Name: Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Dipping Sauce Delight
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Corned Beef (Substitute with pastrami for a different taste); 1 cup Sauerkraut (Use fresh or canned, rinsed and drained); 1 cup Shredded Swiss Cheese (Replace with Gruyère or provolone for variation); 4 oz Cream Cheese (Can be swapped with mascarpone); 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard (Use yellow mustard for a milder option); 1 cup Flour (Any all-purpose flour will work); 2 large Eggs (Use a flax egg for a vegan option); 1 cup Breadcrumbs (Choose panko for extra crispiness); 1 cup Mayonnaise (Substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version); 1 tbsp Ketchup (Use barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor); 1 tbsp Pickle Relish (Replace with finely chopped dill pickles); 1 tbsp Hot Sauce (Adjust the amount according to spice preference); 1 tsp Smoked Paprika (Use regular paprika if unavailable); 2 inches Vegetable Oil (Can substitute with canola or peanut oil)

As I stood in my kitchen, the sizzling sound of oil reminded me that culinary creativity often leads to delightful surprises. Enter these Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce—an enticing bite-sized twist on the beloved Reuben sandwich. Perfect for game-day gatherings or a cozy night in, these tasty morsels promise a satisfying crunch with every bite. With a gooey interior of melted Swiss cheese, savory corned beef, and tangy sauerkraut, they deliver comfort food appeal with a gourmet flair. Plus, the spicy dipping sauce adds an irresistible kick, ensuring your taste buds are in for an adventure! Ready to impress your friends and family with this mouthwatering appetizer? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why Are Reuben Balls So Irresistible?

Crispy Delights: These Reuben Balls offer a fantastic crunch that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Unique Flavor Fusion: The harmonious blend of tangy sauerkraut, savory corned beef, and melty Swiss cheese brings a delightful surprise to your taste buds.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day or a cozy movie night, they serve as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Quick and Easy: With simple prep and frying, you’ll be enjoying these scrumptious bites in no time.

Customizable: Feel free to experiment by swapping ingredients or serving with various dips to keep things exciting, just like in my Spicy Korean Gochujang recipe!

Reuben Balls with Spicy Ingredients

• Dive into the deliciousness of Reuben Balls!

For the Filling

Corned Beef – Provides savory flavor and meaty texture; substitute with pastrami for a different taste.
Sauerkraut – Adds tanginess and moisture; use fresh or canned, rinsed and drained.
Shredded Swiss Cheese – Offers melty, rich flavor; replace with Gruyère or provolone for variation.
Cream Cheese – Enhances creaminess of the filling; can be swapped with mascarpone.
Dijon Mustard – Brings a subtle heat and acidity; use yellow mustard for a milder option.

For the Coating

Flour – Acts as a coating base; any all-purpose flour will work.
Eggs – Binds the coating ingredients; use a flax egg for a vegan option.
Breadcrumbs – Provides the crunchy outer layer; choose panko for extra crispiness.

For the Dipping Sauce

Mayonnaise – Creamy base for the dipping sauce; substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Ketchup – Adds sweetness to the sauce; use barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor.
Pickle Relish – Delivers tang and crunch; replace with finely chopped dill pickles.
Hot Sauce – Provides heat to the sauce; adjust the amount according to spice preference.
Smoked Paprika – Adds depth of flavor and color; use regular paprika if unavailable.

For Frying

Vegetable Oil – Used for frying; can substitute with canola or peanut oil.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the corned beef, sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, cream cheese, and Dijon mustard. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up, making it easier to form into balls.

Step 2: Form the Balls
After chilling, remove the filling from the refrigerator. With clean hands, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place the formed Reuben Balls onto a lined baking sheet. This ensures they don’t stick and makes cleanup easier. Chill the balls in the refrigerator while you prepare the coating to keep them firm.

Step 3: Set Up Your Coating Station
Prepare three shallow bowls to create a coating assembly line. In the first bowl, add a generous amount of flour. In the second bowl, beat a couple of eggs until homogeneous. In the third bowl, place panko breadcrumbs, ensuring they are evenly distributed. This will help the Reuben Balls achieve that crispy perfection.

Step 4: Coat the Balls
Take each ball from the baking sheet one at a time, rolling them in the flour to lightly coat. Next, dip each coated ball into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, roll the balls in the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even and thorough coating. Repeat this process until all the Reuben Balls are perfectly coated.

Step 5: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet, pour in about 2 inches of vegetable oil and heat it over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). To test the temperature, drop a small piece of bread into the oil; it should sizzle and turn golden brown in about 30 seconds. This is the ideal temperature for frying the Reuben Balls, ensuring they become crispy without absorbing too much oil.

Step 6: Fry the Reuben Balls
Carefully add the coated Reuben Balls to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to crowd them in the skillet. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown and crispy all around. Use a slotted spoon to remove the balls from the oil and drain them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Step 7: Prepare the Dipping Sauce
While the Reuben Balls are frying, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, hot sauce, and smoked paprika in a bowl until smooth and well combined. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your personal heat preference. This spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce perfectly complements the warm Reuben Balls.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once the Reuben Balls are all fried and slightly cooled, arrange them on a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch and serve them alongside the zesty spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce. These crispy Reuben Balls promise to be a hit at any gathering, showcasing all the great flavors of the classic dish.

