Description
Craving something crispy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor? These Easy Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dip are your next go-to snack or appetizer. They’re everything you love about a classic Reuben sandwich — savory corned beef, melty Swiss cheese, and tangy sauerkraut — all rolled into golden-fried bites. Perfect for game days, parties, or quick dinner ideas, this easy recipe is big on flavor and short on prep. And let’s not forget the spicy Thousand Island dip — creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of heat. If you’re looking for crowd-pleasing food ideas, breakfast ideas with a twist, or a fun, easy dinner option, this one checks all the boxes.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups cooked corned beef, finely chopped
1 cup sauerkraut, well-drained and chopped
1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
1 large egg, beaten
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a mixing bowl, combine chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until fully combined. Chill for 20–30 minutes if soft.
2. Scoop mixture and roll into 1 to 1.5 inch balls. Place on parchment-lined tray and refrigerate 15 more minutes.
3. Set up a breading station with a bowl of beaten egg and another bowl of breadcrumbs. Dip each ball in egg, then breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, repeat for a double coating.
4. Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry Reuben Balls in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
6. For the dip: whisk together mayo, ketchup, relish, hot sauce, paprika, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Chill until serving.
7. Serve Reuben Balls hot with the spicy Thousand Island dip.
Notes
Make the filling and shape the balls ahead of time for quick frying when guests arrive.
If using an air fryer, cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping once for even crisping.
Drain sauerkraut thoroughly to avoid soggy texture in the mixture.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball + 1 tbsp dip
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: easy appetizer, fried snacks, party food, reuben balls, spicy dip