Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
Have you ever dreamed your favorite hearty deli sandwich could be morphed into the perfect bite-sized snack? Well, say hello to one of my absolute favorite game-day creations: Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce! Crispy, golden bites stuffed with savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and cream cheese, these are everything joyful about the classic Reuben sandwich rolled into one deliciously snackable form.
The first time I whipped these up was for a casual game night with friends. You know how it goes—everyone shows up hungry, excited, and eager to munch during each suspenseful play. I barely got the plate on the table before they vanished. By halftime, the dish was picked clean, and the only request was, “Chef, we need more!” From that night onward, these Reuben Balls quickly became one of the most requested treats in my kitchen.
Whether you’re hosting a game night, having friends over for a casual dinner, or just want a fun, tasty appetizer, these Reuben Balls are guaranteed to score big flavor points every single time.
Crispy Reuben Balls
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Reuben Balls
- Crunchy exterior meets creamy, cheesy center—truly irresistible textures!
- Pops of tangy sauerkraut perfectly balance the salty corned beef.
- Easy to dip, snack-sized bites ideal for sharing.
- Spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce adds creamy, tangy heat that boosts the flavor even further.
My Personal Reuben Ball Memory (Because All Great Foods Have a Story!)
My love for Reuben sandwiches started when I worked in a classic little deli back in my culinary school days. It was a simple spot, but the owner taught me the importance of perfect ratios—meat, cheese, acidity, and crunch. When I discovered that every friend at our weekly gathering also adored Reubens, I knew I had to get creative.
So, with the deli’s flavors as my inspiration, I decided to reimagine our beloved sandwich into finger-food essentials. A few rounds of recipe testing later, I nailed these tasty bites, pairing them with spicy Thousand Island sauce to give them an extra kick. They quickly became legendary among my friends and family—and I’m confident they’ll earn rave reviews at your table, too!
🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Reuben Balls
- 1½ cups chopped/shredded corned beef
- 1 cup sauerkraut (drained and dried well)
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil (for frying, enough to fill a pan at least 1–2 inches deep)
For the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp pickle relish
- 1 tsp hot sauce (adjust according to your preferred spice level)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, softened cream cheese, and Dijon mustard until evenly blended. Chill the mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes—this makes forming the balls easier.
2️⃣ Shape & Chill Again
Once slightly chilled, roll spoonfuls of the mixture into approximately 1-inch sized balls with your hands. Place these on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for an additional 15 minutes to firm them up.
3️⃣ Bread Your Reuben Balls
Set up a breading station: three bowls with flour, beaten eggs, and panko crumbs. Dip each chilled ball into flour, shaking off excess, then into beaten eggs, and finally coat completely in panko breadcrumbs.
4️⃣ Fry Until Crispy & Golden
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F. Gently add breaded balls in batches into hot oil and fry for 2–3 minutes, using a slotted spoon or spider strainer to rotate occasionally. Cook until satisfying golden brown. Drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
5️⃣ Mix Up the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
While Reuben Balls are warm and crunchy, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, hot sauce, and smoked paprika. Taste and adjust spiciness and consistency to your liking.
6️⃣ Time to Serve!
Arrange warm, crispy Reuben Balls on a serving platter with your spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce on the side. Now, get ready to watch your friends “ooh” and “aah” in foodie heaven!
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- These make an ideal appetizer or snack for game nights, movie nights, or casual gatherings.
- Pair them with some pickles, celery sticks, or your favorite veggie platter to balance the richness.
- Serve alongside your favorite cold beer or chilled drinks for an ultimate comfort food session!
🧑🍳 Pro Tips from Your Friendly Chef
- Drain your sauerkraut really well to avoid soggy centers. A salad spinner or pressing through a strainer does wonders!
- You can make these ahead! After breading, freeze until solid, then store in freezer bags—simply fry straight from frozen.
- If you’re spice shy, reduce or omit hot sauce from dipping sauce. Customize to your taste buds!
📊 Nutrition & Prep Info
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Serves: 4
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re entertaining guests at your next get-together or want to treat yourself to an incredible snack, these Reuben Balls with spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce are pure satisfaction with every bite. So, roll up those sleeves and let’s cook up some unforgettable foodie magic!
