Description
Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Dip are a delicious fried appetizer featuring a savory mixture of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and cream cheese, seasoned with Dijon mustard and caraway seeds. These bite-sized balls are breaded and fried to golden perfection, served warm with a tangy and spicy dipping sauce that complements the flavors beautifully. Perfect for parties or as a flavorful snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Reuben Balls
- 2 cups chopped corned beef
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1½ cups seasoned breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Spicy Dip
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Mixing the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and caraway seeds (if using). Stir until the mixture is fully blended and holds together well.
- Forming the Balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze the balls for 30 minutes to firm up, making them easier to bread and fry.
- Preparing the Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with the seasoned breadcrumbs. This will ensure each ball is evenly coated.
- Breading the Balls: Remove the frozen balls from the freezer. Roll each ball first in the flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs. Place coated balls back on the parchment-lined tray to keep them separated.
- Frying: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the balls in batches for 2 to 3 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Preparing the Spicy Dip: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, prepared horseradish, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Serving: Serve the crispy Reuben balls warm alongside the spicy dip for dipping. Enjoy as an appetizer or snack.
Notes
- You can prepare the Reuben balls ahead of time and freeze them before frying for convenient meal prep.
- Substitute pastrami for corned beef if you prefer a different flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free flour.
