Description: These delightful Reuben Balls are a playful, bite-sized twist on the classic Reuben sandwich. Imagine all the savory, tangy, and cheesy goodness of a Reuben transformed into perfectly poppable spheres, deep-fried to a golden crisp, and paired with a zesty, homemade Spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce. They are the ultimate appetizer, game-day snack, or party food that is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Explosion of Flavor: The combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Dijon mustard delivers that signature Reuben taste in every single bite.
- Perfectly Portable: These little balls of deliciousness are easy to eat and share, making them ideal for gatherings. No need for knives, forks, or complicated sandwich assembly!
- Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Everyone loves fried food, and the familiar flavors of a Reuben are instantly recognizable and comforting.
- Easy to Make Ahead: The Reuben balls can be prepped and breaded in advance, leaving you with minimal work just before serving. Just fry them up and serve!
- Spicy Kick: The Spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce adds a delicious layer of tanginess and heat, perfectly complementing the richness of the Reuben balls.
Introduction
The Reuben sandwich is a culinary classic, beloved for its harmonious blend of salty corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Swiss cheese, and tangy Thousand Island dressing, all nestled between slices of grilled rye bread. But sometimes, you want to enjoy those flavors in a fun, unexpected format. That’s where these Reuben Balls come in!
These aren’t just any fried appetizers. They are little flavor bombs packed with all the components of a Reuben sandwich, transformed into a convenient, shareable, and utterly irresistible snack. The crispy exterior gives way to a molten, cheesy interior with the characteristic tang of sauerkraut and the savory depth of corned beef. And the Spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce? It elevates the entire experience, adding a creamy, spicy kick that perfectly balances the richness of the Reuben balls.
This recipe walks you through each step of the process, from preparing the filling to achieving that perfect golden-brown crust. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching a game, or simply craving a satisfying snack, these Reuben Balls are sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the classic Reuben in a whole new way!
Ingredients:
For the Reuben Balls:
- 1 ½ cups chopped or shredded corned beef (pre-cooked is best!)
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry (this is crucial to prevent soggy balls!)
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (adds that classic Reuben flavor and melty texture)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (helps bind the ingredients and adds creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (adds a touch of tang and depth of flavor)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for the first coating, helps the egg adhere)
- 2 eggs, beaten (provides a binding agent for the breadcrumbs)
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crispiness)
- Vegetable oil, for frying (ensure you use a neutral-flavored oil for the best results)
For the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (forms the base of the creamy sauce)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup (adds sweetness and color)
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish (provides tanginess and texture)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste, for the perfect level of heat)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (adds a smoky depth to the sauce)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the chopped or shredded corned beef, drained and squeezed sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, softened cream cheese, and Dijon mustard. Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and evenly distributed. This step is important to ensure that each Reuben ball has the perfect balance of flavors. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes. This chilling process helps the mixture firm up, making it easier to form the balls.
Step 2: Form the Balls
After the filling has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, scoop out approximately 1-inch portions of the chilled mixture. Gently roll each portion between your palms to form a smooth, round ball. Place the formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This prevents them from sticking to the sheet. Once all the balls are formed, return the baking sheet to the refrigerator for another 15-20 minutes. This second chilling helps the balls hold their shape during the breading and frying process.
Step 3: Bread the Balls
Prepare three shallow dishes for the breading process. In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour. In the second dish, whisk the two eggs until they are well beaten. In the third dish, place the breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs are highly recommended for their superior crispiness). Remove the chilled Reuben balls from the refrigerator. One at a time, gently roll each ball in the flour, making sure it is fully coated. Then, dip the floured ball into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is completely submerged. Finally, roll the egg-coated ball in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere evenly and completely to the ball. Repeat this process for all the Reuben balls.
