The moment you take a bite of Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce, you’re transported to a flavor wonderland. Imagine crispy, golden-brown bites bursting with savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted cheese harmonizing like a band at a rock concert. crispy corn dog bites The aroma wafts through the air, teasing your taste buds as you rush to grab another.

Picture this: you’re hosting a game night with friends, and the excitement is palpable. You pull out these delightful Reuben Balls from the oven, and suddenly everyone’s in awe. It’s not just food; it’s an experience that brings joy and laughter as your friends dive in like kids on Christmas morning.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe for Reuben Balls is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for any gathering
- The flavor profile is a delightful mix of savory and spicy, guaranteed to please any palate
- With their golden-brown exterior and delicious filling, these balls are visually stunning
- They shine at parties but are also great for cozy nights at home
I remember the first time I made these Reuben Balls for my family; the room filled with cheers and playful banter about who could eat the most!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Corned Beef: Use high-quality ground corned beef for that authentic Reuben flavor; it’s key to achieving a savory bite. delicious corn and avocado dip.
- Sauerkraut: Rinse and drain well; this adds tanginess without making your balls too soggy.
- Swiss Cheese: Shredded Swiss cheese melts beautifully, delivering that creamy texture everyone loves.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These provide that extra crunch on the outside; they are lighter than regular breadcrumbs.
- Thousand Island Dressing: A classic dip for these balls that enhances flavors; feel free to use store-bought or homemade.
- Spices (Salt & Pepper): Simple yet essential; don’t skip seasoning your mixture for maximum flavor.
For the Sauce:
- Mayonnaise: Choose full-fat mayonnaise for creaminess; it pairs wonderfully with the spices in the sauce.
- Ketchup: A touch of sweetness from ketchup balances the tanginess of the dressing perfectly.
- Hot Sauce: Adjust this according to your heat preference; it adds a spicy kick to your dipping sauce.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the sauce; it cuts through richness beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. For more inspiration, check out this Hearty Lentil Stew Recipe recipe.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare those taste buds because we’re diving into this culinary adventure!
Mise en Place Time!: Gather all your ingredients together and set up your workspace. Preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) ensures everything cooks evenly while you assemble.
Mixing It Up!: In a large bowl, combine ground corned beef, drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, and panko breadcrumbs. cilantro lime street corn dip Mix until everything is well incorporated but avoid over-mixing to keep them tender.
Season It Right!: Add salt and pepper generously into the mixture; taste it before rolling into balls—this step can make or break your flavor experience!
Shape Those Balls!: With clean hands or an ice cream scoop, form small balls about one inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; they need space to crisp up nicely.
Baking Magic!: Pop those beauties into your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them—they should be sizzling!
Dipping Delight!: While they bake, whip up your Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce by mixing mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, and lemon juice in a bowl until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Now serve hot with that zesty dipping sauce on the side—your guests will thank you!
Enjoy crafting these mouthwatering Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce! They are not only fun to make but even more fun to devour!
You Must Know
- The secret to mouthwatering Reuben Balls lies in achieving the perfect crunch outside while keeping them juicy inside
- Pair them with a zesty dipping sauce for an unforgettable flavor explosion that will impress everyone!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your Reuben filling, then shape into balls and refrigerate before frying or baking for optimal texture and flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out corned beef for pastrami or add some sauerkraut for extra tang. mini corn dog muffins Experiment with cheeses like Swiss or Gruyère for unique flavor twists.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Reuben Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and crispy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your Reuben Balls have a delightful crunch, coat them twice in breadcrumbs
- Don’t rush the frying; let them cook evenly for that golden brown perfection
- Always taste as you go to balance flavors perfectly
I’ve made these Reuben Balls for gatherings, and watching friends devour them while laughing is one of my favorite memories—they’re always a hit!
FAQ
What is the best way to serve Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce?
Serve them hot with a side of spicy dipping sauce for an irresistible appetizer experience.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and shape the balls, then refrigerate until ready to fry or bake.
What can I substitute for corned beef in Reuben Balls?
For more inspiration, check out this Cheesy Beef Wraps recipe.
Pastrami or even turkey can be excellent substitutes without sacrificing flavor in your Reuben Balls.

Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 Reuben Balls 1x
Description
Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, perfect for game nights or casual gatherings. These crispy, golden bites combine savory ground corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese, creating a flavor explosion that will leave your guests wanting more. Serve them hot with a zesty dipping sauce for an unforgettable culinary experience that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground corned beef
- 1 cup sauerkraut (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup Thousand Island dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Spicy Dipping Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine ground corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and panko breadcrumbs until well mixed.
- Season with salt and pepper; adjust to taste.
- Form mixture into balls about one inch in diameter and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Meanwhile, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, and lemon juice for the dipping sauce.
- Serve Reuben Balls hot with the dipping sauce on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 Reuben Balls (85g)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg