Description
Looking for a crispy, cheesy appetizer that’s packed with bold flavor? These Easy Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dip are a must-try for your next party or game day. Made with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and a golden panko crust, they bring the essence of a classic Reuben sandwich into bite-sized perfection. Served with a zesty, creamy dip, they’re quick to make, wildly delicious, and perfect for anyone craving easy dinner ideas, snack recipes, or party food ideas with serious personality.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked corned beef, finely chopped
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 and black pepper to taste
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
vegetable oil for frying
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
1 tsp hot sauce
½ tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp minced onion or onion powder
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, mix chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Chill the mixture in the fridge for 30–45 minutes until firm enough to shape.
3. Roll the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch balls using your hands or a cookie scoop.
4. Set up a dredging station with flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and panko in a third.
5. Roll each ball in flour, then dip in egg, and coat with panko breadcrumbs. Optional: repeat egg and breadcrumb steps for extra crunch.
6. Heat 2 inches of oil in a pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the balls in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
7. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
8. For the dip, whisk together mayo, ketchup, relish, hot sauce, paprika, Worcestershire, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper.
9. Serve the Reuben Balls hot with the spicy Thousand Island dip on the side.
Notes
Chill the mixture before rolling—it makes shaping the balls easier and cleaner.
Squeeze sauerkraut as dry as possible to prevent the mixture from falling apart.
For a healthier option, bake or air fry the balls instead of deep frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 balls + dip
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Reuben appetizer, corned beef bites, fried snack, party food, game day snack