Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

If you love the bold, tangy flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich, these Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are about to become your new favorite appetizer. Crispy on the outside, melty and savory on the inside, they deliver everything you love about a Reuben in a bite-sized, party-perfect form.

Perfect for game days, holiday gatherings, or casual get-togethers, these golden bites disappear fast — especially when paired with a creamy, spicy dipping sauce that adds just the right kick.

Why These Reuben Balls Are a Hit

• Classic Reuben flavors in snack form
• Crispy, cheesy, and ultra-satisfying
• Perfect for parties and game night
• Can be fried or air-fried
• Dipping sauce takes them over the top

Ingredients

Reuben Balls

• Cooked corned beef, finely chopped
• Swiss cheese, shredded
• Sauerkraut, drained and finely chopped
• Cream cheese, softened
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Flour
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs
• Oil for frying

Spicy Thousand Island Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Ketchup
• Sweet pickle relish
• Hot sauce
• Paprika

Instructions

1. Combine corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, cream cheese, garlic powder, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Chill mixture for 20 minutes to firm up.
3. Roll mixture into small balls.
4. Coat each ball in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
5. Fry in hot oil until golden brown, or air-fry until crisp.
6. Mix all sauce ingredients until smooth.
7. Serve hot with spicy Thousand Island sauce.

Flavor & Texture Experience

Each bite starts with a crispy crunch, followed by savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and gooey melted cheese. The spicy Thousand Island sauce adds creaminess with just enough heat to keep things exciting.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Form balls up to 24 hours ahead
• Refrigerate before frying
• Reheat in oven or air fryer for crispiness

Creative Variations

• Use pastrami instead of corned beef
• Add caraway seeds for rye flavor
• Make mini versions for platters
• Bake instead of fry for lighter option

Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

Crispy fried Reuben balls filled with corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut served with spicy Thousand Island sauce.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 20 balls

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 160

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Reuben Balls

• 1.5 cups corned beef finely chopped
• 1 cup Swiss cheese shredded
• 0.5 cup sauerkraut drained and chopped
• 4 oz cream cheese softened
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder

Spicy Thousand Island Sauce

• 0.5 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 2 tbsp pickle relish
• 1 tsp hot sauce

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Frying pan or air fryer

Method

 

1. Mix Reuben ball ingredients and chill.
2. Roll into balls and coat with breading.
3. Fry or air-fry until golden.
4. Mix dipping sauce ingredients.

Notes

Serve immediately for best texture.