Name: Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce: The Ultimate Party Appetizer
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups cooked corned beef, finely chopped; 1 cup sauerkraut, well-drained and chopped; 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¾ cup all-purpose flour; 2 eggs, beaten; 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs; Oil, for frying; ; ½ cup mayonnaise; 3 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon pickle relish; 1 teaspoon hot sauce (or more to taste); ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper, to taste

Description

These crispy Reuben Balls are everything you love about the classic deli sandwich—corned beef, Swiss cheese, and tangy sauerkraut—rolled into bite-sized party perfection. Paired with a spicy Thousand Island dip, they’re an instant crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Reuben Balls:

1½ cups cooked corned beef, finely chopped

1 cup sauerkraut, well-drained and chopped

1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

4 oz cream cheese, softened

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon black pepper

¾ cup all-purpose flour

2 eggs, beaten

1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

Oil, for frying

For the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise

3 tablespoons ketchup

1 tablespoon pickle relish

1 teaspoon hot sauce (or more to taste)

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined.

2. Roll into 1–1.5 inch balls and place on a baking sheet. Freeze for 15–20 minutes to firm.

3. Set up a dredging station: flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate bowls.

4. Dip each chilled ball into flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, pressing to coat.

5. Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry balls in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.

6. Whisk together all sauce ingredients in a bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.

7. Serve Reuben Balls warm with dipping sauce on the side.

Notes

Make ahead: form and freeze the balls, then bread and fry before serving.

Air-fryer method: 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Add diced pickles or mustard to the mix for a twist.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Fried
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 3 balls with sauce
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 510mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: reuben balls, party appetizer, thousand island dipping sauce