Dinner

Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe

ByAiden Wells October 30, 2025October 30, 2025

Introduction

Reuben Balls are a fun and flavorful twist on the classic Reuben sandwich. These crispy, cheesy bites are filled with corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese, perfect for parties or snacks. Served with a spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce, they offer a delicious burst of tang and heat.

A round white plate with a white bowl of smooth, light pink dipping sauce in the center is surrounded by ten small, round, golden-brown crispy balls with textured, slightly crumbly surfaces and darker orange spots, evenly spaced around the bowl on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ cups cooked corned beef, finely chopped
1 cup sauerkraut, drained and chopped
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 ½ cups seasoned breadcrumbs
Oil for frying
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon paprika

Instructions

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, and garlic powder. Mix until all ingredients are evenly blended.
Step 2: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze for 20–30 minutes to help them firm up.
Step 3: Prepare the breading station by placing flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and seasoned breadcrumbs in a third. Coat each ball first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally roll in breadcrumbs. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb step for an extra crispy crust if desired.
Step 4: Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the Reuben Balls in batches for 3–5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: To make the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, hot sauce, and paprika in a small bowl. Chill until ready to serve alongside the Reuben Balls.

Tips & Variations

For a milder version, reduce or omit the hot sauce in the dipping sauce.
Try adding caraway seeds to the filling for an authentic rye bread flavor.
If you prefer baking over frying, bake the balls at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.

Storage

Store leftover Reuben Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to maintain crispiness. The dipping sauce can be kept in the fridge for up to one week.

How to Serve

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface, holding a pile of golden brown fried balls stacked in the background. In the front, one ball is cut in half showing a crumbly, light tan inside mixed with small pieces of red meat. Some melted cheese and reddish sauce drip from the cut halves, one half resting against a small plastic container of reddish sauce placed on the plate. The fried balls have a crispy, slightly rough texture on the outside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare Reuben Balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and freeze the uncooked Reuben Balls after breading. Freeze on a tray, then transfer to a sealed container. Fry them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.