This delicious Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dip Delight comes together in about 30 minutes and is a no-bake appetizer that’s perfect for a quick and easy snack that your family will love! You can get creative and switch up the ingredients or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to clear out those odds and ends hidden in the back. Trust me, everyone will be reaching for seconds!
Ingredient Breakdown
Corned Beef
Corned Beef is the star of the show here it’s savory, tender, and adds that classic Reuben flavor that we all adore. I prefer to use freshly sliced corned beef from the deli to get that melt-in-your-mouth texture. You can also substitute it with leftover brisket or turkey for a lighter version.
Sauerkraut
A good Sauerkraut adds that tangy, crunchy bite that complements the rich flavors of the beef and cheese. Be sure to drain it well so it doesn’t make your mixture soggy. You can also use kimchi if you’re feeling adventurous!
Swiss Cheese
This recipe calls for diced Swiss Cheese. Swiss has that perfect softness and nutty flavor that melts beautifully. If you’re feeling fancy, Gruyère will work equally well and elevate this dish with its creamy taste.
Cream Cheese
Softened Cream Cheese binds everything together, giving these balls a rich and creamy texture. It’s essential to bring it to room temperature beforehand for easy mixing. If you need a dairy-free option, try using cashew cream instead!
Spices: Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper
These seasonings enhance the flavor profile. A couple pinches of garlic and onion powder will really make your Reuben balls sing! You can always adjust according to taste, add a little pepper if your family loves it spicy!
Rye Breadcrumbs
Instead of regular breadcrumbs, I opt for Rye Breadcrumbs because they offer a unique flavor that pairs perfectly with the Reuben theme. If you can’t find them, panko breadcrumbs are a great alternative for a lighter crunch!
All-Purpose Flour
Using All-Purpose Flour as a thickener helps maintain the structure of the balls while frying. If you’re gluten-free, feel free to swap it out with almond flour or coconut flour.
Eggs
Two large Eggs, beaten, are your binder here. They help keep everything together while adding moisture. If you’re making this vegan, aquafaba will work in a pinch; use about 3 tbsp per egg!
Vegetable Oil
For frying, you’ll need Vegetable Oil. Four cups might seem like a lot, but you’ll only use what you need to cover the bottom of your skillet. Or, hey, why not try air frying them for a healthier option?
Mayonnaise
The Mayonnaise base for the dipping sauce brings creaminess to the table. It’s a crucial component! You can use Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative.
Ketchup and Horseradish
These two ingredients bring a luscious sweetness, thanks to ketchup, and a spicy kick courtesy of horseradish. Double up on these if you like it spicy or pull back if you want more mildness.
Hot Sauce and Sweet Relish
For added heat, I throw in some Hot Sauce (Franks is my go-to!), while Sweet Relish balances everything out with a touch of sweetness.
Smoked Paprika
What can I say? A little Smoked Paprika goes a long way in lifting the flavor, adding a unique smoky depth. You can leave this out if you don’t have any, but seriously, it’s worth it!
Pinch of Salt
Finally, a pinch of Salt to enhance the flavors. This is more nuanced than anything else, so taste as you go!
Let’s Get Cookin’!
Step 1: Mix All the Good Stuff
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of finely chopped Corned Beef, 1 cup of well-drained Sauerkraut, 1 cup of diced Swiss Cheese, 8 oz of softened Cream Cheese, and all your spices: 1 tsp of Garlic Powder, 1 tsp of Onion Powder, 1 tsp of Salt, and 1 tsp of Black Pepper.
Just wait until everything starts to come together; the aroma is absolutely heavenly!
Step 2: Create Your Bready Coating
In another bowl, add 1 cup of Rye Breadcrumbs along with 1 cup of All-Purpose Flour and mix well. In a third bowl, beat the 2 large Eggs and set aside.
Step 3: Shape Your Balls
Now, scoop out about 1-2 tablespoons of the corned beef mixture. Roll them into balls; careful! They should be about the size of a golf ball. If things feel too gooey, you can add a touch more of breadcrumbs to firm things up.
Step 4: Coat the Balls
You’re going to love this part! Dip each ball first into the flour mixture, then coat it with the beaten egg, and finally roll it in the breadcrumbs.
The smell of those breadcrumbs is going to make your kitchen smell amazing!
Step 5: Heat Things Up
In a large skillet, heat 4 cups of Vegetable Oil over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s hot enough like, you should hear a sizzle when you drop a small piece of batter in there.
Step 6: Fry ‘Em Up
Carefully place about six balls in the hot oil. Fry them for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown all around.
I mean, just LOOK at that color!
Step 7: Drain the Grease
Once they are golden and crispy, transfer your Reuben balls to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
Step 8: Make the Dipping Sauce
While those guys are cooling, let’s whip up that Spicy Thousand Island Dip! In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of Mayonnaise, 2 tbsp of Ketchup, 1 tbsp of Horseradish, 2 tbsp of Hot Sauce, 1 tbsp of Sweet Relish, and 1 tsp of Smoked Paprika. Just mix it all together until well combined.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your crispy Reuben balls with the spicy dipping sauce on the side!
Perfect for game days, family gatherings, or just a fun snack while binge-watching your favorite show.
Why This Recipe Is My Go-To
This is my go-to recipe when I’m looking for a little comfort food that can even impress guests! I’m a real sucker for all things crispy and cheesy, who is it that doesn’t love a good fried snack, right? The best part is that you can customize it to your family’s taste. You can use whatever you’ve got on hand; whether you want to toss in some diced pickles, or go wild with different cheeses. Just don’t skip on the spicy dip; it’s a game changer!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Classic Spinach Dip Pinwheels, my Mini Bacon Ranch Cheeseballs, or my Spinach and Artichoke Wonton Cups!
Tips for Success
Quick & Easy
This dish comes together in under 30 minutes! Seriously, you could whip these up before the game, and your guests will be raving about them.
Customizable
Like I said, feel free to switch up the ingredients! Not a fan of sauerkraut? Maybe try some finely diced bell peppers! You can even experiment with a mix of cheeses for even more flavor!
Crowd-Pleaser
This dish is perfect for gatherings. The whole family will love it, and trust me, it disappears FAST!
Serving Suggestions
These crispy Reuben balls are ideal for a game day spread or an appetizer at your next dinner party. Try pairing them with:
- Fresh veggies and ranch dip
- Potato skins
- A side salad for a lighter option
How to Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, I know!), they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions
For the best results, reheat in the oven on 350°F for about 10 minutes to retain that crispy texture. You can also toss them in the air fryer for about 5 minutes.
Freezer Friendly
Yes, you can even freeze these little delights! Just make sure to flash freeze them on a baking sheet for about an hour before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep there for up to 3 months.
Cooking is truly such a joy, isn’t it? Food brings us together like nothing else, and these Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dip Delight is a perfect example of comforting, loving food that hits the spot! Enjoy every delicious bite!
Remember, keep experimenting and having fun in the kitchen! Happy cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dip
Ingredients
Method
- Mix all the Reuben ball ingredients: combine corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, and spices in a large bowl.
- In another bowl, combine the rye breadcrumbs and all-purpose flour.
- In a third bowl, beat the eggs and set aside.
- Scoop out about 1-2 tablespoons of the corned beef mixture and roll into balls, size of a golf ball.
- Dip each ball first in the flour mixture, then in the beaten egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Carefully drop about six balls into the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
- Drain excess oil on a wire rack or paper towels.
- Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, hot sauce, sweet relish, and smoked paprika in a bowl. Mix until well combined.
- Serve crispy Reuben balls with the spicy dipping sauce on the side.