Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

Save this recipe on:

Golden and crispy on the outside, gooey and savory on the inside—Reuben Balls are the ultimate indulgent snack you didn’t know you needed. Packed with the nostalgic flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich, these bite-sized delights combine corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and a touch of seasoning into perfect orbs of crunchy satisfaction. Paired with a bold and creamy spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce, this dish brings comfort food to a whole new level of flavor.

Whether you’re hosting a party, prepping for game day, or simply want to shake up your dinner routine with something fun and bold, Reuben Balls deliver big taste in a small, snackable form. They’re easy to share, hard to resist, and definitely something that’ll have your guests begging for the recipe.

---

Why You’ll Love This Reuben Balls Recipe

• Unique Twist on a Classic: Takes everything you love about a traditional Reuben sandwich and reimagines it into crispy, poppable bites.
• Perfect for Parties: These make excellent appetizers or finger food for gatherings, potlucks, or holiday spreads.
• Crispy + Creamy Contrast: The golden, crunchy exterior pairs perfectly with the creamy, tangy heat of the spicy Thousand Island sauce.
• Customizable Heat: You can adjust the spice level in the dipping sauce to match your personal taste preferences.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Easy to prepare in advance and fry just before serving, saving time when entertaining.

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment + Their Importance

Before diving into crafting these crave-worthy Reuben Balls, it’s important to gather the right tools to make the process smooth and efficient:

• Food Processor or Sharp Knife: Needed to finely chop corned beef and sauerkraut. A food processor speeds things up and ensures uniformity, which helps the balls hold their shape.
• Mixing Bowls: Use separate bowls for mixing the filling, setting up the dredging station (flour, eggs, breadcrumbs), and for forming the balls.
• Cookie Scoop or Spoon: For portioning the mixture evenly, helping maintain consistent sizes for even frying.
• Deep Fryer or Heavy-Bottomed Pot: Essential for deep frying to achieve that golden crust. A deep fryer gives you better temperature control, while a Dutch oven or cast-iron pot retains heat well.
• Thermometer: Keeps oil temperature stable around 350°F (175°C) to ensure the balls cook evenly without burning.
• Slotted Spoon or Spider Strainer: Helps you safely remove the fried balls from hot oil without excess grease.
• Cooling Rack over a Baking Sheet: Prevents sogginess by allowing excess oil to drip off while maintaining the crispy exterior.

Having these tools on hand will streamline the prep, help keep the kitchen mess-free, and give you professional-quality results at home.

---

Preparation Tips

• Dry Ingredients Well: Excess moisture from the sauerkraut can prevent the balls from holding together. Use a cheesecloth or paper towels to press out moisture.
• Chill the Mixture: After forming the balls, refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and prevents them from falling apart during frying.
• Use Panko for Extra Crunch: Regular breadcrumbs work, but panko adds a superior crispiness to the crust.
• Double Dredge if Needed: For an extra thick crust, you can double dip the balls in the egg and breadcrumb coating.
• Work in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the fryer or pot. Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure an even cook.

---

Ingredients for This Reuben Balls Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to create these deliciously crispy Reuben Balls along with the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce. Try to use quality deli-style ingredients for the best results.

For the Reuben Balls

• 1 ½ cups corned beef, finely chopped or shredded
• 1 cup sauerkraut, well-drained and chopped
• 1 ½ cups Swiss cheese, shredded
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 2 large eggs, beaten (for dredging)
• 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (for coating)
• Oil for deep frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work well)

For the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons horseradish (adjust to taste for spiciness)
• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Dash of hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)

With everything prepped and ready, you’re just a few steps away from crispy, melty bites of Reuben perfection.

---

Step 1: Make the Reuben Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped corned beef, sauerkraut (make sure it’s well-drained and patted dry), shredded Swiss cheese, softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly combined and the mixture is creamy and cohesive.

---

Step 2: Shape the Balls

Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into golf ball-sized portions. Press gently but firmly to shape them. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once all the balls are formed, refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This helps them hold together during frying.

---

Step 3: Prepare the Dredging Station

Set up three shallow bowls:

• One with all-purpose flour
• One with beaten eggs
• One with panko breadcrumbs

Roll each chilled Reuben ball in flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally roll it in panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating all around.

---

Step 4: Fry the Reuben Balls

In a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower a few balls into the hot oil, working in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and crispy.

Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove them from the oil and place them on a cooling rack over a paper towel-lined tray.

---

Step 5: Make the Spicy Thousand Island Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, horseradish, relish, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and hot sauce (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill the sauce for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

---

Step 6: Serve

Arrange the crispy Reuben Balls on a platter with the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce in the center. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.

