Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

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Golden, crisp on the outside and oozing with savory, cheesy goodness on the inside—Reuben Balls are the ultimate indulgent snack or party appetizer. Stuffed with corned beef, Swiss cheese, and tangy sauerkraut, they’re everything you love about a classic Reuben sandwich in a single, poppable bite. Pair them with a zesty, homemade Spicy Thousand Island Sauce, and you’ve got a flavor-packed dish that’s impossible to resist.

These bites are perfect for game nights, potlucks, or any gathering where finger food is a must. They’re comforting, crave-worthy, and deliver a satisfying crunch that gives way to creamy, meaty deliciousness. Whether served hot out of the fryer or baked for a lighter version, Reuben Balls always steal the show.

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Why You’ll Love This Reuben Balls Recipe

• Perfect Party Snack: Portable, dippable, and bite-sized—ideal for entertaining.
• Bold Flavor Combo: Layers of savory corned beef, melty Swiss, and tangy sauerkraut in every mouthful.
• Texture Heaven: Crispy coating outside with a creamy, cheesy interior.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level in the dipping sauce to your liking.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Can be prepped in advance and fried just before serving.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use for Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

To achieve perfectly crispy, gooey Reuben Balls, having the right tools on hand is just as crucial as the ingredients themselves. These essentials will ensure a smoother, cleaner, and more efficient cooking process:

Essential Tools and Equipment:

• Mixing Bowls (various sizes): Needed for combining the filling, dredging components, and preparing your breading station.
• Food Processor (optional): Ideal for finely chopping corned beef and sauerkraut for a uniform texture.
• Cheese Grater: For shredding fresh Swiss cheese, which melts better and tastes richer than pre-shredded.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurement of ingredients, especially spices and the sauce components.
• Baking Sheet with Parchment: Useful for chilling the formed balls before frying or baking—helps them keep their shape.
• Deep Fryer or Heavy-Bottomed Pot: Ensures consistent heat when frying for that golden-brown crunch.
• Slotted Spoon or Spider Strainer: Lets you safely remove fried balls from oil without excess grease.
• Paper Towels on a Tray: Drains off oil and keeps them crispy.
• Small Mixing Bowl & Whisk: For whipping up the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce smoothly.

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Preparation Tips

Getting everything just right before cooking will save time and elevate the final result. Keep these tips in mind:

• Pre-chill the filling: Once mixed, chilling the filling for 30 minutes makes shaping easier and reduces mess.
• Moisture Control: Pat the sauerkraut dry with paper towels before mixing—excess moisture can cause soggy centers or oil splatter.
• Firm Rolling: Compact the balls firmly enough to hold together, but not so tightly that they become dense.
• Freeze Before Frying: After breading, a quick 20–30 minute freeze helps maintain shape and prevents bursting during frying.
• Double Dredge: For an extra-crispy crust, dip in egg and breadcrumbs twice.

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Ingredients for Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

Here’s everything you’ll need to craft these savory, cheesy bites and their irresistibly creamy dipping companion.

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For the Reuben Balls:

• 1 ½ cups corned beef, finely chopped or shredded
• 1 cup sauerkraut, well-drained and chopped
• 1 ½ cups shredded Swiss cheese
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 ½ cups seasoned breadcrumbs
• Oil, for frying (canola or vegetable oil works well)

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For the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp pickle relish
• 1 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp white vinegar or lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Step 1: Make the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped corned beef, sauerkraut (make sure it’s squeezed dry), shredded Swiss cheese, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is cohesive and creamy. For best results, refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm it up.

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Step 2: Shape the Balls

Using your hands or a small scoop, portion the mixture into 1.5-inch balls. Roll them firmly so they stay intact during frying. Place each ball onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

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Step 3: Set Up the Breading Station

Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with seasoned breadcrumbs. Dredge each ball in flour, then dip into the egg, and finally coat evenly with breadcrumbs. For a crunchier texture, you can double-dip: egg and breadcrumbs again.

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Step 4: Chill the Breaded Balls

Once breaded, chill the balls in the freezer for 20–30 minutes. This helps them keep their shape during cooking and prevents bursting or leaking.

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Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the balls in small batches, turning occasionally for even browning, about 3–4 minutes or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel–lined tray to drain.

Alternative method: You can also bake the balls at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes until golden, flipping halfway through. Spray lightly with oil before baking for a crispy finish.

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Step 6: Prepare the Spicy Thousand Island Sauce

While the balls cool slightly, whisk together all sauce ingredients in a small bowl: mayo, ketchup, relish, hot sauce, paprika, onion powder, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Chill until ready to serve.

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Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the warm Reuben Balls with a generous bowl of spicy Thousand Island sauce in the center. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired, and serve immediately.

