Name: Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup chopped corned beef 1 cup drained sauerkraut 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese 4 oz cream cheese, softened 1 cup rye breadcrumbs 1 cup all-purpose flour 2 large eggs, beaten 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.25 teaspoon black pepper Vegetable oil for frying or spray for air frying; 0.5 cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons ketchup 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish 1 teaspoon hot sauce 1 tablespoon sweet relish; 0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika Pinch of salt

Golden, crispy, cheesy, and loaded with the savory tang of classic deli flavors, Reuben Balls are everything you love about a Reuben sandwich packed into irresistible bite-sized snacks. Each bite delivers a combination of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and a kiss of rye flavor, all fried to perfection. Pair them with a spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce, and you’ve got a party hit or cozy night-in treat that no one will forget.

Whether you’re hosting a football Sunday or need something fun for a family movie night, these Reuben Balls strike the perfect balance of crunchy outside and gooey, melty interior. They’re bold, nostalgic, and dangerously snackable. Trust me, one batch won’t be enough.

Why You’ll Love This Reuben Balls Recipe

These little bites are crowd-pleasers from the first taste. They bring the full flavor profile of a Reuben sandwich in a unique, crispy form. Easy to prep ahead, even easier to serve, and guaranteed to disappear fast. That homemade spicy Thousand Island sauce? It takes them over the top.

Whether you bake, air-fry, or deep-fry, the texture is spot on and the flavor is deeply satisfying. Plus, they freeze beautifully, so you can make them in bulk and pop them out for quick entertaining. If you’re a fan of warm, cheesy appetizers with bold flavor, this is your dream snack.

What Kind of Corned Beef Should I Use?

Freshly sliced deli corned beef is your best bet for this recipe. Ask your deli counter to slice it thick so you can easily dice it into small pieces. If you have leftover homemade corned beef from a Sunday roast or St. Patrick’s Day dinner, that works just as well.

Avoid pre-packaged, thinly sliced corned beef if possible. It tends to have less flavor and breaks apart too easily. You want hearty, flavorful chunks that hold up inside the mixture and deliver that signature taste in every bite.

Ingredients for the Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

The beauty of Reuben Balls lies in how each ingredient mirrors the beloved sandwich while turning it into a snack-worthy bite. Using traditional components ensures authentic flavor, and just a few extras help hold everything together and crisp it up to golden perfection.

Corned beef
Sauerkraut
Swiss cheese
Cream cheese
Rye breadcrumbs
All-purpose flour
Eggs
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt and pepper
Vegetable oil (for frying or use spray for air-frying)

The dipping sauce brings the zing:

Mayonnaise
Ketchup
Prepared horseradish
Hot sauce
Sweet relish
Smoked paprika
Salt

Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce 2

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

Step 1: Mix the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine finely chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined and form into small balls, about the size of a walnut.

Step 2: Chill the Balls

Place the formed balls on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to coat and fry.

Step 3: Bread the Balls

Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with rye breadcrumbs. Roll each chilled ball first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally in the breadcrumbs. Ensure each one is fully coated.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F. Fry the balls in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels. If air-frying, spray with oil and cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Step 5: Make the Spicy Thousand Island Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, hot sauce, sweet relish, smoked paprika, and a dash of salt. Stir well and chill until ready to serve.

How to Serve and Store These Reuben Balls

Reuben Balls are best served hot and crispy, right after frying or air-frying. Arrange them on a platter with a generous bowl of the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce in the center, and watch them vanish in minutes. These make the perfect appetizer, game-day snack, or savory party treat.

This recipe makes about 24 balls, enough to feed 6 to 8 people as an appetizer or 4 hungry folks as a hearty snack. If you’re prepping ahead, you can refrigerate the uncooked, breaded balls for up to 24 hours or freeze them for a month. When ready to serve, fry or air-fry straight from the fridge or freezer — just add a couple of extra minutes of cooking time.

Leftovers (if you somehow have any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crispy texture.

What to Serve With Reuben Balls?

Classic Dill Pickles

Tangy pickles are a natural pairing with corned beef and sauerkraut. Their crunch and brine balance out the richness of the Reuben Balls.

Crispy French Fries

Turn it into a full-on pub plate with a pile of golden fries. Add a little extra of that spicy dipping sauce on the side for the fries too.

Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl

If you’re building out a snack table or buffet, something like the Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl gives a fresh, lighter contrast.

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta

Pair with a cozy pasta dish like creamy tomato spinach pasta to turn these bites into a full dinner.

Roasted Asparagus

For a healthier pairing, roasted asparagus adds a fresh, green touch and is quick to prep alongside.

Easy Homemade Naan Bread

It might sound unconventional, but soft, pillowy naan is great for mopping up any leftover sauce.

Classic Caprese Salad

A bright and fresh salad helps round out the meal and adds some acidity to complement the richness.

Sparkling Apple Cider or Light Beer

To drink, go with something crisp and refreshing. A dry cider or lager balances the salty-savory vibe perfectly.

Want More Appetizer Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re into bold bites like these Reuben Balls, here are a few more crowd-favorite ideas that bring serious flavor and fun to the table:

• Try the Crispy Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls when you’re craving something creamy with a kick.
• The Cheesy Ranch Potatoes are a comforting, sharable side that always disappears first.
• For something heartier, make a batch of Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta.
• Need another easy game-day hit? Check out the Air Fryer Stuffed Pickles Recipe — they’re salty, crunchy, and totally addictive.
• And if creamy meets spicy is your thing, you have to try the Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta.

Save This Recipe 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 deep-fry or go for the air-fryer version? Did you dial up the spice in the sauce?

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

Explore beautifully curated comfort food snacks and clever weeknight recipes on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to bites!
https://www.pinterest.com/hannahmoore0030/

Conclusion

Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are what happens when your favorite deli sandwich gets a snackable makeover. They’re savory, crispy, creamy, and packed with layers of flavor that hit all the right notes. Perfect for parties, game nights, or anytime you want to impress with something a little unexpected. Keep that sauce chilled, and those bites hot, and your guests won’t stop reaching for more.