Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

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Imagine biting into a perfectly crispy ball, only to be greeted by melty Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, savory corned beef, and creamy spices all rolled into one mouthwatering bite. These Reuben Balls take everything we love about the classic deli sandwich and transform it into an irresistible appetizer that’s perfect for game days, parties, or even a fun family dinner night.

Paired with a rich and zesty homemade spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce, each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by a creamy, tangy burst of flavor. Whether you’re hosting friends or just craving comfort food, these Reuben Balls will disappear faster than you can fry the next batch.

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Why You’ll Love This Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

These Reuben Balls offer that perfect combo of crunch and melt-in-your-mouth comfort. They’re portable, dippable, and crowd-pleasing. You can make them in advance, freeze them for later, and fry or bake them when needed. Plus, the dipping sauce gives just the right amount of kick to keep things interesting.

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What Kind of Corned Beef Should I Use?

For the best texture and flavor, go with thick-cut deli corned beef or leftover homemade corned beef if you have it on hand. Chop it finely to ensure it blends well with the other ingredients and binds into perfect balls that fry up beautifully. Avoid canned versions—they tend to be too mushy and salty.

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Ingredients for the Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

To create these bite-sized delights, you’ll need a few flavorful components that mirror the classic Reuben sandwich, plus a few extras to help them fry up golden and crisp.

• Corned Beef – Provides the bold, meaty flavor that makes a Reuben special. Chop it finely for easy blending.
• Swiss Cheese – Melts beautifully and pairs perfectly with the tang of sauerkraut.
• Sauerkraut – Adds acidity and crunch. Be sure to drain it well to avoid soggy balls.
• Cream Cheese – Helps bind the mixture while adding richness.
• Dijon Mustard – Adds a touch of heat and depth.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Boost the savory notes.
• Rye Breadcrumbs or Crushed Rye Crackers – These give you that authentic rye bread essence in every bite.
• Eggs – Help hold everything together.
• All-Purpose Flour & Regular Breadcrumbs – Essential for dredging and getting that crispy outer shell.
• Oil for Frying – Choose a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for best results.

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How To Make the Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

Step 1: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine chopped corned beef, shredded Swiss cheese, well-drained sauerkraut, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until fully combined.

Step 2: Chill the Mixture

Cover and refrigerate the mixture for 1 hour. This helps the ingredients firm up and makes it easier to form into balls.

Step 3: Shape the Balls

Using your hands or a small scoop, roll the chilled mixture into 1.5-inch balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4: Bread the Balls

Set up a dredging station: one bowl with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with regular breadcrumbs. Roll each ball first in flour, then in egg, and finally in breadcrumbs.

Step 5: Fry to Perfection

Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the balls in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 6: Make the Spicy Thousand Island Sauce

In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, a dash of hot sauce, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Serve and Dip!

Serve the Reuben Balls hot with a side of spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce. Enjoy immediately while the cheese is gooey!

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How to Serve and Store Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

These Reuben Balls are best served fresh and hot, right after frying, while the cheese is still melty and the outside is crisp. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or even dinner with a fun twist! This recipe yields about 20-24 balls and can easily feed 6-8 people as an appetizer.

If you have leftovers (unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it makes them soggy.

You can also freeze them before frying. Just shape the balls, freeze on a tray until solid, and then transfer to a zip-top bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw slightly and fry as directed.

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What to Serve With Reuben Balls?

Classic Dill Pickles

Add a bright, briny contrast that complements the richness of the Reuben balls.

Coleslaw

A crunchy, tangy slaw makes a refreshing side that balances the fried bites.

Roasted Potatoes

Hearty and simple, these can turn your appetizer into a full meal.

Sweet Potato Fries

Add a sweet-savory combo that pairs well with the spicy dipping sauce.

Deviled Eggs

Another party favorite that complements these meaty bites.

Beer or Lager

A cold drink with a little bitterness cuts through the richness perfectly.

Extra Spicy Dipping Sauce

Whip up a second version with added horseradish or chipotle for guests who like it hot.

Soft Pretzel Bites

Serve alongside for a snack board vibe—they go great with the same sauce!

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I bake the Reuben Balls instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy as fried, but they’re still delicious!

2. What kind of breadcrumbs work best?
Use regular or panko breadcrumbs for a crispier coating. If you want to add that classic Reuben sandwich flavor, try using rye breadcrumbs or crushed rye crackers.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Make and chill or freeze the balls in advance. Fry or bake them just before serving for best texture.

4. What if I don’t like sauerkraut?
You can substitute it with finely chopped cooked cabbage or even coleslaw mix, though the tanginess of sauerkraut is a key part of the traditional Reuben flavor.

5. How spicy is the dipping sauce?
It has a mild to medium heat, depending on how much hot sauce you add. Feel free to adjust it to suit your taste.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try adding extra cheese or a spicy twist? Did you air fry instead of deep fry?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter and tastier.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food snacks and party favorites on Tanya Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next go-to bite-size craving fix!

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Conclusion

Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce take a deli classic and turn it into a golden, cheesy, snackable delight. They’re fun to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for entertaining or treating yourself. Once you try them, you’ll want to keep a stash ready in your freezer for those must-have comfort food moments. Go ahead—fry up a batch and dip into something amazing.

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