Name: Reuben Balls with Spicy Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup chopped corned beef; 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese; ½ cup sauerkraut, drained and chopped; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 2 large eggs, beaten; ½ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup Thousand Island dressing; 2 tablespoons hot sauce; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Oil for frying

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Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce take all the beloved flavors of a classic deli Reuben sandwich—corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and tangy dressing—and transform them into crispy, cheesy bite-sized appetizers. Perfect for parties, game-day spreads, or as a fun starter, these golden-fried snacks are indulgent, flavorful, and downright irresistible.

Reuben Balls with Spicy Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love the savory, cheesy, tangy bite of a Reuben sandwich, these fried balls are about to become your new favorite. They’re crunchy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and perfectly complemented by a creamy, spicy dipping sauce. They’re easy to make ahead, crowd-pleasing, and just unique enough to stand out on any appetizer table.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup chopped corned beef
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
½ cup sauerkraut, drained and chopped
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 large eggs, beaten
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup Thousand Island dressing
2 tablespoons hot sauce
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Oil for frying

Directions

In a mixing bowl, combine chopped corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and softened cream cheese until well blended.
Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
Dredge each ball in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat in breadcrumbs.
Chill the breaded balls for 20 minutes to firm up.
Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F. Fry the balls in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3–4 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
In a small bowl, whisk together Thousand Island dressing, hot sauce, and garlic powder to make the dipping sauce.
Serve the Reuben Balls hot with spicy Thousand Island on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 20 Reuben Balls.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Smoky Twist: Use pastrami instead of corned beef.
Baked Version: Bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes instead of frying for a lighter option.
Cheese Swap: Try Gruyère or mozzarella for a melty alternative.
Extra Heat: Add diced jalapeños or increase the hot sauce in the dipping sauce.
Mini Sliders: Flatten the mixture into patties instead of balls and serve on slider buns.

Storage/Reheating

Reuben Balls are best served fresh, but you can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 350°F until crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it will make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble and bread the balls, then refrigerate or freeze them before frying.

Can I freeze Reuben Balls?

Yes, freeze before frying. Fry directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to cooking time.

Do I need to drain the sauerkraut?

Yes, draining is essential to prevent a soggy filling.

Can I air-fry instead of deep-frying?

Yes, cook at 375°F in an air fryer for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway.

What kind of oil is best for frying?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil.

Can I use rye breadcrumbs?

Yes, rye breadcrumbs add extra authentic Reuben flavor.

What if I don’t like Thousand Island dressing?

Ranch, spicy mayo, or a horseradish cream sauce would also pair well.

How do I keep the balls from falling apart?

Chilling before frying helps them hold their shape, as does not overfilling with cheese.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, but full-fat cream cheese helps keep the filling richer and creamier.

Are these good for parties?

Absolutely—they’re portable, bite-sized, and easy to serve with dipping sauce on the side.

Conclusion

Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are a fun, crave-worthy twist on a deli classic. With their crispy coating, cheesy filling, and tangy-spicy dip, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast at any gathering. Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry them, these little bites are the ultimate party-ready comfort food.