Reuben Balls Spicy Thousand Island (Printable)

Crispy, savory corned beef and cheese balls paired with a zesty spicy dipping sauce.

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Reuben Balls

01 - 1 ½ cups cooked corned beef, finely chopped
02 - 1 cup sauerkraut, well-drained and chopped
03 - 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
04 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
05 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
06 - ½ tsp black pepper
07 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
10 - Vegetable oil, for frying

→ For the Spicy Thousand Island Sauce

11 - ½ cup mayonnaise
12 - 2 tbsp ketchup
13 - 1 tbsp dill pickle relish
14 - 1 tsp prepared horseradish
15 - 1 tsp hot sauce
16 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
17 - ½ tsp garlic powder
18 - Salt and pepper, to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Combine chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
02 - Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and arrange on a parchment-lined baking tray. Freeze for 20 minutes to firm up for easier handling during breading.
03 - Arrange three shallow bowls: place flour in the first, beat eggs in the second, and pour panko breadcrumbs into the third.
04 - Coat each chilled ball first in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into beaten egg, then press firmly into panko breadcrumbs to ensure complete coverage.
05 - Pour 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or saucepan. Heat to 350°F over medium-high heat.
06 - Fry balls in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per batch. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
07 - Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, horseradish, hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until completely smooth and well combined.
08 - Serve the fried Reuben balls warm while crispy, accompanied by the spicy Thousand Island sauce for dipping.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Everything you love about a Reuben sandwich in poppable form
  • The crispy exterior gives way to that perfect tangy cheesy corned beef center
02 -
  • Freezing the mixture for at least 20 minutes is non negotiable or they will fall apart in the hot oil
  • The oil temperature matters too much can burn the exterior before the inside heats through
03 -
  • Work quickly when breading or the mixture will soften and become difficult to handle
  • Let the fried balls rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep them crispy on all sides

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