Step 4: Fry the Balls
Pour vegetable oil into a skillet or saucepan until it reaches a depth of about 2-3 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches a temperature of 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature; this is crucial for achieving the perfect golden-brown and crispy exterior. Carefully place the breaded Reuben balls into the hot oil in small batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the balls for approximately 2-3 minutes, turning them occasionally with a slotted spoon or a pair of tongs, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Once fried, remove the Reuben balls from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Dipping Sauce
While the Reuben balls are frying, prepare the Spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, hot sauce, and smoked paprika until all the ingredients are well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you prefer a spicier sauce, add more hot sauce. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a touch more ketchup.
Step 6: Serve
Arrange the fried Reuben Balls on a platter or serving dish. Serve them warm, immediately after frying, alongside the Spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce. You can also garnish the platter with fresh parsley or dill for a pop of color.
COOKING Rating:
- Skill Level: Intermediate
- Effort Level: Moderate
- Taste: Excellent
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer at parties, gatherings, or game nights.
- Serve as a snack with a side of vegetables for a more balanced meal.
- Serve as a unique and delicious side dish with burgers or sandwiches.
- Serve with a variety of dipping sauces to cater to different preferences.
- Arrange the Reuben Balls on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving.
Tips:
- Drain the sauerkraut thoroughly: Squeezing out excess moisture from the sauerkraut is essential to prevent soggy Reuben balls.
- Chill the mixture well: Chilling the filling before forming the balls and again after forming them helps them hold their shape during the breading and frying process.
- Use panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide a superior crispiness compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Monitor the oil temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for achieving a golden-brown and crispy exterior without burning the balls.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Frying the balls in small batches prevents the oil temperature from dropping and ensures they cook evenly.
- Adjust the dipping sauce to your liking: Feel free to customize the Spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce by adding more or less hot sauce, pickle relish, or smoked paprika.
- Make ahead: The Reuben balls can be prepared and breaded ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to fry.
- Reheat: If you have leftover Reuben balls, you can reheat them in the oven or air fryer to restore their crispiness.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, estimate):
(This will vary based on ingredients and portion size)
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 15-20g
- Sodium: 500-700mg
Conclusion
These Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are a fun, flavorful, and undeniably delicious twist on the classic Reuben sandwich. They are perfect for parties, game nights, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a unique and satisfying appetizer. With their crispy exterior, molten cheesy interior, and tangy dipping sauce, these Reuben Balls are sure to become a new favorite. So, go ahead and give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Swiss?
A1: Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional for a Reuben sandwich and contributes to the authentic flavor, you can definitely experiment with other cheeses. Gruyere, provolone, or even a sharp cheddar would work well, providing a slightly different flavor profile but still complementing the other ingredients. Just be sure to choose a cheese that melts well.
Q2: Can I bake these Reuben Balls instead of frying them?
A2: While frying provides the best crispy texture, you can bake them for a healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded Reuben Balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray them generously with cooking spray (this helps them brown). Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through, flipping them halfway through. Keep in mind that baked Reuben Balls won’t be as crispy as the fried version, but they will still be delicious.
Q3: I don’t have panko breadcrumbs. Can I use regular breadcrumbs?
A3: Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs if you don’t have panko. However, panko breadcrumbs are larger and coarser, resulting in a much crispier coating. If using regular breadcrumbs, you might consider toasting them lightly in a dry skillet before using them to add some extra texture.
Q4: Can I make these ahead of time and freeze them?
A4: Yes, you can definitely make the Reuben Balls ahead of time and freeze them for later use. Form and bread the balls as directed, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for at least 2 hours, or until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, you can fry them directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
Q5: I don’t like hot sauce. What can I use instead in the dipping sauce?
A5: If you’re not a fan of hot sauce, you can easily customize the dipping sauce to your taste. A great alternative would be a pinch of cayenne pepper for a milder heat, or a dash of horseradish for a different kind of spicy kick. You could also omit the spice altogether and simply use a touch more smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, or add a little bit of Worcestershire sauce for a savory umami note.
