If you love the flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich—the salty corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, creamy Swiss, and zingy Thousand Island dressing—just wait until you try them transformed into bite-sized party magic! Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Dip are the ultimate appetizer that never fail to steal the spotlight. Each golden bite holds a perfect punch of savory, cheesy, crunchy goodness, and the fiery dip on the side is the bold finishing touch. Whether you’re hosting a game-day spread, serving friends for happy hour, or just want a fun kitchen project, you’ll adore how this recipe brings the iconic Reuben into snackable territory.

Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Dip Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the goodies for these Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Dip is as satisfying as eating them. The short ingredient list is full of classics—each one carefully chosen for maximum flavor, texture, and that signature Reuben tang.

Chopped Cooked Corned Beef (1 1/2 cups): Adds that unmistakable savory depth and hearty texture—the backbone of each bite.
Sauerkraut, Drained and Squeezed Dry (1 cup): Delivers a tangy punch and prevents sogginess inside your Reuben balls.
Shredded Swiss Cheese (1 cup): Melts for that beloved gooey richness, just like the classic sandwich.
Cream Cheese, Softened (4 oz): Pulls the filling together while making it creamy and scoopable.
Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a subtle aromatic kick that plays beautifully with the meat and cheese.
Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Brightens up all the flavors with gentle heat—don’t skip it!
Caraway Seeds, Optional (1/4 teaspoon): If you crave that just-like-the-deli rye flavor, a pinch gives you the real deal.
All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): The first step of the breading process—essential for crispiness.
Large Eggs, Beaten (2): Help the breadcrumbs stick for that ultra-crispy finish.
Seasoned Breadcrumbs (1 1/2 cups): Bring crunch and a hit of savory herbs to every ball.
Vegetable Oil for Frying: You’ll need enough to submerge or nearly cover the balls—go for a neutral oil with a high smoke point.
Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The rich, creamy base for your spicy dipping sauce.
Ketchup (2 tablespoons): Offers that sweet-and-tangy “Reuben” flavor note in the dip.
Prepared Horseradish (1 tablespoon): The spicy, punchy ingredient that brings the sauce to life.
Hot Sauce (1 teaspoon): Use your favorite to bring real heat without overpowering the flavors.
Smoked Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a whisper of smoky warmth to the dip—utterly craveable.
Salt & Pepper to Taste: Just enough in the dip to make the flavors sing.

How to Make Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Dip

Step 1: Prep the Savory Center

In a large bowl, combine your chopped corned beef, well-drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and caraway seeds if you love that traditional rye flavor. Mash and mix until everything’s well blended. You’ll notice the filling gets cohesive and just sticky enough to form into balls—creamy, chunky, and loaded with Reuben flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Form and Firm

Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet to keep things tidy and nonstick. Once you’ve formed them all, pop the baking sheet in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes. This chill time helps them firm up, making breading a total breeze and ensuring they hold shape in the hot oil.

Step 3: Bread for Maximum Crunch

Set up your dredging station with three shallow bowls—one with the flour, one for the beaten eggs, and one with seasoned breadcrumbs. Working with a few balls at a time, roll them first in the flour (for dryness and grip), then dip them into the eggs (for binding), and last, roll in breadcrumbs (for that addictive crunch). Place breaded balls back on the baking sheet as you go.

Step 4: Fry to Perfection

Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or saucepan until it’s about 2 inches deep. Heat it up to 350°F (175°C)—a kitchen thermometer helps, but you can also test with a scrap breadcrumb to see if it sizzles instantly. Carefully fry the breaded Reuben balls in batches, about 2–3 minutes per batch, until gloriously golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess oil.

Step 5: Whip Up the Spicy Dip

While your Reuben balls are cooling just enough to handle, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, hot sauce, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. You’ll end up with a smooth, rosy dipping sauce that’s creamy, spicy, and smoky—truly the best partner your crispy bites could ask for.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer your fresh-fried Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Dip to a platter, arrange them in a generous heap, and set out the spicy dip for dunking. Dig in while they’re hot and crispy—everyone will be singing your praises before the first batch is halfway gone!

