Description
Delight in these crispy and flavorful Reuben Balls, filled with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and a creamy Dijon mustard blend, perfectly breaded and fried until golden. Served with a spicy and tangy homemade Thousand Island dipping sauce, this appetizer is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
Reuben Balls
- 1 ½ cups chopped or shredded corned beef
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, and Dijon mustard. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Cover and refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and firm up.
- Form the Balls: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion the chilled filling into 1-inch balls. Roll each portion between your palms to create uniform spheres. Place the formed balls on a lined baking sheet and return to the refrigerator to chill further.
- Bread the Balls: Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Coat each ball first in flour, then dip into the eggs, and finally roll in breadcrumbs ensuring an even and complete coating for a crisp exterior.
- Fry the Balls: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the breaded balls in small batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking for 2-3 minutes while turning occasionally until they achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior. Remove and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Make the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, hot sauce, and smoked paprika until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning or spice level as desired.
- Serve: Arrange the hot Reuben Balls on a serving platter alongside the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce. Serve immediately for best taste and enjoy this savory, crunchy appetizer.
Notes
- Ensure the sauerkraut is well drained and squeezed to prevent sogginess in the balls.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.
- Keep the balls chilled before frying to help them hold their shape and prevent breaking apart.
- Adjust the heat of the dipping sauce by varying the amount of hot sauce.
- Leftover Reuben Balls can be reheated gently in an oven to retain crispness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Reuben Balls recipe, appetizer, corned beef appetizer, fried snacks, Thousand Island sauce, party food
