Easy Reuben Balls Recipe with Spicy Thousand Island Dip

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Crispy on the outside, melty and savory on the inside—Reuben Balls are everything you love about a classic Reuben sandwich, compacted into a bite-sized flavor bomb. With shredded corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and a golden-brown crust, these balls deliver comfort food with a gourmet twist. And just when you think it can’t get better, each bite gets dunked into a creamy, zesty, spicy Thousand Island dip that adds just the right kick.

These Reuben Balls are perfect for parties, game-day snacks, or just a fun twist on an easy dinner. The crispy crust and gooey interior make them irresistible, and they come together faster than you’d think. If you’re into bar food vibes at home or need an unforgettable appetizer idea, this is one recipe you’ll want to pin and repeat.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Reuben Balls Recipe

• All the Reuben flavors in one bite: No need to build sandwiches—these are compact, cheesy, and flavorful.
• Crowd-pleasing appetizer: Perfect for sharing, whether at parties, holidays, or potlucks.
• Customizable spice level: Adjust the heat in the dip to your liking for extra zing or keep it mild.
• Great use for leftover corned beef: Got extra from St. Paddy’s Day? This is your answer.
• Golden, crispy crust: Thanks to frying or baking, you get that satisfying crunch every time.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment + Why They Matter)

Before diving into this indulgent Reuben Balls recipe, gather the right tools to make the prep smooth and mess-free. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Food Processor or Sharp Knife: To finely chop the corned beef and sauerkraut—this ensures a uniform mixture that holds together well.
• Mixing Bowls: One large for combining ingredients, and smaller ones for the dredging station (flour, egg, breadcrumbs).
• Cookie Scoop or Ice Cream Scoop: Helps portion out evenly sized balls for consistent cooking and presentation.
• Deep Fryer or Heavy-Bottomed Pot: If you’re frying, this is essential for maintaining even oil temperature and a crispy crust.
• Thermometer: For checking oil temp—aim for 350°F to 375°F for optimal frying.
• Baking Sheet with Parchment Paper: If baking or chilling the balls beforehand, this keeps things clean and nonstick.
• Tongs or Slotted Spoon: For safely flipping or removing the balls from hot oil.

Using the right tools will make shaping, frying, and serving your Reuben Balls much easier and safer—plus, they help guarantee that signature crispy exterior without soggy disasters.

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Preparation Tips

• Drain the Sauerkraut Thoroughly: Excess liquid will make the balls fall apart. Squeeze it dry with paper towels before mixing.
• Chill the Mixture Before Shaping: Refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes so it firms up and holds its shape.
• Double-Coat for Crunch: For a thicker crust, dip each ball twice in egg and breadcrumbs before frying.
• Use Cold Ingredients: Cold cheese and meat make the mixture easier to work with and help prevent premature melting.
• Test Fry One Ball First: Check for seasoning, texture, and cooking time before frying the whole batch.
• Line a Plate with Paper Towels: After frying, place balls on paper towels to absorb excess oil and maintain crispiness.

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Ingredients for This Easy Reuben Balls Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring these irresistible Reuben Balls to life, along with that spicy, creamy dipping sauce:

For the Reuben Balls:

• 2 cups cooked corned beef, finely chopped or shredded
• 1 cup sauerkraut, well-drained and squeezed dry
• 1 ½ cups shredded Swiss cheese
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Spicy Thousand Island Dip:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
• 1 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp minced onion or onion powder
• Salt & pepper, to taste

These ingredients combine tangy, savory, creamy, and crispy elements that make this dish a flavor-packed appetizer or snack you’ll come back to again and again.

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Reuben Balls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are fully blended and the mixture holds together.

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Step 2: Chill the Mixture

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for 30 to 45 minutes. This helps firm it up, making it easier to shape the balls and preventing them from falling apart during cooking.

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Step 3: Shape the Balls

Once chilled, use a cookie scoop or your hands to roll the mixture into balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

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Step 4: Set Up the Dredging Station

In three separate bowls:

• Place flour in the first
• Beaten eggs in the second
• Panko breadcrumbs in the third

Roll each Reuben ball in flour, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, you can double dip: egg again, then another breadcrumb coating.

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Step 5: Fry the Balls

Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the Reuben balls in batches for 2–3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pot.

Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

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Step 6: Make the Spicy Thousand Island Dip

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet relish, hot sauce, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and minced onion. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill until ready to serve.

