Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

These Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are the ultimate bite-sized snack, combining all the flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich in a crispy, cheesy package. They are perfect for parties, game days, or any occasion when you need a crowd-pleaser. The combination of tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese rolled into golden-fried balls is sure to impress your guests. Plus, they come with a creamy and zesty dipping sauce that elevates each bite.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
• Step 1: Prepare the Mixture
• Step 2: Form the Balls
• Step 3: Coat the Balls
• Step 4: Fry the Balls
• Step 5: Make the Dipping Sauce
• Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
• How to Serve Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
• Casual Party Platter
• Game Day Snack
• Appetizer Trio
• Tailgate Treats
• How to Perfect Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
• Best Side Dishes for Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
• Reheating Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce gluten-free?
• Can I bake these Reuben Balls instead of frying?
• What can I serve with Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce?
• How long do Reuben Balls stay fresh?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These Reuben Balls are simple to prepare, making them a great choice for both novice and experienced cooks.
• Flavor Explosion: Each ball delivers a fantastic mix of savory corned beef and tangy sauerkraut paired with gooey cheese.
• Versatile Snack: Perfect for any gathering—be it a casual get-together or a festive party.
• Crowd-Pleasing: These bite-sized treats are sure to be a hit with friends and family alike.
• Customizable: You can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this recipe, gather your tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Frying pan
• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Frying pan: Essential for achieving that crispy outer layer on the Reuben Balls while cooking them evenly.
• Mixing bowl: A must-have for easily combining all the ingredients together without mess.

Ingredients

These Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce require the following ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups chopped or shredded corned beef
• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

How to Make Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
1 ½ cups chopped or shredded corned beef
1 cup sauerkraut (drained and squeezed dry)
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Mix until well combined. Then, refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Form the Balls

After chilling:
1. Scoop the mixture into 1-inch portions.
2. Roll each portion into balls.
3. Place them on a lined baking sheet and refrigerate again.

Step 3: Coat the Balls

Prepare to fry by coating each ball:
1. First, coat in ½ cup all-purpose flour.
2. Then dip into 2 beaten eggs.
3. Finally, roll in 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs until fully coated.

Step 4: Fry the Balls

To cook:
1. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry the balls in small batches for about 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown and crispy.
3. Drain them on paper towels after frying.

Step 5: Make the Dipping Sauce

In another bowl, whisk together:
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon pickle relish
1 teaspoon hot sauce (to taste)
½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Arrange your Reuben Balls on a platter alongside the dipping sauce. Serve warm and enjoy these delicious bites!

How to Serve Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are a delightful appetizer that can be served in various ways. Their crispy texture and savory filling make them a crowd favorite, perfect for any gathering or celebration.

Casual Party Platter

• Arrange the Reuben Balls on a large platter for easy sharing. Include toothpicks for guests to grab and enjoy without mess.

Game Day Snack

• Serve these delicious bites alongside your favorite game-day foods. They pair wonderfully with nachos, wings, and a cold drink.

Appetizer Trio

• Create an appetizer trio by pairing Reuben Balls with other bite-sized treats like stuffed mushrooms and mini sliders for a diverse spread.

Tailgate Treats

• Bring Reuben Balls to your next tailgate party. They travel well and can be enjoyed hot or at room temperature, making them ideal for outdoor events.

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How to Perfect Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

To ensure your Reuben Balls turn out perfectly every time, consider these useful tips:

• Chill the mixture: After combining the ingredients, refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and makes rolling easier.
• Use panko breadcrumbs: For an extra crispy exterior, opt for panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. They provide a light and airy crunch.
• Fry in batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan while frying. This ensures even cooking and prevents the temperature from dropping too much.
• Adjust spice levels: Feel free to modify the amount of hot sauce in the dipping sauce based on your heat preference. Start small and add more if desired.
• Serve immediately: These balls are best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer while they are still hot and crispy.
• Experiment with fillings: Don’t hesitate to customize your Reuben Balls by adding ingredients like jalapeños or other cheeses for variation.

Best Side Dishes for Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

Serving side dishes alongside your Reuben Balls can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Classic Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs complement the savory flavors of the Reuben Balls perfectly.
2. Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and balances the richness of the fried balls, making it an excellent pairing.
3. Beer-Battered Onion Rings: These crispy onion rings provide a satisfying crunch, enhancing your snack table theme of fried delights.
4. Pickle Platter: A selection of pickles—dills, sweet gherkins, or pickled vegetables—brings brightness to balance out the richness of the dish.
5. Stuffed Mini Peppers: Filled with cream cheese or cheese spreads, these vibrant peppers offer color and flavor contrast on your serving table.
6. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: For a spicy twist, serve these cauliflower bites as a healthier alternative that compliments the main dish well.
7. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a fresh taste that pairs nicely with hearty flavors.
8. Sweet Potato Fries: Naturally sweet and slightly crispy, sweet potato fries offer a delicious contrast to savory Reuben Balls.

These options will not only complement your Reuben Balls but also create a memorable dining experience!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Using wet sauerkraut: Always drain and squeeze the sauerkraut thoroughly. Excess moisture can prevent the balls from holding together and frying properly.
• Skipping the chilling step: Failing to chill the mixture before rolling can lead to soft and difficult-to-handle balls. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for best results.
• Overcrowding the frying pan: Frying too many balls at once lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy balls. Fry in small batches for crispy perfection.
• Not adjusting seasoning: Taste your dipping sauce and adjust hot sauce or pickle relish according to your preference. Personalizing flavors enhances the overall experience.
• Inadequate breadcrumbs: Using insufficient or stale breadcrumbs may affect crispiness. Fresh panko breadcrumbs yield a better crunch.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Reuben Balls in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

• Place cooled Reuben Balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then freeze until solid.
• Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months.

Reheating Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1 minute, but be aware this may make them less crispy.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally for even warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about preparing and enjoying Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce.

How do I make Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. Ensure that all other ingredients also meet gluten-free standards.

Can I bake these Reuben Balls instead of frying?

Yes! For a healthier version, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.

What can I serve with Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce?

These delicious bites pair well with various sides like coleslaw, pickles, or even potato chips for an added crunch.

How long do Reuben Balls stay fresh?

Refrigerated, they last up to three days. If frozen, they maintain quality for about two months; just be sure to reheat properly!

Final Thoughts

Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are an irresistible snack perfect for any gathering or game day. Their blend of savory flavors and crunchy texture makes them a crowd-pleaser. Feel free to customize by adding extra spices or changing up the cheese for a unique twist!