Imagine biting into a crispy, golden-brown ball that bursts with the savory flavors of corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and gooey cheese. Now pair that with a spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce that has just the right kick to awaken your taste buds. savory Philly cheese steak Welcome to the world of Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce, where every bite transports you to a cozy deli on a bustling street corner. spicy cream cheese dip cheesy ground beef pasta classic ground beef meatballs For more inspiration, check out this Oven Baked Barbecue Ribs recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What can I serve with Reuben Balls?
- Can I make these ahead of time?
- How do I know when they’re done cooking?
- 📖 Recipe Card
These delightful morsels are perfect for game days, parties, or simply when you need a delicious distraction from adulting. I remember the first time I made Reuben Balls; my friends went from skeptical to raving fans in record time. The laughter and joy shared around that table were golden moments worth savoring.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Reuben Balls are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for any occasion
- With their bold flavors and crispy texture, they are sure to impress your guests
- The vibrant colors and aroma add visual appeal to any spread
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or main dish!
I still chuckle thinking about my buddy trying one without knowing what was inside, his eyes widened in surprise as he found out it wasn’t just another meatball.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Corned Beef: Use high-quality corned beef for authentic flavor; leftovers work great too!
- Sauerkraut: Drain well; this adds that signature tanginess without making your balls soggy.
- Swiss Cheese: Shred fresh Swiss cheese for melt-in-your-mouth goodness; it complements the beef perfectly.
- Breadcrumbs: Use plain breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture together; panko adds extra crunch.
- Eggs: They help hold everything together; large eggs work best for this recipe.
For the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce:
- Ketchup: A classic base for the sauce; opt for no-sugar-added if you’re watching calories.
- Mayonnaise: Choose your favorite mayo, it’s essential for creaminess; consider using light mayo if desired.
- Hot Sauce: Adjust according to your heat preference; Sriracha gives a great kick!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter. Chop the corned beef finely and drain the sauerkraut thoroughly. This ensures an even distribution of flavors.
Mix It Up!: In a large bowl, combine chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, breadcrumbs, and eggs. Mix until well-blended but avoid overmixing; we want tender balls here!
Form the Balls: Using your hands (or a melon baller if you’re feeling fancy), scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. Make sure they’re compact enough to hold their shape during frying.
Heat Your Oil: In a deep skillet or pot, heat oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. You can test by dropping in a breadcrumb; if it sizzles, you’re good to go!
Fry Them Up!: Carefully add the Reuben balls in batches (don’t overcrowd). Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Make the Dipping Sauce: While those beauties cool down slightly, mix ketchup, mayonnaise, hot sauce in a small bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, more spice? Go ahead!
Enjoy these treats warm with your spicy dipping sauce on the side! You’ll be amazed at how quickly these disappear at gatherings or family dinners!
This culinary journey through Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce is not just about cooking but memories waiting to be made around your dinner table!
You Must Know
- These Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce bring classic flavors in a fun bite-sized form
- Perfect for parties or game days, they pack a punch of flavor and are sure to impress your guests
- The crispy outer layer and savory filling create a delightful treat that everyone will love
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by prepping the ingredients: corned beef, cheese, and sauerkraut. Form balls, then fry or bake for crispy perfection while preparing your dipping sauce on the side.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out corned beef for pastrami or add extra spices like garlic powder for an extra kick. Customize your dipping sauce with added hot sauce if you’re feeling adventurous.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Reuben Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes for a fresh taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly shaped balls, chill your mixture first; it helps with forming
- Always taste-test your filling before frying to ensure flavor balance
- Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature for crispiness
I remember throwing together these Reuben Balls during a last-minute party prep, and my friends couldn’t stop raving about them! One friend even requested them at every gathering since then.
FAQ
What can I serve with Reuben Balls?
Serve with pickles or chips to enhance your appetizer experience.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them and refrigerate until ready to cook.
How do I know when they’re done cooking?
They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside when fully cooked.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are a delicious twist on classic deli flavors, featuring crispy bites of corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese. Paired with a zesty dipping sauce, these flavorful morsels are perfect for game days, parties, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped corned beef
- 1/2 cup drained sauerkraut
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 3/4 cup plain breadcrumbs (or panko)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1–2 tsp hot sauce (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by finely chopping the corned beef and draining sauerkraut.
- In a large bowl, combine chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, breadcrumbs, and eggs. Mix until blended.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Fry Reuben balls in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown; drain on paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix ketchup, mayonnaise, and hot sauce for the dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 Reuben Balls (75g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
