Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce – A Bold Twist on a Classic

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Reuben Balls transform a classic deli sandwich into irresistible finger food. They’re flavorful, hearty, and surprisingly easy to make. The crispy coating contrasts beautifully with the creamy, cheesy interior, and the spicy dipping sauce ties it all together. They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or even as a creative lunch option. Plus, you can make them ahead of time — they reheat beautifully without losing that crunch.

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Ingredients

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

Corned beef gives these bites their signature salty, savory flavor. Finely chop or shred it so it blends evenly into the mixture.

Sauerkraut adds tanginess and moisture that perfectly balance the richness of the meat and cheese. Drain it well and squeeze out any excess liquid to avoid sogginess.

Swiss cheese melts beautifully and gives that signature Reuben flavor. Shredded Swiss works best for even distribution.

Cream cheese acts as the binder, creating a creamy filling that holds everything together. It also adds a slight tang and velvety texture.

Dijon mustard enhances the overall flavor with a sharp, slightly spicy note.

Breadcrumbs form the crispy coating that makes these bites so satisfying. Use panko for extra crunch or regular breadcrumbs for a finer texture.

Eggs help the coating adhere and add structure to the mixture.

All-purpose flour ensures the coating sticks properly and provides an extra crisp crust once fried.

Salt and black pepper bring out the flavors of the filling without overpowering them.

Oil for frying — use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil that can withstand high heat.

For the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce:

Mayonnaise gives a creamy base for the sauce.

Ketchup adds sweetness and tang.

Pickle relish brings a classic Thousand Island texture and flavor.

Hot sauce adds spice — adjust the heat level to your preference.

Paprika and garlic powder give depth and a subtle smoky note.

Lemon juice brightens and balances the richness of the sauce.

Directions

In a large bowl, combine chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly combined and forms a cohesive mixture.

Using your hands or a small scoop, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on a tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Set up your dredging station: one bowl with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Roll each chilled ball first in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. Press lightly to ensure an even crust.

Heat oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the Reuben Balls in batches for about 2–3 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp on all sides. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

While the balls rest, prepare the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, hot sauce, paprika, garlic powder, and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Serve the Reuben Balls warm with the spicy Thousand Island sauce on the side. I like to garnish with chopped parsley or an extra sprinkle of paprika for color.

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 yields 18–20 Reuben Balls (serves 4–6).
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store cooled Reuben Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 6–8 minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy. The dipping sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the uncooked balls for up to 2 months — fry directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Variations and Customizations

Baked Reuben Balls
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes instead of frying for a lighter option.

Air Fryer Method
Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crisp and golden.

Spicy Jalapeño Reuben Balls
Add finely diced jalapeños to the filling for extra heat.

Mini Slider Version
Flatten slightly and sandwich between slider buns with extra sauce for party-style mini Reuben bites.

Rye Coating
Crush rye crackers or rye bread crumbs to mimic the flavor of classic Reuben bread.

Extra-Cheesy Upgrade
Add a bit of shredded mozzarella or provolone for an extra gooey interior.

Vegan Twist
Use plant-based corned beef substitutes, vegan cheese, and egg replacements — they fry up beautifully.

Reuben Croquettes
Shape into logs instead of balls for a more elegant presentation.

Horseradish Kick
Add a teaspoon of prepared horseradish to the filling for a sharp, tangy bite.

Smoky Flavor Boost
Sprinkle in a pinch of smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a subtle smoky aroma.

FAQs

1. Can I use pastrami instead of corned beef?

Yes, pastrami adds a smoky depth that works beautifully in this recipe.

2. How can I prevent the balls from falling apart while frying?

Chilling them before frying helps the mixture stay firm and cohesive.

3. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

You can, but full-fat gives a creamier texture and better flavor.

4. What kind of oil is best for frying?

Use canola, vegetable, or peanut oil — they all handle high heat well.

5. Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, the mixture can be prepared and refrigerated up to 24 hours before forming balls.

6. Can I bake these instead of frying?

Definitely — they turn out crisp and delicious when baked at 400°F (200°C).

7. What can I serve with these?

They pair wonderfully with fries, coleslaw, or a light green salad.

8. Can I make the sauce milder?

Omit or reduce the hot sauce for a more traditional Thousand Island flavor.

9. How do I keep them crispy for parties?

Keep them warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven until serving time.

10. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, store fried Reuben Balls in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and reheat in the oven until hot.

Conclusion

These Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are a creative, crowd-pleasing twist on a deli favorite. Crispy on the outside and creamy inside, they capture all the flavors of a Reuben sandwich in one irresistible bite. Perfect for parties, appetizers, or even an indulgent snack, they’re proof that comfort food can be both fun and sophisticated. Once you make these, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe every time you need a flavorful, easy-to-serve appetizer that everyone will rave about.

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