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Reuben balls with spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce

These crispy Reuben Balls are a bite-sized twist on the classic deli sandwich, filled with corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese, then fried or baked to golden perfection. Paired with a spicy homemade Thousand Island dipping sauce, they make the perfect appetizer or party snack.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 96
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Reuben Balls:
  • 1 ½ cups corned beef chopped or shredded
  • 1 cup sauerkraut well-drained
  • 1 cup Swiss cheese shredded
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard optional
  • Salt pepper, or caraway seeds (optional, to taste)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour for dredging
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Vegetable oil for frying or spray oil (for baking)
  • For the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce:
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or sweet pickle relish
  • 2 tbsp chopped pickles or relish
  • Hot sauce to taste
  • ¼ tsp smoked paprika optional

Method
 

  1. Make Filling: Mix corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, and mustard. Chill.
  2. Roll Balls: Form 1-inch balls and chill again to firm up.
  3. Bread: Coat in flour, dip in egg, then cover with panko breadcrumbs.
  4. Cook: Fry at 350°F for 3–5 mins or bake at 425°F for 15–20 mins until golden.
  5. Make Sauce: Mix mayo, ketchup, vinegar/relish, chopped pickles, hot sauce, and paprika. Chill 30 mins.
  6. Serve: Serve hot with dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Notes

  • You can freeze uncooked, breaded balls for up to 3 months.
  • Use turkey or pastrami instead of corned beef for variation.
  • For gluten-free, use GF breadcrumbs and flour.
  • Air frying is also possible at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.