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Reuben Balls

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Reuben Balls are a creative twist on the beloved Reuben sandwich, transforming all its signature components into crispy, bite-sized treats. These savory appetizers combine chopped corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese with cream cheese and Dijon mustard for a perfectly balanced filling. The mixture is rolled into balls, coated in a crispy breadcrumb shell, and fried to golden perfection. Each bite delivers the distinctive Reuben flavor profile - savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and rich Swiss cheese - all encased in a crunchy exterior. The accompanying Spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce, a kicked-up version of the traditional Reuben sandwich dressing, adds the perfect finishing touch with its creamy texture and hint of heat from hot sauce and smoked paprika. These crowd-pleasing appetizers are ideal for parties, game days, or anytime you want to serve something unique and delicious.
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marry from tastelikemagic.com
Updated on Sat, 15 Mar 2025 01:33:34 GMT
A plate of food with a bowl of sauce. Pin it
A plate of food with a bowl of sauce. | tastelikemagic.com

Reuben balls transform the beloved sandwich into irresistible bite-sized morsels perfect for entertaining or casual snacking. These golden-fried delights capture all the essential Reuben elements—corned beef, Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy dressing—in a crispy, portable form that maintains the classic flavor profile while adding delightful textural contrast. Paired with a spicy thousand island dipping sauce that delivers the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and zesty notes, these savory bites elevate ordinary gatherings to memorable culinary events.

I first created these Reuben balls when looking for creative ways to use leftover corned beef after St. Patrick's Day. What began as a simple kitchen experiment quickly became my most requested party appetizer. Friends who normally pass on traditional Reuben sandwiches found themselves reaching for seconds and thirds of these crispy, flavor-packed morsels. The combination of familiar flavors in an unexpected format seemed to win over even the most skeptical sauerkraut doubters in my circle.

Essential Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups chopped corned beef: Provides a rich, savory base.
  • 1 cup sauerkraut: Tangy and essential to the Reuben profile.
  • 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey texture.
  • 4 ounces cream cheese: Adds creamy binding.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Enhances depth with slight tanginess.
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour: First layer for the breading process.
  • 2 large eggs: Helps the panko coating adhere properly.
  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs: Provides a light, crispy crust.
  • ½ cup mayonnaise: Base for the dipping sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup: Adds tangy sweetness to the sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon pickle relish: Brings crunch and acidity.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Filling:
Mix corned beef, drained sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, softened cream cheese, and Dijon mustard in a bowl until well combined.
Chill:
Refrigerate mixture for 30 minutes until firm enough to shape.
Form Balls:
Roll mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined tray.
Chill Again:
Refrigerate formed balls for another 15-20 minutes while preparing the breading station.
Prepare Breading:
Arrange flour, beaten eggs, and panko in separate shallow bowls.
Bread the Balls:
Roll each ball in flour, dip in egg, then coat in panko, ensuring even coverage.
Heat Oil:
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F.
Fry in Batches:
Cook 5-6 balls at a time for 2-3 minutes, turning for even browning.
Drain Properly:
Transfer fried balls to a paper towel-lined plate.
Prepare Dipping Sauce:
Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, hot sauce, and smoked paprika until fully combined.
Serve Immediately:
Arrange hot Reuben balls with dipping sauce on the side.
A plate of food with a bowl of sauce. Pin it
A plate of food with a bowl of sauce. | tastelikemagic.com

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a selection of mini sandwich-inspired appetizers for a playful take on classic flavors.

Serve over buttered egg noodles for a deconstructed Reuben experience.

Include in a St. Patrick’s Day spread alongside traditional Irish-American dishes.

Creative Variations

Make a Rachel version with turkey instead of corned beef.

Turn them into Reuben pizza balls by adding pizza sauce and mozzarella.

Create a breakfast Reuben ball by adding diced potatoes and serving with a fried egg.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freeze uncooked breaded balls and fry from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes.

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 7-10 minutes for best texture.

