Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

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Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are the kind of party snack that instantly steals the show. Imagine everything you love about a classic Reuben sandwich—savory corned beef, melted Swiss, tangy sauerkraut, and a punchy dressing—wrapped into crispy, golden bites. They’re gooey, crunchy, and deeply flavorful, making them a hit at any gathering or game-day spread.

These little bundles of joy are not only mouthwatering but also versatile. Serve them as an appetizer, a snack, or even the centerpiece of a fun dinner. The spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce adds an extra zing that keeps people coming back for more. It’s the ultimate flavor bomb that transforms familiar ingredients into something irresistibly crave-worthy.

Why You’ll Love This Reuben Balls Recipe

This recipe combines nostalgic deli-style comfort with playful snackable fun. Whether you’re a die-hard Reuben sandwich lover or just looking for a creative appetizer to impress your guests, these Reuben Balls hit all the right notes. The crispy coating gives way to a cheesy, meaty interior that’s impossible to resist.

They’re also easy to prepare in advance and freeze well, making them perfect for prepping ahead of time. And let’s not forget the dipping sauce—a zesty twist on the classic Thousand Island that adds a pop of heat and creamy richness to every bite.

What Kind of Corned Beef Should I Use?

You can use either deli-sliced corned beef or leftovers from a home-cooked brisket, depending on what you have available. Deli-sliced works great because it’s easy to chop finely, and it has that signature saltiness and texture we expect from a Reuben. But if you have some leftover corned beef from a roast, by all means, shred or dice it up and let it shine in these little balls. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture so your mixture holds together beautifully.

Ingredients for the Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

These Reuben Balls come together with a mix of classic sandwich elements and a few pantry staples to bind and flavor everything perfectly. Each ingredient serves a purpose in creating that unmistakable Reuben experience in bite-sized form.

• Corned beef
• Swiss cheese
• Sauerkraut
• Cream cheese
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil

The corned beef brings the salty, meaty foundation to the dish. Swiss cheese adds that signature melt and nuttiness. Sauerkraut delivers the tang and crunch that balances the richness. Cream cheese is essential for binding the mix and adding creaminess, while Dijon mustard gives a touch of sharpness.

To round out the flavors, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper enhance everything without overwhelming. The flour, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs create a crisp, golden crust. And finally, vegetable oil ensures an even, satisfying fry.

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

Step 1: Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine finely chopped corned beef, shredded Swiss cheese, drained sauerkraut, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until well incorporated. Place the bowl in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to help the mixture firm up.

Step 2: Shape the Balls

Once chilled, scoop the mixture and roll into small, bite-sized balls (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter). Set them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 15 to 20 minutes to help them hold their shape.

Step 3: Bread the Balls

Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Roll each ball first in flour, then in egg, and finally in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to coat evenly.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the balls in batches for 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Make the Dipping Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet relish, a dash of hot sauce, and a pinch of paprika. Adjust heat level to your taste. Chill until ready to serve.

Serving and Storing Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

These Reuben Balls are best served hot and fresh, straight from the fryer with the dipping sauce on the side. They make a great shareable snack for gatherings and game nights. This recipe yields about 20 to 24 balls, making it ideal for serving 6 to 8 people as an appetizer.

If you want to make them ahead of time, you can fully assemble and bread the balls, then freeze them in a single layer on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. They can be fried directly from frozen—just add an extra minute to the cook time. Leftover cooked Reuben Balls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.

What to Serve With Reuben Balls?

Classic Coleslaw

A chilled and crunchy slaw provides the perfect contrast to the warm, gooey center of the Reuben Balls. The vinegar dressing helps cut through the richness.

Crispy and Delicious Chinese Egg Rolls

Add more variety to your appetizer spread with these egg rolls packed with bold flavors. A crispy favorite that complements the Reuben Balls perfectly.

Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese

Turn your snack table into a comfort food heaven with melty, savory grilled cheese sandwiches featuring a pizza twist.

Easy Chicken Fried Rice

If you’re making a fun dinner out of finger foods, this fried rice adds a heartier option that still keeps things casual and delicious.

Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs

Pair with another irresistible stuffed bite to double down on gooey cheese and bold flavors.

Dill Pickle Potato Salad

The tanginess of this potato salad matches beautifully with the Reuben flavors, especially the sauerkraut and mustard in the balls.

Beer-Battered Onion Rings

Another fried favorite that offers a different texture and flavor but still feels right at home next to these crispy bites.

Light Lemon Basil Pasta Salad

To balance the richness, serve a refreshing pasta salad with citrusy brightness and fresh herbs.

Want More Appetizer Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved these Reuben Balls, you might also enjoy these inventive appetizers that bring big flavor in small bites:

• Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs are stuffed with melty cheese and seasoned beef, wrapped in golden dough.
• Crispy and Delicious Easy Chinese Egg Rolls bring crunch and umami with every bite.
• Air Fryer Pizza Toast is the quick, cheesy fix you didn’t know you needed.
• Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese turns two comfort classics into one melty masterpiece.
• Loaded Cheese Fries offer a no-fork-needed way to get your cheesy, bacon-packed fix.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 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 heavy on the spice in the dipping sauce? Or maybe added pickles to the filling for extra zip?

I love hearing how you tweak these recipes to make them your own. And if you’ve got a creative idea for a variation, I’m all ears!

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Conclusion

Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are the kind of party food that earns you instant applause. They’re crispy on the outside, rich and cheesy inside, and bursting with the classic deli flavors you love. The spicy dipping sauce pulls it all together with just the right kick.

Whether you’re serving them at a casual hangout or prepping ahead for a holiday spread, these little bites are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Go ahead and double the batch—they disappear fast!

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