Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe

If you love the classic flavors of a deli Reuben sandwich but want a bite-sized twist for your next party or cozy night in, these Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are about to become your new obsession. Imagine savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Swiss, and a hint of zippy mustard, all rolled up, fried to golden perfection, and dunked into a zesty, creamy sauce that packs just the right amount of heat. This dish brings together everything you love about the iconic sandwich in the most fun and satisfying way, making it perfect for sharing, snacking, or even impressing your guests at any gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce lies in a handful of ingredients that sing when combined. Each one is simple, yet absolutely crucial, working together to create the signature bite: savory, creamy, crunchy, and tangy all at once!

• Corned beef: Chopped or shredded for hearty texture and deep, meaty flavor that forms the backbone of the balls.
• Sauerkraut: Drained and squeezed dry—essential for balancing richness with a fresh, tangy kick.
• Swiss cheese: Shredded, it melts beautifully and adds those classic nutty notes.
• Cream cheese: Softened for easy mixing, it brings everything together with luscious creaminess.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a pop of sharp, savory brightness to cut through the richness.
• All-purpose flour: Helps the crispy coating adhere to each ball for that perfect crunch.
• Eggs: Beaten to act as glue for the breading process.
• Breadcrumbs (panko recommended): These create an extra crispy outer layer—so satisfying to bite into!
• Vegetable oil: For frying; choose one with a neutral flavor and a high smoke point.
• Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base for that unforgettable dipping sauce.
• Ketchup: Adds sweet tang and a beautiful color to the sauce.
• Pickle relish: Little pops of briny flavor that make the sauce sing.
• Hot sauce: Adjustable to taste for just the right amount of warmth and zip.
• Smoked paprika: Lends a subtle smokiness and depth to the spicy Thousand Island dip.

How to Make Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by grabbing a mixing bowl and your key Reuben-filling ingredients: corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, and Dijon mustard. Combine them thoroughly—the mixture should look evenly blended, with everything held together nicely thanks to the cream cheese. A quick chill in the fridge (about 30 minutes) helps the mixture firm up, making it much easier to shape later.

Step 2: Form the Balls

Once your filling is chilled and cohesive, use a spoon or small scoop to portion out about 1-inch balls. Gently roll them between your palms for smooth, even spheres. Place the formed balls on a lined baking sheet as you go so they don’t stick. Pop the tray back in the fridge while you prepare the breading. This helps them keep their shape, especially when dipping in crumbs later.

Step 3: Bread the Balls

Set out three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Working one at a time, coat each ball in flour (for dryness and grip), then dip in egg (for binding), then roll generously in panko breadcrumbs until completely coated. This classic breading trio ensures a crisp, golden exterior that stays put during frying.

Step 4: Fry the Balls

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C) — just enough for the balls to be half-submerged. Fry the breaded Reuben balls in small batches so the oil temperature stays steady. Turn them gently every so often, letting each side get beautifully golden and crispy, usually in 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil. The result: the ultimate crunchy outside and melty inside!

Step 5: Make the Dipping Sauce

Now for that all-important finishing touch—Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce would simply not be complete without this! In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, hot sauce, and smoked paprika. Taste and adjust the heat as you like. The sauce should be creamy with a kick, and those little pickle bits give each dip extra personality.

Step 6: Serve

Arrange your golden Reuben Balls on a serving platter, pile them up for maximum crave-appeal, and set a bowl of that irresistible spicy Thousand Island dip on the side. They taste best warm, so make sure you don’t wait too long to dig in!

How to Serve Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

Garnishes

To bring a pop of freshness and color, sprinkle your platter with a little chopped parsley or finely sliced chives. For even more of a deli vibe, add a few dill pickle chips or a dusting of extra smoked paprika on the sauce. These little touches make your Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce look as fabulous as they taste.

Side Dishes

If you want to round out your spread, consider crisp kettle-cooked potato chips, tangy coleslaw, or even a refreshing cucumber salad. Each side echoes flavors from the classic sandwich and turns your platter of Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce into a satisfying meal everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, skewer each ball with a toothpick for fuss-free finger food. Or, create a “build your own Reuben Ball” board, pairing the balls with mini rye toasts and extra sauce options. For casual gatherings, pile them into a basket lined with parchment, nestling a bowl of dipping sauce right in the center for an eye-catching centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers—a rarity with something this craveable!—store the cooled Reuben balls in an airtight container in the fridge. The spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce can be stored separately in a covered jar. Both will stay fresh for up to three days, though you may find them disappearing much sooner.

Freezing

Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are surprisingly freezer-friendly! For maximum convenience, freeze the breaded (but unfried) balls on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready for a quick snack or party platter, fry straight from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

Reheating

To recapture that just-fried crispiness, pop the Reuben balls in a 375°F (190°C) oven or air fryer for about 5 to 8 minutes until heated through. The microwave works in a pinch, but the coating may get soft. Serve with freshly stirred spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce for best results.

FAQs

Can I use deli pastrami or another meat instead of corned beef?

Absolutely! Pastrami offers a slightly different but equally delicious flavor. You can even swap in cooked roast beef for a creative twist, though corned beef will always deliver that classic Reuben experience.

Is it possible to bake these instead of frying?

Yes! To lighten things up, arrange the breaded balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, mist with cooking spray, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for around 15 minutes, turning halfway through. They won’t be quite as crisp as fried, but still incredibly tasty.

Can the spicy Thousand Island sauce be made ahead of time?

You bet! The sauce actually improves as the flavors meld—make it up to two days in advance and keep it chilled in a sealed jar until ready to serve with your freshly fried Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce.

What’s the best way to keep the balls from falling apart when frying?

Chilling the filled and breaded balls before frying is key—it helps them hold their shape and makes for a crispier crust. Don’t skip refrigerating between steps for best results!

Are these gluten free, or can they be made gluten free?

As written, the recipe isn’t gluten free, but you can easily swap in a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. With these simple changes, everyone can enjoy Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce at your table.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce enough—they truly deliver the best parts of a deli favorite in a party-worthy bite. Whether you’re hosting friends, looking for a new appetizer, or just craving something fun and flavorful, I hope you give this recipe a whirl and make some delicious memories along the way!

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