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Notes

• Customizable Fillings: Want a twist? Swap Swiss cheese for Gruyère, or add chopped dill pickles for extra tang.
• Use Leftover Corned Beef: This recipe is a fantastic way to repurpose leftover St. Patrick’s Day brisket.
• Make Ahead: You can shape and bread the Reuben Balls a day in advance. Store them covered in the fridge or freeze them for up to 1 month. Fry directly from frozen—just add 1–2 extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Baking vs. Frying: Frying gives the crispiest result, but baking works well if you’re watching your oil intake.
• Sauce Variations: Add minced chipotle peppers or horseradish to the dipping sauce for even more heat or a smoky flavor profile.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the Sauerkraut Drain: Too much liquid in the sauerkraut can cause the balls to fall apart or leak during frying. Always squeeze it thoroughly.
• Underchilling the Filling: If the mixture is too soft, shaping the balls becomes messy and frustrating. Chill before shaping.
• Overfilling the Balls: While tempting, packing in too much filling can cause them to burst while frying.
• Overcrowding the Fryer: Fry in batches—adding too many at once lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy, greasy balls.
• Not Sealing the Coating Well: Gaps in the breading can lead to oil seeping into the filling. Ensure even, thorough coverage.
• Using Cold Oil: Frying at too low a temperature causes oily, heavy bites. Use a thermometer to stay in the 350°F range.
• Rushing the Sauce: Let the dipping sauce chill for 10–15 minutes so flavors meld and thicken slightly.
• Forgetting the Garnish: A touch of fresh parsley or chives adds color and a hint of freshness that enhances the whole dish.

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What to Serve With Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce?

Reuben Balls are rich, flavorful, and satisfyingly crunchy, which makes them a fantastic centerpiece for any spread. To complement their savory punch, try pairing them with a variety of sides and drinks that contrast in texture, temperature, or acidity.

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8 Recommendations

1. Crisp Dill Pickles
   Their sharp tang and crunch balance the richness of the Reuben Balls, just like in a classic Reuben sandwich.
2. Cabbage Slaw with Apple
   A fresh, crunchy slaw with a hint of sweetness and acidity refreshes the palate and adds a cool contrast.
3. Baked Potato Wedges
   Hearty and satisfying, these are perfect for soaking up extra dipping sauce.
4. Beer Cheese Dip & Soft Pretzels
   A fun, pub-style pairing that adds a gooey, cheesy bonus option for dipping.
5. Chilled German Potato Salad
   With a vinegar-based dressing and bacon, this salad complements the Reuben’s flavors without overwhelming them.
6. Pickled Veggie Platter
   Add pickled carrots, onions, radishes, and green beans for a zesty bite and beautiful color contrast.
7. Dark Rye Crackers with Mustard Spread
   Lean into the deli theme with a crunchy rye element that nods to the sandwich’s traditional bread.
8. Cold Lager or Crisp White Wine
   A clean, cold beer or a light white like Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness beautifully and elevates the experience.

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Storage Instructions

Reuben Balls are just as delightful reheated—if stored properly. Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious for later:

Refrigerator Storage

• Cooked Reuben Balls: Let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Uncooked (breaded) Reuben Balls: Can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before frying. Make sure they’re arranged in a single layer on a tray and covered tightly with plastic wrap.

Freezing

• Uncooked: Flash-freeze the breaded balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Store for up to 1 month. Fry from frozen—no thawing needed!
• Cooked: Freeze after cooling on a tray. Reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15–18 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

Reheating Tips

• Oven or Toaster Oven: Best method. Bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.
• Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 6–8 minutes.
• Microwave: Not recommended—will soften the crisp coating.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per 1 Reuben Ball, fried)

Note: Values may vary depending on ingredients and cooking method.

• Calories: ~120 kcal
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Sugar: 1g
• Fiber: 0.3g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 270mg

The dipping sauce adds approximately 50–60 calories per tablespoon.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of corned beef works best for Reuben Balls?

Use deli-style corned beef, chopped finely, or leftover brisket from a roast. It should be tender and not overly fatty. Finely chopped meat integrates better with the filling.

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Can I make Reuben Balls in an air fryer?

Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through. Spray lightly with oil for extra crispness. They won’t be as deeply golden as fried but will still be delicious.

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Is there a vegetarian version of Reuben Balls?

You can try using chopped mushrooms or a plant-based corned beef alternative, along with the same sauerkraut and cheese mix. Texture may vary, so consider adding breadcrumbs to bind.

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Can I use a different cheese?

Absolutely. Gruyère, provolone, or even sharp cheddar work well. Just make sure it’s a good melting cheese that complements the tangy and savory flavors.

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How spicy is the dipping sauce?

It has a noticeable kick but isn’t overwhelming. You can control the heat by adjusting the amount or type of hot sauce. For a milder version, omit the hot sauce entirely.

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Can I bake them instead of frying?

Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway. Spray with oil for the crispiest texture possible. The result is slightly drier than frying but still tasty.

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How do I stop them from falling apart while frying?

Ensure your filling is chilled before shaping, and always freeze or refrigerate the breaded balls before cooking. Double-dipping in egg and breadcrumbs also helps them hold together better.

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Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Definitely. The Spicy Thousand Island Sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge to let the flavors deepen.

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Conclusion

Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are everything a party snack should be—bold, bite-sized, and wildly addictive. They transform the nostalgic flavors of a deli classic into an irresistible appetizer that’s as fun to eat as it is to share. With a crunchy exterior and a creamy, melty center, every bite is pure comfort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging solo, these balls are guaranteed to bring joy (and requests for seconds).

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