockets of flavor throughout the balls, creating a luscious texture contrast.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Essential for binding the mixture and giving the balls a satisfying structure.
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped: Offers a fresh onion bite and a pop of vibrant green for visual appeal.
- 1 egg, beaten: Acts as the glue holding everything together during frying.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses subtle warmth and aroma enhancing the overall savory profile.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Deepens the onion flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balances and elevates all the flavors perfectly.
- Oil for frying: Crucial for achieving that crisp, golden crust that makes these balls irresistible.
How to Make Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Filling Ingredients
Start by placing the chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper into a large mixing bowl. This combination is the heart of the dish, so take a moment to appreciate how each component brings something delicious to the table. Mix everything thoroughly until evenly incorporated, ensuring each ball will be packed with flavor and hold together during cooking.
Step 2: Form the Mixture into Balls
Once your mixture is ready, scoop out even portions and roll them into small, bite-sized balls using your hands. If the mixture feels too sticky or loose, a little extra breadcrumb can be added to help them form properly. These balls should be firm but not dry, promising a tender, juicy center once fried.
Step 3: Heat the Oil for Frying
Next, heat your oil in a deep fryer or large skillet over medium heat. It’s important to get the temperature just right — around 350°F if you have a thermometer — to guarantee a perfectly crispy exterior without the balls absorbing too much oil.
Step 4: Fry the Reuben Balls
Carefully lower the balls into the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes, or until they achieve a gorgeous golden brown crust. This frying process seals in all the juicy, melty goodness inside while giving you that crave-worthy crunch on the outside.
Step 5: Drain and Prepare to Serve
Remove the fried Reuben balls with a slotted spoon and transfer them onto paper towels to drain any excess oil. This step keeps them crispy instead of soggy and perfectly ready for that big finishing touch—the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce.
How to Serve Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes not only enhances the appearance but also layers in additional flavor and texture. Try sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or extra green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness. A light squeeze of lemon over the balls can add a surprising zesty brightness that complements their richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
These tasty bites shine on their own, but pairing them with crisp veggie sticks like celery and carrots, or even a simple coleslaw, gives a refreshing crunch that balances the indulgence. A side of pickles is a classic pairing that echoes the traditional Reuben sandwich flavors, making every bite even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make your Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe stand out? Serve them in mini baskets lined with parchment paper for a charming appetizer vibe, or skewer a few together with cocktail sticks for easy party-style serving. You can also offer small ramekins of the spicy sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling—either way, your guests will be impressed!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers—though that rarely happens—store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They remain tasty but make sure to reheat properly to restore their crispy texture.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the uncooked Reuben balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a sturdy freezer bag or container. This way, you can keep them for up to a month and fry straight from frozen whenever you’re craving a quick snack or appetizer.
Reheating
The best way to reheat leftover or frozen Reuben balls is in an oven or air fryer at 350°F until warm and crispy again, which usually takes about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to prevent sogginess and keep that perfect crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of Swiss?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional and offers a mild nutty flavor that complements the corned beef and sauerkraut perfectly, you can experiment with Gruyère or even mozzarella for a different twist. Just keep in mind the melting characteristics of your cheese.
What can I substitute for sauerkraut if I don’t have any?
If sauerkraut is not available, chopped dill pickles or fermented cabbage can provide a similar tang and crunch. Just be sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.
How spicy is the Thousand Island dipping sauce in this recipe?
The sauce has a gentle kick of heat originated from the added spices or hot sauce in the recipe version you try, balanced with the creamy tanginess of classic Thousand Island ingredients. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less hot sauce to suit your preference.
Can I bake the Reuben balls instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them for a healthier alternative. Arrange the balls on a baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes until golden and cooked through. The texture will be slightly different, less crispy than frying but still delicious.
Are Reuben balls gluten-free?
Traditional recipes use breadcrumbs which contain gluten, but you can substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Final Thoughts
Making Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe is a delightful way to reinvent classic flavors into an irresistible appetizer or snack. The combination of juicy corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, gooey cheese, and that vibrant spicy dip is pure magic in every bite. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch how quickly these tasty morsels disappear at your table—they’re truly a culinary hug wrapped in crispy goodness!
Print
Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (approximately 16-20 balls)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously crispy Reuben Balls packed with savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melty Swiss cheese, and green onions, perfectly seasoned and fried to golden perfection. Served with a zesty spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce, these bite-sized appetizers are ideal for parties or a tasty snack.
Ingredients
Reuben Balls
- 1 cup corned beef, chopped
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form the Balls: With your hands or a small scoop, shape the mixture into small, bite-sized balls, ensuring they are compact to hold together during frying.
- Heat the Oil: Pour enough oil into a deep fryer or large skillet to submerge the balls halfway, and heat over medium heat until the oil reaches approximately 350°F (175°C). Proper temperature ensures crispy and evenly cooked balls.
- Fry the Balls: Carefully add the formed balls in batches to the hot oil. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through inside, turning occasionally to brown evenly.
- Drain Excess Oil: Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried balls and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil and keep them crisp.
- Make the Spicy Thousand Island Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, hot sauce, paprika, onion powder, and salt and pepper until smooth and well blended.
- Serve: Serve the hot Reuben Balls immediately with the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce on the side for dipping and enjoying.
Notes
- You can prepare the balls ahead and refrigerate them before frying to make the process quicker during serving.
- Adjust the heat of the dipping sauce by adding more or less hot sauce according to your spice preference.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Make sure the sauerkraut is well-drained to prevent soggy balls.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature for perfect frying results.