A white plate with a bowl of dipping sauce and a plate of breaded food. Pin it
A white plate with a bowl of dipping sauce and a plate of breaded food. | tastelikemagic.com

These Reuben balls have become my signature contribution to potlucks and game day gatherings, earning me a reputation as 'the Reuben ball person' among friends and family. While that might seem like a quirky title, I wear it proudly knowing how these crispy, savory bites bring people together around the table. The combination of tangy sauerkraut, savory corned beef, and melty Swiss cheese encased in a crispy shell never fails to delight, converting even those who typically avoid traditional Reuben sandwiches into enthusiastic fans.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I bake these Reuben Balls instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and heated through. Spray or brush them lightly with oil before baking for a crispier exterior.
→ Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! You can prepare the balls up to the breading stage a day in advance and refrigerate them covered. Fry just before serving. You can also fully cook them, refrigerate, and reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes.
→ What can I substitute for sauerkraut if I don't like it?
While sauerkraut is traditional for Reuben flavor, you could substitute with coleslaw (drained well) for a milder taste, or finely chopped pickles for tanginess without the fermented flavor.
→ How important is it to drain the sauerkraut?
It's crucial to drain and squeeze the sauerkraut thoroughly to remove excess moisture. Too much liquid will make your mixture too wet to form balls and may cause splattering during frying.
→ What sides pair well with Reuben Balls as part of a larger meal?
These pair wonderfully with potato salad, coleslaw, pickle spears, or a simple green salad with vinaigrette. For a themed meal, serve alongside other deli-inspired appetizers like mini knishes or potato pancakes.

Reuben Balls

These Reuben Balls transform the classic sandwich into crispy bite-sized appetizers filled with corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese, served with spicy dipping sauce.

Prep Time
45 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes
By: Marry


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (About 20-24 balls)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ For the Reuben Balls

01 1 ½ cups chopped or shredded corned beef
02 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
03 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
04 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
05 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
06 ½ cup all-purpose flour
07 2 eggs, beaten
08 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
09 Vegetable oil, for frying

→ For the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

10 ½ cup mayonnaise
11 2 tablespoons ketchup
12 1 tablespoon pickle relish
13 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
14 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

Step 01

Start by grabbing a mixing bowl and tossing in your corned beef, sauerkraut (make sure you've squeezed out all that excess moisture!), Swiss cheese, softened cream cheese, and that tangy Dijon mustard. Mix everything together until it's well combined - I like to use my hands for this, but a sturdy spoon works too. Pop this mixture in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up, which will make it much easier to form into balls later.

Step 02

Once your mixture has chilled and firmed up a bit, take it out of the fridge and start forming your Reuben balls. Scoop out portions about the size of a golf ball (roughly 1-inch in diameter) and roll them between your palms until nice and round. As you make them, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. When you've shaped them all, pop them back in the refrigerator for another 15 minutes to firm up even more - this helps them hold together during the breading process.

Step 03

While your balls are chilling, set up your breading assembly line. Put your flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs in a third. I like to add a pinch of salt and pepper to the flour for extra flavor, but that's totally up to you. Having everything lined up makes the breading process so much smoother - trust me on this one!

Step 04

Now for the fun (and slightly messy) part! Take each chilled Reuben ball and first roll it in the flour, making sure it's completely coated. Next, dip it in the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumbs until it's fully covered. Place each breaded ball back on the baking sheet. For extra crispy results, you can even double-bread them by dipping in egg and breadcrumbs a second time!

Step 05

Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F. If you don't have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping in a few breadcrumbs - if they sizzle immediately and float, you're good to go! Carefully add your breaded Reuben balls to the hot oil in small batches (don't crowd the pan). Let them fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally with a slotted spoon, until they're beautifully golden brown and crispy all over. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.

Step 06

While your Reuben balls are cooling slightly, mix up that amazing spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, ketchup, pickle relish, hot sauce, and smoked paprika until smooth and well blended. Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking - want it spicier? Add a splash more hot sauce! Need more tang? A squeeze of lemon juice works wonders.

Step 07

Arrange your golden, crispy Reuben balls on a serving platter with a bowl of that zesty dipping sauce in the center. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or dill if you're feeling fancy. Serve them while they're still warm - that's when they're at their absolute best, with the cheese all melty inside! Watch them disappear faster than you can say 'Reuben sandwich'!

Notes

  1. These Reuben Balls transform all the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich into addictively crispy, bite-sized morsels that are perfect for parties or game day snacking.
  2. Make sure to really squeeze the moisture out of your sauerkraut - this is crucial for getting the right texture in your filling and preventing the balls from falling apart.
  3. If you're short on time, you can prepare the balls up to a day ahead and keep them refrigerated until you're ready to bread and fry them.
  4. For a fun twist, try using rye bread crumbs in your breading mixture to really capture that authentic Reuben sandwich flavor.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • 3 shallow dishes (for breading station)
  • Deep skillet or saucepan
  • Thermometer (optional but helpful)
  • Slotted spoon
  • Paper towels

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten (flour and breadcrumbs)
  • Contains dairy (Swiss cheese and cream cheese)
  • Contains eggs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 275
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 16 g
  • Protein: 12 g