Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Sauce: 5 Irresistible Tips

Posted on November 28, 2025

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these incredible Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce! They’re like a fun twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, packed into bite-sized delights that are simply irresistible. I first made these for a game day gathering, and I couldn’t believe how quickly they disappeared! The savory blend of corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and gooey Swiss cheese, all rolled into crispy little balls, makes for an explosion of flavor with every bite. And that spicy dipping sauce? Wow! It’s the perfect kick that elevates these tasty treats to a whole new level. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to appetizer for any occasion. You won’t just be impressed—you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these delectable Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce. Grab your measuring cups and let’s get started!

1 cup corned beef, chopped into small pieces
1 cup sauerkraut, drained well
1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded for that melty goodness
1/2 cup breadcrumbs to hold it all together
1 egg, beaten (this is your binding superstar!)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard for a touch of zing
1 teaspoon garlic powder to amp up the flavor
Oil for frying—enough to cover the bottom of your pan

Make sure you have everything on hand before diving in, and you’ll be well on your way to creating these tasty bites!

How to Prepare Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

Getting these Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce ready is super simple and oh-so-rewarding! Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive in! Start by taking a large mixing bowl and combine the chopped corned beef, well-drained sauerkraut, and shredded Swiss cheese. You really want to mix these ingredients well so that every bite captures that classic Reuben flavor.

Next, sprinkle in the breadcrumbs, add the beaten egg, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Now, this is where the fun begins! Use your hands to mix everything together until it’s nicely combined. You want a sturdy mixture that can hold its shape, so don’t be afraid to get in there!

Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to form those little beauties. Roll the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. This recipe should yield around 12 to 14 balls—perfect for sharing (or not!).

Now, heat up some oil in a frying pan over medium heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan, but not so much that they’ll be swimming! Fry the balls for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Make sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t burn! Once they’re done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

And there you have it—crispy, flavorful Reuben Balls ready to be dunked into that zesty Spicy Thousand Island dressing! Enjoy every bite!

Tips for Success

Alright, friends, let’s make sure your Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce turn out perfect every time! First off, when mixing your ingredients, you want that mixture to be firm yet moldable—if it’s too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs to help it hold shape. Trust me, the consistency is key!

Now, about frying: ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the balls; you can test it by dropping in a tiny bit of the mixture—if it sizzles, you’re good to go! Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan; this helps them cook evenly and get that beautiful golden-brown color.

And hey, if you’re looking to kick the flavor up a notch, don’t hesitate to add a dash of hot sauce to your mixture or experiment with different cheeses! You’ll be amazed at how a little tweak can elevate these bites even further!

Variations on Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up your Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce while keeping that delicious essence intact! For starters, try swapping out the corned beef for pastrami or even turkey—both add a unique twist and work beautifully with the other flavors.

Cheese lovers, rejoice! Instead of Swiss cheese, experiment with sharp cheddar or even pepper jack for an added kick. You could also go a bit more gourmet with Gruyère for a rich, nutty flavor. And if you want to make these bites a bit lighter, consider using ground chicken or turkey in place of the beef; just make sure to season well!

Lastly, you can play around with the sauerkraut by adding in some chopped green onions or even a bit of shredded carrots for a pop of color and crunch. The possibilities are endless, and every variation can lead to a delightful surprise!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you find yourself with any leftover Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), don’t worry—storing them is easy! Just let the balls cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Trust me, they’re still delicious the next day!

When it comes to reheating, I recommend popping them in the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange the balls on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re warmed through and crispy again. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave, but they might lose a bit of that lovely crunch. Just heat them for 30-second intervals until warm.

Enjoy those leftovers—they’re just as tasty the second time around!

Nutritional Information

Just a quick heads-up: the nutritional information for these Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while I can’t provide precise numbers, I can share that typical values you might expect per serving (which is about 4 balls) include around 320 calories, 20g of fat, 15g of protein, and 18g of carbohydrates. Always keep in mind that these numbers are just estimates, so feel free to adjust according to your ingredient choices. Happy cooking and enjoy every delicious bite!

FAQ Section

Can I bake Reuben Balls instead of frying them?
Absolutely! If you want a healthier option, feel free to bake them. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to ensure they get that nice golden color.

What can I serve with the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce?
This dipping sauce pairs perfectly with the Reuben Balls, but you can also use it as a dressing for salads or a spread for sandwiches! Try it with veggies for a crunchy snack too—it’s super versatile!

How do I keep the Reuben Balls from falling apart while frying?
The key is in the mixing! Make sure your mixture is well combined and firm enough to hold its shape. If it feels too loose, adding a bit more breadcrumbs can help. Also, don’t overcrowd the frying pan; give them some space to cook evenly.

Can I make the mixture ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just form the balls right before you’re ready to fry or bake them. This makes it super convenient for parties or gatherings!

Are Reuben Balls gluten-free?
Yes, they can be gluten-free! Just make sure to use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check that your other ingredients don’t contain gluten. With these adjustments, you can enjoy these tasty bites without worry!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Flavor: The savory combination of corned beef, creamy Swiss cheese, and tangy sauerkraut wrapped in a crispy shell is a flavor explosion you won’t forget.
Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have these delightful bites ready in no time—perfect for when you want something delicious without the fuss!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day, a festive gathering, or just a cozy night in, these Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are always a crowd-pleaser.
Customizable: You can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your taste—try different meats or cheeses to make it your own!
Great for Sharing: These bite-sized snacks are perfect for sharing, and they disappear fast—so be prepared to make a double batch!