Dinner

Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe

ByRita Bennet December 22, 2025December 22, 2025

Introduction

Reuben Balls are a delightful twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, combining corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese into crispy, bite-sized treats. Paired with a spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce, they make a perfect appetizer or snack.

A white plate holds seven golden-brown, crispy round fritters arranged in a circle around a small white bowl of creamy, beige dipping sauce with visible black specks and green herb pieces. Each fritter has a rough, crunchy texture with some parts darker from frying, and is topped with a light drizzle of the same sauce and small green herb bits. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, with scattered green herb leaves adding contrast. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ cups chopped or shredded corned beef
1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry

1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
½ cup all-purpose flour

2 eggs, beaten
1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
Vegetable oil, for frying

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon pickle relish

1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, and Dijon mustard. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 2: Scoop the chilled mixture into 1-inch portions and roll each into a ball. Place the balls onto a lined baking sheet and return to the refrigerator while preparing the coating.
Step 3: Set up a breading station: place the flour in one bowl, the beaten eggs in another, and the breadcrumbs in a third. Coat each ball first in flour, then dip into the eggs, and finally roll in breadcrumbs to fully cover.
Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the balls in small batches for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 5: For the dipping sauce, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, hot sauce, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Adjust the seasoning and heat level to your preference.
Step 6: Serve the Reuben Balls warm on a platter with the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce alongside.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs when coating the balls.

Chilling the mixture and the formed balls helps maintain their shape during frying.
Add a dash of caraway seeds to the filling for a more authentic Reuben flavor.
Try baking the balls at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes as a healthier alternative to frying.

Storage

Store leftover Reuben Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to retain their crispiness; avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy. The dipping sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to a week.

How to Serve

A white plate with seven round, golden-brown fried balls arranged in a circle, each topped with a light drizzle of creamy sauce and some green herb pieces. In the center, there is a small white bowl filled with a smooth, light beige dipping sauce that has small dark flecks and is also sprinkled with green herbs. The surface beneath the plate is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Reuben Balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and bread the balls a day ahead. Keep them refrigerated and fry just before serving for the best texture.

What can I use instead of corned beef?

If corned beef is unavailable, pastrami or cooked roast beef can be used as alternatives, though the flavor may vary slightly from traditional Reuben.