Okay, so, the Reuben. Seriously, is there anything better than a perfectly made Reuben sandwich? That tangy sauerkraut, the salty corned beef, that melty Swiss… Ugh, my mouth is watering just thinking about it! But sometimes, you want all those AMAZING flavors in a bite-sized package. Enter: my Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce!
These little guys are seriously addictive. We’re talking crispy, golden-fried balls of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss, all dunked in a creamy, spicy sauce. The textures? Forget about it! Crunchy on the outside, savory and gooey on the inside. It’s a total flavor explosion. I remember the first time I ever had a Reuben – my grandpa took me to this old-school deli, and I was hooked from the first bite. Now, I’ve taken that classic and turned it into the ultimate party snack: Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce!
Why You’ll Love These Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
Quick and Easy Appetizer
Seriously, who has hours to spend in the kitchen before a party? Not me! These Reuben Balls come together super fast. We’re talking minimal prep time, and then just a few minutes in the fryer. Boom! Appetizer perfection.
Perfect for Parties
Trust me, bring these to your next get-together, and you’ll be the MVP. They’re easy to eat, totally poppable, and everyone loves ’em. Plus, they’re way more exciting than boring old chips and dip, right?
Delicious Twist on a Classic
Okay, we all love a good Reuben, but sometimes you want something a little different. These Reuben Balls take all those classic flavors and turn them into a fun, unexpected appetizer that’ll have everyone saying, “Wow!”
Irresistible Flavor Combination
That salty corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Swiss cheese? Ugh, it’s a match made in heaven. And then you dunk it in the spicy Thousand Island? Forget about it! The savory and spicy combo is seriously addictive.
Ingredients for Your Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
Reuben Balls Ingredients
Alright, let’s gather our troops! For the Reuben Balls themselves, you’ll need: a pound of corned beef (make sure it’s finely chopped – nobody wants big chunks!), a cup of sauerkraut (and listen, SQUEEZE that sauerkraut DRY, or you’ll end up with soggy balls – yuck!), and a cup of shredded Swiss cheese. Then, you’ll need half a cup of all-purpose flour, two large eggs (beaten!), a cup of panko bread crumbs (for that amazing crunch!), and about two cups of vegetable oil for frying. Got it? Good!
Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Ingredients
Now, for the *real* magic: the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce! You’re gonna need: half a cup of mayonnaise (don’t skimp on the good stuff!), a quarter cup of ketchup, two tablespoons of sweet pickle relish (adds a little somethin’ somethin’, ya know?), a tablespoon of horseradish (for that kick!), half a teaspoon of hot sauce (more or less, depending on how spicy you like things!), and a quarter teaspoon of smoked paprika. That smoked paprika? Trust me, it makes ALL the difference!
How to Make Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce: Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Reuben Ball Mixture
Okay, first things first, let’s get that Reuben ball mixture prepped! Grab a big ol’ bowl and toss in your finely chopped corned beef, that squeezed-dry sauerkraut (seriously, don’t skip the squeezing!), and your shredded Swiss cheese. Now, get in there with your hands (or a spoon, if you’re fancy) and mix everything together REALLY well. You want all those flavors to get to know each other, ya know?
Once everything’s mixed, it’s time to roll! Grab a small amount of the mixture – about a tablespoon or so – and roll it between your palms to form a 1-inch ball. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly round; we’re going for rustic charm here! Place the finished balls on a plate or baking sheet. You should end up with around 24 of these little guys. Almost there!
Coating the Reuben Balls
Alright, time for the fun part! Get three shallow dishes ready. In the first, put your all-purpose flour. In the second, your beaten eggs. And in the third, your panko bread crumbs. Now, one by one, roll each Reuben ball in the flour, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, dip it in the egg, letting any excess drip off. Finally, roll it in the panko bread crumbs, pressing gently to make sure they stick. We want a THICK coating of panko for maximum crunch!
Frying the Reuben Balls to Perfection
Careful here – hot oil is no joke! Heat your vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, just heat it until a tiny piece of bread dropped in sizzles and turns golden brown in about 30 seconds. Now, CAREFULLY drop a few Reuben Balls into the hot oil – don’t overcrowd the fryer, or they won’t get crispy! Fry them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy all over. Keep a close eye on them; they can burn quickly!
Remove the fried Reuben Balls with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil. Repeat until all the balls are fried. Mmm, they smell amazing, right?!
Making the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
While those Reuben Balls are cooling slightly, let’s whip up that Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce! It’s so easy, you won’t believe it. Just grab a small bowl and dump in all the sauce ingredients: mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, horseradish, hot sauce, and smoked paprika. Now, mix it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. Taste it and adjust the hot sauce to your liking. More spice? Go for it! Less spice? No problem. It’s your sauce, make it how you like it!
Tips for the Best Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
Don’t Overcrowd the Fryer
Listen, this is a biggie! If you dump too many Reuben Balls in at once, the oil temperature will drop, and you’ll end up with greasy, sad little balls. Fry ’em in batches – maybe 4-5 at a time – to keep that oil nice and hot and ensure they get perfectly crispy.
