Reuben Balls Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Reuben Balls Recipe because it captures everything I adore about the classic Reuben sandwich in a fun, bite-sized form. These golden, crispy little balls are packed with savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy cheeses, and a hint of mustard, all wrapped in rye bread crumbs that provide the perfect crunch. They make for an irresistible appetizer or snack that never fails to wow friends and family whenever I serve them.

Why You'll Love This Reuben Balls Recipe

What makes this Reuben Balls Recipe so special to me is the incredible balance of flavors in every bite. The corned beef is tender and juicy, mingling beautifully with the creamy Swiss and cream cheese, while the sauerkraut adds just the right amount of tang and brightness to cut through the richness. The addition of grainy mustard gives a subtle kick that lifts the whole dish. I love how each of these layers come together to recreate the classic Reuben experience, but in a totally fun and shareable ball form.

Another thing I adore about this recipe is how straightforward it is to prepare, despite how impressive it looks and tastes. Sautéing the ingredients to meld those flavors takes just minutes, and once shaped, the balls firm up nicely in the fridge before frying to a perfect golden crisp. They’re perfect for gatherings because you can make them ahead, refrigerate, and fry right before guests arrive. I’ve served these at game days, casual parties, even holiday get-togethers, and they always disappear fast!

Ingredients You'll Need

The ingredients for this recipe are wonderfully simple but each one plays an important role in bringing the dish to life. From the savory corned beef and creamy cheeses to the tangy sauerkraut and crunchy rye crumbs, the combination creates that signature Reuben flavor and satisfying texture.

• Vegetable oil: For sautéing the onions and corned beef to develop flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Chopped onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed, balancing the tangy sauerkraut.
• Corned beef: The heart of the recipe, tender and seasoned, providing the classic Reuben flavor.
• Garlic, minced: Brings a subtle aromatic warmth that complements the other savory ingredients.
• Cream cheese (room temperature): Melts smoothly and adds creaminess that binds all the elements together.
• Swiss cheese, chopped or grated: Offers nutty, melty goodness that enhances the richness.
• Sauerkraut (drained and squeezed dry): Gives the perfect tang and a slight crunch that cuts through the richness.
• Chopped parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of green color.
• Grainy mustard: Lends just a hint of sharpness to brighten the mix.
• Rye bread, toasted and processed into crumbs: Provides the classic crust and helps hold the balls together with a delicious crunch.
• All-purpose flour: Used for coating to help the egg whites and crumbs stick better.
• Egg whites: Creates a light binding layer for the breading to adhere.
• Thousand Island dressing: Perfect for dipping to complete that quintessential Reuben flavor experience.

Directions

Step 1: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step is key to building the aromatic base for your Reuben balls.

Step 2: Stir in the chopped corned beef and minced garlic. Cook on medium-low heat for about 2 minutes, just until the corned beef is warmed through and the garlic is fragrant. Avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness.

Step 3: Add the room temperature cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until it melts completely into the mixture, creating a smooth, creamy base. Then, remove the skillet from heat to prevent the cheese from breaking or separating.

Step 4: Mix in the Swiss cheese, well-drained sauerkraut, chopped parsley, and grainy mustard. Stir everything until combined evenly; this is where all the classic Reuben flavors really come together.

Step 5: Incorporate 3 tablespoons of the rye bread crumbs into the mixture to help hold it together. Combine thoroughly but gently.

Step 6: Let the mixture cool until it can be handled comfortably. Then, shape it into 1 ½ inch balls. This size is perfect for bite-sized fun and even frying.

Step 7: Roll each ball lightly in the all-purpose flour to create a dry coating surface. Then place the balls in the refrigerator and chill until fully cool and firm.

Step 8: Dip each chilled ball into the egg whites, one at a time, to create a sticky layer for the crumbs to adhere.

Step 9: Next, roll each ball in the remaining rye bread crumbs until fully coated. Arrange them on a tray and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours until they are firm enough to fry without falling apart.

Step 10: Heat canola oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the balls in batches for about 3 to 4 minutes or until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy on all sides.

