🥩 Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce 🥗
A crispy, cheesy, and tangy appetizer with all the flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich, paired with a zesty dipping sauce!
⏱ Total Time: 30 minutes
🍽 Servings: 4-6
🔥 Perfect for: Parties, Game Nights, Appetizers
😊 Ingredients
For the 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 🫒
For the 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
1️⃣ Prepare the Reuben Balls:
In a large bowl, mix corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
2️⃣ Shape the Balls:
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3️⃣ Coat the Reuben Balls:
Set up a breading station:
- Dish 1: Flour
- Dish 2: Beaten eggs
- Dish 3: Breadcrumbs
Roll each ball in flour → egg → breadcrumbs, ensuring even coating.
4️⃣ Fry Until Crispy:
Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the Reuben balls in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
5️⃣ Make the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, hot sauce, and smoked paprika until smooth. Adjust spice level as needed.
6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy:
Serve the crispy Reuben Balls hot with the spicy dipping sauce on the side.
😊 Tips & Variations
✔ Make Ahead: Freeze uncooked balls, then fry directly from frozen for easy prep!
✔ Baking Option: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes for a lighter version.
✔ Extra Crunch: Double coat in breadcrumbs for extra crispiness!
✔ Dipping Sauce Variations: Try honey mustard or a tangy ranch!
