Growing up, I have so many fond memories of my grandma’s famous Crispy Reuben Balls. Every holiday, she’d spend hours in the kitchen crafting these little flavor bombs, and the entire house would be filled with their heavenly aroma. I can still taste the perfect balance of salty corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and crispy breadcrumb coating. Even as a picky kid, I couldn’t resist sneaking one or two (or five) before dinner. It’s no wonder these Crispy Reuben Balls became the star of every family gathering.
Now, as an adult, I’ve perfected my grandma’s recipe so I can enjoy those nostalgic flavors anytime I want. This Crispy Reuben Balls recipe is hands-down my go-to for easy, crowd-pleasing appetizers. Not only are they incredibly delicious, but they also come together in just 20 minutes total – 10 minutes for prep and 10 minutes for cooking. That means you can whip up 24 servings (that’s 48 Crispy Reuben Balls!) in practically no time at all.
Table of Contents
Why This Crispy Reuben Balls Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Crispy Reuben Balls
The secret to these Crispy Reuben Balls is all in the technique. By gently folding the ingredients together instead of overmixing, you end up with a perfectly tender and cohesive filling. And the double-dredge method of coating them in breadcrumbs is the key to achieving that addictively crunchy exterior. Trust me, once you taste how incredible these Crispy Reuben Balls are, you’ll be making them on repeat.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crispy Reuben Balls recipe lies in the carefully curated ingredients. You’ll need:
- 1 lb corned beef, finely chopped
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp Thousand Island dressing
- 1 tsp caraway seeds
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Step-by-Step Crispy Reuben Balls Instructions
Preparing Your Crispy Reuben Balls
This recipe takes 20 minutes total – 10 minutes for prep and 10 minutes for cooking. You’ll need a medium mixing bowl, a small scoop or spoon, and a large skillet for frying. Let’s get started!
1- In a medium mixing bowl, gently combine the corned beef, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, and Swiss cheese until just mixed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the filling dense.
2- Using a small scoop or spoon, portion the filling into 24 equal balls, each about 2 tablespoons in size. Lightly roll each ball between your palms to smooth the shape.
3- In a shallow dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs. Working in batches, roll the filling balls in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help the coating adhere.
4- In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the breaded Crispy Reuben Balls, working in batches if needed.
5- Fry the Crispy Reuben Balls for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked balls to a paper towel-lined plate.
6- Serve the Crispy Reuben Balls warm, garnished with extra sauerkraut or Thousand Island dressing if desired. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
- For the best texture, use thinly sliced deli-style corned beef.
- Gently fold the filling ingredients together to prevent the balls from becoming dense or tough.
- Be sure to work in batches when frying to maintain the optimal oil temperature.
- Let the cooked Crispy Reuben Balls drain on a paper towel-lined plate to help them stay crispy.
Serving and Storing Your Crispy Reuben Balls
Perfect Pairings for Crispy Reuben Balls
These Crispy Reuben Balls are the ultimate party appetizer, making 24 servings (48 balls total). Serve them alongside a tangy Thousand Island dipping sauce, a crisp green salad, or your favorite beer for the perfect game day spread. They’re also a great addition to a holiday hors d’oeuvres table or a cozy night in with friends.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Crispy Reuben Balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes until hot and crispy. For make-ahead convenience, you can assemble the filling balls in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to bread and fry.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Crispy Reuben Balls
Creative Crispy Reuben Balls Variations
While the classic Crispy Reuben Balls are hard to beat, you can have fun with some tasty variations. Try swapping the corned beef for shredded roast beef or even chopped turkey. You could also experiment with different cheese options, like cheddar or Gruyère. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the filling.
Making Crispy Reuben Balls Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe more diet-friendly, you can use reduced-fat Swiss cheese and substitute low-fat or dairy-free Thousand Island dressing. For a gluten-free version, swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds. And for a vegan twist, use plant-based corned beef and vegan cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I substitute the corned beef with something else?
A: Absolutely! While the classic Crispy Reuben Balls are made with corned beef, you can easily swap it for shredded roast beef or chopped turkey. Just adjust the seasoning as needed to complement the new protein.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes exactly 24 servings, with each serving being 2 Crispy Reuben Balls.
Q: Can I make the Crispy Reuben Balls in advance?
A: Yes, you can definitely make these in advance! Prepare the filling balls, store them in the fridge, and then bread and fry them just before serving. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Q: How do I keep the Crispy Reuben Balls from getting soggy?
A: To prevent sogginess, be sure to drain the cooked balls on a paper towel-lined plate and serve them warm. Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying, and work in batches to maintain the optimal oil temperature.
Crispy Reuben Balls
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 24 servings
Description
Crispy Reuben Balls are a delectable and easy-to-make appetizer that combines the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich into bite-sized morsels. Packed with corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese, these crispy balls are the ultimate party snack.
Ingredients
– 1 lb corned beef, finely chopped
– 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
– 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp Thousand Island dressing
– 1 tsp caraway seeds
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
1. 1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, breadcrumbs, Thousand Island dressing, caraway seeds, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated.
2. 2. Scoop the mixture by the tablespoonful and roll into 1-inch balls.
3. 3. In a large skillet, heat 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
4. 4. Carefully add the reuben balls to the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown.
5. 5. Transfer the fried reuben balls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. 6. Serve the crispy reuben balls warm, with additional Thousand Island dressing for dipping.
Notes
For a crispy exterior, be sure to thoroughly squeeze the sauerkraut to remove excess moisture. You can also bake the reuben balls at 400°F for 12-15 minutes instead of frying.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Bites & Finger Foods
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Crispy Reuben Balls are a surefire hit, whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a tasty snack. With their perfectly balanced flavors and irresistibly crispy texture, it’s no wonder they’re a family favorite. Give this recipe a try, and get ready to wow your guests with 24 servings of Crispy Reuben Ball deliciousness. Don’t forget to let me know how they turn out – I’d love to hear your feedback!