Expert Tips for Reuben Balls

Oil Temperature Check: Ensure your oil is at 350°F before frying. This prevents the Reuben Balls from becoming greasy and ensures a perfect crispy finish.
Avoid Overcrowding: Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature; overcrowding leads to soggy, unevenly cooked Reuben Balls.
Perfect Coating: Make sure to thoroughly coat each ball in flour, egg, and panko. This creates that sought-after crunchy texture on the outside.
Chill for Better Shape: Keep the formed balls in the fridge while preparing the coating. This helps them maintain shape and makes frying easier.
Hot Sauce Control: Adjust the amount of hot sauce in your spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce based on your preference for heat; a little goes a long way!

What to Serve with Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

These delightful morsels are just the beginning of a feast that will leave everyone asking for more.

Creamy Coleslaw: This crunchy, tangy side balances the rich flavors of the Reuben Balls while adding freshness to your spread.
Garlic Dill Pickles: The zesty and briny flavor of pickles perfectly complements the savory bites, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Classic Potato Chips: The irresistible crunch of potato chips adds a satisfying texture that pairs beautifully with the crispy Reuben Balls.
Savory Cheese Platter: Offer a variety of cheeses alongside sliced meats and crackers to create an elegant touch and flavorful contrast.
Wine Pairing: A crisp Riesling or a light-bodied Pinot Noir works wonderfully, cutting through the richness and elevating the meal.
Baked Sweet Potato Fries: They provide a sweet, soft counterpoint, creating a delightful contrast to the crispy, savory Reuben Balls.
Spicy Corn Chowder: This hearty soup adds warmth and comfort, making it an excellent starter before your guests dive into the Reuben Balls.

Storage Tips for Reuben Balls with Spicy

Fridge: Store leftover Reuben Balls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from becoming too soggy.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the uncooked or cooked Reuben Balls in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Reheating: To reheat, place cooked Reuben Balls in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.

Serving Fresh: While they can be stored, these Reuben Balls are best enjoyed fresh, with that delightful crunch and savory filling.

Make Ahead Options

These Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the filling (corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, and Dijon mustard) up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix and refrigerate it tightly covered. Additionally, you can form the balls and chill them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before frying. To maintain their quality, ensure they are stored in an airtight container to prevent moisture loss. When you’re ready to enjoy your appetizer, just heat the oil and fry the chilled balls for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown, avoiding any hassle on busy weeknights!

Reuben Balls with Spicy Variations

Feel free to get creative with your Reuben Balls—there are so many delightful twists you can explore!

Dairy-Free: Use vegan cheese and swap cream cheese with cashew cream to keep the flavor intact.
Hearty Vegan Option: Substitute the corned beef with finely chopped mushrooms and lentils for a hearty, meatless filling.
Extra Crunch: Add crushed potato chips to the breadcrumb mixture for an added layer of texture and flavor.
Kick it Up: Mix in jalapeños or diced green chilies with the filling for an extra spicy kick that will excite your palate.
Herbed Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like dill or parsley into the filling, elevating the classic flavor profile with freshness.
Cheesy Twist: For a flavor twist, experiment with aged cheddar or pepper jack cheese for added sharpness and spice.
Historical Spin: Dive into history by using pastrami instead of corned beef for a different but equally delicious take on this classic dish.
Savory Sweet: For an unexpected surprise, add finely chopped apples or figs to the filling for a sweet contrast to the salty components.

Whether you’re looking for a healthier option or a fun flavor twist, these variations will ensure your Reuben Balls remain a hit, just like my Savory Turkey Patties that will impress your guests!

Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right corned beef for Reuben Balls?
Absolutely! When selecting corned beef, look for cuts that are bright pink with marbling throughout, which indicates tenderness and flavor. If you can, choose high-quality, lean corned beef for the best results. Avoid pieces that are overly fatty or have dark spots on the surface, as they may not provide the best taste in your Reuben Balls.

What’s the best way to store leftover Reuben Balls?
Very good question! Leftover Reuben Balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain their crunchiness, be sure to separate layers with parchment paper if you stack them. This will help prevent them from becoming too soggy. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

Can I freeze Reuben Balls, and if so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your Reuben Balls, you can do either of two methods. If you have formed but uncooked balls, place them on a lined baking sheet and freeze them until solid (about 1-2 hours). After that, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag for up to 2 months. If you have leftover cooked Reuben Balls, allow them to cool completely and then store them in a single layer. Remember to label the bags with the date so you can monitor freshness!

What should I do if my Reuben Balls are too greasy?
If your Reuben Balls come out greasy, it’s often due to the oil temperature being too low during frying. Make sure to heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) before adding the balls. Additionally, remember to avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this can lower the oil temperature too much and result in oil absorption. If you find they’re still greasy, placing them on paper towels after frying will help absorb excess oil.

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind when making Reuben Balls?
Great thought! These Reuben Balls contain dairy and meat, so they may not be suitable for vegetarians or those with lactose intolerance. However, you can easily make them vegan by substituting with plant-based corned beef alternatives, and using a flax egg instead of regular eggs for binding. Also, consider using dairy-free cheese options and yogurt in the dipping sauce to accommodate different dietary needs.

How long will the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce last?
The spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 1 week when stored in an airtight container. Be sure to give it a good stir before using it again, as some ingredients may settle. If the sauce develops off-smells or a change in color, it’s best to discard it.