Growing up, Reuben Balls were always the talk of the town. Whenever my grandma would bring a batch to the neighborhood potluck, it was like a celebrity had arrived! Everyone would crowd around the table, eagerly waiting to get their hands on those crispy, golden-brown balls of deliciousness. I can still remember the aroma wafting through the air, a tantalizing blend of sauerkraut, corned beef, and melted Swiss cheese. It was enough to make your mouth water just thinking about it.
I was always fascinated by the process of making these Reuben Balls. Grandma would lovingly assemble them, carefully folding the ingredients into a perfect little package before frying them to perfection. And let me tell you, her technique was nothing short of magic. The way she managed to get the outside so crispy while keeping the inside warm, gooey, and packed with flavor was truly impressive.
As I got older and started experimenting in the kitchen myself, I knew I had to master the art of Reuben Balls. It became a personal mission to recreate that same irresistible taste and texture that I remembered from my childhood. After countless trials and errors, I finally cracked the code, and now I’m excited to share my perfected Reuben Balls recipe with you.
Why This Reuben Balls Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Reuben Balls
What sets this Reuben Balls recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. I’ve spent years fine-tuning the technique to ensure that every bite is a mouthwatering explosion of salty, tangy, and savory goodness. The key is in the way the ingredients are layered and how they’re fried to golden-brown perfection. Trust me, once you try these Reuben Balls, you’ll be hooked for life.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Rye bread crumbs: These provide the perfect crispy exterior, giving the Reuben Balls an irresistible crunch.
- Corned beef: The star of the show, this tender, flavorful meat is the heart and soul of the Reuben Balls.
- Sauerkraut: Providing a tangy, slightly sour contrast to the rich corned beef, the sauerkraut is a must-have ingredient.
- Swiss cheese: Melted and gooey, the Swiss cheese adds a creamy, indulgent element to the Reuben Balls.
- Thousand Island dressing: This iconic Reuben condiment ties all the flavors together, giving the Reuben Balls their signature zing.
Step-by-Step Reuben Balls Instructions
Preparing Your Reuben Balls
Making Reuben Balls is a straightforward process, but there are a few key steps to ensure they turn out perfectly every time. With a total prep and cook time of just 45 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a quick and easy appetizer or a fun main dish. You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools, like a mixing bowl, a spoon, and a frying pan, to get started.
1- Start by mixing the rye bread crumbs, corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing in a large bowl until well combined.
2- Gently shape the mixture into small, bite-sized balls, being careful not to overmix or pack them too tightly.
3- Heat a generous amount of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the Reuben Balls, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
4- Fry the Reuben Balls for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside.
5- Drain the fried Reuben Balls on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
6- Serve your delicious Reuben Balls hot, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a dollop of extra Thousand Island dressing, if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
One of the most important tips for making perfect Reuben Balls is to not overmix the filling. Gently combine the ingredients just until they’re evenly distributed, as overmixing can lead to dense, tough Reuben Balls. Additionally, be sure to have the oil at the right temperature – too hot and the outside will burn before the inside is cooked, too cool and the Reuben Balls will be greasy and soggy.
Serving and Storing Your Reuben Balls
Perfect Pairings for Reuben Balls
Reuben Balls are the ultimate party food, perfect for game days, holiday gatherings, or any casual get-together. Serve them alongside a crisp, fresh salad or some tangy, creamy coleslaw for a balanced and satisfying meal. For a classic pairing, you can’t go wrong with an ice-cold beer or a bold, full-bodied red wine.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Reuben Balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes, or until they’re hot and crispy again. For even easier meal prep, you can make the Reuben Balls filling in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and fry them.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Reuben Balls
Creative Reuben Balls Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different variations of Reuben Balls. For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the filling. You could also swap out the corned beef for roasted turkey or pastrami for a different take on the classic Reuben flavor. And for a festive holiday version, try using cranberry sauce or a bit of horseradish in the mix.
Making Reuben Balls Diet-Friendly
To make Reuben Balls more diet-friendly, you can use low-fat or reduced-fat cheese and swap the regular bread crumbs for a gluten-free or low-carb alternative. For a vegan option, replace the corned beef with a plant-based meat substitute and the Swiss cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning and cooking times accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use pre-cooked corned beef instead of making it from scratch?
A: Absolutely! Using pre-cooked corned beef is a great time-saving shortcut. Just be sure to chop or shred it into small pieces before adding it to the filling.
Q: How long can I store the Reuben Balls after frying?
A: Fried Reuben Balls will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them crispy.
Q: Can I bake the Reuben Balls instead of frying them?
A: Yes, you can bake the Reuben Balls if you prefer a healthier option. Simply place them on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown.
Q: How many Reuben Balls does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield approximately 20-24 bite-sized Reuben Balls, depending on how large you shape them.
Q: What should I do if the Reuben Balls fall apart while frying?
A: If the Reuben Balls start to fall apart in the oil, it’s usually a sign that the filling was too loosely packed. Next time, try gently compacting the mixture a bit more before shaping the balls.
Reuben Balls: A Magical 20-Minute Appetizer
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 24 Reuben Balls
Description
Reuben Balls are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that combines the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich. Crispy on the outside and bursting with savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melty Swiss cheese on the inside, these bite-sized treats are the perfect snack for game days, parties, or anytime you need a quick and impressive hors d’oeuvre.
Ingredients
– 1 lb corned beef, finely chopped
– 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and chopped
– 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional)
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
1. 1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, caraway seeds (if using), and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. 2. Scoop the mixture by the tablespoonful and roll into 1-inch balls.
3. 3. In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
4. 4. Working in batches, carefully add the Reuben Balls to the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
5. 5. Drain the fried Reuben Balls on a paper towel-lined plate.
6. 6. Serve hot, with your favorite dipping sauces or toppings.
Notes
For a creamier filling, you can add a small amount of cream cheese or Thousand Island dressing to the mixture. You can also experiment with different cheese varieties, such as cheddar or Gruyère. For a healthier option, you can bake the Reuben Balls instead of frying them.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Reuben Balls are the ultimate comfort food and a surefire crowd-pleaser. With their crispy exterior, gooey center, and irresistible Reuben flavors, it’s no wonder they’ve become a family favorite. I hope this recipe helps you recreate the magic of my grandma’s Reuben Balls in your own kitchen. So what are you waiting for? Grab the ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Reuben perfection. Don’t forget to let me know how your Reuben Balls turn out in the comments below!
