Let me tell you about these amazing Reuben balls with spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce! They’re like a fun little bite-sized twist on the classic Reuben sandwich that I grew up loving. I remember my mom making Reubens on cold winter nights, the smell of corned beef and melting Swiss cheese filling the house. Now, I’ve taken those comforting flavors and turned them into crispy little balls that are perfect for sharing (or not!). The combination of tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and gooey cheese, all wrapped up in a crunchy coating, will have everyone begging for more. And trust me, the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce takes it to a whole new level! You’ll want to make these for your next gathering – they’re always a hit!
Ingredients for Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delicious Reuben balls. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup corned beef, chopped
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying
Make sure to drain the sauerkraut well to avoid any sogginess in your Reuben balls. Fresh ingredients make a world of difference, so don’t skimp on quality!
How to Prepare Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
Making these Reuben balls is super easy and fun! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious appetizer ready in no time!
Step 1 – Combine Ingredients
Start by tossing all your ingredients into a large mixing bowl. That’s the chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined, and make sure the flavors are evenly distributed. You want every bite to be just as delicious as the last!
Step 2 – Form the Balls
Once everything is mixed, it’s time to shape them into balls! I like to grab a small amount of the mixture and roll it between my palms until it’s nice and round. Aim for about 1-inch size for uniform cooking. This will help them fry evenly and give a beautiful presentation!
Step 3 – Frying the Balls
Now, let’s get frying! Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat—enough to cover the balls about halfway. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the balls in, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes or until they turn a lovely golden brown. Be cautious of hot oil splatters; it’s best to keep a safe distance!
Step 4 – Draining and Serving
Once they’re golden, remove them from the oil and let them drain on paper towels to soak up any excess grease. Now, it’s time to serve! Arrange the crispy Reuben balls on a platter and don’t forget to include that spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce on the side. Your guests will be diving in before you know it!
Nutritional Information
These Reuben balls are not just tasty; they also pack a decent nutritional punch! Each serving, which is about 4 balls, contains approximately 250 calories, 15g of fat, and 10g of protein. You’ll also get around 20g of carbohydrates and 1g of sugar. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Perfect for an appetizer without too much guilt!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Reuben balls turn out perfect every time, here are some handy tips:
- Drain the sauerkraut well: This avoids any sogginess and keeps your balls crispy.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh corned beef and cheese make a huge difference in flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches to ensure even cooking and that beautiful golden color.
- For a healthier option: Try baking them at 400°F for 15-20 minutes instead of frying.
- Experiment with spices: Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to your mixture for an extra kick!
These little tips can elevate your appetizer game, so don’t skip them!
Variations for Reuben Balls
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up your Reuben balls! Switch out the Swiss cheese for provolone or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. Want to add a little heat? Toss in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture. You could also experiment with different mustards, like honey mustard for a touch of sweetness, or even add a bit of dill for that classic Reuben taste. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make them your own!
FAQ About Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
How do I store leftover Reuben balls?
To keep your Reuben balls fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you have any leftover spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce, keep that separate in its own container. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to warm them up without losing their crunch!
What can I serve with Reuben balls?
These Reuben balls are perfect on their own, but they really shine when paired with the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce. You could also offer a side of pickles or coleslaw to complement the flavors. For a fun twist, try serving them with a variety of dipping sauces, like ranch or a zesty mustard, to give your guests some options!
Can I substitute the corned beef?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of corned beef or want a lighter option, you can substitute it with cooked turkey or even shredded chicken. For a vegetarian twist, try using a mix of mushrooms and lentils to mimic that hearty texture. Just be sure to balance the flavors so you still capture that Reuben essence!
Can I freeze Reuben balls?
Yes, you can freeze these little bites of goodness! Once they’re fully cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just bake from frozen at 400°F for about 20 minutes until heated through and crispy!
Why You’ll Love These Reuben Balls
These Reuben balls are not just your average appetizer; they’re a game-changer! Here’s why you’ll be head over heels for them:
- Easy to prepare: With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll have these whipped up in no time!
- Flavor-packed: Each bite is bursting with the classic Reuben flavors you love, all in a crispy package.
- Perfect for sharing: They’re a hit at parties, gatherings, or even just a cozy night in.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix and match spices or cheeses to suit your taste!
- Dip-worthy: Paired with that spicy Thousand Island sauce, they’re simply irresistible!
For more information on the classic Reuben sandwich, check out this Food Network article on sandwiches.
For a deeper dive into the nutritional aspects of fried foods, visit this Healthline article discussing fried foods.
Print
Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Sauce: 4 Steps to Yum!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, these Reuben balls are crispy and packed with flavor. Serve them with a spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce for a perfect appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 cup corned beef, chopped
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small balls.
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
- Fry the balls until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve with spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra heat, add hot sauce to the dipping sauce.
- Make sure to drain the sauerkraut well to avoid sogginess.
- These can be baked at 400°F for 15-20 minutes for a healthier option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 balls
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Reuben balls, spicy thousand island dipping sauce, appetizer, corned beef, sauerkraut