Ensure Sauerkraut is Well-Drained
I cannot stress this enough! Soggy sauerkraut = soggy Reuben Balls. And nobody wants that! Squeeze that stuff like you mean it! I usually wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and wring it out until I can’t get any more liquid out. Trust me, it makes a HUGE difference.
Adjust Spice to Your Preference
Okay, so the recipe calls for half a teaspoon of hot sauce in the dipping sauce, but hey, if you like things extra spicy, go for it! Add more! Or, if you’re not a fan of the heat, start with a quarter teaspoon and taste as you go. It’s all about making it YOUR perfect dipping sauce!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Reuben Balls
Corned Beef Substitutions
Alright, so maybe you’re not a huge corned beef fan? No worries! You can totally swap it out for pastrami. It’ll give you a similar salty, savory vibe. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try another deli meat like roast beef or even smoked turkey. Just make sure it’s finely chopped!
Cheese Variations
Swiss cheese is classic for a Reuben, but hey, feel free to get creative! Gruyere would be AMAZING in these Reuben Balls – it’s got that nutty, slightly funky flavor that goes so well with the corned beef and sauerkraut. Provolone would also be a delicious, melty option. Experiment and see what you like!
Panko Bread Crumb Alternatives
Panko bread crumbs give these Reuben Balls that extra-crispy coating, but if you don’t have any on hand, don’t sweat it! Regular bread crumbs will work just fine. Or, for a fun twist, try crushing up some Ritz crackers or even some pretzel crackers. Just make sure they’re finely crushed so they coat the balls evenly.
Serving Suggestions for Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
Side Dish Ideas
Okay, so you’ve got your Reuben Balls and your Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce, but what else? I love serving these with a classic coleslaw – the cool, creamy slaw is the PERFECT contrast to the rich, fried balls. Potato salad is another winner. Or, just keep it simple with some good old-fashioned pickles!
Drink Pairings
These Reuben Balls practically BEG for a cold beer! A nice, crisp lager or a hoppy IPA would be amazing. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, try a classic cocktail like a Manhattan or an Old Fashioned. The complex flavors of the cocktail will really complement the savory Reuben Balls!
Storing and Reheating Your Reuben Balls
Storage Instructions
Okay, so you somehow managed *not* to eat all these in one sitting? Wow, I’m impressed! Just pop any leftover Reuben Balls into an airtight container and stick ’em in the fridge. They’ll keep for about 3-4 days, but trust me, they won’t last that long!
Reheating Instructions
Alright, time to bring these babies back to life! The best way to reheat them is in the oven or air fryer. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake or air fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re heated through and crispy again. Microwaving works in a pinch, but they’ll get a little soggy. Just sayin’!
Frequently Asked Questions About Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
Can Reuben Balls be made ahead of time?
You betcha! This is actually one of my favorite things about ’em. You can totally make the Reuben Balls ahead of time, pop ’em in the fridge, and then fry ’em up right before your party. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container, and they’ll be good to go for a day or two.
How do I keep Reuben Balls warm for a party?
Alright, so you’ve fried up a big batch of Reuben Balls, and you wanna keep ’em warm for your guests? No problem! You can use a warming tray – those things are lifesavers! Or, if you don’t have one of those, just pop ’em in a low oven (like 200°F) to keep ’em toasty until serving time.
Can I bake Reuben Balls instead of frying them?
Okay, so technically, yes, you *can* bake these Reuben Balls. But listen, they’re just not gonna be as crispy as the fried version. If you’re trying to be a little healthier, go for it! Just bake them at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. But honestly? Frying is where it’s at!
What is the best way to drain the sauerkraut?
Seriously, I cannot stress this enough: DRAIN THAT SAUERKRAUT! The best way? Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel (or even a few paper towels) and squeeze, squeeze, SQUEEZE! Get all that excess moisture out. You’ll thank me later when your Reuben Balls aren’t soggy.
Can I freeze Reuben Balls?
Yep! Freezing Reuben Balls is totally doable. But here’s the trick: freeze them *before* you fry them. That way, they’ll stay nice and crispy when you finally cook ’em up. Just lay them out on a baking sheet, freeze ’em until they’re solid, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for a couple of months, easy!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Reuben Balls
Okay, so, let’s talk numbers! I know, I know, it’s not the most exciting part, but it’s good to have an idea of what you’re putting in your body, right? Keep in mind that this is just an estimate, and it can vary depending on the exact ingredients you use and your portion sizes (because, let’s be real, who only eats *one* Reuben Ball?!).
Based on my calculations, about three Reuben Balls will run you around 250 calories. You’re also looking at about 18 grams of fat, 12 grams of protein, and 10 grams of carbs. And yeah, there’s some sodium in there – about 400mg – thanks to that delicious corned beef. Just something to keep in mind! But hey, everything in moderation, right?
Enjoy Your Delicious Reuben Balls
Alright, you made it! You’ve got a plate full of golden, crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce. Time to dig in! And hey, if you loved this recipe as much as I do, leave a comment below – I wanna hear about it! Give it a rating, too! And don’t forget to share your pics on social media! Let’s spread the Reuben Ball love!