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Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the crispy Reuben Balls hot with a generous bowl of the spicy Thousand Island dip on the side. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

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Notes

• Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare and shape the Reuben Balls a day in advance. Store them in the fridge, then bread and fry them just before serving.
• Bake or Air Fry Option: If you prefer not to deep fry, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 18–20 minutes, or air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Adjust the Heat in the Dip: The hot sauce level is totally customizable. For a milder version, just reduce or skip the hot sauce. Want extra kick? Add a pinch of cayenne.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This recipe works great with leftover corned beef or even pastrami if you want a slightly different flavor profile.
• Add a Crunchy Twist: Mix in a handful of chopped pickles into the filling for a zesty crunch.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Not Draining the Sauerkraut Properly: Excess moisture will cause the mixture to fall apart and make it hard to shape.
• Skipping the Chill Time: Trying to roll the mixture when it’s too soft will make the balls messy and uneven. Chilling is key.
• Overcrowding the Fryer: Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature. Overcrowding will lead to soggy, unevenly cooked Reuben Balls.
• Oil Too Hot or Too Cool: Too hot and they’ll burn outside while staying cold inside. Too cool and they’ll absorb too much oil. Stick between 350°F–375°F.
• Undermixing the Filling: You want a uniform blend so each bite has the right balance of corned beef, cheese, and kraut.
• Overbreading or Uneven Coating: Too much breading can overwhelm the filling. Stick to a thin, even coat for the perfect crunch.
• Using Pre-shredded Cheese Only: Freshly shredded Swiss melts better and blends more smoothly into the filling.

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What to Serve With Easy Reuben Balls?

These crispy, cheesy bites are rich and bold in flavor, so they pair beautifully with lighter sides or contrasting textures. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer or turning them into a full meal, the right sides will elevate the whole experience.

8 Recommendations

1. Pickle Spears or Pickled Veggies

The briny crunch of pickles cuts through the richness of the Reuben Balls perfectly. Try classic dill pickles, pickled onions, or pickled green beans.

2. Coleslaw

A tangy, creamy coleslaw (or vinegar-based if you prefer) adds freshness and crunch. It also plays off the kraut flavor in the balls nicely.

3. Potato Wedges or Fries

Stick with the comfort food theme and serve crispy baked or fried potato wedges. They’re hearty enough to stand up to the bold flavors.

4. Soft Pretzels or Pretzel Bites

Great for scooping up leftover dip and matching the pub-style vibe. Plus, they add another textural layer.

5. Mini Rye Toasts or Pumpernickel Bread Chips

Since Reuben sandwiches are traditionally served on rye, these add a nod to the original sandwich, perfect for snacking.

6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

A healthier, earthy option that still feels indulgent when roasted with garlic and olive oil.

7. Beer Cheese Soup or Tomato Soup

A warm bowl of soup makes this dish feel more like a full meal. The acidity of tomato soup or the richness of beer cheese can balance the plate.

8. A Cold Lager or Classic Root Beer

Not a side, but a perfect drink pairing. A crisp beer or a nostalgic root beer complements the hearty Reuben flavors beautifully.

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Storage Instructions

Whether you’re prepping ahead for a party or saving leftovers (if any!), here’s how to keep your Easy Reuben Balls tasting fresh:

• Refrigerate: Place cooled Reuben Balls in an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 3–4 days in the fridge.
• Reheat: For best texture, reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving—they’ll lose their crunch.
• Freeze: You can freeze Reuben Balls before or after frying.
  • Before frying: Shape and bread the balls, then freeze on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, fry or bake from frozen—just add a few extra minutes.
  • After frying: Let them cool completely before freezing. Reheat in the oven or air fryer directly from frozen.
• Dip Storage: Keep the spicy Thousand Island dip in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir before serving.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per 2 Reuben Balls with 1 tbsp dip (approximate values):

• Calories: 260
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 620mg
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Serving Size: 2 balls + dip
• Diet Category: Comfort food / Appetizer
• Method: Frying or baking
• Cuisine: American pub-style
• Keywords: Reuben appetizer, corned beef bites, fried snack, party food, game day snack

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pastrami instead of corned beef?

Absolutely! Pastrami adds a smoky edge to the flavor and works just as well as corned beef in these Reuben Balls.

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2. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour blend for dredging. Just double-check the labels on your mustard and sauces too.

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3. Can I bake instead of fry?

Definitely. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes or until golden. You can also air fry for a crispier result without extra oil.

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4. What’s the best cheese substitute for Swiss?

Gruyère or provolone are great alternatives. Gruyère gives a more intense flavor; provolone is milder but still melts beautifully.

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5. Can I prep the filling in advance?

Yes! You can make the filling up to 2 days ahead and keep it covered in the fridge until ready to roll and cook.

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6. Do I have to use panko breadcrumbs?

Panko gives the crispiest texture, but regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers work too. You could also try crushed rye chips for extra Reuben flavor.

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7. How spicy is the dipping sauce?

The heat level is moderate and customizable. Add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne for extra fire—or skip the spice entirely for a classic Thousand Island flavor.

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8. Can I freeze the balls after frying?

Yes. Let them cool fully, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven or air fryer—no need to thaw.

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Conclusion

Easy Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dip are the ultimate fusion of comfort food and craveable party bites. Whether you’re a fan of the classic Reuben sandwich or just love golden, cheesy snacks, these are sure to win hearts. They’re perfect for gatherings, game days, or even turning leftovers into something wildly delicious. And with that bold, creamy dip on the side, you’re guaranteed to impress.

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