Description
These Reuben Balls are a bite-sized twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, delivering all the familiar flavors in a fun, shareable appetizer. Imagine tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and nutty Swiss cheese all melded together with creamy cream cheese and a hint of Dijon mustard. These savory morsels are then rolled into perfectly round balls, coated in crispy breadcrumbs, and fried to golden perfection. The experience is then elevated by a creamy, spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce that cuts through the richness of the balls with a welcome zing. Perfect for parties, game day gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with something unique and utterly delicious!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Reuben Ball recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for several compelling reasons:
- Flavor Explosion: It captures the essence of the beloved Reuben sandwich in a convenient, dippable form. The combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and creamy sauce is simply irresistible.
- Perfect for Sharing: Their bite-sized nature makes them ideal for parties and gatherings. Guests can easily grab a few without making a mess, making them a stress-free appetizer option.
- Easy to Customize: You can adjust the level of spiciness in the dipping sauce to suit your preferences. Feel free to experiment with different hot sauces or smoked paprika varieties to create your signature flavor.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The Reuben Balls can be prepared in advance and fried just before serving. You can even freeze them for future enjoyment.
- Unique Twist on a Classic: It’s a fun and innovative way to enjoy the flavors of a Reuben sandwich without having to deal with the bread and messiness of a traditional sandwich. This uniqueness makes it a conversation starter at any event.
- Texture Contrast: The crispy exterior of the breaded balls against the soft, savory filling offers a delightful textural contrast that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients:
For the Reuben Balls:
- 1 ½ cups chopped or shredded corned beef (about 8 ounces): Look for high-quality corned beef, preferably sliced from a freshly cooked brisket. If using pre-packaged corned beef, ensure it’s not overly salty or fatty.
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry: Draining the sauerkraut thoroughly is crucial to prevent the balls from becoming soggy. Squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (about 4 ounces): Use a good-quality Swiss cheese with a nutty, slightly sharp flavor. Emmentaler or Gruyere would also work well. Shredding it yourself ensures it melts evenly.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: The cream cheese acts as a binder and adds a creamy richness to the filling. Allow it to soften at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before using.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard adds a tangy kick that complements the other flavors. Feel free to use a grainy mustard for added texture.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: This is used to lightly coat the balls before dredging in the egg and breadcrumbs, helping the coating adhere properly.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: The beaten eggs provide a sticky surface for the breadcrumbs to cling to.
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko recommended): Panko breadcrumbs are preferred because they are lighter and create a crispier coating than traditional breadcrumbs. You can also use finely crushed rye crackers for an authentic Reuben flavor.
- Vegetable oil, for frying: Choose a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. You’ll need enough oil to submerge the balls for even frying.
For the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Use a good-quality mayonnaise for the best flavor. You can also use light mayonnaise to reduce the calories.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Ketchup adds sweetness and tanginess to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish: Sweet pickle relish is traditionally used, but you can experiment with dill relish for a different flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste): Use your favorite hot sauce to add the desired level of spice. Sriracha, Tabasco, or a chili garlic sauce would all work well.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth to the sauce that complements the corned beef and sauerkraut.
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped corned beef, drained and squeezed sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, softened cream cheese, and Dijon mustard. Use a rubber spatula or your hands to mix everything together until it’s well combined and forms a cohesive mixture. This step is important to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the balls.
Step 2: Chill the Mixture
Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the Reuben mixture for at least 30 minutes, or even longer (up to a few hours). Chilling the mixture helps it firm up, making it easier to roll into balls. This prevents the balls from falling apart during the breading and frying process.
Step 3: Form the Balls
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the balls from sticking. Using a small cookie scoop or a spoon, scoop out approximately 1-inch portions of the chilled Reuben mixture. Gently roll each portion between your palms to form a smooth, round ball. Place the formed balls on the prepared baking sheet. Return the baking sheet to the refrigerator while you prepare the breading station.
