Easy Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Sauce
Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce – A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Sandwich
The Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce bring together all the best flavors of the iconic Reuben sandwich in a bite-sized, crispy delight. These golden-fried morsels are packed with salty corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, gooey Swiss cheese, and the bold kick of spicy dipping sauce. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for an appetizer, or just craving something unique and delicious, these flavorful bites never disappoint.
If you love the hearty taste of a Reuben but want something fun and portable, this recipe is perfect. The balance of crunchy exterior and melty, meaty center makes each bite irresistible. Dunking them in the zesty Thousand Island sauce adds the perfect finishing touch, delivering both heat and creaminess. Whether you’re a Reuben purist or a creative foodie, these crispy balls provide an exciting way to enjoy a beloved classic.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A perfect balance of savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melty Swiss cheese, and a bold, spicy dipping sauce.
- Texture: Crispy golden-brown exterior with a creamy, cheesy, and slightly crumbly interior.
- Aroma: Rich corned beef, toasty breadcrumbs, and fragrant, tangy sauerkraut.
- Visual Appeal: Golden-fried perfection, speckled with melted Swiss cheese and finished with a vibrant dipping sauce.
- Skill Level Needed: Intermediate – requires basic frying technique and proper seasoning balance.
- Special Equipment: Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan, mixing bowls, and slotted spoon for frying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bold Flavor Combination: The robust combination of corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut delivers an unmistakable flavor profile that Reuben lovers adore. The crunchy coating adds the perfect contrast, making every bite satisfyingly crispy and juicy.
Perfect Party Appetizer: These Reuben Balls are a hit at parties, game nights, and family gatherings. Their portable size makes them easy to serve, and the spicy Thousand Island sauce provides an added kick that keeps guests coming back for more.
Easy to Make Ahead: You can prepare the mixture in advance, shape the balls, and simply fry them when ready. This makes entertaining stress-free and convenient without sacrificing freshness or flavor.
Customizable to Taste: Adjust the spice level by varying the hot sauce in the dipping sauce or adding extra seasoning to the filling. You can also swap out ingredients to suit dietary preferences or experiment with different cheeses for a richer flavor.
Budget-Friendly: Corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese are affordable ingredients, making this a cost-effective way to impress your guests without breaking the bank.
The Recipe
Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
Serves: 12 balls
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked corned beef, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup sauerkraut, drained and finely chopped
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Oil for frying
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until thoroughly combined.
- Shape the mixture into small balls, about the size of a tablespoon, and place them on a tray.
- In three separate bowls, place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Roll each ball in the flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat with seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully fry the Reuben balls in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from oil using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon relish
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions for Dipping Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, hot sauce, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve alongside Reuben Balls for the perfect dipping experience.
Enjoy these crispy, cheesy, and flavor-packed Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Sauce – perfect for any occasion!
