If you’re a fan of classic deli flavors wrapped in a crispy, bite-sized snack, then Reuben Balls are about to become your new obsession. Imagine the bold, savory taste of corned beef, the tangy punch of sauerkraut, and the melty goodness of Swiss cheese all rolled into one golden-fried ball. Dip that into a zesty homemade spicy Thousand Island sauce and you’ve got yourself a next-level appetizer.

Perfect for game days, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy night in, these Reuben Balls strike the balance between comforting and crave-worthy. They deliver the essence of a Reuben sandwich in a form that’s much more fun to share. Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and absolutely addictive from the very first bite.

Why You’ll Love This Reuben Balls Recipe

Reuben Balls are a surefire crowd-pleaser. They transform the classic sandwich into something even easier to enjoy with your hands. The flavors are deep and satisfying—from the briny sauerkraut to the rich Swiss and salty corned beef. And the dipping sauce? It adds the perfect creamy heat that takes everything to the next level.

You’ll also love how simple these are to prep ahead of time. Make a batch, freeze them, and fry whenever the craving hits. Whether you’re entertaining or just snacking solo, they’re a flavorful way to switch things up.

What Kind of Corned Beef Should I Use?

You can use leftover corned beef from a homemade dinner, or go for convenience and pick some up from the deli counter. Either way, make sure it’s chopped finely so it blends easily with the other ingredients and rolls into firm, compact balls. Pastrami can also work in a pinch, but for the true Reuben flavor, corned beef is the way to go.

Ingredients for the Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

To bring all those iconic Reuben flavors together into one irresistible bite, you’ll need just a few essential ingredients. These build the flavor profile layer by layer, giving you that familiar deli-style satisfaction with every crunch.

Corned beef: The heart of this recipe, finely chopped corned beef delivers that unmistakable salty and savory Reuben flavor.
Swiss cheese: Melty and nutty, Swiss cheese balances the richness of the beef and blends beautifully when heated.
Sauerkraut: Adds that necessary tang and moisture. Be sure to drain it well to keep the mixture from becoming soggy.
Cream cheese: Helps bind the mixture and adds a creamy texture that enhances the indulgent bite.
Breadcrumbs: You’ll need them for both the mixture and the coating to create structure and crunch.
Eggs: Used to bind the filling and to help the outer breading stick.
Flour: Forms the first layer in the breading process and helps the eggs adhere.
Oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for golden, crispy results.

Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce 2

How To Make the Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

Step 1: Mix the Filling

Combine the chopped corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, cream cheese, a handful of breadcrumbs, and one beaten egg in a bowl. Mix until everything is evenly distributed and holds together when pressed.

Step 2: Form the Balls

Scoop out the mixture and roll into 1 to 1.5-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and chill in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 3: Prepare the Breading Station

Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Coat each ball in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, ensuring they’re fully covered.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F. Fry the balls in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Make the Spicy Thousand Island Sauce

In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, a bit of relish, a dash of hot sauce, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Stir well until creamy and combined. Taste and adjust the heat to your liking.

Serve the Reuben Balls hot with a generous side of the spicy sauce.

How to Serve and Store Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

These crispy, gooey Reuben Balls are best served hot and fresh from the fryer, with that zesty dipping sauce right alongside. Arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing, and don’t be surprised if they vanish in minutes. They feed about 6 to 8 people as an appetizer or party snack, depending on how many you make.

If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it softens the crust.

For make-ahead ease, you can freeze the uncooked, breaded balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. Fry directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cook time.

What to Serve With Reuben Balls?

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

Their natural sweetness balances the salty and savory punch of the Reuben Balls perfectly.

Pickle Spears

Go classic with crunchy dill pickles on the side. They tie into the sandwich theme and add a refreshing bite.

Beer Cheese Dip

If you want more dip options, warm beer cheese is rich and melty, and pairs nicely with these fried bites.

Coleslaw

A tangy, crunchy slaw helps lighten the richness of the Reuben Balls.

Pretzel Bites

Another party snack staple, and great for scooping up any leftover sauce.

Deviled Eggs

A creamy, nostalgic finger food that matches the retro feel of Reuben flavors.

Loaded Tater Tots

Amp up your appetizer game with something hearty and cheesy like these Loaded Tater Tots.

Creamy Beef Pasta

Make it a fun dinner spread with a side of Creamy Beef and Shells for anyone craving something extra.

Want More Appetizer Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce, you’re in for a treat with these other crave-worthy bites:

Loaded Tater Tots for a cheesy, crispy side that’s impossible to resist.
Creamy Beef and Shells if you’re looking for hearty comfort food to go with your bites.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for another meaty, melty appetizer that’s full of flavor.
Crispy Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls for that creamy-spicy combo in a crunchy shell.
Cheesy Chicken Fritters when you want something equally snackable but with a chicken twist.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can find it anytime you’re ready to fry up some crispy deliciousness.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you keep it classic or did you mix it up with pastrami or add extra spice? I love hearing how you personalize your bites.

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