Step 4: Bread the Balls
Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour. In the second dish, beat the eggs with a fork until well combined. In the third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs (or crushed rye crackers). Working one at a time, remove the chilled Reuben balls from the refrigerator. Roll each ball in the flour, making sure to coat it completely. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, roll the ball in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they adhere to the entire surface. Place the breaded balls back on the lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Fry the Balls
Pour enough vegetable oil into a large skillet or deep saucepan to reach a depth of about 2-3 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches a temperature of 350°F (175°C). You can use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. Carefully add the breaded Reuben balls to the hot oil in small batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per batch, turning occasionally with a slotted spoon or spatula, until the balls are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove the fried Reuben balls from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Make the Dipping Sauce
While the Reuben balls are frying, prepare the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, hot sauce, and smoked paprika until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Add more hot sauce for extra heat or more smoked paprika for a smokier flavor.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the fried Reuben balls on a serving platter. Serve immediately with the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce on the side. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired. Encourage your guests to dip the Reuben balls generously in the sauce and enjoy!
COOKING Rating:
Easy to Moderate
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer at parties, game day gatherings, or casual get-togethers.
- Pair with other finger foods like pretzels, chips, or vegetables.
- Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as honey mustard or ranch dressing, for those who prefer a milder flavor.
- Present on a platter with small bowls of dipping sauce for easy access.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for visual appeal.
- Accompany with a crisp, cold beer or a refreshing cocktail.
Tips:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying the Reuben balls in small batches ensures that the oil temperature remains consistent, resulting in even cooking and crispy breading.
- Keep Oil Temperature Consistent: Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and adjust the heat as needed to maintain 350°F (175°C).
- Prevent Soggy Balls: Drain the sauerkraut thoroughly and chill the Reuben mixture before forming the balls to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Extra Crispy Coating: For an extra crispy coating, double dip the Reuben balls in the egg and breadcrumbs.
- Customization: Add finely chopped onions or garlic to the corned beef and sauerkraut mixture for a flavor boost.
Prep Time:
30 minutes
Cook Time:
15 minutes
Total Time:
45 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 15-20g
- Sodium: 500-700mg (Varies greatly depending on the corned beef used)
Conclusion
These Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are more than just an appetizer; they’re a fun and flavorful experience that will leave your guests wanting more. They’re the perfect combination of salty, tangy, and creamy, with a satisfying crunch that makes them simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the game, or simply craving a delicious snack, these Reuben Balls are sure to hit the spot. So, gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Reuben heaven!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
Q1: Can I bake these Reuben Balls instead of frying them?
A: Yes, you can bake them! Baking will result in a slightly less crispy exterior, but it’s a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the breaded Reuben balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. You may want to spray them lightly with cooking oil before baking to help them crisp up.
Q2: Can I make the Reuben Balls ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the Reuben mixture, form the balls, and bread them ahead of time. Place the breaded balls on a baking sheet and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying. You can also freeze the breaded balls for longer storage. When ready to fry, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and proceed with the frying instructions.
Q3: What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs? Can I use regular breadcrumbs?
A: Yes, you can substitute regular breadcrumbs for panko breadcrumbs. However, panko breadcrumbs will give you a crispier texture because they are larger and lighter. If using regular breadcrumbs, consider toasting them lightly in a dry skillet before using them to add some extra crunch.
Q4: I don’t like sauerkraut. Can I substitute it with something else?
A: While sauerkraut is a key component of the Reuben flavor, you could try substituting it with finely chopped dill pickles for a similar tang. Alternatively, you could omit the sauerkraut altogether, but the Reuben balls will lose some of their characteristic flavor.
Q5: Can I add more ingredients to the dipping sauce?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with the dipping sauce. Some additions that would complement the Reuben flavors include a dash of Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of garlic powder, or a squeeze of lemon juice. You can also experiment with different types of hot sauce to find your perfect level of spice.
