Reuben Balls Recipe with Bold Deli Flavor and a Fiery Dipping Sauce 2025
Imagine the savory flavors of a Reuben sandwich—tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy cheese, and a sharp kick of Thousand Island dressing—all wrapped into one golden, crunchy bite. That’s exactly what these Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce offer: a fun, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s nostalgic yet creative, indulgent yet simple to make.
Whether you’re hosting a party, planning game-day snacks, or just craving a hearty bite-size treat, this recipe brings comfort food to the next level. It’s a showstopper for gatherings and a guaranteed conversation starter.
2. What Are Reuben Balls?
Reuben Balls are inspired by the legendary Reuben sandwich, which dates back to early 20th-century American deli culture. Instead of layering ingredients between slices of rye bread, this recipe blends them into a creamy, cheesy mixture that’s shaped into balls, breaded, and fried to crispy perfection.
Each bite combines the salty-sour tang of sauerkraut, the bold meatiness of corned beef, and the nutty sharpness of Swiss cheese—all held together by cream cheese and complemented with a kick of garlic and onion flavor. Dip these beauties into a homemade spicy Thousand Island sauce, and you’re in appetizer heaven.
3. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Ultimate Comfort Food: All the familiar flavors of a classic sandwich in a crispy, gooey bite.
- ✅ Perfect for Entertaining: Finger food at its finest—easy to grab, dip, and devour.
- ✅ Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance, chill, and fry when guests arrive.
- ✅ Customizable: Swap out ingredients for different meats, cheeses, or spice levels.
- ✅ Crispy Outside, Creamy Inside: A perfect texture contrast that keeps people coming back for more.
4. Key Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s explore the components that make this dish a flavor bomb:
🥩 Corned Beef
The foundation of the Reuben. Choose well-seasoned, fully cooked corned beef. Deli-style works, but leftover homemade is even better.
🧀 Swiss Cheese
Nutty, sharp, and slightly sweet—Swiss brings authenticity. You can sub in Gruyère or provolone for a different flavor profile.
🧄 Cream Cheese
Softened cream cheese makes the filling rich and smooth. It also acts as a binder that keeps everything together.
🥬 Sauerkraut
Briny, tangy, and essential. Make sure it’s drained and chopped well, so it mixes seamlessly into the filling.
🍳 Binding and Breading
A trio of flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs forms a crispy, golden shell. Double coating makes it extra crunchy.
🌶️ Spicy Thousand Island Sauce
Mayo, ketchup, relish, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, and smoked paprika create a creamy, tangy, spicy sauce that ties the whole bite together.
5. Step-by-Step Guide to Making Reuben Balls
Let’s walk through the process from start to finish.
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- 2 cups finely chopped cooked corned beef
- 1 cup well-drained, chopped sauerkraut
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 4 oz softened cream cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Mix until fully combined. The consistency should be thick enough to scoop and shape.
Step 2: Shape and Chill
Use your hands or a cookie scoop to shape the mixture into 1½-inch balls. Place on a parchment-lined tray and chill for 30–45 minutes to help them firm up before breading.
Step 3: Bread the Balls
Set up a breading station:
- Bowl 1: All-purpose flour
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
- Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs
Roll each ball in flour, dip into egg, then coat in panko. For ultra-crispy results, repeat the egg and panko step.
Step 4: Fry to Perfection
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the balls in batches, about 3–4 minutes per batch, turning occasionally for even browning. Drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Make the Dipping Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
Chill until ready to serve. The sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead.
6. All About the Spicy Thousand Island Sauce
This sauce is more than a dip—it’s the soul of the appetizer. Creamy mayo and ketchup form the base, while relish and Dijon add sweetness and sharpness. A dash of hot sauce and smoked paprika gives it a kick that complements the richness of the Reuben Balls.
If you’re spice-sensitive, reduce the hot sauce or omit the paprika. Want it hotter? Add sriracha or cayenne pepper for an extra punch.
7. Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Drain the Sauerkraut Thoroughly: Excess liquid can ruin the texture of the filling.
- Chill Before Frying: Cold balls hold their shape better and fry more evenly.
- Use a Thermometer: Oil should stay at 350°F to avoid greasy or undercooked centers.
- Double Bread for Extra Crunch: Optional but highly recommended.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature.
8. Variations and Substitutions
Here’s how to make this recipe your own:
- 🧀 Different Cheeses: Try mozzarella, cheddar, or Gruyère.
- 🥩 Different Meats: Use pastrami, roast beef, or shredded chicken.
- 🥬 Add Veggies: Finely diced pickles, green onions, or bell peppers.
- 🌱 Make It Vegetarian: Sub corned beef with finely chopped mushrooms or tempeh.
- 🧊 Air Fryer Version: Spray coated balls with oil and cook at 380°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
9. Serving Suggestions
These bites are versatile and fit right in with many occasions:
- ✅ Game day appetizer
- ✅ Holiday party platter
- ✅ Casual dinner starter
- ✅ Potluck favorite
- ✅ Savory brunch snack
Pair with:
- Sweet potato fries
- Dill pickle spears
- Crisp beer or sparkling soda
- Coleslaw or tangy potato salad
Serve warm, with a generous portion of the dipping sauce on the side.
10. Make-Ahead, Freezing, and Storage Tips
To Make Ahead:
- Shape and bread the balls.
- Store in the fridge up to 24 hours.
- Fry just before serving.
To Freeze:
- Flash freeze shaped, breaded balls on a tray.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Fry from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to cook time.
Storage:
- Store leftover fried balls in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
11. Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values per 3 balls and 1 tbsp sauce:
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
Note: These values can vary depending on ingredients and frying method.
12. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray with oil for a crispy finish.
How do I make these less spicy?
Reduce or omit the hot sauce in the dip. The balls themselves aren’t spicy unless you add hot ingredients.
Can I use canned corned beef?
You can, but the texture and flavor are less ideal than fresh or deli-sliced versions.
Can I use a different dip?
Absolutely. Ranch, horseradish cream, or honey mustard also pair well.
Are these gluten-free?
Not as written, but use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make them GF-friendly.
13. Final Thoughts
Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce offer a creative twist on a beloved deli classic, delivering maximum flavor in a fun, bite-sized form. They’re crunchy, creamy, tangy, savory—and dangerously addictive. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging solo, these balls check every box: taste, texture, and presentation.
Make them your new go-to appetizer for parties, holidays, or anytime comfort food cravings strike. You’ll never look at a Reuben sandwich the same way again.
