Why Make This Recipe
Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are a hit for many reasons. First, they bring a delightful twist to the classic Reuben sandwich. If you love the combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese, then you will adore these bite-sized delights. These balls are perfect as a snack at a party or a fun appetizer for family gatherings.
Making Reuben Balls is easy and quick. They have the great flavors of a traditional Reuben sandwich but in a form that is great for dipping and sharing. The crispy outer layer gives a satisfying crunch, while the warm, cheesy filling melts in your mouth. Plus, the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce adds a kick that takes these balls to a new level of deliciousness.
Serving these balls is also very versatile. You can pair them with drinks on game day or enjoy them as a tasty treat anytime. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create something that everyone will enjoy. Let’s get started on making these fantastic little bites!
How to Make Reuben Balls
Making Reuben Balls is simple and requires just a bit of prep work. Here’s how to do it.
Ingredients
To make Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce, you will need:
- Corned beef, chopped: This is the star of the dish. It provides that classic Reuben flavor.
- Sauerkraut, drained: Sauerkraut adds a tangy crunch that complements the meat.
- Swiss cheese, shredded: This cheese melts nicely and gives the filling a creamy texture.
- Cream cheese, softened: Cream cheese adds richness and helps bind the filling together.
- Dijon mustard: This gives a nice kick and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Garlic powder: A little garlic powder adds flavor without overwhelming the dish.
- Onion powder: Like garlic powder, onion powder enhances the overall taste of the Reuben Balls.
- Black pepper: This adds just the right amount of spice.
- Bread crumbs: Bread crumbs coat the outside of the balls to give them a crispy surface when fried.
- Oil for frying: Use your preferred cooking oil for frying; it should be hot to get the perfect golden brown on the outside.
- Thousand Island dressing: This is the base for the dipping sauce, providing sweetness and creaminess.
- Hot sauce: This adds heat and excitement to the dressing.
Directions
Follow these steps to make your Reuben Balls:
In a large bowl, combine chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and a good dash of black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients come together.
Once mixed, use your hands to shape the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Roll each ball in bread crumbs until they are fully coated.
Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the balls to the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the pan and let them drain on paper towels.
To prepare the dipping sauce, mix the Thousand Island dressing with a few dashes of hot sauce in a small bowl. Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on how spicy you like it.
Serve the Reuben balls hot, alongside the spicy dipping sauce. Enjoy the crunch and the burst of flavors in every bite!
How to Serve Reuben Balls
Serving Reuben Balls is simple and can be done in many fun ways. Here are a few ideas:
On a Platter: Arrange the cooked Reuben Balls on a serving platter. This looks inviting and allows everyone to help themselves.
Dipping Station: Set up a small station with the spicy Thousand Island sauce and maybe a few other sauces like ranch or garlic aioli. This gives your guests options and makes things more fun.
Garnish: Add some fresh parsley or chives on top of the platter for a pop of color. This makes the dish look even more delicious.
Game Day Snack: Serve these balls during game days with drinks for a fantastic finger food option. They pair nicely with beer, giving a nice combo for gatherings.
How to Store Reuben Balls
If you have some Reuben Balls left over, storing them properly ensures they stay tasty. Here’s how to do that:
Cooling: First, let the Reuben Balls cool completely. This prevents moisture buildup that can make them soggy.
Refrigeration: Place the cooled balls in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing: If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the Reuben Balls. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer until frozen solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They should be good for about 2 to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, you can pop them back in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until they are heated through and crispy again. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
Tips to Make Reuben Balls
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Reuben Balls turn out perfect every time:
Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the balls dense. You want them to stay light and airy.
Oil Temperature: Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. If it’s not hot enough, the balls will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Breadcrumb Coating: For extra crunch, consider double coating. After rolling the balls in bread crumbs, dip them back in the mixture and roll them again.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add extra spices according to your taste. A pinch of cayenne or paprika can add even more flavor!
Make Ahead: You can prepare the mixture and form the balls ahead of time. Just keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to fry them.
Variation
While the classic recipe is fantastic, you can switch things up for even more fun. Here are a few ideas:
Vegetarian Version: Replace the corned beef with black beans or lentils and adjust the spices. This can create a delicious vegetarian option.
Different Cheeses: Try using different types of cheese such as cheddar or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist.
Baking Option: If you prefer not to fry, you can bake the balls. Arrange them on a baking sheet and lightly spray them with cooking oil. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until they are crispy and golden.
Herbed Sauce: Instead of the traditional Thousand Island, try mixing with other sauces or herbs to create a unique dip.
FAQs
Can I use leftover corned beef for this recipe?
Yes, leftover corned beef works perfectly for making Reuben Balls. It saves time and adds flavor since it’s already cooked.
Can I make the balls ahead of time and freeze them?
Absolutely! You can prepare the balls and freeze them before frying. Just remember to fry them directly from frozen for best results.
Are Reuben Balls gluten-free?
This recipe is not gluten-free due to the bread crumbs. However, you can use gluten-free bread crumbs for a gluten-free version.
What if I don’t have sauerkraut?
If you don’t have sauerkraut, you can substitute it with coleslaw or diced pickles. You may want to adjust the wet ingredients to keep the mixture from being too moist.
Can I make a larger batch?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe. Just ensure you have enough oil for frying and adjust the cooking time accordingly if frying in larger batches.
With these tips and tricks, making and serving Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce will be a breeze. Enjoy the cooking experience and the wonderful flavors of this delightful dish!
Print
Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
- Total Time: 27
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
Delightful bite-sized treats that combine the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich with a crispy exterior and a spicy dipping sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 cups corned beef, chopped
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- Oil for frying
- 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing
- 1–2 tbsp hot sauce
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix well until combined.
- Shape the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Roll each ball in bread crumbs until fully coated.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the balls to the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- For the dipping sauce, mix the Thousand Island dressing with hot sauce in a small bowl. Adjust hot sauce to taste.
- Serve the Reuben balls hot with the spicy dipping sauce.
Notes
For extra crunch, double coat the balls with breadcrumbs. You can use leftover corned beef for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Reuben Balls, Appetizer, Party Food, Snack, Dipping Sauce
