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
Scale
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.
