Oh my goodness, have you ever tried reuben balls with spicy thousand island dipping sauce? These little gems are an absolute game-changer! Imagine taking all those beloved flavors from a classic reuben sandwich—corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese—and turning them into bite-sized, crispy delights. It’s like a party in your mouth! The best part? Pairing them with a zesty, spicy dipping sauce that just kicks everything up a notch. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked. They’re perfect for appetizers, game days, or just when you want something fun and delicious. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup corned beef, chopped (make sure it’s nice and tender for that authentic flavor!)
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained (drain well to avoid soggy balls—no one wants that!)
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded (adds that melty goodness you’ll love)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for that perfect crispy coating)
- 1 egg, beaten (this helps bind everything together—so important!)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for a little flavor kick)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (because what’s better than a hint of oniony goodness?)
- Oil for frying (enough to cover the bottom of your pan—about an inch should do)
How to Prepare Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
Alright, let’s get cooking! Making these reuben balls is super straightforward, and I promise you’ll have a delicious treat in no time. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to crispy perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, grab a big mixing bowl. Toss in that chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, garlic powder, and onion powder. Give it a good mix! You want everything combined nicely, so don’t be shy—use your hands if you need to!
- Once everything is mixed, it’s time to form those little balls! I like to make them about the size of a golf ball. This ensures they cook evenly. Just roll them gently and place them on a plate.
- Now, heat about an inch of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. You want it hot enough that the oil shimmers, but not so hot that it smokes. A good test is to drop a tiny piece of the mixture in—if it sizzles right away, you’re good to go!
- Carefully add a few reuben balls to the hot oil, but don’t overcrowd the pan. This can cause them to steam instead of fry, and we want that lovely golden crisp! Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully browned.
- Once they’re golden and delicious, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. This will help soak up any excess oil. Let them cool for a minute before diving in!
And there you have it! Perfectly crispy reuben balls, just waiting for that spicy thousand island dipping sauce. Yum! Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
When you’re indulging in these reuben balls with spicy thousand island dipping sauce, it’s good to know what you’re getting! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving (about 3 balls):
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 12g
Keep in mind these values are estimates based on standard ingredients, and they can vary based on how you prepare them. But hey, a little indulgence now and then is totally worth it, right?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- These reuben balls are a fun twist on a classic sandwich, bringing all those beloved flavors into bite-sized form!
- They’re super easy to make, perfect for a quick appetizer or snack that will impress your friends and family.
- Frying them gives that satisfying crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside gooey and flavorful.
- Serve them with spicy thousand island dipping sauce, and you’ll have a flavor explosion that everyone will rave about!
- Great for parties, game days, or just when you need a delicious treat to satisfy those cravings.
- They can be customized with different spices or cheese—make them your own!
- Leftovers? No problem! They reheat beautifully, so you can enjoy them again later.
Tips for Success
Alright, here are my top tips to ensure your reuben balls turn out absolutely perfect every single time. Trust me, these little nuggets of joy deserve the best treatment!
- Don’t skip the draining! Make sure your sauerkraut is well-drained. If it’s too wet, your mixture will be soggy, and we definitely want crispy reuben balls. Give it a good squeeze in a clean kitchen towel if you need to!
- Consistency is key! When forming your balls, try to keep them uniform in size. This way, they’ll all cook evenly. Nobody likes a burnt ball next to an undercooked one!
- Check your oil temperature! If your oil is too hot, you’ll end up with burnt outsides and cold insides. If it’s too low, they’ll soak up oil and become greasy. The sizzle test is your best friend here—just drop a tiny bit of the mixture in to see if it sizzles!
- Fry in batches! Don’t overcrowd the pan. This can lower the oil temperature and lead to steaming instead of frying. Fry them in small batches for that perfect golden crunch!
- Let them drain! After frying, place your reuben balls on a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil so they stay crispy and not greasy!
- Experiment with flavors! Feel free to adjust the spices in the mix to suit your taste. Add a pinch of cayenne for heat, or some fresh herbs for an extra layer of flavor. Make it your own!
Follow these tips, and you’re on your way to reuben ball success! Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve made these scrumptious reuben balls with spicy thousand island dipping sauce, let’s talk about what to serve alongside them to elevate your meal experience even more! Trust me, the right sides and drinks can turn a simple snack into a full-on feast.
- Crispy Potato Wedges: These are a perfect companion! The crunchiness of the wedges complements the tender reuben balls beautifully. Toss them with a bit of seasoning for extra flavor!
- Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds a nice crunch and balances the richness of the reuben balls. Plus, that tangy flavor is just divine!
- Pickles: A side of dill pickles or pickled vegetables adds a nice acidity that cuts through the richness, making every bite even more delightful!
- Craft Beer: For drinks, a cold craft beer pairs perfectly with these bites. The hoppy flavors complement the savory notes of the corned beef and cheese.
- Cocktails: If you’re in the mood for something a bit fancier, a classic whiskey sour or a tangy Moscow mule would also work wonders!
- Vegetable Platter: Serve with a colorful vegetable platter and some ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. It adds a nice, fresh contrast to the hearty reuben balls.
Mix and match these suggestions based on your mood and occasion! Whatever you choose, your reuben balls will shine as the star of the show. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made these irresistible reuben balls, and now you have some leftovers—awesome! Here’s how to store them so they stay just as delicious for your next snack session.
First things first, let those tasty reuben balls cool completely before storing them. This helps prevent condensation in your container, which could make them soggy. Once they’re cool, place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just layer them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last up to 2 months in the freezer!
When it comes to reheating, you have a couple of options. If you want that crispy texture back, pop them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for about 5-7 minutes—this method works wonders for keeping them crispy! If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, but be careful; they might turn out a bit soft. Just heat them for about 30 seconds at a time until warm.
With these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your reuben balls even after the first serving. Happy snacking!
FAQ Section
Can I bake these reuben balls instead of frying them?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Just spray them lightly with cooking spray to help them crisp up in the oven.
What can I use instead of corned beef?
If you’re not a fan of corned beef or want to switch things up, you can try using shredded chicken or turkey. It’ll give you a different flavor profile, but still delicious!
How do I make the spicy thousand island dipping sauce?
It’s super easy! Just mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, a splash of hot sauce, and a little pickle relish. Adjust the heat level to your taste, and you’re good to go!
Can these reuben balls be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture and form the balls a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to fry them! This makes for a quick appetizer when you’re short on time.
What should I serve with the reuben balls?
They pair wonderfully with a variety of sides! Think crispy potato wedges, a fresh coleslaw, or even a tangy vegetable platter. Don’t forget that spicy thousand island sauce for dipping—it’s the perfect complement!
For more information on the health benefits of sauerkraut, check out this Healthline article.
For tips on frying techniques, you can refer to this Serious Eats guide.
Print
Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce 2
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Reuben balls with spicy thousand island dipping sauce are a delicious twist on a classic sandwich. These bite-sized treats combine corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese, all fried to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 cup corned beef, chopped
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Shape the mixture into small balls.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry the balls until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
Notes
- Serve hot with spicy thousand island dipping sauce.
- Adjust spices to taste.
- Can be baked for a healthier option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 balls
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: reuben balls, spicy thousand island sauce, appetizer
