🥪 Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

All the bold, savory flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich — corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and rye — rolled into crispy, golden bite-sized balls. These Reuben Balls are crunchy on the outside, melty and tangy inside, and absolutely irresistible dipped in a zesty, spicy Thousand Island sauce. Perfect for game day, holiday parties, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

⏱ Time & Servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 8–10 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Servings: 6–8 (about 20–24 balls)

🛒 Ingredients

For the Reuben Balls:

• 2 cups finely chopped corned beef

• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained VERY well and squeezed dry

• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

• ½ cup cream cheese, softened

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup rye bread crumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)

For Breading:

• ½ cup flour

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch works great)

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil (for deep frying)

🌶 Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish

• 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Whisk everything together and chill until ready to serve.

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Filling

1. In a large bowl, combine chopped corned beef, well-drained sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, and pepper.

2. Mix until fully combined.

3. Stir in 1 cup rye bread crumbs to help bind the mixture.

4. Chill 15–20 minutes (makes rolling easier).

2️⃣ Shape the Balls

• Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll into balls.

• Place on a lined baking sheet.

3️⃣ Bread the Balls

1. Roll each ball in flour.

2. Dip in beaten eggs.

3. Coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs.

4️⃣ Fry

1. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).

2. Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

3. Drain on paper towels.

🔥 Oven Option

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden.

🌬 Air Fryer Option

Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, spraying lightly with oil.

💡 Pro Tips

• Squeeze sauerkraut very dry to prevent soggy balls.

• Freeze balls for 20 minutes before frying for extra structure.

• Use panko for maximum crispiness.

• Add a pinch of caraway seeds for classic rye flavor.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Form and bread them, then refrigerate up to 24 hours before frying.

2. Can I freeze them?

Yes. Freeze uncooked, breaded balls up to 2 months. Fry from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes.

3. What if I don’t have corned beef?

You can substitute pastrami for a similar flavor.

4. Can I make them less spicy?

Simply reduce or omit the hot sauce in the dipping sauce.