Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island are a fun and flavorful twist on the classic Reuben sandwich. Crispy on the outside and packed with savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese inside, they make perfect appetizers or party snacks.
Ingredients
- 1 cup corned beef, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup sauerkraut, drained and chopped
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
- Spicy Thousand Island dressing for dipping
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese until well mixed.
- Step 2: Shape the mixture into small, bite-sized balls.
- Step 3: Roll each ball in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Step 4: Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 5: Fry the balls in batches for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Step 6: Serve warm with spicy Thousand Island dressing for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a small amount of mustard or horseradish to the mixture before forming the balls.
- You can bake the balls at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes instead of frying for a lighter option.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.
Storage
Store leftover Reuben Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to maintain the crunch.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make Reuben Balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the balls and coat them with breadcrumbs in advance. Keep them refrigerated and fry just before serving for best texture.
What can I use as a substitute for Swiss cheese?
Gruyère or mozzarella can be good alternatives if you don’t have Swiss cheese on hand, though the flavor will be slightly different.
PrintReuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe
Deliciously crispy Reuben Balls filled with savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese, all encased in a crunchy breadcrumb coating and served with a spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or snack that combines the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich in bite-sized form.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 Reuben Balls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Reuben Balls
- 2 cups cooked corned beef, finely chopped
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and chopped
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs, plus extra for coating
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Spicy Thousand Island Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped pickles or relish
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, 1 cup breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Form the Balls: Using your hands, shape the mixture into golf ball-sized balls. Roll each ball in extra breadcrumbs to coat evenly, creating a crunchy outer layer.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or frying pan to about 2 inches depth. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), or hot enough for frying.
- Fry the Balls: Carefully place the Reuben Balls into the hot oil without overcrowding the pan. Fry them for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Drain Excess Oil: Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried balls and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Make the Spicy Thousand Island Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, chopped pickles, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika until smooth and well combined.
- Serve: Serve the Reuben Balls hot with the spicy Thousand Island sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For a crispier texture, double coat the balls by dipping them again in egg wash and breadcrumbs before frying.
- Ensure sauerkraut is well-drained to avoid soggy balls.
- Adjust the heat level of the dipping sauce by varying the amount of hot sauce.
- These can be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes as a healthier alternative, flipping halfway through.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in an oven for best texture.
Keywords: Reuben Balls, appetizer, corned beef snack, fried appetizers, Reuben sandwich bites, spicy Thousand Island sauce
