Scrumptious Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe

Crispy, golden reuben balls burst with mouthwatering flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Corned beef and tangy sauerkraut combine in a delightful bite-sized package.

Melted swiss cheese adds a creamy richness to each perfectly seasoned morsel.

Every crunchy exterior promises a warm, delectable center that melts in your mouth.

These irresistible appetizers bring a playful twist to a classic deli sandwich.

Sharp mustard and zesty thousand island sauce provide the perfect complementary kick.

Whip up these crowd-pleasing bites and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Sauce Ingredient Guide

• Corned Beef: Classic deli meat that provides the hearty Reuben sandwich flavor, best when freshly shredded.
• Swiss Cheese: Adds creamy melting quality and traditional Reuben cheese profile, choose full-fat variety.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg, Mayonnaise: Help hold the meatballs together, create smooth texture and prevent crumbling.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy depth and helps bind ingredients, select smooth classic style.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Provide balanced background flavor, enhance overall taste profile.

• Vegetable Oil: Enables crispy exterior and golden brown color for meatballs.

• Mayonnaise, Ketchup, Dijon Mustard, Relish: Create classic Thousand Island base.
• Hot Sauce, Smoked Paprika: Add spicy and smoky notes to the sauce, adjust according to heat preference.

Reuben Ball Prep with Zesty Dipping Sauce

Step 1: Craft Reuben Ball Mixture

• Shredded corned beef
• Swiss cheese
• Sauerkraut
• Breadcrumbs
• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• Egg
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Blend everything together until the mixture looks perfectly combined and holds together smoothly.

Step 2: Shape Delightful Morsels

Roll the savory mixture into bite-sized balls, aiming for about one inch in diameter.

You’ll create approximately 20-25 adorable little flavor bombs.

Step 3: Sizzle Those Golden Beauties

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the balls into the pan in small batches.

Avoid overcrowding to ensure crispy perfection.

Rotate the balls every minute, cooking until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown exterior, which takes around 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Drain Excess Oil

Transfer the crispy Reuben balls onto a paper towel-lined plate, allowing excess oil to drain away and keeping them wonderfully crunchy.

Step 5: Whip Up Spicy Thousand Island Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Ketchup
• Dijon mustard
• Relish
• Hot sauce
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Whisk all ingredients until they create a smooth, tangy sauce.

Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more hot sauce for an extra kick.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange those crispy Reuben balls on a stunning platter, nestling the spicy dipping sauce right beside them.

Watch as your guests dive into this irresistible appetizer!

Reuben Ball Frying & Dipping Sauce Suggestions

• Thoroughly mix all ingredients to ensure an even distribution of flavors and prevent dry or bland spots in the Reuben Balls.
• Maintain a consistent medium heat when frying to achieve a golden-brown exterior without burning the meatballs or leaving them undercooked inside.
• Adjust the hot sauce quantity in the dipping sauce to match your personal heat preference, from mild to fiery hot.
• Pat sauerkraut dry before mixing to prevent soggy meatballs and ensure a crispy exterior when frying.
• Assemble the Reuben Balls in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking, making party preparation easier and more convenient.

Save Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Sauce

• Store leftover Reuben Balls in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through, turning halfway to ensure even reheating and crispy exterior.
• Warm a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add balls gently, cooking 2-3 minutes per side. Avoid high heat to prevent drying out or burning the delicate meatballs.
• Transfer remaining dipping sauce to a sealed container. Refrigerate up to 5 days. Stir well before serving, as ingredients might separate during storage.

What to Serve with Reuben Balls

• Pair these savory Reuben Balls with a cold, crisp pilsner that cuts through the rich, meaty texture and complements the tangy sauerkraut notes.
• Garnish the platter with crisp, zesty dill pickle spears that echo the tangy profile of the sauerkraut and provide a sharp, refreshing contrast to the warm, crispy meatballs.
• Whip up a quick cabbage slaw with a light vinegar dressing to mirror the Reuben sandwich's classic components.

Reuben Ball Dipping and Filling Variants

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour. Use gluten-free Dijon mustard to ensure the entire recipe remains safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap corned beef with chopped roasted mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives. Use vegetarian Swiss cheese to maintain the original flavor profile while creating a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute breadcrumbs with ground pork rinds or finely chopped cauliflower. Reduce the amount of ketchup in the dipping sauce and use a sugar-free hot sauce to keep carbohydrate content minimal.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Replace Swiss cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives made from nuts or soy. Use a vegan mayonnaise in both the meatballs and dipping sauce to create a completely dairy-free recipe.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in Reuben Balls?

Corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, egg, and various seasonings like garlic and onion powder are the main ingredients that create the classic Reuben sandwich flavors in a bite-sized ball.

• Can I make these Reuben Balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture and form the balls in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes them perfect for party preparation or meal planning.

• Is there a way to make these balls healthier?

You can bake the Reuben Balls instead of frying by placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cooking at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through to ensure even browning and reduce oil content.

• What can I do if the mixture is too wet or doesn't hold together?

Add extra breadcrumbs or crushed crackers to help bind the mixture. If it’s too dry, incorporate a bit more mayonnaise or an extra egg to help the balls hold their shape during cooking.

Reuben Balls With A Kick That Everyone Keeps Talking About

• Quick and Easy Party Favorite: Transforms classic Reuben sandwich ingredients into bite-sized, crowd-pleasing appetizers.
• Minimal Prep Time: Requires just 20-25 minutes from start to finish, perfect for spontaneous gatherings or last-minute entertaining.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Appeals to both adults and kids with familiar flavor profiles and crispy, golden-brown exterior that makes them irresistibly delicious.
• Customizable Spice Level: Dipping sauce can be easily adjusted to suit different heat preferences, making it adaptable for various taste buds.

Reuben Balls With Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Crispy Reuben balls bring together corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese in a delightful appetizer that celebrates classic deli flavors. Spicy thousand island sauce provides a zesty kick, making this irresistible snack perfect for parties or casual gatherings you’ll want to share with friends.

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Ingredients

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Reuben Balls Ingredients:

Main Protein and Cheese:

• 1 lb (454 grams) corned beef (cooked and shredded)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) swiss cheese (shredded)

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sauerkraut (drained and finely chopped)

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) vegetable oil (for frying)

Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Ingredients:

Base Sauce:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) ketchup

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon relish
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)

Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft a flavor-packed mixture by blending shredded corned beef, Swiss cheese, drained sauerkraut, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until uniformly combined.
2. Gently shape the seasoned mixture into compact spheres, approximately one inch in diameter, ensuring consistent sizing for even cooking.
3. Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a golden, crispy exterior for the meatballs.
4. Carefully introduce the formed balls into the heated oil, working in controlled batches to prevent overcrowding and maintain optimal temperature.
5. Rotate the meatballs every minute, allowing each side to develop a rich, caramelized golden-brown crust, which typically takes 3-4 minutes per batch.
6. Transfer the freshly fried Reuben Balls onto a paper towel-lined plate, permitting excess oil to drain and helping maintain their crispy texture.
7. Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, tangy relish, fiery hot sauce, smoky paprika, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl to create a zesty dipping sauce.
8. Taste and adjust the sauce’s seasoning, incorporating additional hot sauce for those desiring extra heat.
9. Elegantly arrange the golden Reuben Balls on a serving platter, accompanied by the vibrant Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce, ready to tantalize taste buds.

Notes

• Achieve the perfect texture by gently mixing ingredients without overworking the meat mixture, which can make the Reuben Balls tough and dense.
• Ensure an even coating by using a light hand when rolling the balls, keeping them uniform in size for consistent cooking and crispy exterior.
• Control oil temperature around 350°F to prevent burning and guarantee a golden-brown, crispy crust while maintaining a juicy interior.
• Adapt for gluten-free diets by substituting breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko, maintaining the original recipe’s delicious flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg