Crispy Reuben Balls are the ultimate party appetizer that I just can’t get enough of. Growing up, my grandma would make these for every big family gathering, and the salty, tangy, and irresistibly crunchy bites were always the first to disappear. I can still remember the sound of the oil sizzling as she dropped each perfectly formed ball into the pan, the aroma of the caraway and dill filling the kitchen. It was pure nostalgia in every bite.
To this day, Crispy Reuben Balls remain one of my all-time favorite snacks. They’re so easy to whip up, and this recipe in particular yields 24 servings – that’s 48 individual balls! – so it’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether I’m hosting game day, a cocktail party, or just looking for a tasty weeknight appetizer, these Crispy Reuben Balls always do the trick.
Why This Crispy Reuben Balls Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Crispy Reuben Balls
The secret to making Crispy Reuben Balls that are out-of-this-world delicious is all in the technique. Most recipes call for simply mixing the ingredients together and frying them, but I’ve found that taking a few extra steps makes all the difference. First, you’ll want to chill the filling mixture for at least 30 minutes before forming the balls. This helps the flavors meld and the texture firm up, so you end up with perfect, neat little spheres that hold their shape when fried.
Then, the real magic happens in the breading process. I like to use a triple-dredge method – first coating the balls in flour, then dipping them in beaten egg, and finally rolling them in panko breadcrumbs. This creates an extra-crispy, crunchy shell that shatters when you bite into it, revealing the soft, flavorful center. Trust me, it’s worth the extra effort!
This recipe makes 24 servings, with each serving consisting of 2 Crispy Reuben Balls. That means you’ll have a whopping 48 bites of cheesy, sauerkraut-y, corned beef goodness to enjoy. They’re the perfect party food or game day snack that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Crispy Reuben Balls, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- Corned beef – The star of the show! Look for high-quality deli-sliced corned beef.
- Sauerkraut – Drained and squeezed dry to remove excess moisture.
- Swiss cheese – Shredded for easy incorporation into the filling.
- Thousand Island dressing – Adds that signature Reuben flavor.
- Caraway seeds – For an earthy, warm note.
- Dill – Fresh dill leaves brighten up the filling.
- Panko breadcrumbs – The secret to an extra-crispy coating.
- Eggs, flour, and oil for frying – The elements that create the perfect crunchy shell.
Step-by-Step Crispy Reuben Balls Instructions
Preparing Your Crispy Reuben Balls
This recipe takes 20 minutes total – 10 minutes for prep and 10 minutes for cooking. You’ll need a large mixing bowl, a small bowl for the breading station, and a heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven for frying. Let’s get started!
1- In a large bowl, combine the chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, Thousand Island dressing, caraway seeds, and fresh dill. Mix until well incorporated.
2- Cover the filling mixture and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.
3- Once chilled, use a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the filling into 24 equal balls. Roll each portion between your palms to shape them into smooth, uniform spheres.
4- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls – one with all-purpose flour, one with lightly beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Dredge each ball first in the flour, then the eggs, and finally the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere.
5- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1-2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat to 350°F. Working in batches, fry the breaded Crispy Reuben Balls for 2-3 minutes per batch, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
6- Drain the fried Crispy Reuben Balls on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve hot, garnished with extra caraway seeds and fresh dill if desired. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
- Make sure to chill the filling mixture before forming the balls – this is key for keeping their shape when frying.
- Use a small cookie scoop to portion the filling evenly for uniform size and cooking.
- Fry the balls in batches to maintain the oil temperature and prevent overcrowding.
- Drain the fried balls on a paper towel-lined plate to help absorb any excess oil.
Serving and Storing Your Crispy Reuben Balls
Perfect Pairings for Crispy Reuben Balls
These Crispy Reuben Balls are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, but they also make a great snack or party food. Serve them alongside an array of dipping sauces like Thousand Island, spicy mustard, or horseradish cream for extra flavor.
For a complete meal, pair the Crispy Reuben Balls with a fresh green salad, creamy potato salad, or tangy coleslaw. They’d also be delicious alongside a hearty bowl of tomato or vegetable soup. And of course, they’re the perfect pairing for an ice-cold beer or a classic cocktail like a martini or Manhattan.