How to Serve Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Dip

Garnishes

Sprinkle your platter with a handful of fresh chopped parsley, finely sliced green onions, or even a little extra caraway seed for color and punch. A light dusting of smoked paprika over the dip adds eye-catching color and a whisper of warmth that’ll have guests coming back for more.

Side Dishes

Pair Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Dip with house-made potato chips, classic dill pickles, or a simple coleslaw for cool crunch. If you’re hosting a party, they shine alongside other favorites like mini pretzels, pickled vegetables, or a hearty bowl of kettle-cooked chips.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your Reuben balls high on a wooden serving board and skewer each with toothpicks for grab-and-go ease, or nestle them in a basket lined with deli paper for that cozy pub-style vibe. Arrange the spicy dip in a shallow bowl surrounded by the crispy bites, or offer individual little cups for double-dipping fun at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (it happens, but not often!), tuck any remaining Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Dip into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to three days. The spicy dip can be refrigerated separately in a covered jar or bowl, ready for your next snack attack.

Freezing

To freeze for later, line the uncooked, breaded balls on a tray and freeze until solid. Once they’re frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or freezer container. They’ll keep well for up to a month. Fry straight from frozen—just add one to two extra minutes to the cooking time and they’ll come out piping hot and perfectly crispy.

Reheating

For best results, reheat cooked Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Dip in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer for about 8 to 10 minutes. This brings back the exterior crunch without overbaking the filling. Microwave reheating works too, but for maximum crispiness, the oven or air fryer is your best friend.

FAQs

Can I bake the Reuben balls instead of frying?

Absolutely! Arrange the breaded balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment, spray them lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 18–22 minutes, turning once halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy as frying, but still incredibly good.

What can I use instead of corned beef?

You can swap in chopped cooked pastrami for a smoky twist, or even diced roasted turkey for a lighter flavor. The filling is forgiving, so feel free to get creative based on what’s in your fridge.

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

Chilling the formed balls before breading, handling them gently, and ensuring your oil is at the right temperature all help prevent breakage. Also, make sure the sauerkraut is well-drained—excess moisture is the enemy of structural integrity!

Can I make the spicy dip milder?

Of course! Simply reduce the hot sauce and horseradish for a gentler kick, or leave out the hot sauce altogether. The dip is endlessly adjustable to suit every palate.

Are Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Dip gluten free?

As written, they aren’t gluten free, but you can easily swap in gluten-free all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs if needed. Check that your corned beef and other packaged ingredients are certified gluten free as well.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a show-stopping snack that tastes as fun as it looks, you have to try these Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Dip. They pack all the hearty, zesty magic of a deli classic into the most irresistible, party-perfect bites. Fire up your skillet and get dunking—these crispy treats promise to impress!

Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Dip Recipe

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4.6 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 20–24 balls 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Dip are a delightful twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, perfect for parties or game days. Crispy on the outside, savory on the inside, and served with a zesty dip, they’re sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Reuben balls:

1 1/2 cups chopped cooked corned beef
1 cup sauerkraut (drained and squeezed dry)
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
4 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs (beaten)
1 1/2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs
vegetable oil for frying

For the spicy dip:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

In a large bowl, mix the corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, pepper, and caraway seeds until well combined.
Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 20–30 minutes to firm up.
Set up a dredging station with three bowls: flour in one, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs in the third. Roll each chilled ball in flour, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumbs.
Heat oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the Reuben balls in batches for 2–3 minutes or until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
To make the dip, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, hot sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Serve the crispy Reuben balls hot with the spicy dip on the side.

Notes

Make sure the sauerkraut is well-drained to prevent soggy centers.
You can freeze uncooked balls for up to 1 month—fry straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the cooking time.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American