After a weekend filled with indulgent brunches and family get-togethers, I found myself craving something both unique and comforting—enter my Reuben Balls! Inspired by the classic flavors of the beloved Reuben sandwich, these bite-sized delights bring together tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Swiss cheese, all wrapped up in a golden, crunchy coating.
While pondering a creative twist on a traditional comfort food, I remembered the last time I fried up some appetizers for game night; the laughter and joy shared around the table is truly what cooking is all about. The magic lies in the simplicity of these Reuben Balls. They’re easy to make, and the flavor is absolutely crowd-pleasing—you won’t even miss the sandwich!
Perfect for a fun party snack or as a cozy dinner treat, these delightful morsels are sure to steal the show. Let’s dive into the recipe and transform your next gathering into a culinary celebration!
Why You'll Love This Reuben Balls
- These Reuben Balls are an absolute breeze to prepare, making them a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
- With their irresistible combination of flavors, they capture the essence of a classic Reuben sandwich in a fun and bite-sized form that everyone will adore.
- Not only are they visually appealing with their crispy golden crust, but they are also perfect for sharing and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any event.
- The versatility of these little delights means they can be served as appetizers, snacks, or even a light meal alongside your favorite dipping sauce.
Reuben Balls Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to create these delightful Reuben Balls!
For the Filling
- Vegetable oil – ideal for frying and gives a crispy texture.
- Chopped onion – adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
- Cooked corned beef – the star ingredient that brings the unmistakable Reuben flavor.
- Garlic – enhances the overall taste with its aromatic richness.
- Cream cheese – provides a creamy texture that binds all ingredients.
- Swiss cheese – contributes a nutty flavor, perfectly complementing the corned beef.
- Sauerkraut – adds a tangy bite, a must for authentic Reuben taste.
- Chopped parsley – freshens up the filling and adds a pop of color.
- Grainy mustard – gives a zesty kick to balance the richness.
For the Coating
- Rye bread (toasted and processed into crumbs) – forms a crunchy outer layer; you can substitute with whole wheat for a healthier option.
- All-purpose flour – helps the coating stick evenly to the balls.
- Egg whites – acts as a binding agent to hold the crumbs in place.
For Serving
- Thousand Island dressing – the classic accompaniment that enhances the enjoyment of your Reuben Balls.
Gather these ingredients and get ready to delight your family and friends with truly scrumptious Reuben Balls!
How to Make Reuben Balls
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Heat oil: Add vegetable oil to a skillet over medium heat. Allow it to warm up before cooking your onions until soft and translucent, roughly 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, then remove from heat.
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Combine filling: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the cooked corned beef, room temperature cream cheese, chopped Swiss cheese, drained sauerkraut, chopped parsley, grainy mustard, and the cooked onion-garlic mixture. Blend everything until well combined and creamy.
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Shape balls: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small 1-inch balls, ensuring they’re compact. Place the balls on a parchment-lined tray and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up.
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Prepare coating: Set up three bowls for breading: one with all-purpose flour, one with whisked egg whites, and one with the processed rye bread crumbs. Carefully roll each ball in flour, dip in egg whites, and generously coat with crumbs for that perfect crispy texture.
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Fry the balls: In your skillet, add enough oil to be about 1 inch deep and heat over medium. Fry the Reuben Balls in batches until they are golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Drain on a wire rack to maintain their crispiness.
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Serve warm: Enjoy these delectable Reuben Balls fresh, paired with Thousand Island dressing for dipping!
Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra pop of color!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Reuben Balls are perfect for meal prep, making your busy weeknights much easier! You can prepare the filling (corned beef, cream cheese, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, parsley, mustard, and onions) up to 3 days in advance by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To form the balls and coat them, do this step up to 24 hours before frying, keeping them chilled on a lined tray. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat the oil and fry the chilled Reuben Balls until golden brown. This method ensures they taste just as delicious as when made fresh, saving you time without compromising quality!
How to Store and Freeze Reuben Balls
Fridge: Store leftover Reuben Balls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispiness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the uncooked Reuben Balls on a parchment-lined tray. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat cooked Reuben Balls, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Enjoy them fresh!
Reuben Balls Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize your Reuben Balls with these exciting twists!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute cream cheese and Swiss cheese with vegan alternatives to cater to dairy-free diets. Your guests will still enjoy the same comforting flavors!
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Spicy Kick: Add finely diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the filling for a zesty kick that elevates the flavor profile.
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Baked Version: Instead of frying, drizzle the balls with olive oil and bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes, giving you a lighter option that’s equally delicious.