With 24 servings and each serving being 2 Crispy Reuben Balls, this recipe is sure to satisfy a crowd. Whether you’re hosting game day, a cocktail party, or just need a tasty snack, these bites are always a hit.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Crispy Reuben Balls are best enjoyed fresh and hot out of the oil, but they can be made ahead of time and reheated.
To store, let the fried balls cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat them in a 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes until hot and crispy.
You can also prep the filling mixture and form the balls up to 1 day in advance. Store the uncooked, breaded balls in the refrigerator until ready to fry. This makes for a super quick and easy appetizer when you need it.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Crispy Reuben Balls
Creative Crispy Reuben Balls Variations
The base Crispy Reuben Balls recipe is delicious as-is, but there are plenty of ways to switch it up. Try using pastrami instead of corned beef for a twist. Or swap the Swiss cheese for Gruyère or Emmental for a more pronounced nutty flavor.
You could also play around with the seasonings – adding a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to the filling. Or substituting the caraway seeds with fennel seeds or even a touch of ground cumin.
For a fun flavor twist, you could stuff the Crispy Reuben Balls with a dollop of sauerkraut or Thousand Island dressing in the center before frying. The possibilities are endless!
Making Crispy Reuben Balls Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe a bit more diet-friendly, there are a few simple substitutions you can try:
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers in place of the panko. You can also swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
To make it low-carb, skip the breadcrumbs and instead coat the Crispy Reuben Balls in finely ground pork rinds or almond flour. You can also use low-carb Thousand Island dressing in the filling.
And for a dairy-free option, omit the Swiss cheese and use a non-dairy cheese alternative or vegan cream cheese in the filling instead.
No matter which variations or dietary tweaks you experiment with, this recipe for 24 servings of Crispy Reuben Balls is sure to be a crowd-pleasing hit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I substitute the corned beef with something else?
A: Absolutely! While corned beef is the traditional protein in Reuben sandwiches and balls, you can use other deli meats like pastrami or roast beef as well. Just be sure to use a similar amount, about 1 1/2 cups chopped.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes exactly 24 servings, with each serving consisting of 2 Crispy Reuben Balls.
Q: Can I make the Crispy Reuben Balls ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prep the filling mixture and form the balls up to 1 day in advance. Store the uncooked, breaded balls in the refrigerator until ready to fry. This makes for a super quick and easy appetizer when you need it.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat the fried Crispy Reuben Balls?
A: For best results, reheat the fried Crispy Reuben Balls in a 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes until hot and crispy. You can also quickly warm them up in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.
Q: How do I prevent the Crispy Reuben Balls from falling apart when frying?
A: The key is to chill the filling mixture for at least 30 minutes before forming the balls. This helps the flavors meld and the texture firm up, so the balls hold their shape when frying.
Print
Crispy Reuben Balls
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 24 servings
Description
Crispy on the outside, with a savory, melty center, these Reuben balls are the ultimate party appetizer. Packed with the classic flavors of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese, they’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Ingredients
– 1 lb corned beef, finely chopped
– 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
– 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/4 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
1. 1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, breadcrumbs, Dijon mustard, and beaten egg. Mix well until fully incorporated.
2. 2. Scoop the mixture by the tablespoonful and gently form into small, bite-sized balls.
3. 3. Place the flour in a shallow dish. Dredge the Reuben balls in the flour, shaking off any excess.
4. 4. In a large skillet, heat 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
5. 5. Carefully add the Reuben balls to the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. 6. Transfer the fried Reuben balls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
7. 7. Serve warm, with a creamy dipping sauce on the side.
Notes
For a creamier interior, you can add a small amount of cream cheese to the filling. Caraway seeds add a subtle, authentic Reuben flavor.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Crispy Reuben Balls are a total flavor explosion in every bite – salty, tangy, and perfectly crispy on the outside with a soft, savory center. This recipe makes 24 servings, with each serving being 2 balls, so it’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting game day, a cocktail party, or just looking for a tasty snack, these Crispy Reuben Balls are sure to be a hit. Give them a try and let me know what you think in the comments below!
