Growing up, I can still remember the aroma of corned beef and sauerkraut wafting through my grandma’s kitchen. It was a scent that instantly transported me back to her cozy little house, where she’d be bustling around, putting the finishing touches on her famous Reuben Balls. These bite-sized morsels were a family favorite, and whenever she made them, it was like a little piece of heaven on earth.
I’d hover around the kitchen, watching as she carefully fried the golden-brown balls to perfection, then set them out on a plate, accompanied by a tangy Thousand Island dipping sauce. The first time I sank my teeth into one, I was hooked. The savory corned beef, the tangy sauerkraut, and the crispy outer layer – it was like a party in my mouth! From that moment on, Reuben Balls became a must-have for any family gathering, holiday, or just a casual weekend dinner.
Why This Reuben Balls Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Reuben Balls
Over the years, I’ve perfected my grandma’s Reuben Balls recipe, and I can confidently say that this version is the absolute best. The secret lies in the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tender, juicy corned beef is complemented by the tangy sauerkraut and sharp Swiss cheese, all wrapped in a crispy, golden-brown breadcrumb coating. And the Thousand Island dipping sauce? It’s the perfect accompaniment, adding a creamy, tangy touch that really makes these Reuben Balls shine.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Corned beef: The star of the show! Make sure to use high-quality, thinly sliced corned beef for the best flavor and texture.
- Sauerkraut: Adds a tangy, crunchy element to balance out the richness of the corned beef.
- Swiss cheese: Melty, gooey Swiss cheese is the perfect pairing for the corned beef and sauerkraut.
- Breadcrumbs: A crispy coating is essential for Reuben Balls. Use panko breadcrumbs for the ultimate crunch.
- Thousand Island dressing: This creamy, tangy sauce is the perfect dipping companion for the Reuben Balls.
Step-by-Step Reuben Balls Instructions
Preparing Your Reuben Balls
Ready to make some delicious Reuben Balls? This recipe is a breeze to put together and only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need a few kitchen tools, like a mixing bowl, a small cookie scoop, and a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot for frying.
1- Start by combining the chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, and shredded Swiss cheese in a mixing bowl. Gently mix everything together until well combined.
2- Using a small cookie scoop, portion out the corned beef mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls, about 1-inch in diameter.
3- Set up a breading station with the panko breadcrumbs in one shallow dish and beaten eggs in another. Dip each Reuben Ball first in the egg, then roll it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere.
4- In a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 2-3 inches of oil to 350°F. Carefully add the breaded Reuben Balls, working in batches if needed, and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
5- Transfer the fried Reuben Balls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
6- Serve the Reuben Balls warm, with the Thousand Island dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
- Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the sauerkraut before mixing it into the corned beef. This will help prevent the Reuben Balls from getting soggy.
- Don’t overfill the Reuben Balls – keeping them to a 1-inch size will ensure they cook through evenly.
- For best results, fry the Reuben Balls in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and prevent them from getting greasy.
- If you prefer a baked version, you can skip the frying and instead brush the breaded Reuben Balls with a little oil and bake them at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Serving and Storing Your Reuben Balls
Perfect Pairings for Reuben Balls
Reuben Balls are the ultimate party appetizer or game-day snack. They pair perfectly with a crisp, cold beer or a tangy, refreshing cocktail like a Moscow Mule. For a more substantial meal, serve them alongside a fresh green salad or creamy coleslaw. And don’t forget the classic dipping companions – Thousand Island dressing, spicy mustard, or even a horseradish-based sauce.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Reuben Balls are best enjoyed fresh, straight out of the fryer. However, you can make them ahead of time and reheat them for a quick and easy snack. Simply store the cooked, cooled Reuben Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Reuben Balls
Creative Reuben Balls Variations
While the classic Reuben Ball is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put a unique spin on this beloved recipe. Try swapping out the corned beef for roasted turkey or even plant-based protein for a vegetarian twist. You can also experiment with different cheese varieties, like pepper jack or provolone, to change up the flavor profile. For a seasonal flair, try adding some diced apples or cranberries to the filling.
Making Reuben Balls Diet-Friendly
To make Reuben Balls a bit more diet-friendly, you can opt for a few simple substitutions. Instead of traditional breadcrumbs, use almond flour or gluten-free panko for a low-carb or gluten-free version. For a dairy-free or vegan take, replace the Swiss cheese with a plant-based alternative and use a vegan Thousand Island dressing. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times and temperatures accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use pre-cooked corned beef for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Using pre-cooked corned beef is a great time-saving hack. Just be sure to chop or shred it into small pieces before mixing it with the sauerkraut and cheese.
Q: How long do Reuben Balls need to fry?
A: The Reuben Balls should fry for 2-3 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. Be sure to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for best results.
Q: Can I make Reuben Balls ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely make Reuben Balls in advance. Simply store the cooked, cooled balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
Q: How many Reuben Balls does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield approximately 20-24 Reuben Balls, depending on the size you make them. The exact number may vary slightly based on the amount of filling you use for each ball.
Q: What should I do if my Reuben Balls are falling apart during frying?
A: If you’re having trouble with the Reuben Balls falling apart while frying, it’s likely due to not chilling the formed balls long enough before breading. Pop them in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour, then re-bread them before frying. This will help the filling hold its shape better.
Reuben Balls: Heavenly Bites of Flavor
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 24 balls
Description
These Reuben Balls are the ultimate appetizer, packed with all the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich in a delicious, bite-sized form. Crispy on the outside and oozing with corned beef, sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese on the inside, they’re sure to be the hit of any party or game day gathering.
Ingredients
– 1 pound corned beef, finely chopped
– 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and chopped
– 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
– 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 2 tablespoons Thousand Island dressing, plus more for serving
– 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. – Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. – In a large bowl, combine the chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, and Thousand Island dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until well combined.
3. – Scoop the mixture by the tablespoonful and roll into 1-inch balls, placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. – Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the Reuben Balls are golden brown and crispy.
5. – Serve the Reuben Balls warm, with additional Thousand Island dressing and spicy mustard for dipping. Enjoy!
Notes
– For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of caraway seeds to the mixture.
– You can also try using marble rye breadcrumbs for a more authentic Reuben taste.
– These Reuben Balls can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven before serving.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Reuben Balls are a delicious, nostalgic treat that are sure to be a hit at any gathering. With their perfect balance of savory, tangy, and crispy flavors, it’s no wonder they’re a family favorite. Give this recipe a try, and I guarantee it will become your new go-to for satisfying that Reuben craving. Don’t forget to share your own Reuben Balls memories and creations in the comments below!
