If you adore the classic Reuben sandwich but crave a fun, bite-sized twist, you’re in for a treat with this Irresistibly Crunchy Reuben Balls with Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe. Imagine all that delicious corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melty Swiss cheese, and creamy filling, transformed into crisp, golden balls with a fiery, creamy dip that’s just begging for the first dunk. These little flavor bombs bring together textures and tastes in such a satisfying way that each bite feels like a celebration. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become your go-to appetizer or party favorite in no time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing these scrumptious Reuben balls requires a handful of simple but essential ingredients that perfectly balance savory, tangy, and creamy notes. Each component plays an important role, whether it’s lending flavor, moisture, or that sought-after crunch.
- 1 cup corned beef (chopped, fresh and thickly sliced preferred): The star protein pack, rich and salty, giving authentic Reuben flavor.
- 1 cup sauerkraut (drained): Adds tang and moisture without making the mixture soggy.
- 1 cup Swiss cheese (shredded): Melts smoothly and brings a nutty, mild taste.
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened): Provides creaminess that binds everything together beautifully.
- 1 cup rye breadcrumbs: For that golden, crunchy coating with a subtle rye flavor.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Helps the coating stick perfectly to each ball.
- 2 large eggs (beaten): Acts as the glue between flour and breadcrumbs for a flawless crust.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses a deep savory aroma.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Enhances the flavor complexity.
- 0.5 tsp salt (for filling): Balances and elevates all the tastes.
- 0.25 tsp black pepper: Adds a hint of warmth without overpowering.
- Vegetable oil for frying (heated to 350°F): Essential for that perfect, even crisp.
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise (for dipping sauce): The base for a creamy and tangy dip.
- 2 tbsp ketchup (for dipping sauce): Introduces sweetness and color.
- 1 tbsp prepared horseradish (for dipping sauce): Provides a sharp, spicy kick.
- 1 tsp hot sauce (to taste): Adds heat that wakes up the palate.
- 1 tbsp sweet relish (for dipping sauce): Brings bursts of sweetness and texture.
- 0.25 tsp smoked paprika (for dipping sauce): Offers smoky depth to round out the sauce.
- A pinch salt (for dipping sauce): Enhances and balances flavors in the dip.
How to Make Irresistibly Crunchy Reuben Balls with Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Filling
Start by combining your chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Stir everything until the mixture is creamy and evenly mixed. This blend is the heart of your Reuben balls, balancing savory, tangy, and cheesy flavors with a luxuriously soft texture that will delight every bite.
Step 2: Shape and Chill
Scoop the mixture and roll it into walnut-sized balls, placing them neatly on a baking sheet. Chill these in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let them firm up properly. This step ensures they hold their shape when they hit the hot oil, giving you perfectly formed, crunchy little spheres of deliciousness.
Step 3: Prepare the Coating Stations
Set up three shallow bowls to create your crisp coating: one with all-purpose flour, another with the beaten eggs, and the last filled with those flavorful rye breadcrumbs. This classic breading technique is crucial to achieving that signature crunch on the outside while keeping the inside creamy and tender.
Step 4: Coat the Reuben Balls
Take each chilled ball and gently coat it first in flour, then dip it into the egg, and finally roll it through the rye breadcrumbs until fully covered. This triple-layer coating makes all the difference, creating a sturdy shell that crisps up beautifully during frying.
Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C) to get just the right frying temperature. Fry the Reuben balls in batches for 3 to 4 minutes, turning as needed, until they achieve a gorgeous golden brown and a satisfyingly crunchy crust. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to maintain the oil temperature for the perfect fry.
Step 6: Drain and Crisp
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried balls onto paper towels. This simple step absorbs excess oil, keeping the balls crisp without greasy heaviness. Let them rest for a minute or two to maintain their irresistible crunchiness.
Step 7: Whip Up the Spicy Dipping Sauce
Mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, hot sauce, sweet relish, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Give it a good whisk until smooth, then chill until you’re ready to serve. This sauce perfectly balances creaminess with a spicy, tangy punch, elevating the Reuben balls to next-level appetizer status.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these Irresistibly Crunchy Reuben Balls with Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe piping hot alongside the zesty dip. Bite after bite, the combination of crunchy exterior, creamy filling, savory corned beef, and that fiery sauce will keep everyone reaching for more.
How to Serve Irresistibly Crunchy Reuben Balls with Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance the presentation and flavor, scatter finely chopped fresh parsley or chives over the Reuben balls just before serving. A light sprinkle of additional smoked paprika on top of the dipping sauce adds a beautiful color contrast and a hint of smoky aroma that complements the dish wonderfully.
Side Dishes
If you want to turn this appetizer into a more substantial snack or light meal, consider serving alongside crispy kettle-cooked potato chips, a simple dill pickle spear, or a refreshing coleslaw. These sides provide textural balance and palate-cleansing brightness, making each Reuben ball bite even more enjoyable.
Creative Ways to Present
For party-friendly serving, arrange the Reuben balls on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of the spicy dipping sauce scattered throughout. You can also skewer them on cocktail picks with a mini pickle or cherry tomato for a playful and elegant finger food option that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Reuben balls left over, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This will keep them fresh enough to enjoy again without sacrificing too much crispiness.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the uncooked coated Reuben balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a resealable freezer bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, fry them straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
Reheating
To bring back that irresistible crunch, reheat leftover or frozen Reuben balls in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) on a wire rack set over a baking sheet for about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave as it tends to make the coating soggy, which we definitely want to avoid with this crunchy delight!
FAQs
Can I make these Reuben balls vegetarian?
While the original recipe highlights corned beef, you can substitute with a plant-based corned beef alternative or shredded, seasoned jackfruit for a vegetarian twist, though the flavor will vary slightly from the classic.
What’s the best cheese to use if I can’t find Swiss?
Gruyère or provolone can be wonderful substitutes for Swiss cheese because they melt nicely and bring a mild nutty flavor that complements the tangy sauerkraut well.
Is it necessary to chill the balls before coating and frying?
Yes! Chilling helps the balls firm up, so they hold their shape during frying, which results in that perfect crunchy exterior and creamy inside every time.
Can I bake the Reuben balls instead of frying?
Baking is possible to reduce oil usage; however, frying ensures a crispier crust. If baking, use a high temperature (around 400°F) and lightly spray the balls with oil, turning them halfway through baking.
How spicy is the dipping sauce? Can I adjust it?
The dipping sauce has a nice, moderate kick from horseradish and hot sauce, but you can easily dial up or down the heat to suit your taste by varying the amount of hot sauce or horseradish used.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve discovered how to make these Irresistibly Crunchy Reuben Balls with Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe, why not gather your ingredients and whip up a batch? They’re perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in a flavorful, crunchy treat any time. With the perfect balance of textures and bold, zesty flavors, these Reuben balls are sure to become a staple in your recipe box. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Irresistibly Crunchy Reuben Balls with Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling time)
- Yield: 24 balls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Irresistibly Crunchy Reuben Balls are a delicious, bite-sized twist on the classic Reuben sandwich. Made with a flavorful blend of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese, these balls are coated in rye breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection. Paired with a spicy, tangy dipping sauce, they make for a perfect appetizer or party snack.
Ingredients
For the Reuben Balls
- 1 cup corned beef (chopped, fresh and thickly sliced preferred)
- 1 cup sauerkraut (drained)
- 1 cup Swiss cheese (shredded)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup rye breadcrumbs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp salt (for filling)
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying (heated to 350°F)
For the Spicy Dipping Sauce
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp prepared horseradish
- 1 tsp hot sauce (to taste)
- 1 tbsp sweet relish
- 0.25 tsp smoked paprika
- a pinch salt
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is well-blended and creamy.
- Form the balls: Scoop the mixture and roll it into walnut-sized balls, placing them on a baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up and hold their shape during frying.
- Set up breading stations: Arrange three separate bowls — one with all-purpose flour, another with beaten eggs, and the last with rye breadcrumbs. This will create the crispy coating for the Reuben balls.
- Bread the balls: Take each chilled ball and coat it first thoroughly in flour, then dip it in beaten eggs, and finally roll it in rye breadcrumbs, ensuring they are completely covered for a crunchy exterior.
- Fry the balls: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F. Fry the Reuben balls in batches for 3-4 minutes each, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain excess oil: Remove fried balls with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil, ensuring they remain crispy and not greasy.
- Make the dipping sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, prepared horseradish, hot sauce, sweet relish, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the Reuben balls hot, paired with the zesty spicy dipping sauce for a perfect flavor combination and crunchy bite.
Notes
- Chilling the balls before breading helps them hold their shape during frying.
- Adjust the hot sauce amount in the dipping sauce to control the spice level.
- Use fresh, thickly sliced corned beef for best texture and flavor.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to ensure even frying without sogginess.
- These Reuben balls are best served immediately for maximum crispiness.
