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Bite-sized Reuben treats turn the classic sandwich into mouthwatering snacks that work great for parties or casual munching. These crunchy, golden nuggets pack all the Reuben must-haves—corned beef, Swiss cheese, zesty sauerkraut, and smooth dressing—into a crisp, handheld form that keeps the iconic taste while adding a nice crunch. Served with a kickin' thousand island dip that hits the sweet spot between creamy, tangy and spicy, these tasty bites can turn any regular get-together into something special.
I came up with these Reuben balls while trying to use up extra corned beef after St. Patrick's Day. What started as just playing around in the kitchen soon became the app everyone asks for at my parties. Even friends who usually skip regular Reuben sandwiches kept coming back for more of these crunchy, flavor-loaded treats. Something about familiar tastes in a surprising package won over even my pals who normally turn their nose up at sauerkraut.
Key Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups chopped corned beef: Gives you that hearty, meaty foundation.
- 1 cup sauerkraut: Adds that must-have tang for true Reuben flavor.
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese: Creates that awesome gooey center.
- 4 ounces cream cheese: Helps everything stick together.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Brings a bit of zip and extra flavor.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Starts the coating process.
- 2 large eggs: Makes the breadcrumbs stick where they should.
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs: Creates that amazing crunch outside.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Makes the dipping sauce creamy.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Adds a sweet and tangy kick to your sauce.
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish: Gives nice texture and tang.
Easy Preparation Steps
- Mix Your Filling:
- Combine corned beef, squeezed-dry sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, room temp cream cheese, and Dijon mustard until everything's mixed well.
- Cool Down:
- Stick the mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes so it firms up enough to work with.
- Shape Into Balls:
- Roll the mix into 1 to 1.5-inch rounds and put them on a tray lined with parchment.
- Cool Again:
- Pop them back in the fridge for 15-20 minutes while you get your breading stuff ready.
- Set Up Coating Station:
- Put flour, whipped eggs, and panko in different shallow dishes.
- Coat Each Ball:
- Roll each one first in flour, then dunk in egg, then cover with panko so they're fully coated.
- Get Oil Ready:
- Warm up vegetable oil in a pan until it hits 350°F.
- Cook Small Groups:
- Fry 5-6 balls at once for 2-3 minutes, turning them so they brown evenly.
- Soak Up Extra Oil:
- Move fried balls to a plate lined with paper towels.
- Make Your Sauce:
- Stir together mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, hot sauce, and smoked paprika until smooth.
- Serve While Hot:
- Put the warm Reuben balls on a plate with the dipping sauce nearby.
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Tasty Pairing Ideas
Try serving with other mini sandwich-themed snacks for a fun finger food spread.
Drop them on top of buttered egg noodles for a different spin on the Reuben experience.
Add them to your St. Patrick's Day table alongside other Irish-American favorites.
Fun Twists to Try
Switch to turkey instead of corned beef for a Rachel ball version.
Mix in pizza sauce and mozzarella for Reuben pizza balls.
Toss in some diced potatoes and serve with a fried egg on top for breakfast Reuben balls.
Keeping and Warming Up
Keep them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
You can freeze the raw breaded balls and fry them straight from frozen, just cook 1-2 minutes longer.
To warm up leftovers, bake at 350°F for 7-10 minutes to bring back the crunch.
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I've gotten known as 'the Reuben ball person' at potlucks and game days thanks to these snacks. It's a funny nickname, but I'm totally okay with it because I love seeing how these crunchy, tasty bites bring people together. The combo of tangy sauerkraut, savory beef, and melty Swiss cheese wrapped in that crispy shell works magic every time, winning over folks who'd normally walk right past a regular Reuben sandwich.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Could I bake the Reuben bites instead of frying?
- Of course! Bake them at 375°F (190°C) for around 15-20 minutes or until they’re golden and hot. Brush or spray a bit of oil on them beforehand for extra crispiness.
- → Can they be prepped ahead for parties?
- Yep! You can assemble the balls and refrigerate (unfried) a day before. Fry them fresh when you're ready to serve, or fully cook them in advance and reheat at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
- → What’s a good sauerkraut replacement?
- If sauerkraut isn’t your thing, try drained coleslaw for a toned-down flavor or finely chopped pickles to keep it tangy.
- → Why is draining sauerkraut so important?
- Getting rid of extra liquid is key. If it’s too wet, the mixture won’t hold together, and you might get splatter while frying.
- → What side dishes go well with Reuben bites?
- Pair with potato salad, coleslaw, pickles, or a simple vinaigrette salad. For deli-style fun, add knishes or latkes to the mix!