Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

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I can still remember the first time I tried Reuben balls—the crisp crust giving way to that juicy, savory center of corned beef and melty Swiss cheese. They were served with a dipping sauce that had just the right amount of zing, and I knew immediately that I had to recreate them at home. This recipe has since become my go-to party snack and one of the most-requested bites from friends and family.

What I love most about these Reuben balls is how well they capture the essence of a classic Reuben sandwich but in bite-sized, poppable form. Every ball is packed with flavor, and the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce adds that creamy, tangy finish that pulls everything together. The texture is just right: golden and crunchy on the outside with a gooey, cheesy center that stretches when you pull them apart.

Over the years, I’ve made countless batches for game nights, potlucks, and even lazy weekend snacks, and they never last more than a few minutes on the table. Whether you’re a Reuben lover or just into savory appetizers with bold flavor, these are for you.

Why You’ll Love This Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

These Reuben balls are everything you want in an appetizer. They’re crispy, cheesy, and full of bold, comforting flavors. They make a great finger food for gatherings and are incredibly easy to make ahead and reheat. The spicy Thousand Island sauce adds an irresistible layer of creaminess and heat that balances the richness of the Reuben filling beautifully. If you love transforming familiar flavors into snackable bites, this recipe is about to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

To make these Reuben balls sing, each ingredient plays a vital role in building that bold, crave-worthy flavor. Corned beef provides the signature salty, meaty bite. I love using finely chopped, deli-style corned beef for just the right texture. Swiss cheese melts beautifully and adds that classic nutty richness you expect in a Reuben.

Cream cheese is essential for binding everything together and giving the mixture a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crispy coating. Sauerkraut adds that signature tangy sharpness and a hint of crunch, perfectly balancing out the richness of the meat and cheese. A dash of garlic powder and a bit of black pepper enhance the flavor without overpowering it.

The breading process uses flour, eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs to create that irresistible golden crust. For the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce, mayo gives the base creaminess, ketchup brings sweetness, relish adds crunch and tang, and hot sauce provides a gentle kick that makes the dip addictive.

How to Make Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, combine chopped corned beef, shredded Swiss cheese, softened cream cheese, sauerkraut, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and the mixture is cohesive and sticky enough to form into balls.

Step 2: Shape the Balls

Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into bite-sized balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm them up.

Step 3: Bread the Balls

Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with seasoned breadcrumbs. Roll each chilled ball in the flour, then dip it in egg, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. Make sure each ball is fully covered for that perfect crunch.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden

Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the Reuben balls in small batches, turning occasionally until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 5: Make the Spicy Thousand Island Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet relish, and a few dashes of hot sauce until smooth. Adjust heat to taste. Serve as a dipping sauce alongside the hot Reuben balls.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

If you’re looking to experiment, there are plenty of tasty variations. Swap out the Swiss cheese for Gruyère or provolone for a smoother, milder melt. Don’t have corned beef? Try using pastrami or even finely chopped cooked brisket for a different but delicious twist.

You can also spice things up by mixing a bit of horseradish or Dijon mustard into the filling. For a lower-carb option, skip the breading and pan-fry the balls until crispy on the outside. If you need to go dairy-free, plant-based cream cheese and vegan Swiss-style slices work surprisingly well here.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Reuben balls are an appetizer dream, but they also shine on a game-day snack platter or as a quirky main course with a side salad. I love pairing them with tangy pickles or a crunchy coleslaw to balance the richness. They’re also perfect with a chilled lager, a malty amber ale, or even a fizzy soda for a satisfying bite-and-sip combo.

If you’re planning a party platter, add a few extra bites like these Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Cheesy Breadsticks or Loaded Cheese Fries for that extra wow factor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers are rare, but if you do have any, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 8-10 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can soften the crust.

To make ahead, freeze the uncooked, breaded balls on a tray until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. Fry them straight from frozen, just adding an extra minute or two to the cook time.

FAQs

How do I keep Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce from falling apart?

Make sure the filling is well-mixed and chilled before shaping and breading. Chilling helps the balls stay firm during frying.

Can I bake the Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for 18-20 minutes. They won’t be quite as crispy, but they’ll still be delicious.

Can I use store-bought Thousand Island instead of making it?

Absolutely, but I recommend adding a splash of hot sauce to give it that signature spicy twist.

What’s the best way to shred corned beef for this recipe?

Use a sharp knife to finely chop it or pulse it a couple of times in a food processor for a finer texture that binds well.

Can I make Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can shape and bread them ahead and refrigerate overnight, or freeze them before frying for easy prep later.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you’re into indulgent, flavor-packed appetizers like these Reuben balls, you’ll absolutely love the Cheesy Baked Tennessee Onions for another rich, cheesy snack. Or try the crowd-pleasing Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Cheesy Breadsticks if you want something gooey and satisfying. Craving a side dish that works great alongside these? You can’t go wrong with Loaded Cheese Fries.

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

Don’t let this deliciousness disappear! Make sure to pin this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can find it anytime you’re in the mood for something crispy, cheesy, and totally addictive. Love it as much as I do? Share it with friends, post it in your favorite foodie group, or text it to someone who’s always hunting for the next game-day hit. Sharing is caring—especially when it comes to Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce!

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