Description
These crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are the ultimate party appetizer. Loaded with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and served with a bold kick of spicy dressing, they’re the perfect twist on a classic Reuben sandwich. Great for game day snacks, make-ahead freezer bites, or holiday spreads.
Ingredients
1 cup finely chopped corned beef
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
3/4 cup drained sauerkraut
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil, for frying
Dipping Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon sweet relish
1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
1. In a mixing bowl, combine corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until fully mixed.
2. Refrigerate mixture for 30 minutes to firm.
3. Roll into 1 to 1.5-inch balls and place on a tray. Freeze for 15–20 minutes.
4. Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and panko.
5. Roll each ball in flour, dip in egg, then coat in panko, pressing gently.
6. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry balls in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden.
7. Drain on paper towels.
8. For the dipping sauce, mix mayo, ketchup, relish, hot sauce, and paprika in a bowl. Chill until ready to serve.
Notes
These can be frozen before frying and cooked from frozen with a slight increase in frying time.
Reheat leftovers in an oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.
Adjust the hot sauce in the dressing to your spice level preference.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 balls
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg