Crispy Reuben Balls have been a staple at my family’s game day gatherings for as long as I can remember. There’s just something about those golden, crispy outsides giving way to the warm, savory filling that always has us coming back for more. I’ll never forget the first time my aunt brought a platter of Crispy Reuben Balls to one of our Sunday football parties – the aroma alone had us all circling the snack table like hungry vultures!
She told us she’d been perfecting the recipe for months, and the first bite proved it was well worth the effort. The combination of corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut wrapped in a crispy, breadcrumb coating was an absolute flavor explosion. Even my little cousin, who swore she hated sauerkraut, couldn’t get enough.
From that day on, Crispy Reuben Balls became a non-negotiable menu item for any event at our house. Whether we were hosting the big game, celebrating a birthday, or just looking for an excuse to gather, you could bet these irresistible little bites would be there. In fact, I’m pretty sure there have been more than a few squabbles over who got the last one!
Why This Crispy Reuben Balls Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Crispy Reuben Balls
What sets this Crispy Reuben Balls recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The key is in the way the ingredients are prepared and assembled – the corned beef is finely chopped to ensure it’s evenly distributed, the sauerkraut is drained and patted dry to avoid a soggy filling, and the breadcrumb coating creates an audibly crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft, savory center.
Plus, the use of Swiss cheese instead of the traditional Thousand Island dressing gives these Crispy Reuben Balls a deliciously gooey factor that’ll have your guests reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Corned beef: The star of the show, finely chopped to create a cohesive filling.
- Sauerkraut: Drained and patted dry to prevent a soggy center.
- Swiss cheese: Shredded to melt seamlessly into the filling.
- Breadcrumbs: For the crispy, golden exterior.
- Eggs: To help the breadcrumbs adhere.
- Flour: For dredging before breading.
- Seasonings: A simple blend of salt, pepper, and caraway seeds.
Step-by-Step Crispy Reuben Balls Instructions
Preparing Your Crispy Reuben Balls
This Crispy Reuben Balls recipe comes together quickly, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools, like a mixing bowl, baking sheet, and a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot for frying. Let’s get started!
1- In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped corned beef, drained and dried sauerkraut, and shredded Swiss cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and caraway seeds, then stir until well mixed.
2- Scoop the filling into 1-inch balls, packing them tightly to prevent any gaps or air pockets.
3- Set up a dredging station with flour in one shallow dish and beaten eggs in another. Gently roll each ball in flour, then dip in the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
4- Finally, coat the balls evenly in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help them adhere.
5- In a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F. Carefully lower the breaded Crispy Reuben Balls into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes, until golden brown.
6- Transfer the fried Crispy Reuben Balls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
- For an extra crispy exterior, double-bread the Crispy Reuben Balls by dipping them in the egg and breadcrumbs twice.
- Chilling the filled balls for 30 minutes before breading can help them hold their shape better during frying.
- If you don’t have a deep fryer, you can bake the Crispy Reuben Balls at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Serving and Storing Your Crispy Reuben Balls
Perfect Pairings for Crispy Reuben Balls
Crispy Reuben Balls are the ultimate game day or party appetizer, but they also make a great snack or even a light main course. Serve them with a tangy Thousand Island dressing or creamy horseradish sauce for dipping. A crisp, cool salad or some roasted potatoes also make excellent sides.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Crispy Reuben Balls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until hot and crispy again.
For make-ahead convenience, you can assemble the filling and form the balls up to 2 days in advance. Store them in the fridge until ready to bread and fry. The breaded, unfried balls can also be frozen for up to 2 months – just transfer them directly from the freezer to the hot oil when ready to serve.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Crispy Reuben Balls
Creative Crispy Reuben Balls Variations
Want to mix things up? Try swapping the corned beef for shredded roast beef or pastrami. You could also experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or provolone. For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne or a drizzle of sriracha to the filling.
Making Crispy Reuben Balls Diet-Friendly
To make these Crispy Reuben Balls gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers in place of the regular breadcrumbs. For a low-carb version, skip the breading and bake the filling balls instead. Vegans can substitute the corned beef with crumbled tempeh or jackfruit, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned or pre-cooked corned beef for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Pre-cooked corned beef works great in this Crispy Reuben Balls recipe. Just be sure to finely chop it before mixing with the other filling ingredients.
Q: How long should I fry the Crispy Reuben Balls?
A: Fry the breaded balls for 2-3 minutes, until they’re golden brown on the outside. You may need to adjust the time slightly depending on the size of your balls and the temperature of your oil.
Q: Can I make Crispy Reuben Balls ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prep the filling and form the balls up to 2 days in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to bread and fry. The unfried, breaded balls can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Q: How many Crispy Reuben Balls does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield approximately 18-20 Crispy Reuben Balls, depending on the size you scoop them. It’s a great shareable appetizer, but you may want to double the batch if serving a larger crowd.
Q: Why are my Crispy Reuben Balls falling apart during frying?
A: If your balls are falling apart in the oil, it’s likely due to not packing the filling tightly enough or not letting the breaded balls chill before frying. Be sure to really compress the filling when forming the balls, and let them sit in the fridge for 30 minutes before breading and frying.
Crispy Reuben Balls
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 24
Description
These Crispy Reuben Balls are a delightful twist on the classic Reuben sandwich. Packed with savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melty Swiss cheese, then coated in a crispy panko breading, these bite-sized bites are the perfect appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
– 1 lb corned beef, finely chopped
– 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
– 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 tbsp Thousand Island dressing
– 1 tsp caraway seeds
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. – In a large bowl, combine the chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, 1/4 cup of the panko breadcrumbs, Thousand Island dressing, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated.
2. – Scoop the mixture by the tablespoonful and roll into 1-inch balls.
3. – Place the remaining 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Dip the Reuben balls in the beaten eggs, then roll in the panko to fully coat.
4. – In a large skillet, heat 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the Reuben balls in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
5. – Transfer the fried Reuben balls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. – Serve the Crispy Reuben Balls warm, with additional Thousand Island dressing for dipping, if desired.
Notes
For a healthier option, you can bake the Reuben balls in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Crispy Reuben Balls are the ultimate game day or party appetizer, and this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. With their perfect balance of savory, salty, and gooey goodness wrapped in a crispy outer shell, it’s no wonder they’ve been a staple in my family for years.
I hope you’ll give this Crispy Reuben Balls recipe a try – whether you’re hosting the big game, planning a holiday gathering, or just looking for a tasty new snack, I promise these little bites will disappear in a flash. Let me know how they turn out for you in the comments below, and be sure to share the recipe with all your fellow Reuben lovers!
