Reuben 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
Scale
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
