Reuben Balls w/ Spicy Thousand Island Sauce: An Incredible 7-Step Recipe

Reuben Balls w/ Spicy Thousand Island Sauce is an amazing dish that will elevate your appetizer game. These delightful bites combine all the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich into a fun, bite-sized treat. Each ball is crispy on the outside, packed full of savory fillings like corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese, then dipped in a punchy, spicy Thousand Island sauce that brings everything together. It’s no wonder this recipe has become a favorite at parties, gatherings, and family dinners across the country.

If you love comfort food with a twist, Reuben Balls deliver exactly that. Each bite is a burst of flavor that will transport you straight to your favorite deli. The rich taste of corned beef paired with tangy sauerkraut and gooey cheese creates a satisfying experience like no other. The spicy dipping sauce adds the perfect kick to brighten these balls, making them irresistible. If you’re ready to impress your friends and family with a dish full of heart and flavor, you’ll want to stick around to learn more about making these delectable Reuben Balls.

In this article, we’ll explore why you’ll love this recipe, how to prepare it efficiently, the ingredients you need, step-by-step instructions to achieve perfection, and tips on how to serve these amazing Reuben Balls w/ Spicy Thousand Island Sauce that will leave your guests raving.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Making Reuben Balls w/ Spicy Thousand Island Sauce is not only delicious but also efficient! Here’s how the time breaks down for preparation and cooking:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes

This timeframe includes mixing the ingredients, forming the balls, and frying them to crispy perfection. With just under an hour, you can have a delicious treat ready to serve!

Ingredients

• 1 pound corned beef, chopped or shredded
• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
• 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko recommended for extra crunch)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Spicy Thousand Island Sauce:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons relish
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Reuben Balls w/ Spicy Thousand Island Sauce is a fun and straightforward process. Follow these simple steps to create this delicious treat:

1. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, and shredded Swiss cheese.

1. Add Seasoning: Mix in the breadcrumbs, egg, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Combine thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly mixed.

1. Shape the Balls: Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough for frying (about 350°F or 175°C).

1. Fry the Reuben Balls: Working in batches, carefully add the balls to the hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.

1. Drain: Remove the fried balls from the oil and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together all the ingredients for the Spicy Thousand Island Sauce until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.

How to Serve

Serving Reuben Balls w/ Spicy Thousand Island Sauce can be a fun experience! Consider the following tips to make your dish even more enjoyable:

1. Plating: Arrange the Reuben Balls on a large platter or serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

1. Dipping Station: Place the Spicy Thousand Island Sauce in a bowl at the center for easy dipping access.

1. Pair with Sides: Serve with pickles or crispy potato chips to complement the flavors and provide contrasting textures.

1. Presentation: Use small toothpicks or skewers for easy serving. This makes them more accessible for guests and adds a touch of fun.

1. Beverage Pairing: Pair these Reuben Balls with a crisp lager or a fruity iced tea for a refreshing complement.

By putting thought into how you present and serve these Reuben Balls, you can elevate the entire dining experience, ensuring that your guests enjoy every last delicious bite!

Additional Tips

• Use Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality corned beef and Swiss cheese will enhance the flavor significantly.
• Adjust the Spiciness: Feel free to modify the hot sauce in the Spicy Thousand Island Sauce to cater to your heat preference.
• Experiment with Cheeses: While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a unique twist.
• Serve Warm: For the best flavor and texture, serve the Reuben Balls warm straight from the fryer.

Recipe Variation

If you want to shake things up a bit, consider these fun variations:

1. Baked Reuben Balls: Instead of frying, bake the balls in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes for a healthier version.
2. Vegetarian Option: Substitute corned beef with a mix of mushrooms and tofu, and keep the sauerkraut and cheese for flavor.
3. Add Spices: Incorporate spices such as cumin or smoked paprika into the filling for added depth.
4. Mini Slider Version: Turn the Reuben Balls into sliders by using slider buns and keeping the same filling for a hearty sandwich.

Freezing and Storage

To keep your Reuben Balls fresh and flavorful:

• Storage: Keep the Reuben Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the formed but uncooked balls. Arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months. To cook, thaw in the fridge overnight and fry as per the instructions.

Special Equipment

To prepare these Reuben Balls w/ Spicy Thousand Island Sauce successfully, you’ll need a few essential items:

• Mixing bowls
• A large skillet or deep fryer for frying
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
• Spoon or scoop for portioning the mixture
• Meat chopper or knife for chopping corned beef

Conclusion

Reuben Balls w/ Spicy Thousand Island Sauce are a creative spin on traditional flavors. Perfect for parties or family gatherings, they offer a unique and engaging way to enjoy the classic Reuben taste. Coupled with the spicy dipping sauce, this dish will be a hit among your guests. Whether you follow the original recipe or try some variations, these delightful bites are sure to impress!