Oh, the joy of a good Reuben sandwich! I can still remember the very first time I had one—seated in a cozy diner, its aroma wafting through the air, and the anticipation tingling in my stomach. Layers of tender corned beef, melted cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and that zesty Thousand Island dressing all nestled between two slices of toasted rye bread—it was love at first bite! Now, let me tell you how this fond memory inspired my crispy Reuben balls, bringing that same delightful flavor to a fun, bite-sized appetizer that’s perfect for gatherings or a comforting snack at home.
These crispy Reuben balls with spicy Thousand Island bliss are not just a treat for the taste buds; they remind me of those carefree diner days. Perfectly crispy on the outside and bursting with savory goodness on the inside, they are sure to become a hit whether you’re hosting a game night, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, or just looking for a cozy dinner at home. So tie on your apron; let’s get cooking this delicious recipe that will keep you coming back for more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to whip up for a quick weeknight dinner or snack.
- Budget-friendly ingredients that pack a punch in flavor.
- Comfort food vibes in a fun, shareable form.
- Great for meal prep or freezing for later enjoyment.
- Adjustable spice level with our spicy Thousand Island dressing!
Ingredients
Let’s gather our goodies! Here’s everything you’ll need for these fabulous Reuben balls:
- 1 cup cooked corned beef, shredded (leftovers work beautifully!)
- 1 cup sauerkraut, well-drained and chopped
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs (they give a great crunch!)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- For the Spicy Thousand Island Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust for heat preference)
- Salt to taste
Pro tip: Fresh garlic cloves minced and stirred into the mixture can really elevate the dish, giving that extra kick of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into the cooking process! I promise it’s easier than assembling a sandwich, and so satisfying too.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded corned beef, chopped sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then add them to the beef mixture. Make sure to mix well—this is what will help hold everything together.
- Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir till evenly distributed.
- Take small handfuls of the mixture and roll them into balls about the size of a golf ball. You should get around 12-15 balls, depending on how big you like them.
- Set up a dredging station. Place the flour in one shallow bowl, the beaten egg in another, and the panko breadcrumbs in a third.
- Coat each ball in flour, then dip it into the egg, and finally roll it in the panko breadcrumbs. Ensure they are well coated for that extra crunch!
- In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat. You can check if it’s ready by dropping in a tiny piece of bread—if it bubbles and sizzles, you’re good to go!
- Carefully add the Reuben balls in batches (don’t crowd the pan). Fry them for about 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re golden brown.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the crispy balls and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil.
- While the Reuben balls are cooling, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, and sriracha in a small bowl. Season with salt to taste. There’s your spicy Thousand Island bliss!
Ahh, the smell of frying food—a total mood booster! Just don’t get too distracted, or you might overdo it with those crispy little gems.
Pro Tips & Variations
Let’s get a little creative! Here are some fun twists and tips to customize your Reuben balls:
- Spicy Kick: Add more sriracha to the dressing or toss some cayenne into the mixture for an extra zing.
- Cheese Variation: Swap out Swiss for Gruyère or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor experience.
- Make them Baked: If you prefer a lighter option, try baking them! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), brush them with a little oil, and bake on a parchment-lined tray for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Herb it Up: Add some fresh dill or parsley to the mixture for a fresh herbal note.
- Make it a Slider: If you want to go a step further, serve these crispy bites on mini slider buns with extra dressing for a fun twist.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy Reuben balls are perfect for sharing! Serve them with a side of crunchy potato chips or a fresh garden salad to balance out the richness. For a cozy evening at home, you might even curl up with a steaming bowl of tomato soup—it’s a classic! And don’t forget that spicy Thousand Island goodness—it’s not just a dip but the pièce de résistance! You can even pour it generously over the balls before serving for a real flavor explosion.
Storage Tips
If, by some miracle, you have leftovers, here’s how to keep them delicious for the next snack attack:
- Refrigerating: Store any cooled Reuben balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just know they might lose that crispy charm.
- Freezing: For longer storage, flash freeze the uncooked Reuben balls on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. No need to thaw; just add a couple of extra minutes to the frying time!
- Reheating: For reheating, I recommend popping them back in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness. No one likes a soggy snack!
FAQs
Can I use turkey instead of corned beef?
Absolutely! Turkey would make a delicious variation, especially around Thanksgiving or if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just make sure to season it well to keep that yummy flavor!
What if I can’t find sauerkraut?
No worries! You can substitute with coleslaw mix, although it won’t have that tangy flavor. If you can incorporate some vinegar into the mix, that would help mimic the taste!
Are these gluten-free?
To make these gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs for their gluten-free counterparts. They should get just as crispy and delicious!
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the spicy Thousand Island dressing up to a week in advance. Just keep it stored in the fridge in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
What can I serve instead of Thousand Island dressing?
If you’re not a fan of Thousand Island, a creamy ranch or a tangy barbecue sauce could be delightful as well. Feel free to mix it up!
Conclusion
There you have it—crispy Reuben balls with spicy Thousand Island bliss, a dish that’s bursting with flavor and sure to impress anyone you serve it to. I can’t wait for you to try making these! They’re perfect for gatherings, movie nights, or whenever you want to treat yourself. And please, let me know how your Reuben balls turn out! Your feedback and stories are what keep this little corner of the internet cozy and alive. Happy cooking, my friend!
Print
Crispy Reuben Balls: Spicy Thousand Island Delight Unleashed
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 balls 1x
Description
Indulge in Crispy Reuben Balls paired with Spicy Thousand Island for a flavor explosion. Discover this easy recipe for a tasty snack! 155 chars
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
These crispy Reuben balls bring the delightful flavors of a traditional Reuben sandwich into a fun, bite-sized appetizer, perfect for gatherings or a cozy snack.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12-15 balls
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
Keywords: Reuben balls, appetizer, crispy snacks, St. Patrick’s Day, game night
Leave a Comment