Get ready to discover your new favorite party food. These Reuben Balls pack all the classic, savory flavor of a Reuben sandwich into one irresistible, bite-sized appetizer. We’re talking zesty corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese, all rolled together, breaded, and cooked to crispy perfection. They are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for game day, holiday gatherings, or any time you need a seriously delicious snack.
Whether you prefer them deep-fried for that classic crunch, baked for a healthier twist, or air-fried for convenience, this recipe has you covered. Let’s get rolling!
What Are Reuben Balls?
Reuben Balls are a deconstructed version of the iconic Reuben sandwich, transformed into a delicious appetizer. The core ingredients—corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut—are finely chopped and mixed with a binder like cream cheese. This mixture is then rolled into balls, coated in breadcrumbs, and cooked until golden brown and crispy on the outside with a hot, cheesy center. They are typically served with a side of Thousand Island or Russian dressing for dipping.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe comes from using high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to grab:
- Corned Beef: Deli-sliced corned beef, finely chopped, provides the signature savory, salty flavor.
- Swiss Cheese: Shredded Swiss cheese gives you that perfect, gooey cheese pull.
- Sauerkraut: Make sure to drain it very well and squeeze out all excess moisture to prevent the filling from being watery.
- Cream Cheese: This acts as the binder, holding everything together and adding a creamy texture.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs create an extra crispy and crunchy exterior. Regular breadcrumbs work too, but Panko is superior for texture.
- Eggs & Flour: A standard three-step breading station (flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs) is essential for a coating that sticks.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying. Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point.
How to Make Reuben Balls (Step-by-Step)
Making these incredible Reuben Balls is easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.
Step 1: Make the Reuben Filling
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, finely chopped corned beef, well-drained sauerkraut, and shredded Swiss cheese. Season with a pinch of black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s evenly combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 2: Form and Chill the Balls
Scoop the mixture using a small cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons) and roll it between your hands to form tight balls. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once all the balls are formed, cover them and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or in the freezer for 15 minutes. This step is crucial—chilling helps the balls hold their shape during cooking.
Step 3: Bread and Cook
Set up your breading station with three shallow dishes. Place the flour in the first, the beaten eggs in the second, and the Panko breadcrumbs in the third. Roll each chilled ball first in the flour, then dip it completely in the egg, and finally, coat it thoroughly with the Panko breadcrumbs. Now, they’re ready for cooking!
Cooking Methods: Fried, Baked, or Air-Fried?
You can achieve delicious results with any of these methods. Choose the one that works best for you!
For Classic Deep-Fried Reuben Balls (The Crispiest!)
Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the breaded balls to the hot oil in small batches, being sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 2-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are deep golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack.
For Healthier Baked Reuben Balls
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the breaded balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to help them brown. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and heated through.
For Quick & Easy Air Fryer Reuben Balls
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the breaded balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren’t touching. You may need to work in batches. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and golden.
The Secret to the Perfect Dipping Sauce
While classic Thousand Island dressing is the go-to, you can elevate your Reuben Balls with a homemade spicy dipping sauce. Simply mix mayonnaise, ketchup, finely chopped pickles or relish, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, grated onion, and a pinch of paprika. For a kick, add a teaspoon of sriracha or horseradish. If you’re feeling adventurous, these also pair wonderfully with a delicious roasted garlic aioli.
Tips for the Best Reuben Balls
- Squeeze That Sauerkraut: This is the most important tip! Excess moisture will make your filling wet and difficult to roll, and it can cause the balls to fall apart during cooking. Squeeze out as much liquid as you possibly can.
- Don’t Skip the Chill: Chilling the balls before breading is essential. It solidifies the filling, ensuring they keep their round shape and don’t ooze cheese while cooking.
- Double Breading Power: For an extra-thick and crunchy crust, you can double-bread the balls. After the first Panko coating, dip them back into the egg and then into the Panko again.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniformly sized balls that cook evenly, use a small cookie or ice cream scoop.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
These Reuben Balls are a fantastic make-ahead appetizer. You can prepare and roll the balls (before breading) up to 2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the un-breaded or breaded balls for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, bread them (if un-breaded) and cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best results, reheat them in an oven or air fryer to restore their crispiness. Looking for another great party snack? Try our pepperoni pizza rolls! Or for something equally delicious, check out these tasty chicken bacon ranch sliders. We also have a great recipe for jalapeno ranch chicken poppers that you won’t want to miss.
Frequently Asked Questions about Reuben Balls
Yes! To bake them, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray them lightly with cooking spray, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Absolutely. You can assemble the balls (before breading) and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the un-breaded or breaded balls for up to 3 months for a quick appetizer later.
The most important step is to squeeze as much liquid as possible from the sauerkraut. Also, be sure to chill the balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before breading and cooking. This helps them firm up and hold their shape.
Thousand Island or Russian dressing are the classic choices. A homemade spicy aioli or a simple garlic aioli also pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors of the Reuben balls.
Thinly sliced corned beef from the deli counter works best. Simply stack the slices and chop them finely before mixing with the other ingredients. You can also use leftover cooked corned beef if you have it.
Your New Favorite Appetizer Awaits!
With their crispy exterior and savory, cheesy filling, these Reuben Balls are guaranteed to be a hit wherever you serve them. They perfectly capture the spirit of the classic sandwich in a fun, shareable format. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your creations! Pin this recipe on Pinterest to save it for later.
Reuben Balls Recipe
Reuben Balls: The Ultimate Crispy, Cheesy Appetizer
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped corned beef, dry sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Use a 1.5-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the mixture and roll into tight balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Place flour, beaten eggs, and Panko breadcrumbs in three separate shallow dishes.
- Coat each chilled ball in flour, dip into the egg, then press firmly into the Panko breadcrumbs to coat completely.
- Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the balls in batches for 2-4 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pot.
- Remove the fried Reuben Balls with a slotted spoon and let them drain on a wire rack. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
For Air Frying: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place balls in a single layer, spray with cooking spray, and air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
