Oh, let me tell you about these incredible little bites of joy I call *Reuben balls*! They’re like a fun, portable twist on the classic Reuben sandwich we all love, packed with all the delicious flavors you crave: tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melty Swiss cheese, all rolled into crispy balls. And the best part? They’re served with a zesty, spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce that’ll have you reaching for more! Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just looking for a tasty appetizer to impress your friends, these Reuben balls are sure to steal the show. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked for life!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup chopped corned beef
- 1 cup drained sauerkraut
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 beaten egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup oil for frying
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon relish
How to Prepare Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
Let’s get cooking these mouthwatering Reuben balls! Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and combine the chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, garlic powder, and onion powder. You’ll want to mix everything together until it’s well combined—don’t be shy, really get in there! The mixture should hold together nicely, so if it feels a little too crumbly, add a touch more egg.
Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to form those glorious balls. I usually aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter—think golf ball size. This way they cook evenly and are just the right size for snacking! Now, heat up the oil in a frying pan over medium heat. You’ll know it’s hot enough when a little drop of the mixture sizzles when added to the pan.
Carefully place the Reuben balls in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan—give them some room to breathe! Fry them for about 4–5 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Once they’re done, transfer them onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. While they cool, whip up your spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce by mixing mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, and relish in a small bowl. Serve those glorious Reuben balls hot with the dipping sauce on the side, and watch them disappear!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings!
- Unique twist on a classic Reuben sandwich that everyone will rave about.
- Gluten-free option if you use gluten-free breadcrumbs—everyone can enjoy!
- Crispy on the outside, warm and cheesy on the inside—what’s not to love?
- Versatile appetizer that works for any occasion, from game day to holiday parties.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Reuben balls turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First off, when frying, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the balls—test it with a small piece of the mixture. If it doesn’t sizzle, wait a minute or two. This helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior we all love!
Don’t overcrowd the pan; it’ll lower the oil temperature and make them greasy instead of crispy. Fry in batches if you need to. Also, if you want to kick up the flavor, feel free to add a pinch of smoked paprika or some diced jalapeños to the mixture. And remember, well-drained sauerkraut is key to avoiding sogginess—nobody wants a soggy Reuben ball! Follow these tips, and you’ll be the star of your next gathering!
Variations
Oh, the possibilities are endless with Reuben balls! If you want to switch things up, try using different cheeses like provolone or pepper jack for a little kick! You could also mix in some diced green peppers or even a splash of beer for extra flavor. Feeling adventurous? Add some caraway seeds to give it that authentic Reuben taste. And if you’re looking for a twist, substitute turkey or chicken for the corned beef—it’s a great way to use leftovers! Get creative and make these your own!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! These Reuben balls pack a flavorful punch while still being a reasonable treat. Each serving, which is about three balls, contains approximately 350 calories, with 25 grams of fat and 15 grams of protein. You’ll also find around 20 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of fiber. Just a heads up, this is all an estimate, so if you’re counting macros, keep that in mind. But trust me, the deliciousness far outweighs the numbers!
FAQ Section
Can I bake the Reuben balls instead of frying them?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes. Just make sure to spray them lightly with cooking oil to get that crispy finish.
What can I serve with the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce?
Apart from these delicious Reuben balls, the spicy Thousand Island sauce is fantastic with veggies, as a spread for sandwiches, or even as a dip for crispy fries. It’s so good, you’ll want to keep it on hand!
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any Reuben balls left (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven to regain that crispy texture!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just form the balls and fry them when you’re ready to serve. This way, you’ll save time and stress for your gathering!
Can I use other meats instead of corned beef?
Definitely! Feel free to switch it up with pastrami, turkey, or even a vegetarian option like mushrooms or tempeh for a different twist on the flavors. Get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Reuben balls, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing them up! When you’re ready to enjoy them again, the best way to reheat is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10–15 minutes, or until they’re heated through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if you can—nobody wants a soggy Reuben ball! Trust me, the oven method keeps that delightful crunch!
Print
Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Sauce that WOW!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Reuben balls are a delicious twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, served with a spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 cup corned beef, chopped
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup oil for frying
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon relish
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Mix until well combined.
- Form mixture into small balls.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry the balls until golden brown on all sides.
- In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, and relish for the dipping sauce.
- Serve Reuben balls hot with the spicy dipping sauce.
Notes
- Adjust spice level of the dipping sauce to taste.
- For a healthier option, bake the Reuben balls instead of frying.
- Ensure sauerkraut is well-drained to avoid sogginess.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 balls
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: reuben balls, spicy thousand island dipping sauce, appetizer, corned beef
