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Reuben Balls Recipe

Close-up of crunchy Reuben Balls showing savory, cheesy filling inside.

These crispy, cheesy Reuben Balls are everything you love about a classic deli Reuben sandwich—corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese—rolled into golden, bite-sized snacks. Perfect for parties, game days, or a fun appetizer twist!

Ingredients

Scale

Filling:

1 ½ cups finely chopped cooked corned beef

1 cup finely chopped sauerkraut (drained and squeezed dry)

1 ¼ cups shredded Swiss cheese

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp black pepper

For Breading:

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1 ½ cups plain breadcrumbs or panko

For Frying:

Vegetable oil, for deep frying

Optional for Serving:

Thousand Island dressing or Russian dressing, for dipping

Instructions

Make the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well until a thick, uniform mixture forms.

Chill the Mixture:
Cover and refrigerate the mixture for 30–60 minutes, or until firm enough to roll.

Form the Balls:
Once chilled, scoop and roll into 1-inch balls using your hands or a small cookie scoop. You should get around 20–24 balls.

Set Up Breading Station:
Place flour in one shallow bowl, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs in a third.

Bread the Balls:
Roll each ball first in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks well.

Fry the Balls:
Heat about 2–3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pot.

Drain & Serve:
Transfer the fried Reuben Balls to a paper towel–lined plate. Serve warm with Thousand Island or Russian dressing.

Notes

Air Fryer Option: Spray with oil and air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Make Ahead: Freeze uncooked balls after breading. Fry straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the cook time.

Cheese Swap: Gruyère or provolone can be used instead of Swiss for a twist in flavor.

Low-Carb Tip: Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs for a keto-friendly version.

Keywords: Reuben Balls Recipe