Step 11: Drain the fried Reuben balls on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve them warm with plenty of Thousand Island dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This Reuben Balls Recipe yields approximately 8 servings, making it great for sharing at small gatherings or family dinners. The prep time, including chopping and mixing, takes about 30 minutes. Keep in mind you’ll need around 2 to 3 hours for chilling and setting the balls properly in the refrigerator before frying. The frying itself is quick, roughly 15 minutes in total, depending on batch size. Altogether, expect about 3 hours and 10 minutes from start to finish, including resting time, to get that perfect texture and flavor combo.

How to Serve This Reuben Balls Recipe

From my experience, these Reuben balls are best served hot or warm so you can savor the melty cheese and crispy exterior at their peak. I like to plate them with a generous bowl of Thousand Island dressing for dipping—the creamy, tangy sauce elevates the whole bite and makes it feel indulgent and satisfying.

For a complete snack or appetizer platter, I often serve these with crunchy pickle spears and a side of coleslaw to add a refreshing contrast to the richness. You could also pair them with fresh veggies or potato chips to keep the meal light yet flavorful. Garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a lovely color pop and brightness that makes the presentation inviting, especially during parties or casual get-togethers.

I find these balls shine at family dinners, game days, or even as a unique appetizer during holiday celebrations. Because they can be made ahead and fried just before serving, they’re a stress-free way to impress guests while enjoying the event yourself.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Reuben Balls Recipe is how flexible it is. If you want to switch up the meat, you could try shredded turkey breast for a leaner but still flavorful alternative, or even a plant-based corned “beef” substitute for a vegetarian take. The cream cheese and Swiss combo can be swapped for vegan versions using dairy-free cream cheese and shredded vegan cheese if you’re aiming to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

For gluten-free adaptations, I recommend replacing the rye bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. It changes the texture just slightly but still gives that satisfying crunch. You can also experiment by adding a little caraway seed to the mixture for a different aromatic note that works beautifully with the sauerkraut.

As for cooking methods, if frying isn’t your preference, these balls can be baked in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes until golden, flipping halfway through. While this won't give quite the same crispiness as frying, it’s a lighter option that still tastes fantastic and lets you enjoy this classic flavor without extra oil.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover Reuben balls, I recommend storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy them as a tasty snack or quick meal. Placing a layer of paper towel in the container helps absorb excess moisture and keeps the coating crisp longer.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these Reuben balls to enjoy later. For best results, freeze them before frying by arranging the shaped and breaded balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, fry them directly from frozen—just add a minute or two to the cooking time to make sure they heat through.

Reheating

To reheat leftover or frozen Reuben balls while maintaining their crispiness, I suggest using an oven or toaster oven. Heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the exterior soggy and less appetizing. Using the oven method helps bring back that beautiful crunch and ensures the cheese and filling are nicely warmed.

FAQs

Can I make Reuben balls ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, I recommend preparing the balls and chilling them for at least 1 to 2 hours before frying. You can even make them the day before and keep them refrigerated overnight to save time on the day of serving.

What can I substitute for corned beef in this recipe?

If you want a different protein, cooked shredded turkey or chicken breast works nicely and keeps the dish lighter. For a vegetarian version, try a seasoned plant-based beef substitute. Just make sure it’s finely chopped to mimic the texture of corned beef.

How do I prevent the Reuben balls from falling apart when frying?

Chilling the balls thoroughly before frying is crucial to help them hold together. Also, make sure your breading is even and that you dip them in egg whites first so the crumbs adhere properly. Fry at a steady medium-high heat to cook them through quickly without breaking.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Absolutely! Baking at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes will give a golden crust, though it won’t be quite as crispy as frying. Flip them halfway through baking to ensure even color and warmth.

What’s the best dipping sauce for Reuben balls?

I always go with Thousand Island dressing because it perfectly complements the tangy and savory flavors in the balls. You can also try Russian dressing or a simple mustard-mayo blend for a delicious twist.

Conclusion

I hope you feel inspired to try this Reuben Balls Recipe soon because it truly is a delightful twist on a beloved classic. These crispy, melty bites are easy to make, fun to share, and bursting with flavors that always impress. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, I know this recipe will become a cherished favorite in your kitchen just like it’s been in mine!

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