Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
Introduction
These Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce pack everything you love about a traditional Reuben sandwich—savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melty Swiss cheese, and rye flavor—into crispy, golden bites. Perfect for game day, parties, or holiday platters, these balls are crunchy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and completely addictive. The spicy Thousand Island sauce adds just the right kick to balance the richness.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Servings: 24–28 balls
Ingredients
For the Reuben Balls
2 cups finely chopped corned beef
1 cup sauerkraut, well drained and finely chopped
1½ cups shredded Swiss cheese
¾ cup rye breadcrumbs (or plain breadcrumbs + 1 tsp caraway seeds)
2 large eggs
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp black pepper
Oil for frying (or see baking/air-fryer option below)
For Breading
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch)
For the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup ketchup
2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1–2 tsp hot sauce (to taste)
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Reuben Mixture
In a large bowl, combine corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, rye breadcrumbs, eggs, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Mix until fully combined and slightly sticky.
Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm up for easier shaping.
Shape & Bread
Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of mixture and roll into balls.
Roll each ball in flour, dip into beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
Place breaded balls on a tray and refrigerate for 10 minutes for best results.
Cook the Reuben Balls
Frying (Classic & Crispiest):
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry balls in batches for 3–4 minutes, turning until golden brown.
Drain on paper towels.
Baking:
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
Air Fryer:
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway.
Make the Spicy Thousand Island Sauce
Whisk all sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
Chill for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with dipping sauce on the side
Garnish with chopped parsley or extra caraway seeds
Pair with pickle spears or coleslaw for a deli-style platter
Pro Tips
Squeeze sauerkraut extremely dry to prevent soggy balls
Use freshly shredded Swiss for better melting
For extra spice, add chopped jalapeños to the filling
These freeze well before frying—perfect for make-ahead parties
Final Thoughts
These Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce deliver all the bold deli flavors you love in a crispy, shareable form. Easy to prepare, endlessly dippable, and guaranteed to disappear fast—this recipe is a must-make appetizer for any occasion.