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A handheld smartphone photo of crispy golden-brown breaded Reuben balls served on a ceramic platter with fresh green parsley.
FL Recipes

The Ultimate Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dip

Reuben Balls are the ultimate appetizer! Enjoy perfectly crisp panko-coated bites filled with corned beef, sauerkraut, and a spicy dipping sauce.
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 people
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Recipe Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked corned beef Finely chopped
  • 0.75 cup sauerkraut Squeezed completely dry
  • 1 cup Swiss cheese Freshly shredded
  • 4 oz cream cheese Softened to room temperature
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs Beaten
  • 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 4 cups canola or peanut oil For deep frying
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp green relish Finely chopped
  • 0.5 tsp red chili flakes
  • 0.5 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh green parsley leaves For garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Heavy-bottomed Dutch Oven or Deep Fryer Essential for maintaining consistent oil temperature.
  • 1 Deep Fry Thermometer Keeps oil perfectly at 350°F (175°C).
  • 1 Wire Spider Strainer For safe retrieval without damaging the panko crust.

Method
 

Making the Reuben Balls
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped corned beef, thoroughly drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, and softened cream cheese until it forms a cohesive dough.
  2. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them tightly into uniform spheres. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  3. Place the all-purpose flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs into three separate shallow bowls.
  4. Roll each chilled sphere in the flour, dip it completely into the egg wash, and then press it firmly into the panko to create a heavily textured coating.
  5. Heat 4 cups of oil in a heavy Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Fry the breaded spheres in small batches for 3 to 4 minutes until they are crispy and golden-brown. Drain on a wire cooling rack.
  6. Whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, and green relish in a small bowl. Stir in the red chili flakes and cracked black pepper until evenly speckled.
  7. Transfer the dipping sauce to a small white ramekin. Serve immediately with the hot fried bites, scattering fresh green parsley leaves over the platter.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalProtein: 11gFat: 24gFiber: 1g

Notes

Ensure you squeeze the sauerkraut completely dry before mixing. Excess moisture will cause the balls to break apart while frying.
Do not skip the 30-minute chill time; it is crucial for helping the cheese centers stay intact during the deep-frying process.
Keyword Corned Beef Appetizer,Fried Sauerkraut Balls,Reuben Balls

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