If you’re a fan of the classic Reuben sandwich, then you’re going to absolutely love Crispy Reuben Balls! These delicious, bite-sized morsels pack all the savory goodness of a traditional Reuben sandwich but in a fun, snackable form. Imagine the hearty combination of tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and a creamy, savory base—then coated in crunchy breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection. Whether served as an appetizer, party snack, or a fun twist on a classic dish, these crispy Reuben balls will be a hit with anyone who takes a bite. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make these irresistible treats!
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Reuben Balls
1. All the Reuben Flavor in One Bite
A traditional Reuben sandwich is loved for its bold, savory flavor profile. By turning the classic sandwich into these crispy balls, you get all the same mouthwatering ingredients—corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and a tangy bite of Dijon mustard—in one convenient, poppable size. Each ball bursts with the iconic taste of a Reuben sandwich, but in a new and exciting way.
2. Crispy and Crunchy on the Outside
The beauty of these Reuben balls lies in their contrast of textures. The outside is golden and crispy from the breadcrumb coating, while the inside remains creamy and flavorful. The crispy exterior adds a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the tender filling of corned beef, cheese, and sauerkraut.
3. Easy to Make Ahead
If you’re planning a gathering, party, or just a casual get-together, these crispy Reuben balls can be made ahead of time. You can prepare them, shape them into balls, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to fry them. This makes them an incredibly convenient and stress-free appetizer that doesn’t require last-minute preparation.
4. Versatile and Customizable
While these Reuben balls are already a tasty creation, they’re also highly customizable. You can experiment with different types of cheese, add a little spice, or even try variations on the classic sauerkraut. The possibilities are endless, making them a great dish for those who love to get creative in the kitchen.
5. Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a party, making game day snacks, or simply looking for a delicious treat, these crispy Reuben balls fit the bill. They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any event. Plus, they’re great for those times when you want something filling yet bite-sized and easy to serve.
What You’ll Need
Before diving into the recipe, let’s gather all the ingredients and tools you’ll need to make these crispy, savory Reuben balls. Fortunately, you don’t need anything too complicated—just some common pantry items and a few delicious ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked corned beef, shredded: The star of the show, corned beef brings that rich, savory flavor that’s central to any Reuben. Shredded corned beef works best in this recipe, as it combines easily with the other ingredients.
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and chopped: Sauerkraut adds a tangy, acidic bite that balances the richness of the corned beef and cheese. Be sure to drain the sauerkraut to avoid excess moisture, and chop it into smaller pieces for easy mixing.
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded: Swiss cheese melts beautifully, providing that creamy, slightly nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. You can use Gruyère if you prefer a stronger flavor, but Swiss is traditional.
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened: Cream cheese helps bind the ingredients together and gives the Reuben balls a creamy, smooth texture on the inside. It also enhances the flavor and richness of the filling.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard adds a bit of tanginess and sharpness, just like the mustard in a classic Reuben sandwich. It complements the sauerkraut and helps bring all the flavors together.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder adds a subtle, savory depth to the filling. It enhances the other flavors without overpowering them.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Onion powder provides a mild, savory note that complements the garlic powder and other ingredients.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: A dash of black pepper adds a little heat and brings balance to the savory filling.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs are used to coat the Reuben balls and provide that essential crunch. You can use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture or regular breadcrumbs for a finer coating.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Flour helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the Reuben balls, giving them a sturdy exterior. It also helps prevent the balls from falling apart during frying.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: Eggs serve as a binding agent for the breadcrumbs and flour coating, ensuring the Reuben balls stay intact when frying.
- Oil for frying: You’ll need oil for frying the Reuben balls. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil all work well for deep frying.
Tools:
- Mixing bowls: To combine the filling ingredients and to dip the balls in the egg wash and breadcrumbs.
- Frying pan or deep fryer: To fry the Reuben balls to golden perfection.
- Tongs or slotted spoon: To carefully remove the fried Reuben balls from the hot oil.
- Paper towels: To drain excess oil from the Reuben balls after frying.
- Baking sheet: To set the fried Reuben balls on before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we’ve gathered everything we need, let’s start making these crispy Reuben balls! Follow these steps for a deliciously easy snack:
1. Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded corned beef, chopped sauerkraut, and shredded Swiss cheese. Mix these ingredients together until they’re evenly distributed.
2. Add Cream Cheese and Seasonings
To the mixture, add the softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Use a spoon or your hands to mix everything together until all the ingredients are well incorporated. The cream cheese will help bind the mixture and give it a creamy texture.
3. Form the Balls
Once the filling is well mixed, it’s time to form the balls. Take about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball shape with your hands. Repeat this process until all the mixture has been used. You should have about 18–20 Reuben balls, depending on the size you make them.
4. Prepare for Coating
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls:
- In the first bowl, place the flour.
- In the second bowl, add the beaten eggs.
- In the third bowl, place the breadcrumbs. First, roll each Reuben ball in the flour, ensuring it is lightly coated. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, followed by the breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well to the ball.
5. Fry the Reuben Balls
Heat the oil in a large frying pan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). If you’re using a frying pan, make sure there’s enough oil to submerge the Reuben balls halfway. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the Reuben balls into the oil, a few at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
Fry the balls for about 3–4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to carefully remove the balls from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once the Reuben balls are fried to perfection, they’re ready to serve! Pair them with a dipping sauce like thousand island dressing or Russian dressing for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy them warm and crispy!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overfill the Balls: Be careful not to overstuff the balls with filling. If they are too large or packed too tightly, they may be harder to fry or cause the filling to spill out during cooking.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the mixture before forming the balls and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more mustard or pepper for extra kick.
- Use Panko for Extra Crispiness: If you want an extra crispy coating, opt for panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Panko creates a lighter, crunchier texture.
- Cool the Filling Before Rolling: Allow the filling to cool for about 10 minutes after mixing it. This will help it hold its shape better when forming the balls.
Variations to Try
While the classic Reuben ball recipe is fantastic, here are a few variations to consider:
1. Spicy Reuben Balls
Add a little hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the filling for a spicy twist. The heat from the peppers will add a nice contrast to the richness of the corned beef and cheese.
2. Mini Reuben Sliders
Instead of making balls, use the same ingredients to form small, slider-sized patties. These are perfect for serving as mini sandwiches on soft buns, and they’ll have the same great flavor of a Reuben but in a different form.
3. Vegan Reuben Balls
For a plant-based version, substitute the corned beef with shredded tempeh or seitan, the Swiss cheese with a dairy-free alternative, and use a vegan cream cheese. You can also replace the eggs with a flax egg to bind the mixture.
Storing and Reheating
Storing: If you have leftover Reuben balls, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months if you want to enjoy them later.
Reheating: To reheat, bake the Reuben balls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until they are warmed through and crispy again. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the air fryer for 5–7 minutes for a crisp finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I bake the Reuben balls instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake the Reuben balls for a healthier alternative. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
2. What can I serve with these Reuben balls?
These balls are fantastic when paired with a dipping sauce like thousand island dressing, Russian dressing, or even a creamy sour cream dip.
3. Can I make these in advance?
Yes, you can make the Reuben balls in advance. Shape them, refrigerate them for up to a day before frying, or freeze them and fry them later when ready to serve.
The Final Word
Crispy Reuben Balls are a fun and delicious twist on the classic Reuben sandwich. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer for a party or enjoying them as a savory snack, these crispy bites are sure to be a hit. With a perfect combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and a crispy, golden exterior, they deliver big on flavor and texture. Try making them for your next gathering, and watch them disappear quickly from the platter!