Crispy Reuben Balls

 

Crispy Reuben Balls: A Bold Twist on a Classic Sandwich

Love a good Reuben sandwich? Then you’re going to flip over these Crispy Reuben Balls—bite-sized, golden-fried versions of the deli classic that are packed with all the flavors you love. With gooey Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, savory corned beef, and a crispy coating, these little flavor bombs are perfect for game day, parties, or whenever you're craving a snack with serious personality.

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What Are Reuben Balls?

Reuben Balls are everything you love about a traditional Reuben sandwich, but in snackable, deep-fried form. Think of them as the ultimate appetizer—crunchy on the outside, melty and meaty on the inside. Dip them in Thousand Island or Russian dressing and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing dish that disappears fast.

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Ingredients

• 1½ cups cooked corned beef, finely chopped

• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and chopped

• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• Salt and black pepper to taste

For coating:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1½ cups breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)

• Optional: pinch of caraway seeds in the mix for that classic rye flavor

For frying:

• Vegetable or canola oil, for deep frying

For dipping:

• Thousand Island or Russian dressing

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Instructions

1. Mix the filling:
   In a large bowl, combine chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended and able to hold together.

2. Form the balls:
   Scoop the mixture and roll into small balls, about 1–1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

3. Chill:
   Freeze the balls for 20–30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape while frying.

4. Coat:
   Roll each ball in flour, dip into beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, you can double-dip in egg and breadcrumbs.

5. Fry:
   Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 175°C (350°F). Fry the balls in batches for 2–3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

6. Serve:
   Serve hot with a side of Thousand Island dressing for dipping.

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Tips & Variations

• Make ahead: Prepare and freeze the balls ahead of time—just fry from frozen, adding an extra minute or two.

• Air fryer option: Lightly spray with oil and air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway through.

• Spice it up: Add a bit of horseradish or hot sauce to the filling for a kick.

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Why You’ll Love Them

These Crispy Reuben Balls are the perfect mix of nostalgia and creativity. They're great for using up leftover corned beef or just adding a little wow-factor to your appetizer lineup. Every bite is cheesy, crunchy, and packed with the unmistakable flavor of a classic Reuben—just in a fun, finger-friendly format.

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Pro Tip: Don’t forget the dipping sauce—it's what takes these over the top!