Irresistible Reuben Balls with Zesty Thousand Island Dip: The Ultimate Party Appetizer Ready in 30 Minutes

Reuben balls transform the classic sandwich into bite-sized appetizers featuring corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and rye breadcrumbs, paired with a spicy Thousand Island dip for the perfect flavor combination.

Why You’ll Love Reuben Balls

These savory appetizers are guaranteed crowd-pleasers that perfectly capture the beloved Reuben sandwich flavors in convenient bite-sized form! They’re easier to make than you might think, requiring just 20 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking time. The crispy exterior gives way to a warm, melty center that creates an irresistible texture contrast. Plus, they’re make-ahead friendly, allowing you to prepare them in advance and fry just before serving—perfect for stress-free entertaining!

Ingredients for Reuben Balls

For the Reuben Balls:

• 1 pound cooked corned beef, finely chopped
• 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1 cup sauerkraut, well-drained and chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup green onions, finely sliced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup rye bread crumbs (or substitute panko breadcrumbs + 1 tablespoon caraway seeds)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 tablespoon horseradish (optional, for kick)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Supplies & Tools

• Large mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowl for dipping sauce
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon
• Deep fryer or large, deep skillet
• Thermometer (for checking oil temperature)
• Slotted spoon
• Paper towel-lined plate
• Serving platter
• Small bowls for dipping sauce

How to Make Reuben Balls

Step 1: Prepare the Mixture

1. Thoroughly drain the sauerkraut by pressing it in a fine-mesh strainer or squeezing it in a clean kitchen towel. Chop it finely after draining.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped corned beef, shredded Swiss cheese, drained sauerkraut, parsley, green onions, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
3. Add one beaten egg to the mixture and combine thoroughly. This acts as a binder.

Step 2: Form the Balls

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the mixture into balls about 1½ inches in diameter.
3. Roll each portion between your palms to form a compact ball.
4. Place the formed balls on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up. This step is crucial for preventing them from falling apart during frying.

Step 3: Prepare the Coating Station

1. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes:
   • First dish: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper
   • Second dish: Remaining beaten egg
   • Third dish: Rye breadcrumbs (or substitute with panko mixed with caraway seeds)

Step 4: Bread the Balls

1. Remove the chilled Reuben balls from the refrigerator.
2. Roll each ball first in the flour, shaking off excess.
3. Dip in the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off.
4. Finally, coat thoroughly in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Return the breaded balls to the baking sheet.

Step 5: Fry the Reuben Balls

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully add the breaded Reuben balls to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd.
3. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and heated through.
4. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 6: Make the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, hot sauce, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Add horseradish if you want an extra kick.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 7: Serve

1. Arrange the hot Reuben balls on a serving platter.
2. Serve with the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce on the side.
3. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.

Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

• Not draining the sauerkraut properly: Excess moisture will make your mixture too wet and balls may fall apart. Press it firmly in a strainer or squeeze in a clean kitchen towel until very dry.
• Skipping the chilling step: Don’t rush this step! Refrigerating the formed balls helps them firm up and maintain their shape during frying.
• Oil temperature issues: If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the center warms. If too cool, the balls will absorb excess oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer to maintain 350°F.
• Overcrowding the fryer: Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
• Making balls too large: Keep them around 1½ inches in diameter for proper cooking and easy eating.

You Must Know

• Perfect rye breadcrumbs substitute: If you can’t find rye breadcrumbs, toast 4-5 slices of rye bread, pulse in a food processor, and mix with a tablespoon of caraway seeds. Alternatively, use panko breadcrumbs mixed with caraway seeds.
• Corned beef options: You can use leftover corned beef from a previous meal, deli-sliced corned beef, or canned corned beef (though the texture will be different).
• Make-ahead magic: Form the balls and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before breading and frying, making them perfect for entertaining.
• The key to cohesive balls: Chop ingredients finely and ensure the mixture is well-combined before forming balls.

Serving & Storing Reuben Balls

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve hot from the fryer for the best flavor and texture experience.
• Place on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or sprinkle with additional caraway seeds.
• Serve alongside a variety of dipping options like the traditional spicy Thousand Island, whole grain mustard, or Russian dressing.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Store cooked Reuben balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing uncooked: Form balls, freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator before breading and frying.
• Freezing cooked: Fully cooled cooked Reuben balls can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwave reheating as it will make them soggy.

Tips and Variations

• Baked option: For a lighter version, place breaded balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray with cooking oil, and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
• Air fryer method: Cook at 370°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• Flavor boosters: Add a teaspoon of caraway seeds directly to the mixture for more authentic rye flavor.
• Cheese variations: Try Gruyère or Emmental cheese instead of Swiss for different flavor profiles.
• Mini Reuben balls: Make bite-sized versions (1-inch diameter) for elegant appetizers—just reduce the cooking time slightly.
• Spice adjustments: Control the heat level in the dipping sauce by adjusting the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper.
• Vegetarian option: Use vegetarian corned beef substitute and vegetarian Swiss cheese alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time for a party? Absolutely! You have two options: 1) Form the balls, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bread and fry just before serving, or 2) Make them completely, refrigerate, and reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes. The first option yields the freshest result.

My mixture seems too wet. What should I do? Extra moisture usually comes from the sauerkraut. Drain it more thoroughly or add a few tablespoons of breadcrumbs to absorb excess moisture.

Can I use canned corned beef for this recipe? Yes, though the texture will be different. If using canned, drain well and flake thoroughly before mixing with other ingredients.

Is there a way to make these without frying? Definitely! Bake them at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway, or use an air fryer at 370°F for 8-10 minutes. Spray with cooking oil first for better browning.

What can I substitute for rye bread crumbs? Use panko breadcrumbs mixed with 1 tablespoon of caraway seeds. The caraway seeds provide that distinctive rye flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Reuben balls perfectly capture the beloved sandwich’s flavors in fun, bite-sized form. Make them for your next gathering and watch them disappear within minutes! Don’t forget to snap a photo before they’re gone.

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• Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken
• Homemade Cheese Bread Recipe
• Chicken Rice Casserole
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
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• Breakfast Grilled Cheese
• Cheesy Potato Egg Scramble
• California Turkey Club Wraps
• Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito
• Parmesan Garlic Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna