Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

Name: Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup cooked corned beef, shredded; 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and chopped; 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1 teaspoon caraway seeds; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 2 eggs, beaten; Oil for frying; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon horseradish; 1 tablespoon hot sauce; Salt and pepper to taste

Jack

Update : December 3, 2025

Crispy Reuben Balls served with spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce

Why Make This Recipe

If you are looking for a delicious and fun appetizer or snack, then Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce is the perfect option. This recipe combines the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich into bite-sized, crispy delights. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the great taste of corned beef, Swiss cheese, and tangy sauerkraut in a completely new and exciting form.

These Reuben Balls are not just tasty; they also bring a lovely crunch to your table. When you fry them, the outside becomes golden brown and crispy, while the inside melts with flavor. They are great for parties, game day, or even a simple dinner at home. Pair them with a spicy dipping sauce, and you have a hit on your hands. Plus, this dish is easy to make, so it’s perfect whether you are an experienced cook or just starting out.

Hosting guests? These Reuben Balls will impress everyone. They are fun to eat and even more fun to make. You can enjoy the process of mixing and shaping the ingredients, making it a great project to do with your family or friends. With this recipe, you will create a dish that is full of surprises and great tastes.

How to Make Reuben Balls

Making Reuben Balls is easy and straightforward. Below is the complete recipe, along with step-by-step directions. Let’s get you started on creating these delicious little bites.

Ingredients:

1 cup cooked corned beef, shredded
1 cup sauerkraut, drained and chopped
1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon caraway seeds
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 eggs, beaten
Oil for frying
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon horseradish
1 tablespoon hot sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Begin by taking a mixing bowl and adding shredded corned beef, chopped sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, softened cream cheese, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper.
Use a spatula or your hands to mix all the ingredients together. Make sure everything is well combined. The mixture should stick together when you form it into balls.
Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to form the Reuben Balls. Take a small amount of the mixture and roll it into a ball, about the size of a golf ball. Repeat this process until all the mixture has been used.
After forming the balls, coat them in breadcrumbs. First, roll the balls in the breadcrumbs until they are fully covered.
Next, dip each ball into the beaten eggs, and then roll them in breadcrumbs again. This double coating will give your Reuben Balls an extra crunchy texture.
Now it’s time to fry your Reuben Balls. Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large pot. The oil should get to about 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to measure the temperature if you have one.
Fry the Reuben Balls in batches in the hot oil. Cook them until they turn golden brown, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot; you want them to fry evenly.
While the balls are frying, prepare the spicy dipping sauce. In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, hot sauce, and any additional seasonings you like. Mix until smooth.
Once the Reuben Balls are cooked, take them out of the oil and let them drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil. Serve the Reuben Balls hot with the spicy dipping sauce on the side.

How to Serve Reuben Balls

Serving Reuben Balls is simple and fun. You can place them on a large platter or a wooden board for a rustic presentation. Arrange the Reuben Balls in the center, and surround them with the spicy dipping sauce in a small bowl.

For an extra touch, you can garnish the platter with parsley or some fresh veggies. This adds a pop of color and makes the dish look even more inviting.

Reuben Balls are best served hot, so be sure to fry them shortly before your guests arrive. Encourage everyone to grab a ball, dip it into the sauce, and enjoy the combination of flavors. This interactive style of serving can be a hit at parties and gatherings.

How to Store Reuben Balls

If you happen to have any Reuben Balls left over, storing them is quite easy. Let them cool to room temperature after frying.

To store, place the Reuben Balls in an airtight container. Try to place parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking together.

You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat them again, reheat the Reuben Balls in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake them for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This method helps them regain some of their crispiness.

If you want to store them for a longer time, consider freezing them before frying. You can freeze the uncooked Reuben Balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, fry them directly from the freezer, just adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

Tips to Make Reuben Balls

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese make a big difference in flavor.
Don’t Overmix: When mixing the ingredients, just combine them until they are well-blended. Overmixing can make the texture tough.
Adjust Spices: If you like things spicy, feel free to add more hot sauce to the dipping sauce or the ball mixture itself.
Experiment with Dipping Sauces: While the spicy dipping sauce is delicious, try experimenting with other sauces. Mustard can be a nice choice too!
Make Ahead: Prepare the mixture and form the balls ahead of time. This allows you to fry them fresh just before serving.

Variation

If you want to switch things up, consider adding different ingredients to your Reuben Balls. You can try adding diced pickles or even jalapeños for a bit of heat. For a twist, you could use different types of cheese, like cheddar or pepper jack.

You can also turn the Reuben Balls into a vegetarian option by replacing the corned beef with plant-based alternatives. Use shredded mushrooms or tofu to create a flavorful mixture.

FAQs

1. Can I make Reuben Balls in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and shape the balls. Store them in the fridge for up to a day before frying them.

2. Can I bake Reuben Balls instead of frying them?

Certainly! To bake them, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the Reuben Balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and lightly spray them with cooking spray. Bake for about 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown.

3. What can I substitute for Swiss cheese?

If you’re not a fan of Swiss cheese, you can use other cheeses like mozzarella or even cheddar. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change with different cheeses.

Enjoy making and sharing these tasty Reuben Balls at your next gathering! They’re sure to be a hit with your friends and family.