Zesty Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe

Crispy, golden-brown reuben balls pack a punch of classic deli sandwich flavors in every delectable bite.

These irresistible appetizers blend corned beef, melted swiss cheese, and sauerkraut into perfectly round morsels of deliciousness.

The magic happens when you combine traditional reuben sandwich ingredients into a fun, shareable finger food.

Each ball is carefully crafted to deliver maximum flavor and crunch with a satisfying texture that will surprise your taste buds.

The homemade spicy thousand island dipping sauce adds an extra kick of tangy heat that completes this crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Salty, savory, and packed with robust flavor, these reuben balls are sure to be the star of any gathering.

Dive into this mouthwatering recipe and watch them disappear in seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 23

What You’ll Toss Into Strawberry Cheesecake Nachos Box

• Corned Beef: Provides rich, savory protein with classic deli flavor perfect for creating hearty texture.
• Swiss Cheese: Adds creamy melting quality and subtle nutty undertones to enhance overall taste profile.
• Sauerkraut: Introduces tangy, fermented complexity and traditional Reuben sandwich character.
• Cream Cheese: Binds ingredients together and creates smooth, luxurious consistency.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers subtle aromatic depth without overwhelming other ingredients.
• Onion Powder: Contributes gentle background sweetness and balanced savory notes.
• Black Pepper: Brings gentle warmth and subtle spicy undertone to the mixture.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates initial dry layer for perfect breading adhesion.
• Eggs: Acts as binding agent to help breadcrumbs stick securely.
• Breadcrumbs: Generates crispy, golden exterior with delightful crunchy texture.

• Vegetable Oil: Enables deep-frying technique to achieve golden, crispy exterior.

Supplies To Grab For Strawberry Cheesecake Nachos Box

• Large mixing bowl: essential for combining all ingredients thoroughly.
• Small scoop or hands: perfect for shaping uniform 1-inch balls.
• Baking sheet: helps freeze and set the balls before breading.
• Three medium bowls: create breading station for flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
• Deep skillet or fryer: crucial for frying balls at precise 350F temperature.
• Slotted spoon: ideal for safely removing crispy balls from hot oil.
• Paper towels: necessary for draining excess oil after frying.

Put Together Strawberry Cheesecake Nachos Box This Way

• Flavor Fusion A delightful blend of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and cream cheese creates a mouthwatering mixture that captures the essence of a classic Reuben sandwich. Sprinkle in garlic and onion powder for an extra kick of flavor.
• Shaping Magic Transform the savory mixture into bite-sized treasures by gently rolling them into perfect little balls. Pop them in the freezer for a quick chill to help them hold their shape.
• Crispy Coating Adventure Create a three-part stations of flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Each ball takes a delicious journey through this coating process, ensuring a golden, crunchy exterior.
• Sizzling Perfection Carefully lower the prepared balls into hot oil, watching them turn a beautiful golden brown. Fry until they're crispy on the outside and piping hot inside, creating an irresistible crunch that'll make mouths water.
• Sauce Sensation Whip up a spicy thousand island dipping sauce that complements the rich, tangy flavors of the Reuben bites. Serve immediately and watch as guests dive into these irresistible appetizers.

Tips That Add Pop To Strawberry Cheesecake Nachos Box

• Perfect Frying Technique: Maintain steady oil temperature around 350F to ensure crispy exterior and thoroughly heated interior without burning the coating.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare and freeze uncooked Reuben balls up to 2 weeks in advance, allowing convenient meal prep for busy weeknights or surprise gatherings.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers for celiac or wheat-sensitive guests, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delicious bites.
• Baking Alternative: For a lighter version, arrange breaded balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through for even browning and less oil.
• Vegetarian Twist: Replace corned beef with finely chopped roasted mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives to create a meatless version that maintains the original flavor profile and texture.

Make Strawberry Cheesecake Nachos Box Shine On A Plate

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange Reuben Balls on a wooden board with fresh parsley sprigs and extra dipping sauce for a stunning appetizer spread.
• Sandwich Sidekick: Serve these crispy bites alongside classic deli sandwiches for a delightful texture and flavor contrast during lunch or game day.
• Cocktail Companion: Pair with cold beer or a classic martini as a savory bar snack that will impress guests at evening gatherings or happy hour events.
• Picnic Power Move: Pack these portable balls in a cooler for outdoor events, ensuring a crowd-pleasing protein-packed treat that travels well and stays delicious.

Pack And Plan Strawberry Cheesecake Nachos Box

• Quick Chilling Strategy: Freeze the balls for 20-30 minutes before breading to help them maintain shape and prevent filling from leaking during frying.
• Refrigerator Storage Magic: Keep cooked Reuben balls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in oven at 375F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispy exterior.
• Batch Preparation Hack: Make double the recipe and freeze uncooked breaded balls on a baking sheet. Transfer frozen balls to freezer bags for future quick meals, storing up to 2 months.
• Smart Serving Tip: Separate layers of leftover balls with parchment paper when storing to prevent sticking and maintain individual crispiness. Bring to room temperature before reheating for best texture.

Crispy Reuben Balls With Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 23 1x

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Description

Crispy reuben balls elevate classic deli flavors into irresistible appetizers. Corned beef, sauerkraut, and swiss cheese combine in golden-brown spheres that you’ll devour with zesty homemade sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup corned beef, finely chopped (150 g / 5.3 oz)
• 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded (100 g / 3.5 oz)
• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ½ cup sauerkraut, well-drained and chopped (120 g / 4.2 oz)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs, plain or panko (100 g / 3.5 oz)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (30 g / 1.1 oz)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• ½ cup mayonnaise (120 g / 4.2 oz)
• 2 tbsps ketchup
• 2 tbsps sweet pickle relish
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Mixture Preparation: Combine corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, cream cheese, and seasonings in a large bowl, mixing thoroughly until ingredients are evenly distributed and cohesive.
2. Shaping and Chilling: Form compact spherical portions using hands, then refrigerate on a tray for 25 minutes to firm up and enhance breading adhesion.
3. Breading Station: Create three shallow containers – one with seasoned flour, another with whisked eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs – for coating the chilled morsels.
4. Coating Process: Roll each chilled ball first in flour, ensuring complete coverage, then dip into egg wash, and finally coat generously with breadcrumbs for a crispy exterior.
5. Frying Technique: Heat oil in a heavy skillet to 350°F, carefully lowering breaded spheres in controlled batches and frying until achieving a rich golden-brown color.
6. Finishing Touch: Remove fried balls with a slotted spoon, drain on paper towels, and allow to cool briefly before serving with spicy thousand island dipping sauce.

Notes

• Chill Before Breading: Refrigerate the formed balls for 25 minutes to help them maintain shape and create a crispier exterior during frying.
• Manage Oil Temperature: Keep oil consistently at 350°F to ensure even cooking and prevent balls from becoming greasy or undercooked.
• Batch Fry Carefully: Fry in small controlled batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent overcrowding, which can lead to soggy results.
• Drain Excess Moisture: Thoroughly drain sauerkraut to prevent excess liquid from making the mixture too wet and compromising ball structure.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 23
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg