If you’re searching for the ultimate party snack that brings all the comfort of a classic deli sandwich in one irresistible bite, look no further than these Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce! Imagine everything you love about a Reuben—savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss, and a creamy zing of sauce—all rolled up, crunchy on the outside, melty on the inside, and downright crave-worthy. This recipe transforms old-school pub fare into an unforgettable finger food that wows a crowd or just makes a weeknight feel special.

Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Great recipes start with great ingredients. Each component here plays a star role, adding either bite, creaminess, or a burst of flavor—every bit essential for perfect Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce!

Corned beef: Go for the real deal or good-quality deli slices; chopping or shredding gives you hearty texture in every bite.
Sauerkraut: Squeeze it dry so your filling stays creamy, not soggy—classic tang and crunch.
Swiss cheese: Choose a block and shred it fresh for extra melt and nutty flavor.
Cream cheese: Softened so it turns dreamy and binds the balls together with richness.
Dijon mustard: Lends a subtle, peppery kick—don’t skip it!
All-purpose flour: Essential for the first dredge, helping to build that perfect crunchy crust.
Eggs: Beaten eggs help the breadcrumbs stick—and make the outside gorgeously crisp.
Panko breadcrumbs: Go panko for an extra-light and crispy finish that sings.
Vegetable oil: Neutral flavor and high smoke point are key for deep golden frying.
Mayonnaise: The creamy backbone of your spicy Thousand Island sauce.
Ketchup: Adds sweetness and vibrant color to the dip.
Pickle relish: Brings that classic Thousand Island tang and crunch.
Hot sauce: Dial up or down for just the right amount of fiery heat in your dip.
Smoked paprika: A hint of smokiness to round out every savory, creamy dip.

How to Make Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

Step 1: Whip Up the Filling

Start with a large mixing bowl and combine the chopped corned beef, perfectly drained sauerkraut, freshly shredded Swiss cheese, a generous dose of softened cream cheese, and a big spoonful of Dijon mustard. Mix everything together until it looks creamy and well blended—here’s where the Reuben magic happens! Pop the bowl in the fridge for 30 minutes. This quick chill is key: it firms up the filling just enough to make shaping the balls a breeze.

Step 2: Shape Your Balls

Once your filling mixture is chilled and slightly firmer, grab a small scoop or spoon and roll it into 1-inch balls. Keep your hands a little damp to help prevent sticking. Line up your neat little rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet and get ready for the breading action. Another quick chill while you set up the breading station keeps everything nice and tidy.

Step 3: Set Up the Breading Station

Get three shallow dishes ready: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one piled with crispy panko breadcrumbs. Working with one ball at a time, first roll it in flour for a dry, silky base, then dunk into beaten egg to help everything stick, and finally give it a generous, even coating of panko. The triple layer ensures these Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce will fry up perfectly golden and crisp.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden and Irresistible

Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or saucepan—enough to let the balls float a bit (about 2 inches deep). Heat to 350°F (175°C)—a thermometer is handy here, but you can test with a scrap of bread: it should sizzle and brown in about 45 seconds. Fry the balls in small batches for just 2–3 minutes, gently turning for an even, golden crust. Pull them out and drain on paper towels to keep them crisp.

Step 5: Make the Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together creamy mayonnaise, sweet ketchup, bright pickle relish, your favorite hot sauce, and a dusting of smoked paprika. Taste and adjust the hot sauce for the perfect kick. This dip brings the zingy, smoky, creamy flavors that make each bite of Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce pure bliss.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Arrange your golden, crispy Reuben Balls on a pretty platter, and pile a generous bowl of spicy Thousand Island sauce in the center. Serve them up warm—watch how quickly they disappear!

How to Serve Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce

Garnishes

To make these bites pop, sprinkle them with fresh chopped parsley or a dusting of smoked paprika just before serving. For an extra deli touch, nestle a few sliced pickles or pepperoncini around your platter—they add zippy freshness that cuts through the rich flavors.

Side Dishes

While these Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce can absolutely steal the show on their own, they pair wonderfully with crisp coleslaw, crunchy potato chips, or even a tangy cucumber salad for balance. Add a bowl of kettle-cooked chips or some freezer fries to keep things ultra-casual and fun.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the appetizer platter! You can stack these balls in slider buns for mini Reuben sandwiches, skewer them with toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties, or nestle them in paper cones lined with deli paper for a retro snack-bar feel. Place the sauce in individual dipping cups for the ultimate crowd-pleasing experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, let the Reuben Balls cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the sauce separate so the crust stays crisp and delicious for round two.

Freezing

Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce are perfect for prepping ahead! Shape and bread the balls, then freeze them on a baking sheet until firm before transferring to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. When ready to serve, fry from frozen (add an extra minute or two) or bake on a wire rack until hot and golden.

Reheating

To bring leftover balls back to crispy life, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. They’ll emerge hot, gooey inside, and just as satisfying as day one. Avoid microwaving, which softens that gorgeous crust.

FAQs

Can I make Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce in advance for a party?

Absolutely! You can fully assemble and bread the balls a day or two in advance, then refrigerate or freeze them until party time. Fry or bake just before serving for best texture.

What oil is best for frying?

Choose a neutral, high-smoke-point oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These keep the flavor pure and ensure crispy results without any burnt notes.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes! Arrange the breaded balls on a wire rack over a sheet tray, mist them with a bit of cooking spray, and bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, turning once, until they’re crisp and golden. The texture is slightly different but still wonderfully satisfying.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Definitely. Simply swap in your favorite certified gluten-free flour and panko crumbs. Double-check your ingredients (including sauces) to ensure they’re gluten-free, and you’re good to go.

Can I use a different cheese besides Swiss?

While Swiss is traditional for that signature Reuben flavor, feel free to experiment! Gouda, provolone, or even a touch of sharp cheddar can be delicious—so use what you love or have on hand.

Final Thoughts

If ever there was a reason to gather friends or treat yourself to something truly unforgettable, it’s these Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce. They’re everything that’s lovable and cozy about a deli classic, transformed into a bite-sized, party-ready snack that always gets raves. Go on—give them a try and see how quickly they disappear from your table!