Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

Introduction

These Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are a simple and delicious appetizer that captures all the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich in a fun, bite-sized form. Perfect for parties or game day, they’re surprisingly easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like these Easy Reuben Fritters Ready in 30 Minutes for another quick twist on the traditional favorite.

Ingredients

These savory Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce combine the classic flavors of corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese in a crispy, bite-sized package, perfectly complemented by a zesty, creamy dipping sauce.

• 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 large egg
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying
• For the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce:
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Timing

Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	15 minutes
Total Time	35 minutes

Context: This Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Corned Beef and Sauerkraut Filling

Finely chop 8 ounces of cooked corned beef and thoroughly drain 1 cup of sauerkraut, pressing out excess liquid. Combine them in a mixing bowl with 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese and 2 tablespoons of Thousand Island dressing. Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed and hold together when pressed.

Step 2 — Form the Reuben Balls

Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion the mixture and roll into 1-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. For easier handling, chill the balls in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to firm up before breading.

Step 3 — Set Up Your Breading Station

Prepare three shallow bowls: one with ½ cup all-purpose flour, one with 2 beaten eggs, and one with 1 cup panko breadcrumbs mixed with 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds (optional). This assembly line ensures an efficient and mess-free coating process.

Step 4 — Coat the Reuben Balls

Roll each chilled ball first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip in the beaten egg, and finally coat evenly with the panko mixture. Return the coated balls to the baking sheet. For extra crispiness, press the breadcrumbs gently to adhere.

Step 5 — Bake or Fry to Perfection

To bake, arrange balls on a parchment-lined tray and bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, until golden brown and heated through. To fry, heat 2 inches of oil to 375°F and fry in batches for 2–3 minutes, until crispy and browned. Drain on paper towels.

Step 6 — Make the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

While the Reuben Balls cook, combine ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish, 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish, and ½ teaspoon hot sauce in a small bowl. Stir well and refrigerate until serving to allow flavors to meld.

Step 7 — Serve Immediately

Arrange the hot Reuben Balls on a platter with the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce on the side. Serve immediately while the exterior is crisp and the cheesy interior is warm and melted. These are best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.

Nutritional Information

Calories	280
Protein	14g
Carbohydrates	18g
Fat	17g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	820mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Turkey Pastrami — Leaner protein option with classic deli flavor but less fat and sodium.
• Cauliflower Rice — Lower-carb substitute for breadcrumbs that adds vegetable content.
• Dairy-Free Cheese — Plant-based alternative that melts well for those avoiding dairy.
• Gluten-Free Panko — Crispy coating option suitable for gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Sodium Sauerkraut — Maintains tangy flavor while reducing salt content significantly.
• Greek Yogurt Dip — Lighter base for the spicy thousand island sauce with added protein.
• Baked Instead of Fried — Reduces oil absorption while keeping your Reuben Balls deliciously crisp.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce with a crisp dill pickle spear and a side of German-style potato salad for a hearty appetizer spread.
• Serve as a game day snack alongside other finger foods like loaded potato skins and buffalo chicken dip.
• Create a Reuben-themed party platter by adding mini rye bread toasts, Swiss cheese slices, and extra sauerkraut for DIY sliders.
• Elevate your brunch menu by offering these Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce next to scrambled eggs and fresh fruit salad.
• For elegant entertaining, plate three Reuben Balls on a small slate board with the dipping sauce in a ramekin, garnished with fresh chives.
• Pack them in a thermos for a unique picnic or tailgating treat that travels well and stays warm.

These versatile Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce adapt beautifully from casual gatherings to upscale events, always delivering that signature savory flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using overly wet sauerkraut that makes the balls soggy. Fix: Thoroughly drain and press the sauerkraut with paper towels before mixing.
• Mistake: Skipping the chilling step, causing the balls to fall apart during frying. Fix: Chill the formed balls for at least 30 minutes to firm them up.
• Mistake: Overmixing the corned beef and rye breadcrumb filling, resulting in a dense texture. Fix: Gently fold ingredients until just combined to keep the mixture light.
• Mistake: Frying at the wrong oil temperature, leading to greasy or undercooked Reuben Balls. Fix: Use a thermometer to maintain oil at 375°F (190°C) for a crisp, golden crust.
• Mistake: Making the dipping sauce too thin or bland. Fix: Balance ketchup, mayo, and relish with a dash of hot sauce and let it rest to thicken.
• Mistake: Using breadcrumbs that are too coarse, preventing a proper bind. Fix: Use finely ground rye breadcrumbs or panko for a consistent, cohesive mixture.
• Mistake: Not seasoning the filling adequately, missing the classic Reuben flavor. Fix: Taste the mix before forming and adjust with caraway, pepper, and a pinch of salt.
• Mistake: Crowding the pan while frying, which drops the oil temperature. Fix: Fry in small batches to ensure each Reuben Ball cooks evenly and stays crisp.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store leftover Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate to maintain crispness.
• Freezer: Arrange cooled Reuben Balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Freeze sauce separately.
• Reheat: Bake frozen Reuben Balls at 375°F for 12-15 minutes or until heated through to 165°F internal temperature. For refrigerated balls, bake 8-10 minutes.

Always use a food thermometer to ensure Reuben Balls reach 165°F for food safety. The Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce should be refrigerated promptly after serving.

Conclusion

These Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are the ultimate party appetizer. Give them a try and let us know what you think in the comments! For more great recipes like this Reuben Dip in a Rye Bread Bowl Recipe, be sure to subscribe for updates.

Print

FAQs

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

Yes, you can prepare the Reuben Balls in advance. Assemble and shape them, then store covered in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking or frying. The Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce also keeps well in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld.

What is the best way to cook Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce?

Baking or air frying yields a crispy exterior with less oil, but pan-frying creates a classic, golden crust. Choose your preferred method based on your texture preference and equipment. Serve them hot with the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce for the best experience.

Can I substitute ingredients in the Reuben Balls recipe?

You can make several substitutions. Use turkey pastrami or a vegetarian corned beef alternative, and swap Swiss cheese for provolone if needed. For the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce, adjust the heat level by adding more or less hot sauce to taste.