Growing up, my grandma would make the most delicious Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce for our family gatherings. I can still vividly remember the aroma of the sauerkraut and corned beef wafting through the house, and the way my taste buds would light up with each bite of those crispy, flavorful Reuben Balls. It was always the first dish to disappear from the table, and everyone would beg grandma for seconds (and thirds!).
Those Reuben Balls hold such a special place in my heart – they’re the perfect blend of comfort, indulgence, and nostalgia. That’s why I’m so excited to share this recipe with you today. This version of Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce is going to become your new go-to, I just know it!
Table of Contents
Why This Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
What sets this Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The key is in the careful preparation of the ingredients and the unique frying method that results in an incredibly crispy outer layer and a warm, melty interior. This recipe yields 24 servings, with each serving containing 2 Reuben Balls, so it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these delectable Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce, you’ll need:
- 1 lb corned beef, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and chopped
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp caraway seeds (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
- For the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp dill pickle relish
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (such as Sriracha)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Step-by-Step Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Instructions
Preparing Your Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
This recipe takes 25 minutes total – 15 minutes for prep and 10 minutes for cooking. You’ll need a large mixing bowl, a small bowl, a skillet, and a deep fryer or large pot for frying. Let’s get started!
1- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped corned beef, drained and squeezed sauerkraut, and shredded Swiss cheese. Mix well until evenly distributed.
2- In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
3- Gradually add the breadcrumbs to the corned beef mixture, mixing until the ingredients are fully incorporated and you can easily form the mixture into 2-inch balls (this recipe makes 24 servings, with 2 Reuben Balls per serving).
4- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F. Carefully drop the Reuben Balls into the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes, until golden brown.
5- Remove the Reuben Balls from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
6- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, chopped pickled jalapeños, and a squeeze of lemon juice to create the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce. Serve the Reuben Balls warm, with the dipping sauce on the side.
Pro Tips for Success
- Make sure to squeeze as much moisture out of the sauerkraut as possible to prevent the Reuben Balls from becoming soggy.
- Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion the Reuben Ball mixture for even, consistent sizing.
- Fry the Reuben Balls in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the spice level of the Thousand Island Dipping Sauce by adding more or less pickled jalapeños to suit your taste preferences.
Serving and Storing Your Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
Perfect Pairings for Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
These Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are the perfect appetizer or snack for game days, movie nights, or any gathering with friends and family. Serve them alongside a crisp, fresh salad or some roasted potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal. They also pair beautifully with a cold beer or a glass of red wine. Remember, this recipe yields 24 servings, with each serving containing 2 Reuben Balls.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you have any leftover Reuben Balls, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. The Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the Reuben Ball mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before frying. When you’re ready to serve, simply form the mixture into balls and fry as directed.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
Creative Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Variations
Looking to switch things up? Try adding diced bell peppers or green onions to the Reuben Ball mixture for extra flavor and color. You could also experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyère or provolone. For a spicier kick, increase the amount of pickled jalapeños in the Thousand Island Dipping Sauce.
Making Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs or panko. For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, replace the breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. And for a vegan spin, substitute the corned beef with plant-based protein, the Swiss cheese with a dairy-free alternative, and the mayonnaise with a vegan mayo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use pre-cooked corned beef instead of finely chopping it?
A: Absolutely! Using pre-cooked corned beef is a great time-saving shortcut. Just make sure to chop or shred it into small pieces before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes exactly 24 servings, with each serving containing 2 Reuben Balls.
Q: Can I bake the Reuben Balls instead of frying them?
A: Yes, you can bake the Reuben Balls instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 400°F, place the prepared Reuben Balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
Q: How long will the Reuben Balls and Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce keep in the fridge?
A: The Reuben Balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce can be kept in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Q: Can I freeze the Reuben Balls?
A: Yes, you can freeze the uncooked Reuben Balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply fry the frozen Reuben Balls as directed.
Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 24 servings
Description
Crispy, golden-brown Reuben Balls filled with corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut, served with a creamy, spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce. A delicious and impressive appetizer that’s perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
– 1 lb corned beef, finely chopped
– 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
– 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and chopped
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp caraway seeds (optional)
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– Vegetable oil for frying
For the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce:
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 2 tbsp dill pickle relish
– 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tbsp hot sauce (such as Sriracha)
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
1. 1. In a large bowl, mix together the chopped corned beef, shredded Swiss cheese, chopped sauerkraut, panko breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, caraway seeds (if using), salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2. 2. Scoop the mixture by the tablespoonful and roll into 1-inch balls.
3. 3. In a large skillet, heat 1-2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
4. 4. Working in batches, fry the Reuben Balls for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. 5. Transfer the fried Reuben Balls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. 6. For the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl.
7. 7. Serve the Reuben Balls warm, with the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
– For a creamier dipping sauce, add an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise.
– Substitute Swiss cheese with provolone or cheddar, if desired.
– Serve the Reuben Balls as an appetizer or as a main course with a side salad.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Bites & Finger Foods
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, just like they were in my grandma’s kitchen. The combination of crispy, flavorful Reuben Balls and the tangy, spicy dipping sauce is absolutely irresistible. I hope you and your loved ones enjoy this recipe as much as my family does. Let me know in the comments what you think, and don’t forget to share this delicious dish with your friends!
