Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Reuben balls are crispy on the outside, creamy and flavorful on the inside, and perfect for entertaining. They are easy to prepare ahead of time and deliver the classic Reuben flavor in a fun appetizer format.
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Reuben Balls with Spicy Dipping Sauce – Crispy, Savory, and Irresistibly Bold
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 balls
- Diet: Halal
Description
Crispy Reuben balls packed with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and cream cheese, breaded and fried until golden. Served with a spicy dipping sauce for a bold appetizer inspired by the classic Reuben sandwich.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cooked corned beef, finely chopped
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small balls about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the balls on a tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare a breading station with flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and panko breadcrumbs in a third.
- Roll each ball in flour, dip into egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the balls in batches for 3–4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- For the spicy sauce, whisk together mayonnaise, hot sauce, paprika, and lemon juice.
- Serve the warm Reuben balls with the spicy dipping sauce.
Notes
- Make sure the sauerkraut is well drained to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet.
- You can bake the balls at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes as a lighter option.
- Freeze uncooked balls for up to 1 month and fry directly from frozen.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Corned beef provides the savory, salty base that defines the traditional Reuben flavor.
Sauerkraut adds tangy acidity that balances the richness of the meat and cheese.
Swiss cheese melts beautifully and contributes a nutty, slightly sweet flavor.
Cream cheese binds the filling together and adds a smooth, creamy texture.
Breadcrumbs help create structure within the mixture and contribute to the crispy coating.
Eggs act as a binder that holds the balls together during frying.
Dijon mustard enhances the filling with a subtle sharpness and depth.
Garlic powder adds savory warmth without overpowering the main ingredients.
Black pepper provides mild heat and balances the richness.
Flour is used in the coating process to help the breading adhere.
Panko breadcrumbs create an extra crispy exterior when fried.
Vegetable oil is used for frying and helps achieve the golden crust.
For the spicy dipping sauce:
Mayonnaise forms the creamy base of the dipping sauce.
Ketchup adds mild sweetness and classic tang.
Hot sauce introduces heat and enhances the overall flavor.
Smoked paprika adds subtle smokiness and depth.
Directions
Begin by draining the sauerkraut thoroughly and pressing out any excess liquid using paper towels. This step is important to prevent the filling from becoming too wet.
In a large mixing bowl, combine finely chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, softened cream cheese, breadcrumbs, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Roll the mixture into small balls, about one to one and a half inches in diameter. Place them on a tray and refrigerate for about 20–30 minutes to help them firm up.
Prepare a breading station with three bowls: one containing flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Roll each ball first in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the balls in small batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per batch. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
For the dipping sauce, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, and smoked paprika in a small bowl until smooth.
Serve the warm Reuben balls with the spicy dipping sauce on the side.
Equipment needed
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.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
Servings: 6 servings (about 18–20 balls)
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftover Reuben balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8–10 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it may soften the crispy coating.
Variations and Customizations
For a lighter option, these Reuben balls can be baked instead of fried. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 18–20 minutes until golden.
If you prefer extra spice, add chopped jalapeños to the filling or increase the amount of hot sauce in the dipping sauce. This intensifies the flavor without overpowering the classic Reuben taste.
You can also experiment with different cheeses. Gruyère works beautifully as a substitute for Swiss cheese, adding a slightly deeper nutty flavor.
For a more authentic sandwich-inspired version, try serving the balls with a quick homemade Thousand Island dressing. I once paired them with this sauce, and it created an even stronger connection to the traditional Reuben sandwich.
If you want additional crunch, mix finely chopped rye bread crumbs into the coating mixture to mimic the classic bread used in the sandwich.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Approximate values per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 kcal |
| Protein | 16 g |
| Carbs | 20 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
FAQs
Can I bake Reuben balls instead of frying them?
Yes, baking at 400°F (200°C) for about 18–20 minutes creates a lighter version.
Why do I need to drain the sauerkraut?
Removing excess liquid prevents the mixture from becoming too wet and helps the balls hold their shape.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate the balls before breading and frying.
What dipping sauces work best?
Spicy mayo, Thousand Island dressing, or mustard-based sauces pair well with these appetizers.
Can I freeze Reuben balls?
Yes, freeze them before frying and cook directly from frozen when ready.
What can I serve with Reuben balls?
They pair well with pickles, coleslaw, or simple salads.
Conclusion
Reuben Balls with Spicy Dipping Sauce offer a creative twist on the classic deli sandwich by transforming its bold flavors into a crispy, bite-sized appetizer. With their crunchy coating, savory filling, and tangy dipping sauce, these snacks are perfect for parties, gatherings, or casual entertaining. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, they bring a deliciously fun spin to a timeless favorite.
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