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Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

  • Author: Sally Thompson
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Chill Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: About 2024 balls 1x

Description

Ready to turn a classic deli sandwich into the ultimate party snack? These Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are everything you love about a traditional Reuben — savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and gooey Swiss cheese — packed into golden, crispy bites. Served alongside a fiery, creamy dipping sauce, these easy-to-make snacks are perfect for anyone searching for quick appetizers, easy dinner ideas, party food ideas, or fun snack recipes.
They’re crunchy, cheesy, zesty, and completely irresistible — the ultimate answer to your next craving or gathering. Whether you’re planning game night, need new dinner ideas, or just want a quick recipe that everyone will rave about, these Reuben Balls will steal the show.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Reuben Balls:

  • 1 ½ cups cooked corned beef, finely chopped
  • 1 cup sauerkraut, well-drained and chopped
  • 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and 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 Dipping Sauce:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoon horseradish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Reuben Mixture:
    In a large bowl, mix corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

  • Chill the Mixture:
    Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.

  • Form the Balls:
    Scoop and roll mixture into small balls. Place them on a baking sheet.

  • Set Up Breading Station:
    Prepare three bowls — one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.

  • Bread the Balls:
    Coat each ball first in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, double dip in egg and breadcrumbs.

  • Heat the Oil:
    Fill a deep skillet or Dutch oven with oil about 2 inches deep. Heat to 350°F (175°C).

  • Fry the Balls:
    Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes, until golden brown. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

  • Make the Dipping Sauce:
    Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, relish, horseradish, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Garnish with parsley if desired.

  • Serve:
    Plate the Reuben Balls with the spicy Thousand Island sauce on the side. Serve hot and enjoy!