Reuben Balls with Spicy Sauce: A Crispy, Cheesy Twist on a Deli Classic

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Reuben Balls with Spicy Sauce take the iconic flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich — corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and tangy dressing — and transform them into irresistible bite-sized appetizers. Each crispy golden ball hides a savory, cheesy center bursting with deli-style flavor. Dip them into a creamy, spicy sauce, and you’ve got the ultimate party snack or game-day favorite. I once made these for a family gathering and added a touch of horseradish to the sauce — everyone couldn’t stop talking about how perfectly it paired with the crunchy, melty bites. They’re bold, fun, and absolutely addictive!

Print

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Reuben Balls

Corned beef – Finely chopped or shredded; gives the filling its signature Reuben flavor.

Sauerkraut – Drained and patted dry to add tang and prevent sogginess.

Swiss cheese – Shredded and melty, balancing the tartness of the sauerkraut.

Cream cheese – Binds the filling and adds rich creaminess.

Thousand Island dressing – Brings in that classic Reuben sandwich tang.

Black pepper – Enhances the flavors with a touch of spice.

All-purpose flour – Helps coat the balls before breading.

Eggs – Used for dredging to help the breadcrumbs stick.

Panko breadcrumbs – Create a crisp, golden exterior.

Vegetable oil – For frying until beautifully crunchy.

For the Spicy Sauce

Mayonnaise – The creamy base for the sauce.

Ketchup – Adds sweetness and color.

Prepared horseradish – Gives a zesty kick that pairs perfectly with the fried bites.

Hot sauce or sriracha – Adds heat and balances the richness.

Smoked paprika – A touch of smoky depth.

Garlic powder – For flavor and aroma.

Salt and pepper – To taste.

Directions

Start by preparing the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, Thousand Island dressing, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well incorporated and forms a sticky mixture.

Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill in the freezer for 20–30 minutes to firm up.

Prepare your breading station: one bowl with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.

Once the balls are chilled, roll each one in flour, dip into the beaten egg, then coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. For an extra-crispy crust, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step once more.

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the balls in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.

For the spicy sauce, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust spice level to taste.

Serve the Reuben Balls warm with the spicy dipping sauce on the side. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, tangy, and spicy — everything you love about a Reuben sandwich in one irresistible bite.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20–24 Reuben balls. Preparation takes about 25 minutes, chilling 30 minutes, and frying 10 minutes. Total time: approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover Reuben Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. The spicy sauce can be refrigerated separately for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the uncooked balls for up to 2 months and fry from frozen, adding an extra minute or two of cook time.

Variations and Customizations

Baked Reuben Balls – For a lighter version, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Air Fryer Reuben Balls – Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until golden and crispy.

Extra Spicy Version – Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne to the filling.

Mini Reuben Bites – Make smaller, bite-sized versions for party platters.

Cheddar Reuben Balls – Mix in shredded sharp cheddar for extra cheesiness.

Rye Crust Twist – Add crushed rye crackers to the breadcrumb mixture for authentic Reuben flavor.

Bacon Reuben Balls – Add crumbled cooked bacon for smoky richness.

Vegan Reuben Balls – Use plant-based corned beef, vegan cheese, and dairy-free cream cheese.

Gluten-Free Reuben Balls – Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for the coating.

Dijon Sauce Version – Replace the spicy sauce with a creamy Dijon mustard dip for a tangy twist.

FAQs

Can I use deli corned beef?

Yes, thinly sliced deli corned beef works perfectly when finely chopped.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and freeze the balls, then fry or bake just before serving.

Can I substitute Swiss cheese?

Yes, provolone or mozzarella will work, though Swiss gives the most authentic flavor.

How do I prevent them from falling apart while frying?

Make sure the mixture is cold and firm before breading and frying.

Can I use sauerkraut straight from the jar?

Yes, but be sure to drain and squeeze out excess liquid.

Can I skip the horseradish in the sauce?

You can, but it gives the sauce that signature tangy heat.

How do I make them extra crispy?

Double coat with egg and panko breadcrumbs.

Can I serve them cold?

They’re best served hot, when the cheese is melted and gooey.

What oil is best for frying?

Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil all work well.

What can I serve them with?

They pair wonderfully with pickles, coleslaw, or a cold beer.

Conclusion

Reuben Balls with Spicy Sauce are everything you love about the classic sandwich — reimagined into a crispy, cheesy, bite-sized treat. With their crunchy coating, creamy interior, and tangy-spicy dip, these bites are guaranteed to steal the show at any gathering. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and absolutely packed with bold deli-style flavor. Whether served as an appetizer, game-day snack, or crowd-pleasing party food, these Reuben Balls deliver comfort and crunch in every irresistible bite.

Looking for more tasty recipes? Visit our website for full details and follow us on Pinterest for daily food ideas to save and share