---

Notes

• Make Ahead Friendly: You can fully assemble the Reuben Balls up to a day in advance and keep them refrigerated until ready to fry. This makes party prep much easier.
• Air Fryer Option: For a lighter version, air fry the balls at 375°F (190°C) for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy as deep-fried, but still delicious.
• Flavor Boosters: Try adding a dash of caraway seeds to the mixture for a more classic Reuben flavor, mimicking the rye bread.
• Mini Version: Make smaller, bite-size versions for cocktail-style events or appetizer platters.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to sub in Gruyère or mozzarella for a slightly different melt and taste.
• Dipping Sauce Uses: The spicy Thousand Island sauce also works great as a sandwich spread, burger topping, or dip for fries.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the Chill Time: If you skip chilling the formed balls, they’re more likely to fall apart during frying. Always give them time to set.
• Not Draining the Sauerkraut Well: Too much moisture from the sauerkraut can make the mixture soggy and prevent proper shaping or frying.
• Overcrowding the Fryer: Adding too many balls at once will lower the oil temperature and lead to greasy, undercooked centers.
• Using Regular Breadcrumbs: While not a dealbreaker, panko breadcrumbs give a much crispier exterior. It’s worth the upgrade.
• Underseasoning: The filling needs seasoning! Taste as you go, especially with salt and mustard, to ensure it’s not bland.
• Frying Without a Thermometer: Frying at the wrong temperature can result in either oil-soaked or burnt balls. Keep an eye on that 350°F (175°C) sweet spot.

---

What to Serve With Reuben Balls?

These crispy, savory bites are bold on their own, but when paired with the right sides, they become the ultimate spread for game day, parties, or a fun weekend dinner. Whether you’re aiming for hearty accompaniments or light, refreshing sides to balance the richness, there’s plenty to choose from.

---

8 Recommendations

1. Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

The sweetness of the fries pairs beautifully with the tangy Reuben flavors and the spicy dipping sauce.

2. Pickle Spears or a Pickle Platter

Pickles add a zingy contrast and complement the sauerkraut inside the balls—plus, they’re a classic with any deli-style dish.

3. German Potato Salad

Warm, tangy, and bacon-filled, this side carries the same savory energy and adds some extra comfort to your plate.

4. Coleslaw

A creamy or vinegar-based slaw offers cool crunch and a refreshing contrast to the deep-fried goodness.

5. Soft Pretzel Bites

Pairing soft pretzels with a beer cheese dip gives you another crowd-pleasing option, especially when serving these as party food.

6. Deviled Eggs

Simple and satisfying, deviled eggs make a great finger food that balances out the heat of the spicy Thousand Island sauce.

7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

If you want to sneak in a veggie, go for crispy roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze—earthy, tangy, and a bit sweet.

8. Mini Rye Toasts or Crackers

Play off the Reuben sandwich theme by serving mini rye crisps with cream cheese and smoked salmon or pastrami on the side.

---

Storage Instructions

Reuben Balls store surprisingly well, making them a great make-ahead option or next-day snack. Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious:

Refrigeration

• Uncooked Balls: After forming and breading, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Cooked Balls: Let them cool completely, then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes to revive the crispness.

Freezing

• Before Frying: Freeze the shaped, breaded balls on a baking sheet until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Fry straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
• After Frying: While they can be frozen post-cook, texture may suffer. If freezing leftovers, reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

Sauce Storage

The spicy Thousand Island sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week in an airtight container. Stir before serving.

---

Estimated Nutrition

Note: Nutrition will vary slightly based on specific brands and quantities used.

Per Serving (3 Reuben Balls + 2 tbsp sauce):

• Calories: ~320
• Protein: 14g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 670mg

This snack packs bold flavors and a hearty hit of protein and fats—perfect for satisfying cravings or sharing at gatherings.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I bake the Reuben Balls instead of frying them?

Yes! Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, turning once halfway through. They won’t be as crispy as fried, but still delicious.

---

2. What’s the best way to drain sauerkraut for this recipe?

Wrap the sauerkraut in a few layers of paper towels or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This keeps the mixture from getting soggy.

---

3. Can I use pastrami or deli ham instead of corned beef?

Absolutely. Pastrami adds a smoky depth, while ham brings a milder flavor. Just chop finely and follow the recipe as written.

---

4. How spicy is the dipping sauce?

The spice is mild to moderate. You can increase the heat by adding more horseradish or a few dashes of hot sauce to suit your preference.

---

5. Do I need a food processor to make these?

Not necessarily. A sharp knife works fine for chopping the ingredients, though a food processor will save time and ensure a more uniform texture.

---

6. How do I keep the balls from falling apart while frying?

Make sure the mixture is chilled and well-packed. Don’t skip the refrigeration step before frying, and handle them gently during the breading and frying process.

---

7. Can I prepare these ahead of time for a party?

Yes! Assemble and chill (or freeze) the Reuben Balls ahead of time. Fry them just before serving, or reheat in the oven if made earlier.

---

8. What drink pairs well with Reuben Balls?

Go for crisp, cold beers like a lager or pilsner. If you prefer wine, a chilled Riesling or dry rosé works beautifully. A classic cola or root beer also complements the savory profile.

---

Conclusion

Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are a flavor-packed twist on a deli favorite that delivers major comfort in a fun, snackable format. Whether you’re frying up a batch for friends or indulging on a cozy night in, these crispy bites hit all the right notes—savory, cheesy, tangy, and satisfyingly crunchy.

With the richness of corned beef and Swiss, the brightness of sauerkraut, and a perfectly spicy dipping sauce on the side, this is the kind of dish that turns heads and starts conversations. Versatile, prep-friendly, and totally addictive—this recipe is ready to earn a permanent spot in your appetizer rotation.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: