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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Gently shape the seasoned mixture into compact spheres, approximately one inch in diameter, ensuring consistent sizing for even cooking.
- Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a golden, crispy exterior for the meatballs.
- Carefully introduce the formed balls into the heated oil, working in controlled batches to prevent overcrowding and maintain optimal temperature.
- Rotate the meatballs every minute, allowing each side to develop a rich, caramelized golden-brown crust, which typically takes 3-4 minutes per batch.
- Transfer the freshly fried Reuben Balls onto a paper towel-lined plate, permitting excess oil to drain and helping maintain their crispy texture.
- 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.
- Taste and adjust the sauce’s seasoning, incorporating additional hot sauce for those desiring extra heat.
- 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