Reuben Balls Spicy Island (Print Version)
Savory corned beef bites paired with a zesty, spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce perfect for sharing.
# What You'll Need:
→ Reuben Balls
01 - 1 ½ cups cooked corned beef, finely chopped
02 - 1 cup sauerkraut, well-drained and chopped
03 - 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
04 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
05 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
06 - ½ tsp black pepper
07 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
08 - 2 large eggs, beaten
09 - 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
10 - Vegetable oil, for frying
→ Spicy Thousand Island Sauce
11 - ½ cup mayonnaise
12 - 2 tbsp ketchup
13 - 1 tbsp dill pickle relish
14 - 1 tsp prepared horseradish
15 - 1 tsp hot sauce
16 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
17 - ½ tsp garlic powder
18 - Salt and pepper, to taste
# Steps:
01 - Combine chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix until thoroughly blended.
02 - Shape mixture into 1-inch balls and arrange on parchment-lined tray. Freeze for 20 minutes until firm.
03 - Arrange three shallow bowls: place flour in first, beaten eggs in second, panko breadcrumbs in third.
04 - Coat each ball in flour, dip into egg mixture, then press firmly into panko crumbs to coat completely.
05 - Pour 2 inches vegetable oil into deep skillet or saucepan. Heat to 350°F.
06 - Fry balls in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
07 - Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, horseradish, hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
08 - Serve Reuben balls warm accompanied by spicy Thousand Island sauce for dipping.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Every bite delivers that perfect Reuben combination of salty corned beef tangy sauerkraut and nutty Swiss cheese
- The spicy Thousand Island sauce adds just enough kick to keep people coming back for more
02 -
- Do not skip the freezer step because warm mixture will fall apart in the hot oil and create a mess
- Make sure your oil is at the right temperature. Too cool and the balls will be greasy. Too hot and they will burn before cooking through.
03 -
- A pinch of caraway seeds mixed into the filling adds that classic rye bread flavor everyone associates with Reubens
- Use pastrami instead of corned beef for a smokier variation that is equally delicious