Reuben Balls – tired of the same boring appetizers that leave your guests underwhelmed and reaching for their phones instead of seconds? I completely understand that frustration. As someone who’s spent countless hours perfecting party foods that actually get people talking, I know how disappointing it can be when your carefully planned spread falls flat.
This Reuben Balls recipe promises to transform your appetizer game entirely. These golden, crispy spheres pack all the beloved flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich – tangy sauerkraut, tender corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, and that signature thousand island kick – into one irresistible bite-sized package that will have your guests raving long after the party ends.
Hi there! I’m Michael, a passionate culinary artist who discovered the magic of Reuben Balls during a particularly challenging dinner party three years ago. I was reimagining traditional comfort foods, trying to create something that would spark curiosity and linger in memory long after the last bite. That’s when inspiration struck – why not take the iconic Reuben sandwich and transform it into something completely unexpected? The result was these incredible Reuben Balls that became an instant hit with my FoodyDish.com community.
Throughout this comprehensive guide, I’ll share my expertise in meat selection and preparation, walk you through foolproof cooking techniques that ensure perfect results every time, reveal pro tips for achieving that ideal crispy exterior with a molten, flavorful center, and answer the most common questions I receive about making Reuben Balls successfully.
Why This Reuben Balls Recipe Works
The genius behind these Reuben Balls lies in their perfect balance of flavor, convenience, and crowd-pleasing versatility. After years of experimenting with different combinations and techniques, I’ve discovered what makes this recipe consistently successful.
- Uses affordable, kitchen-staple ingredients – You likely have most of these items in your pantry already, and the specialty ingredients like corned beef and sauerkraut are easily found at any grocery store
- Make-ahead friendly for stress-free entertaining – The balls can be formed and breaded up to 24 hours in advance, then fried just before serving for maximum convenience
- Perfect for any occasion – Whether you’re hosting a casual game day gathering, elegant cocktail party, or family celebration, these Reuben Balls adapt beautifully to any setting
- Delivers restaurant-quality results at home – The combination of proper chilling, double-breading technique, and precise frying temperature creates that coveted crispy exterior and creamy interior that rivals any upscale appetizer
Choosing the Right Meat for Your Reuben Balls
The foundation of exceptional Reuben Balls starts with selecting quality corned beef that will deliver both flavor and texture in every bite.
Best Cuts for This Reuben Balls Recipe
When crafting perfect Reuben Balls, your choice of corned beef significantly impacts the final result. I recommend using deli-sliced corned beef that’s been freshly cut to about 1/8-inch thickness. This provides the ideal balance of flavor concentration and easy chopping. The slightly thicker slices retain more moisture during the mixing process, ensuring your Reuben Balls stay juicy inside while achieving that perfect golden crust outside.
Avoid pre-packaged, paper-thin deli meat, which tends to become stringy when mixed and doesn’t provide enough substantial texture contrast. Similarly, avoid overly thick cuts that won’t integrate well with the other ingredients.
Buying Tips for Reuben Balls Success
Visit your deli counter during off-peak hours when staff can take time to slice your corned beef fresh. Look for corned beef with visible marbling – those thin white lines indicate fat content that will keep your Reuben Balls moist and flavorful. The meat should have a deep reddish-pink color with no gray or brown spots, and it should smell pleasantly spiced without any sour odors.
Ask your deli attendant to slice about 1.5 pounds if you’re planning to make multiple batches, as the corned beef keeps well refrigerated for up to five days and these Reuben Balls are so popular you’ll want extras on hand.
Substitutions for Reuben Balls
While traditional corned beef creates authentic Reuben Balls, you can successfully substitute pastrami for a smokier flavor profile, or even use leftover pot roast that’s been well-seasoned. Turkey or chicken can work for lighter versions, though you’ll want to add extra seasoning to compensate for their milder flavor. For vegetarian Reuben Balls, try using seasoned jackfruit or a plant-based deli meat alternative.
Ingredients & Prep for Perfect Reuben Balls
Creating exceptional Reuben Balls requires attention to ingredient preparation and understanding how each component contributes to the final result.
Complete Ingredients List for Reuben Balls
Servings: About 20 balls
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Chill Time: 30–60 minutes
Total Time: ~1.5 hours
For the Reuben Balls:
- 1½ cups cooked corned beef, finely chopped – The star protein that provides authentic deli flavor
- 1 cup sauerkraut, well-drained and finely chopped – Essential for that signature tangy bite
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded – Creates the melty, creamy interior
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened – Acts as the binding agent for perfect texture
- ½ tsp garlic powder – Adds depth without overpowering
- ½ tsp black pepper – Essential seasoning for balance
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional) – Enhances the authentic Reuben flavor profile
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – For the first coating layer
- 2 large eggs, beaten – Binding agent for breading
- 1½ cups seasoned breadcrumbs – Creates the signature crispy exterior
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola) – Choose neutral oils with high smoke points
For the Spicy Thousand Island Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise – Creamy base for the classic sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup – Provides sweetness and color
- 2 tbsp dill pickle relish – Essential for authentic thousand island flavor
- 1 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste) – Adds the signature spicy kick
- ½ tsp smoked paprika – Contributes depth and subtle smokiness
- Salt & pepper to taste – Final seasoning adjustments
Meat Prep Essentials for Reuben Balls
The key to perfectly textured Reuben Balls lies in properly preparing your corned beef. Start by patting the deli slices completely dry with paper towels – excess moisture will make your mixture too wet and difficult to form into cohesive balls. Using a sharp chef’s knife, chop the corned beef into small, uniform pieces about 1/4-inch in size. This ensures even distribution throughout each Reuben Ball and prevents large chunks that might break through the breading during frying.
