Reuben Balls are a delightful twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, combining crispy, cheesy flavors into perfectly bite-sized morsels. These irresistible treats are loaded with chopped corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Swiss cheese, all rolled into bites that are sure to please your taste buds. Paired with a zesty Spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce, they are perfect for parties, game days, or casual get-togethers. From the first crispy bite to the last, these Reuben Balls will leave everyone wanting more!
Why You’ll Love This Reuben Balls
These Reuben meatballs are not just another appetizer; they offer a unique flavor profile that combines savory and tangy elements. Here are a few reasons to love them:
- Perfectly crispy exterior with a gooey inside.
- Easy to make and bake, ideal for busy schedules.
- Great for party snacks or game day gatherings.
- Fun twist on traditional Reuben flavors.
- Can be made ahead for convenience.
- Versatile; serve with various dipping sauces.
With their American cuisine roots, these corned beef balls are a must-try!
Ingredients for Reuben Balls
Gather these items:
- 1 ½ cups chopped cooked corned beef
- 1 cup chopped sauerkraut (thoroughly drained)
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp finely chopped pickles
- 1 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Reuben Balls Step-by-Step
- Step 1: In a large bowl, mix corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Step 2: Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet. Chill for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Step 3: Set up dredging bowls with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Coat each ball in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
- Step 4: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry balls in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Step 5: Cook at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Step 6: Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, pickles, hot sauce, and spices. Stir and refrigerate for 15 minutes before serving.
- Step 7: Serve Reuben Balls hot with spicy Thousand Island sauce for dipping. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Pro Tips for the Best Reuben Balls
Keep these in mind:
- Ensure the sauerkraut is thoroughly drained to avoid soggy balls.
- Chill the mixture before frying to help maintain shape.
- Fry in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Experiment with different cheeses for unique flavor twists.
Best Ways to Serve Reuben Balls
These delicious Reuben-style meatballs can be served in various ways:
- Pair with classic Reuben sandwiches for a themed meal.
- Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch or BBQ for variety.
- Include them on a platter with other Reuben-themed appetizers for a fun party spread.
How to Store and Reheat Reuben Balls
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes until heated through. This makes them perfect for meal prep or for Reuben meatball appetizers for parties.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reuben Balls
What’s the secret to perfect Reuben Balls?
The secret lies in the balance of flavors and textures. Ensure to drain the sauerkraut well and use quality corned beef for maximum flavor. These tips help create the best Reuben meatball recipe!
Can I make Reuben Balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and form the balls ahead of time. Just chill them before frying. This way, you can have fresh, hot corned beef balls ready in no time!
How do I avoid common mistakes with Reuben Balls?
Avoid overmixing the ingredients to keep the texture light. Also, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying to achieve that perfect crispy exterior!
Variations of Reuben Balls You Can Try
Get creative with these unique variations:
- Swap out Swiss cheese for cheddar for a sharper flavor.
- Add chopped green onions for a fresh twist.
- Make baked Reuben meatballs instead of fried for a healthier option.
- Try using turkey corned beef for a leaner version.
For more delicious recipes, check out our appetizer category or learn how to make homemade tomato sauce to pair with your dishes. You can also explore spaghetti with garlic and oil for a delightful side dish!
Print
Irresistible Reuben Balls with Spicy Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Irresistibly Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups chopped cooked corned beef
- 1 cup chopped sauerkraut (thoroughly drained)
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp finely chopped pickles
- 1 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet. Chill for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Set up dredging bowls with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Coat each ball in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry balls in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Cook at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, pickles, hot sauce, and spices. Stir and refrigerate for 15 minutes before serving.
- Serve Reuben Balls hot with spicy Thousand Island sauce for dipping. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg












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