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Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh dill or chives into the mixture for a fresh flavor boost that enhances the classic Reuben taste with a new twist.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread crumbs and cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour to make your Reuben Balls suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
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Mini Sliders: Shape the mixture into small patties instead of balls for delicious Reuben sliders. Serve them on cute mini buns for an awesome party appetizer!
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Sauerkraut Variety: Try different pickled vegetables such as kimchi or pickled red cabbage for a unique tart flavor that complements the beef beautifully.
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Smoky Flavor: Add a splash of liquid smoke or some smoked paprika to the filling for an enticing smoky flavor that mingles perfectly with the traditional ingredients.
What to Serve with Reuben Balls?
Elevate your gathering with delightful accompaniments that perfectly complement the rich flavors of your Reuben Balls.
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Crispy Brussels Sprouts: The slight bitterness from roasted Brussels sprouts balances the savory richness, creating a harmonious bite.
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Potato Wedges: These golden wedges, seasoned with your favorite spices, offer a comforting crunch alongside the tender, cheesy balls.
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Coleslaw: A tangy, crisp coleslaw brings freshness and adds a lovely crunch that contrasts beautifully with the warm Reuben Balls.
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Pickles: Their sharpness and acidity cut through the richness, making each bite of the Reuben Balls even more delightful.
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Beer: A cold lager or pale ale enhances the flavors and provides a refreshing contrast, making it a perfect pairing for a game night.
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Homemade Potato Chips: Crunchy, salty chips add an extra layer of texture, ensuring your guests will keep coming back for more!
Gather these delicious sides and beverages to create a meal that will leave your loved ones coming back for seconds, immersed in the joy of home-cooked comfort food!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Reuben Balls, be sure to use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- A common mistake is over-frying; keep an eye on the balls to ensure they achieve a perfect golden brown without burning.
- For a crunchier texture, consider double-coating the balls by dipping them in egg whites and then rolling them in breadcrumbs twice.
- Maintain the oil temperature around 350°F while frying to achieve that ideal crispy exterior without overcooking the filling.
Reuben Balls Recipe FAQs
What type of corned beef is best for Reuben Balls?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, use high-quality cooked corned beef that’s well-trimmed and free of excess fat. Look for a brand that has good marbling and tenderness, which makes for a more delightful filling. If you have leftover corned beef from a previous meal, it works perfectly!
How long can I store cooked Reuben Balls?
Very! You can keep leftover Reuben Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps maintain their crispy texture while warming them through.
Can I freeze Reuben Balls?
Certainly! If you’d like to make Reuben Balls ahead of time, freeze them uncooked. After shaping them, place the balls on a parchment-lined tray in the freezer until they are solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, no need to thaw—simply fry them directly from the freezer, adjusting frying time as needed.
What can I use instead of rye bread crumbs?
Great question! If you’re looking for an alternative to rye bread crumbs, consider using panko for an extra crunch, or make your own by toasting and processing whole wheat bread. Gluten-free breadcrumbs can also be used for a gluten-free version—just make sure they are coarser for that delightful texture.
Can pets eat Reuben Balls?
It’s best to avoid sharing Reuben Balls with your pets. While the primary ingredients like corned beef and cheese may not be harmful in small quantities, garlic, one of the key ingredients, can be toxic to pets in larger amounts. To be safe, enjoy them yourself and save some pet-friendly snacks for your furry friends instead.
Why are my Reuben Balls falling apart while frying?
Very often, this can happen if the mixture is too wet or if they weren’t chilled long enough before frying. To prevent this, ensure that the filling mixture is well-blended and set aside ample time for chilling in the refrigerator—30 minutes should do the trick! If needed, you can also add a touch more flour to help bind the mixture together better.
Reuben Balls
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for frying
- 1 medium chopped onion adds sweetness
- 3 cups cooked corned beef star ingredient
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 1 cup Swiss cheese chopped
- 1 cup sauerkraut drained
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons grainy mustard
- 1 cup rye bread toasted and processed into crumbs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 whites egg whites lightly whisked
- 1 cup Thousand Island dressing for dipping
Method
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat for cooking the onions.
- Cook chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes, then stir in minced garlic for another 30 seconds. Remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked corned beef, cream cheese, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, parsley, mustard, and onion-garlic mixture. Mix until creamy.
- Shape mixture into small 1-inch balls and chill for 30 minutes.
- Set up bowls for coating: one with flour, one with egg whites, and one with crumbs. Roll each ball in flour, dip in egg whites, and coat with crumbs.
- Fry the balls in hot oil until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Drain on a wire rack.
- Serve warm with Thousand Island dressing.
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