Name: Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; ½ cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon pickle relish; 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste); ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Jump to Recipe

If you love the classic comfort of a Reuben sandwich but want to take the party to a whole new level, you’re in for a treat with these Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce. Imagine all the flavors you adore packed into crispy, golden bites bursting with savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melty Swiss cheese, paired with a creamy, zesty sauce that has just the right amount of kick. This dish combines the best of texture and taste in one deliciously addictive snack perfect for game days, parties, or whenever you’re craving something irresistibly tasty.

Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is both exciting and simple because each item plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and richness. From the tang of sauerkraut to the creaminess of cheeses, these essentials come together to create your perfect Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce.

Corned beef: Use chopped or shredded for meaty, satisfying bites packed with flavor.
Sauerkraut: Well-drained and squeezed dry to avoid sogginess while adding classic tanginess.
Swiss cheese: Provides a nutty, melty complement to the beef and sauerkraut.
Cream cheese: Adds creaminess and helps bind the filling together smoothly.
Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle, sharp zing that brightens the filling.
All-purpose flour: Essential for the initial coating to help the breading stick perfectly.
Eggs: Beaten for dipping to ensure a crisp and golden crust.
Breadcrumbs (preferably panko): Provide unbeatable crunch on the outside.
Vegetable oil: For frying to crispy, golden perfection.
Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of that iconic spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce.
Ketchup: Adds sweet and tangy notes balancing the spices.
Pickle relish: Gives bursts of crunch and acidity in the dipping sauce.
Hot sauce: Adjustable to your heat preference for a spicy touch.
Smoked paprika: Enhances smoky depth in the sauce, tying everything together beautifully.

How to Make Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by combining your chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, softened cream cheese, and Dijon mustard in a bowl. Mixing these well is key to getting that balanced flavor in every bite. Once combined, pop the mixture into the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling makes the filling easier to handle and shapes the balls neatly.

Step 2: Form the Balls

After chilling, scoop the mixture into 1-inch portions—think bite-sized delights—and roll them gently into balls. Placing them on a lined baking sheet and refrigerating again helps the balls firm up, which is essential for breading and frying without falling apart.

Step 3: Bread the Balls

Here’s where your balls get their irresistible crisp coating. First, roll each ball in flour, then dip into beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are my favorite for that extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work perfectly too. This triple coating locks in the flavors and creates a golden, crunchy exterior once fried.

Step 4: Fry the Balls

Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep skillet or saucepan. Fry the balls in small batches to avoid overcrowding, turning them regularly so they brown evenly on all sides. It only takes 2 to 3 minutes for these to become beautifully golden and crisp. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil and ensure they stay crispy when served.

Step 5: Make the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

While your Reuben balls are frying, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, hot sauce, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and season to taste. This sauce is creamy and tangy with just enough spice to keep things exciting — it’s the perfect partner for your crunchy, beefy bites.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange your Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce on a serving platter. These bite-sized treats are best served warm, allowing the cheese to remain melty and the crispy crust to stay crisp. Dip, savor, and watch everyone ask for seconds!

How to Serve Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

Garnishes

To elevate these delicious balls, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds a bright pop of color and a mild fresh flavor that complements the richness of the filling and sauce perfectly. A few sliced pickles on the side can also boost that classic Reuben experience.

Side Dishes

These Reuben Balls are fantastic as an appetizer or party snack, but pairing them with crisp coleslaw or a simple green salad helps balance the richness. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries for a crowd-pleasing platter packed with texture contrasts.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the balls on cocktail picks for easy pop-in-your-mouth bites at your next gathering. You can also arrange them over a bed of sauerkraut for extra tang and authenticity or even drizzle some of the spicy Thousand Island sauce over the top for an irresistible presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (and that can be tough because everyone loves these), store the Reuben Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dipping sauce separate to maintain freshness and crispness.

Freezing

These balls freeze beautifully either before or after frying. Freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, you can bake or fry them straight from frozen for convenience.

Reheating

To reheat, bake the balls in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 to 12 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crisp, but if you’re in a hurry, a quick zap works too. Reheat the spicy Thousand Island sauce separately or serve it fresh.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese for the Reuben Balls?

While Swiss cheese is traditional and offers the perfect mild nuttiness, Gruyère or even mozzarella can be used if you prefer a slightly different flavor or meltiness. Just keep the cheese shredded for easy mixing.

What’s the best oil for frying Reuben Balls?

Vegetable oil is ideal because of its neutral flavor and high smoke point, but you can also use canola or peanut oil. The key is maintaining oil temperature around 350°F for even frying without greasy results.

Is it possible to bake these instead of frying?

Yes! For a lighter version, bake the breaded balls on a greased baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, turning halfway, until crispy and golden. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

How spicy is the Thousand Island dipping sauce?

The sauce has a gentle heat thanks to the hot sauce, which you can adjust to your liking. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce or omit the hot sauce; for more kick, add a few extra dashes.

Can I prepare the filling and sauce in advance?

Absolutely! The filling can be made and refrigerated a day ahead, which actually helps improve the flavor melding. The sauce also keeps well refrigerated for up to a week, making these a great make-ahead option for parties.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say that once you try these Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce, they’ll become a staple in your snack or appetizer repertoire. Crispy on the outside, packed with classic Reuben flavors inside, and dipped in a luscious, tangy sauce, they’re an easy crowd-pleaser that you’ll keep coming back to. So gather your ingredients, invite some friends over, and get ready for a party in every bite!

Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 18 reviews

Author: Marina
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 balls 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are a crispy, bite-sized twist on the classic Reuben sandwich. These flavorful balls combine corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and creamy cheeses, coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust and served with a zesty, spicy Thousand Island-inspired sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack, they offer a delicious balance of smoky, tangy, and creamy flavors with a satisfying crunch.

Instructions

Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, softened cream cheese, and Dijon mustard. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to firm up, making it easier to shape.
Form the Balls: Scoop the chilled mixture into 1-inch portions using a spoon or small ice cream scoop. Roll each portion gently between your palms to form compact balls. Place the balls on a lined baking sheet and refrigerate again to set.
Bread the Balls: Prepare a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with all-purpose 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 until fully covered.
Fry the Balls: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the breaded balls in small batches for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even browning, until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove 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 hot sauce level as desired.
Serve: Arrange the Reuben Balls on a serving platter alongside the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy as a delicious appetizer or snack!

Notes

For best results, ensure the sauerkraut is well drained and squeezed dry to prevent soggy filling.
Using panko breadcrumbs adds extra crunchiness to the coating.
Adjust hot sauce quantity in the dipping sauce to control the spice level to your preference.
Refrigerating the balls before frying helps them hold their shape and results in better texture.
Leftover Reuben Balls can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.
Vegetable oil with a high smoke point such as canola or peanut oil can be used for frying.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American