Temperature is crucial – your corned beef should be well-chilled when you begin mixing. Cold ingredients hold together better and make the shaping process much easier.
Essential Components for Reuben Balls
The magic of Reuben Balls comes from the harmony between tangy sauerkraut and creamy Swiss cheese. Your sauerkraut must be thoroughly drained and even pressed between paper towels to remove excess liquid. Wet sauerkraut will make your mixture too loose and cause the Reuben Balls to fall apart during cooking.
For the Swiss cheese, freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties, which contain anti-caking agents that can affect texture. The cream cheese acts as a binding agent and should be completely softened – leave it at room temperature for about an hour before mixing, or soften quickly in the microwave using 15-second intervals.
Pantry Staples That Elevate Reuben Balls
Quality breadcrumbs make an enormous difference in achieving that perfect crispy coating on your Reuben Balls. I prefer seasoned panko breadcrumbs for their superior crunch, but regular seasoned breadcrumbs work well too. The flour creates the first layer of coating that helps the egg wash adhere, while the eggs provide the binding agent that makes the breadcrumbs stick during frying.
Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying – vegetable, canola, or peanut oil all work excellently and won’t compete with the flavors in your Reuben Balls.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Reuben Balls
Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfect Reuben Balls every time, with pro techniques that ensure consistent results.
Pre-Cooking Prep for Reuben Balls
Begin by creating your Reuben Balls mixture in a large bowl, combining the finely chopped corned beef, well-drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and Dijon mustard. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed – the mixture should hold together when squeezed but not be overly wet.
Using a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon, portion the mixture into equal sizes, then roll each portion between your palms to form smooth balls. Place the formed Reuben Balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial – it firms up the mixture, making the balls much easier to bread and preventing them from falling apart during frying.
Cooking Method for Perfect Reuben Balls
Set up your breading station with three shallow dishes: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and seasoned breadcrumbs in the third. Working with a few Reuben Balls at a time, roll each ball first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip completely in beaten egg, and finally roll in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure even coating.
For extra crispiness, try the double-dip method: after the first coating of breadcrumbs, dip the Reuben Ball back in egg wash and roll in breadcrumbs again.
Heat your oil to exactly 350°F (175°C) in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet. This temperature is critical – too low and your Reuben Balls will absorb oil and become greasy; too high and they’ll brown too quickly while remaining cold inside.
Doneness Check for Reuben Balls
Fry your Reuben Balls in small batches to avoid overcrowding, which drops the oil temperature. Each batch should take 2-3 minutes to achieve a deep golden brown color. The Reuben Balls should float to the surface when properly cooked, and the coating should sound crispy when tapped with a spoon.
For food safety, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). However, since all your ingredients are pre-cooked, you’re primarily looking for the cheese to be completely melted and the exterior to achieve that perfect golden crispiness.
Resting and Serving Reuben Balls
Remove the Reuben Balls from oil using a slotted spoon and immediately transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving – this allows the cheese to set slightly while keeping the interior molten and delicious.
Serve immediately while the contrast between the crispy exterior and creamy interior is at its peak.
Pro Tips for Perfect Reuben Balls
Master these professional techniques to elevate your Reuben Balls from good to absolutely extraordinary.
Avoiding Tough or Soggy Reuben Balls
The most common mistake when making Reuben Balls is inadequate draining of the sauerkraut, which leads to soggy, falling-apart balls. After draining the sauerkraut in a colander, place it between several layers of paper towels and press firmly to extract as much liquid as possible. Some cooks even place a heavy plate on top for 10-15 minutes to ensure maximum moisture removal.
Temperature control during frying is equally critical. Use a reliable thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F, and don’t rush the process by increasing heat. Overcrowding the pan drops the oil temperature significantly, resulting in greasy Reuben Balls that absorb too much oil.
Essential Tool Recommendations for Reuben Balls
A small ice cream scoop ensures uniformly sized Reuben Balls, which means even cooking and professional presentation. A digital thermometer is invaluable for monitoring oil temperature accurately – this single tool will dramatically improve your frying results.
Heavy-bottomed pots or cast-iron skillets maintain steady temperatures better than thin-walled cookware. A spider strainer or slotted spoon makes removing Reuben Balls from hot oil safer and more efficient.
Storage & Reheating Reuben Balls
Cooked Reuben Balls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, which makes the coating soggy.
For longer storage, freeze uncooked, breaded Reuben Balls on a tray until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. They’ll keep for up to three months and can be fried directly from frozen, adding an extra minute to the cooking time.
