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Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

  • Author: Sara McKenney
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 18–20 balls

Description

Craving something crispy, cheesy, and bursting with bold flavor? These Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are the perfect twist on a deli classic—ideal for game day, parties, or a comforting snack. This easy recipe turns the iconic Reuben sandwich into golden, bite-sized delights packed with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and creamy seasoning. The quick appetizer is paired with a zesty homemade sauce that brings heat, tang, and creaminess in every dip. Whether you’re hunting for new dinner ideas, party food, or snackable bites, this is one of those food ideas that’ll steal the spotlight. A true comfort food classic reimagined—get ready to impress.

Ingredients

Reuben Balls

  • 1 ½ cups corned beef, finely chopped
  • 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and chopped
  • 1 ½ cups Swiss cheese, shredded
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
  • Oil for frying

Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp horseradish
  • 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: dash of hot sauce

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
  2. Roll mixture into golf ball-sized rounds and place on a lined baking sheet. Chill for 30 minutes.
  3. Set up dredging station: flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, panko breadcrumbs in a third.
  4. Roll each ball in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
  5. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a fryer or deep pot.
  6. Fry balls in batches for 3–4 minutes, until golden brown. Drain on a rack.
  7. For the sauce: mix mayo, ketchup, Dijon, horseradish, relish, Worcestershire, paprika, hot sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Chill before serving.
  8. Serve warm Reuben Balls with dipping sauce on the side.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

SAVE THIS RECIPE ON PINTEREST

Find it online: https://cookcraze.com/reuben-balls-with-spicy-thousand-island-dipping-sauce/