Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

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These Reuben Balls are a flavor-packed spin on the classic deli sandwich, delivering the tangy, savory goodness of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and rye in a crispy, bite-sized form. Golden on the outside, melty and meaty on the inside, they pair brilliantly with a homemade spicy Thousand Island sauce that adds a creamy kick in every dip.

Perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or even a weeknight indulgence, these little orbs of joy are the ultimate comfort food with a twist. Whether you’re hosting game night or just looking to jazz up your finger food game, Reuben Balls bring nostalgia and bold flavors in every crunchy bite.

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What Kind of Rye Should I Use?

For authentic Reuben flavor, opt for dark rye bread crumbs if available. They provide that signature earthiness rye bread is known for and echo the traditional Reuben sandwich. If you can’t find rye breadcrumbs, toasting and pulsing rye bread slices in a food processor will do the trick.

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Ingredients for the Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

• Corned Beef: The heart of the Reuben. Go for chopped, cooked corned beef for texture and flavor.
• Sauerkraut: Drained and chopped to provide tang and a bit of crunch.
• Swiss Cheese: Melts beautifully and brings a creamy, nutty profile.
• Cream Cheese: Helps bind everything together and adds rich smoothness.
• Rye Breadcrumbs: Echo the flavor of traditional rye bread and create a crunchy exterior.
• Egg: Works as a binder to hold the mix together.
• Flour: Helps form a crust before breading and frying.
• Oil for Frying: Choose a neutral oil like canola or vegetable for crisp results.

For the Spicy Thousand Island Sauce:

• Mayonnaise: The creamy base.
• Ketchup: Adds sweetness and color.
• Dijon Mustard: Lends a zippy bite.
• Hot Sauce: Adds that spicy twist.
• Sweet Pickle Relish: For a touch of sweet and tangy crunch.

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How To Make the Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

Step 1: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until well blended and cohesive. Chill the mixture for at least 30 minutes to firm up for easier handling.

Step 2: Form the Balls

Scoop out about a tablespoon of the chilled mixture and roll it into balls. You should get approximately 18 to 22 balls depending on size. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 15 minutes to set.

Step 3: Bread the Balls

Set up a dredging station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with rye breadcrumbs. Dip each ball first into the flour, then the egg, and finally coat thoroughly in the rye breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, you can double dip.

Step 4: Fry to Perfection

Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add a few Reuben Balls at a time, frying for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 5: Make the Spicy Thousand Island Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, and sweet pickle relish. Taste and adjust spice level as desired. Chill until ready to serve.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the Reuben Balls on a platter with a bowl of the dipping sauce in the center. Garnish with chopped parsley if you like, and serve hot and crispy.

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How to Serve and Store These Crispy Reuben Balls

Serve these Reuben Balls fresh from the fryer for ultimate crispiness, alongside the chilled spicy Thousand Island sauce. They make a knockout appetizer for parties, game days, or casual gatherings. If you want to elevate the presentation, arrange them on a platter with toothpicks and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

For storing, let the balls cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer to maintain their crispy texture. You can also freeze the uncooked, breaded balls for up to 1 month and fry directly from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the Reuben Balls from falling apart?

Chilling the mixture before rolling and freezing the balls before frying both help them hold their shape better during cooking.

Can I bake the Reuben Balls instead of frying?

Yes, bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy, but they’ll still be delicious.

What kind of corned beef should I use?

Use cooked corned beef, either homemade or from the deli counter. Chop it finely for the best texture.

Can I make these in advance?

Definitely. You can prep and freeze the breaded balls ahead of time. Just fry them straight from the freezer when ready to serve.

Is there a substitute for rye breadcrumbs?

If you can’t find rye breadcrumbs, crush rye crackers or toast slices of rye bread and pulse them in a food processor.

What can I use instead of Swiss cheese?

Provolone or Gruyère are great alternatives that melt well and have similar flavor notes.

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Want More Appetizer Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re a fan of these crispy, melty Reuben Balls, check out these other fun and flavorful finger foods:

• Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Cheesy Breadsticks for a savory, pull-apart treat.
• Air Fryer Crispy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Bites for spice lovers who enjoy a zesty crunch.
• Sloppy Joe Casserole if you’re craving a hearty baked spin on a sandwich favorite.
• Effortless Philly Cheesesteak Pizza when you want something cheesy and handheld.
• Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps that are great for both lunch and parties.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go extra spicy or keep it classic? Did you try baking instead of frying?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

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