Description
Crunchy Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce bring the iconic sandwich into bite-sized appetizer form. This crowd-pleasing party snack is packed with corned beef, Swiss, sauerkraut, and bold dipping flavor. A must-try for fans of crispy, cheesy appetizers.
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
Instructions
1. Combine chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix thoroughly.
2. Form the mixture into walnut-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
3. Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with rye breadcrumbs. Dredge each ball in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
4. Heat oil to 350°F in a skillet or fryer. Fry Reuben balls in batches for 3–4 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. For air fryer: cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
5. To make the dipping sauce, mix mayo, ketchup, horseradish, hot sauce, relish, smoked paprika, and salt in a small bowl. Chill until ready to serve.
Notes
Use freshly sliced deli corned beef for best flavor.
Chill the balls before frying to help them hold shape.
The dipping sauce can be made a day ahead and stored chilled.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying or Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 balls
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg