Name: Irresistible Reuben Balls You'll Want to Make Tonight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked corned beef (finely chopped); 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese; 1 cup sauerkraut (drained and chopped); 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; to taste salt; to taste pepper; olive oil (for frying); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish; 1 teaspoon hot sauce; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; to taste salt; to taste pepper

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Reuben Balls are an irresistible twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, perfect for parties or a cozy night in. These delicious bites feature crispy exteriors and a savory filling made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or a snack, they are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings for hearty, flavorful food.

Why You’ll Love These Reuben Balls

These Reuben meatballs are not just tasty; they offer multiple benefits that make them a fantastic choice for any occasion:

Quick and easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Great for sharing at parties or gatherings.
Can be made gluten-free with simple substitutions.
Utilizes leftover corned beef, reducing food waste.
Versatile in flavor; can include various spices as per taste.
Pairs wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces, enhancing the experience.

With their unique blend of flavors, these corned beef balls will surely become a favorite in your household. Plus, they fall under the category of American cuisine, adding to their appeal.

Ingredients for Reuben Balls

Gather these items:

2 cups cooked corned beef (finely chopped ensures even flavor distribution)
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (adds that iconic creamy texture and flavor)
1 cup sauerkraut (drain and chop it for a perfect mix of zest)
1 cup breadcrumbs (help bind the mixture and create a delightful crunch)
1 large egg (acts as a binder, holding the balls together)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (brings a hint of tang that complements the flavors)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (adds a subtle depth and warmth to the balls)
to taste salt (season to taste for a balanced flavor profile)
to taste pepper (season to taste for a balanced flavor profile)
olive oil (for frying; gives the balls a lovely golden color)
1/2 cup mayonnaise (creates a creamy base for the sauce)
1/4 cup ketchup (adds sweetness and a touch of tanginess)
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish (introduces a burst of sweetness)
1 teaspoon hot sauce (for a kick of heat that elevates the flavors)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (brightens up the sauce for a zesty finish)
to taste salt (adjust to your preference for the perfect dipping experience)
to taste pepper (adjust to your preference for the perfect dipping experience)

How to Make Reuben Balls Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a large bowl, mix together the finely chopped corned beef, shredded Swiss cheese, chopped sauerkraut, breadcrumbs, egg, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Ensure everything is well incorporated.
Step 2: Take a small amount of the mixture and roll it into bite-sized balls, about the size of a golf ball.
Step 3: In a skillet, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil over medium heat until hot.
Step 4: Carefully place the balls into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown on all sides, typically around 4-5 minutes.
Step 5: While the balls are frying, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, hot sauce, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper in a separate bowl.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Reuben Balls

Keep these in mind:

Make sure the corned beef is finely chopped for even distribution of flavor.
Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying; this ensures even cooking.
Experiment with spices to personalize the flavor of your Reuben-inspired meatballs.
Consider using gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free Reuben balls recipe.

Best Ways to Serve Reuben Balls

These delicious bites can be enjoyed in several ways:

Serve alongside a tangy dipping sauce made from the ingredients listed above.
Pair with pickles or coleslaw for a classic Reuben-style appetizer idea.
Offer them in a mini slider format for a fun twist on traditional serving.

How to Store and Reheat Reuben Balls

If you have leftovers, store the Reuben meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes until heated through. This method helps maintain their crispy texture, making them an easy Reuben meatball dish for your next meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reuben Balls

What are Reuben balls?

Reuben balls are bite-sized snacks made from corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut, inspired by the classic Reuben sandwich. They are deep-fried for a crispy texture, making them a delightful appetizer.

Can I make Reuben balls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture ahead of time, roll them into balls, and refrigerate until you’re ready to fry them. This makes it easy to serve fresh Reuben-inspired meatballs at your gathering.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Reuben balls?

To avoid mishaps, ensure your ingredients are well mixed and not too wet. Also, fry in small batches to ensure they cook evenly. These corned beef balls are best enjoyed crispy and golden-brown!

Variations of Reuben Balls You Can Try

Feel free to customize your Reuben meatballs with these variations:

Try adding spices like smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.
Make baked Reuben meatballs instead of frying for a healthier option.
Experiment with different cheeses, such as Gouda or cheddar, for unique twists.

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Incredible homemade Reuben Balls ready in minutes

For more information about the classic Reuben sandwich, check out this recipe.

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Irresistible Reuben Balls You’ll Want to Make Tonight

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Delicious Reuben Balls are crispy, shareable bites inspired by classic Reuben sandwiches, combining corned beef, Swiss cheese, and tangy flavors.

Author: Olivia
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: None

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked corned beef (finely chopped)
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1 cup sauerkraut (drained and chopped)
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
to taste salt
to taste pepper
olive oil (for frying)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1 tablespoon lemon juice
to taste salt
to taste pepper

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Instructions

In a large bowl, mix together the finely chopped corned beef, shredded Swiss cheese, chopped sauerkraut, breadcrumbs, egg, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Ensure everything is well incorporated.
Take a small amount of the mixture and roll it into bite-sized balls, about the size of a golf ball.
In a skillet, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil over medium heat until hot.
Carefully place the balls into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown on all sides, typically around 4-5 minutes.
While the balls are frying, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, hot sauce, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper in a separate bowl.