Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

Introduction

If you’re looking for the perfect party appetizer, Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are your golden ticket. These bite-sized flavor bombs are loaded with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and a punchy blend of spices—all rolled into crispy, crunchy balls and served with a zesty homemade dipping sauce that takes this classic deli combo to an entirely new level.

Perfect for game days, family gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy weekend snack, Reuben Balls combine all the best aspects of a traditional Reuben sandwich into a portable, poppable delight. The tangy crunch of sauerkraut, the saltiness of corned beef, the creamy melted Swiss, and the crispy golden coating create an irresistible combination. The spicy Thousand Island dip, infused with hot sauce and spices, brings balance with its creamy tang and subtle kick.

In this extensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need—from ingredients to detailed steps, cooking tips, variations, and serving ideas—to make the best Reuben Balls from scratch. And yes, the spicy dipping sauce deserves its own spotlight, too.

Ingredients

For the Reuben Balls:

2 cups finely chopped corned beef
1 ½ cups sauerkraut, drained and chopped
1 ½ cups shredded Swiss cheese
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon caraway seeds (optional, for authentic Reuben flavor)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon finely minced onion
1 teaspoon white vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Step 1: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and cream cheese.
Mix in the garlic powder, onion powder, and caraway seeds (if using).
Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
Mix until everything is evenly incorporated and the mixture holds together like dough.

Step 2: Shape the Balls

Using your hands or a small scoop, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls.
Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Chill the balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm them up. This step is crucial to prevent them from falling apart during breading or frying.

Step 3: Bread the Balls

Prepare a breading station with three shallow bowls:
- One with flour
- One with beaten eggs
- One with breadcrumbs
Dredge each chilled ball in flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs. Press gently so the coating sticks well.
Return the coated balls to the baking sheet.

Step 4: Fry the Balls

In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the Reuben Balls in small batches for 2–3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 5: Make the Dipping Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, hot sauce, paprika, garlic powder, minced onion, vinegar, and salt and pepper.
Adjust seasoning to taste.
Chill until ready to serve.

Variation

Baked Version: For a healthier take, bake the breaded Reuben Balls on a greased baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Air Fryer Friendly: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Cheese Swap: Substitute Swiss with Gruyère or Provolone for a different flavor profile.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based deli slices, dairy-free cheese, and vegan mayo for a completely vegan alternative.

COOKING Note

Don’t skip chilling the balls before breading. This is essential for keeping them intact.
Monitor your oil temperature closely. Too hot and the balls will burn; too cool and they’ll soak up oil.
Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy balls.
Double-dip in the egg and breadcrumb mixture for extra crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
Offer a trio of dips alongside the spicy Thousand Island: Dijon mustard, horseradish cream, or chipotle mayo.
Pair with craft beer, cold soda, or even bloody Mary cocktails for a fun brunch twist.
Add to a charcuterie board for an elevated snack platter.

Tips

Prep Ahead: You can prepare and shape the Reuben Balls a day in advance. Store covered in the fridge.
Freeze for Later: Flash-freeze the uncooked balls and store in a freezer-safe bag. Fry straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the cooking time.
Custom Fillings: Add diced jalapeños, bacon bits, or even mustard seeds for personalized flavor.
Sauce Upgrade: Mix the dipping sauce with a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a spoonful of horseradish for extra zing.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information

FAQs

Can I make Reuben Balls gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs, and ensure your corned beef and sauerkraut are labeled gluten-free.

How long can I store them?

Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Can I freeze the cooked Reuben Balls?

Absolutely. Let them cool completely, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly in the oven at 375°F until hot and crisp.

How spicy is the sauce?

It has a gentle kick. Adjust the hot sauce amount to control the heat level to your liking.

What’s the best oil for frying?

We recommend using vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for their high smoke points and neutral flavor.

Can I use deli pastrami instead of corned beef?

Yes, you can use finely chopped pastrami or roast beef for a slightly different taste.

Conclusion

Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are more than just an appetizer—they’re a show-stopping fusion of bold flavors, fun textures, and pure comfort food indulgence. Whether you’re making them for a casual snack, a formal event, or anything in between, these little bites deliver big-time taste and satisfaction.

With proper technique, high-quality ingredients, and creative presentation, your Reuben Balls can easily become the talk of the party. Don’t be afraid to play with the flavors, adjust the spice level of the sauce, or even create new variations to fit different occasions and dietary needs.

If you’re on a mission to impress guests or just treat yourself to something special, this is your new go-to appetizer. Grab your ingredients, fire up the oil (or the air fryer), and let the crunchy, melty magic begin.

Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce – Irresistible Party Appetizer