If you’re looking to steal the show at your next gathering, look no further: Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are the irresistible party treat you didn’t know you needed. Imagine everything you love about a classic Reuben—savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, gooey Swiss, creamy goodness—all rolled up, crisped to perfection, and paired with a sauce that’s as bold as it is addictive. Whether you’re making these for game night, a cozy family snack, or as a cheerful appetizer for friends, you’ll find yourself reaching for one after another. Let’s dive into why these little flavor bombs need to become your new go-to nibble!

Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce is in their simplicity—each ingredient brings its own magic, and when combined, you get the ultimate bite: crunchy, creamy, tangy, and utterly satisfying. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips to help your recipe shine:

Corned Beef: Use leftover corned beef (chopped or shredded) for the most flavor; deli corned beef works in a pinch!
Sauerkraut: Squeeze it as dry as you can—no soggy Reuben balls here, just tangy zip and crunch.
Swiss Cheese: Shredded Swiss melts into the mix, bringing nutty richness to every bite.
Cream Cheese: Soft, creamy, and essential for holding everything together in a luscious, scoopable filling.
Dijon Mustard: A tablespoon cuts through the richness with a slight bite, brightening the whole mixture.
All-Purpose Flour: The first layer of breading for a crisp shell that seals in the goodness.
Eggs: Beaten eggs help the breadcrumbs cling—and make the outside perfectly golden.
Breadcrumbs (Panko recommended): Panko breadcrumbs deliver that signature crunch everyone raves about.
Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil, like canola or sunflower, is perfect for frying up small batches to crispy perfection.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce.
Ketchup: Adds a tangy, familiar sweetness to balance the heat in the sauce.
Pickle Relish: Sweet and tart, it brings classic Thousand Island flavors to life (and a lovely texture, too).
Hot Sauce: The secret kick! Adjust to your spice preference—but don’t skip it.
Smoked Paprika: Just a pinch infuses the sauce with warm, smoky depth that makes everything pop.

How to Make Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped or shredded corned beef, thoroughly drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, softened cream cheese, and a tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Mix until everything is well incorporated and you have a cohesive, chunky mixture—don’t be afraid to use your hands if needed! Cover and pop the bowl into the fridge for about 30 minutes; a chance for the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up, making shaping much easier.

Step 2: Form the Balls

Scoop out about a tablespoon of the chilled filling and roll in your palms to create 1-inch balls. Place each ball on a parchment or wax paper-lined baking sheet. If the mixture feels sticky, slightly dampen your hands or give your palms a light spritz of oil. Once you’ve shaped all the balls, slide the tray back into the fridge for a quick chill while you prep the breading station.

Step 3: Bread the Balls

Set up three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Take each chilled Reuben ball and roll it gently in the flour, making sure it’s completely coated for a dry seal. Next, dip it into the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off, then roll generously in the panko until the entire surface is covered in those airy breadcrumbs. Return the breaded balls to the lined tray, ready for frying.

Step 4: Fry the Balls

In a deep skillet or medium saucepan, heat up a few inches of neutral vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Working in batches, add a few balls at a time—don’t overcrowd the pan! Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, turning gently, until they take on a gorgeous golden-brown crust. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels, letting any excess oil drain away. Even just out of the fryer, the aroma is nearly impossible to resist.

Step 5: Make the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

Now for the sauce that ties it all together! In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, ketchup, pickle relish, your favorite hot sauce, and smoked paprika. Taste and adjust for heat and tanginess—you want a balance between creamy, spicy, and sweet. Chill the sauce until ready to serve; it’s the lightning bolt that electrifies the savory richness of every Reuben Ball.

Step 6: Serve!

Arrange your golden Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce on a festive platter—pile them high and nestle a bowl of sauce in the center (maybe sprinkle a bit of paprika or chopped pickle for color). Serve warm, and watch as guests keep circling back for “just one more.”

How to Serve Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

Garnishes

Go the extra mile with a finishing touch—scatter a handful of chopped fresh dill, scallions, or parsley over the platter for a burst of color and bright freshness. A sprinkle of caraway seeds also channels classic Reuben sandwich vibes. Don’t forget a dusting of extra smoked paprika on the dipping sauce for instant curb appeal!

Side Dishes

Pairing is all about balance—the salty, rich Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce love crisp, cool side dishes. Think simple cucumber salad, snappy pickles, or coleslaw for crunch and acidity. If you want to build a full spread, add soft pretzels, potato chips, or even a platter of fresh veggies for dipping and contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling playful? Thread the Reuben balls onto skewers for party-friendly bites, or nestle them in lettuce cups for a fresh twist. Serving at brunch? Tuck a fried egg alongside and drizzle with extra sauce. For a casual vibe, arrange the Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce in muffin tin cups to make grab-and-go servings easy at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce (though don’t be surprised if there are none!), store cooled balls in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days and can be quickly reheated for a midnight snack or next-day treat.

Freezing

Reuben Balls freeze beautifully. Before frying, place breaded balls on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag and keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, fry straight from frozen—just add an extra minute or so to the cooking time. The sauce can also be made in advance and stored separately in the refrigerator.

Reheating

To recapture that just-fried crunch, reheat chilled or thawed Reuben Balls in a 350°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until hot and crispy. Skip the microwave, which can make them soggy. Warm the sauce gently or serve it cold, as you prefer.

FAQs

Can I make Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare and bread the balls, then refrigerate overnight or freeze them. When you’re ready, simply fry and whip up the sauce for an instant appetizer with no fuss.

What’s the best way to drain sauerkraut for this recipe?

Grab handfuls of sauerkraut and squeeze firmly over the sink to remove as much liquid as possible. You can even pat it dry in a clean kitchen towel. This step is key to prevent soggy filling.

Can I bake the Reuben Balls instead of frying?

Yes! Line them up on a well-oiled baking sheet, mist with a bit of oil, and bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway. They won’t be quite as crispy as fried, but they’re still delicious.

Is it possible to make Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce gluten-free?

Definitely—swap in your favorite gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs (panko-style if possible) for breading. Always check that your other ingredients, like mustard and hot sauce, are gluten-free as well.

Can I try different meats or cheeses?

Of course! While corned beef and Swiss bring that classic Reuben flavor, pastrami or roast beef and even cheddar can give a fun twist. Feel free to play around to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about sharing Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce—bite-sized comfort with a clever twist that brings smiles and “wow!” with every mouthful. Whether for parties or just because, these little gems are too good not to try. Gather your ingredients, invite a friend, and let the recipe adventures begin!