Flavor Variations for Reuben Balls
Transform your basic Reuben Balls recipe with these creative variations that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.
Spicy Twist Reuben Balls
Elevate your Reuben Balls with heat by incorporating finely minced jalapeños into the mixture or adding a teaspoon of horseradish. For a smoky kick, try mixing in chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. The spicy thousand island sauce can be amplified with additional hot sauce, sriracha, or even a dash of cayenne pepper.
Create a “Nashville Hot” version by dusting the finished Reuben Balls with a mixture of cayenne, paprika, and garlic powder while they’re still hot from the oil.
Keto and Paleo Reuben Balls
For keto-friendly Reuben Balls, substitute the flour and breadcrumbs with finely ground pork rinds or almond flour mixed with parmesan cheese. This creates an equally crispy coating while keeping carbs minimal. The filling naturally fits keto macros perfectly.
Paleo versions can use coconut flour for dusting and crushed nuts or seeds for coating. Replace the cream cheese with a paleo-friendly alternative or simply increase the amount of cheese for binding.
Global Flavors for Reuben Balls
International Reuben Balls Variations
| Variation | Key Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Serving Suggestion |
|---|---|---|---|
| German-Style | Add caraway seeds, use dark rye breadcrumbs | More authentic sauerkraut flavor | Serve with spicy mustard |
| Irish Pub | Substitute corned beef with leftover corned beef and cabbage | Heartier, more rustic | Pair with Guinness aioli |
| Jewish Deli | Add chopped pickles, use marble rye breadcrumbs | Extra tangy and briny | Serve with Russian dressing |
| Korean Fusion | Add kimchi instead of sauerkraut, gochujang in sauce | Spicy, fermented heat | Garnish with sesame seeds |
| Italian Twist | Use provolone cheese, add sun-dried tomatoes | Mediterranean flavors | Serve with marinara sauce |
Serving Suggestions for Reuben Balls
Present your Reuben Balls in ways that maximize their appeal and complement their rich, savory flavors.
Perfect Pairings for Reuben Balls
Reuben Balls shine when served alongside complementary sides that don’t compete with their bold flavors. Crispy potato wedges or sweet potato fries provide a satisfying textural contrast, while a simple mixed green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully.
For more substantial meals, serve Reuben Balls over creamy mashed potatoes or alongside roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus. The earthy flavors balance the tangy, salty notes of the balls perfectly.
Beverage Pairings with Reuben Balls
The robust flavors in Reuben Balls pair excellently with both beer and wine. For beer lovers, choose German lagers, wheat beers, or even a smooth porter that complements the corned beef. The carbonation helps cleanse the palate between bites.
Wine enthusiasts should consider medium-bodied reds like Pinot Noir or even a crisp Riesling, whose acidity balances the richness. For cocktails, classic options like Manhattan or Old Fashioned echo the traditional flavors found in Reuben Balls.
FAQs About Reuben Balls
Address the most common questions home cooks have when making Reuben Balls for the first time.
Can I make Reuben Balls with frozen ingredients?
Reuben Balls work best with fresh ingredients, but you can use previously frozen corned beef as long as it’s completely thawed and patted dry. Frozen sauerkraut should be thawed and thoroughly drained before using. Never try to form Reuben Balls with partially frozen ingredients, as this affects the texture and binding.
How do I fix Reuben Balls that fall apart during cooking?
If your Reuben Balls are falling apart, the mixture is likely too wet. Add small amounts of breadcrumbs to the mixture until it holds together properly. Ensure adequate chilling time – at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator firms up the mixture significantly. Double-check that your sauerkraut is properly drained, as excess moisture is the most common culprit.
Are Reuben Balls safe during pregnancy?
Reuben Balls are generally safe for pregnant women since the corned beef is fully cooked during preparation and cooking. However, pregnant women should ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F and consume them immediately after cooking. If you have concerns, consult with your healthcare provider about consuming deli meats during pregnancy.
Can I bake Reuben Balls instead of frying?
Absolutely! For baked Reuben Balls, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray lightly with cooking oil, and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and heated through. While they won’t be quite as crispy as fried versions, baked Reuben Balls are still delicious and significantly lighter.
How far in advance can I prepare Reuben Balls?
Reuben Balls can be completely formed and breaded up to 24 hours before frying. Store them covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature for 10 minutes before frying. For longer storage, freeze the breaded balls and fry directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
Conclusion
Reuben Balls represent everything I love about creative cooking – taking beloved, familiar flavors and transforming them into something unexpected and exciting. These crispy, golden spheres capture all the magic of a classic Reuben sandwich while offering the convenience and crowd-pleasing appeal that modern entertaining demands.
Fire up your oil and try this Reuben Balls recipe tonight! I guarantee these will become your new go-to appetizer for any gathering. The combination of tangy sauerkraut, tender corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, and that irresistible spicy thousand island sauce creates a flavor experience that will have your guests talking long after the last ball disappears.
Join the thousands of home cooks in the FoodyDish.com community who’ve already fallen in love with this Reuben Balls recipe! Share your photos and variations in the comments – I love seeing how creative our community gets with these adaptable appetizers.
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