If you’re searching for a mouthwatering party appetizer that combines flavors of classic Irish pub food with a modern twist, look no further than Crispy Reuben Balls. These delightful bites are packed with savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melty Swiss cheese, all enveloped in a perfectly crispy coating. Ideal for gatherings, they offer a fun and flavorful way to enjoy the beloved flavors of a Reuben sandwich in a shareable format. This recipe ensures that each bite is bursting with flavor and texture, making it a crowd-pleaser that will have your guests coming back for more. Whether served at a casual game day or a festive celebration, these Crispy Reuben Balls are sure to impress.

Ingredients

• For the Filling:
  • 1 cup cooked corned beef, finely chopped
  • 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and chopped
  • 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Coating:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• For Frying:
  • Vegetable oil (for deep frying)

Steps / Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed. The mixture should be well combined and slightly sticky, ensuring that when formed into balls, they hold together perfectly. You may want to taste the filling and adjust the seasoning according to your preference, adding more pepper or mustard if desired.
2. Form the Balls: Using your hands, take about one tablespoon of the filling and roll it into a ball. Be sure to compress the mixture firmly enough so that they won’t fall apart during frying. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat until all filling is used, making approximately 20-24 balls. Ensure they are uniform in size for even cooking; this will also help them maintain consistency in texture when you bite into them.
3. Set Up the Breading Station: In one shallow bowl, place the flour; in another, whisk the eggs until smooth and slightly frothy; and in a third bowl, add the breadcrumbs. This setup will streamline the coating process and make it easier to achieve an even coating. Make sure to have a clean plate nearby for the breaded balls, as this will help in managing the frying process later on.
4. Coat the Balls: Roll each ball in the flour to coat, ensuring all surfaces are covered. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off before rolling it in the breadcrumbs until fully covered. Press gently to make sure the breadcrumbs adhere well. Repeat for all the balls, ensuring a generous coating for maximum crispiness. The breadcrumb layer is crucial for that satisfying crunch that encapsulates the flavorful filling.
5. Heat the Oil: In a large pot or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy, as this is the ideal temperature for frying, ensuring that your Crispy Reuben Balls are perfectly golden brown and cooked through without absorbing too much oil. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of bread; it should sizzle immediately upon contact.
6. Fry the Balls: Carefully drop a few balls into the hot oil, taking care not to overcrowd the pot, which could lower the oil temperature and result in greasy balls. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, which will help keep them from becoming soggy.
7. Repeat: Continue frying the remaining Reuben balls in batches, allowing the oil to return to temperature between batches for the best results. This will help ensure that each batch comes out equally crispy and delicious, maintaining the quality of your appetizer.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the balls to cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauces, such as Thousand Island dressing or a spicy mustard. For an extra touch, consider garnishing with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for color.

Tips & Tricks

• Ingredient Quality: Use high-quality corned beef and fresh sauerkraut for the best flavor. If you have homemade corned beef recipes, feel free to use that for an even richer taste. The freshness of your ingredients can significantly enhance the overall flavor of the Crispy Reuben Balls.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid using the microwave for reheating, as this can make the coating soggy.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the Reuben balls a day in advance, bread them, and refrigerate until you’re ready to fry. This makes them a quick and easy party food option! You can even freeze them un-fried; just ensure to separate layers with parchment paper so they don’t stick together.
• Avoid Common Mistakes: Be sure to drain the sauerkraut well to avoid soggy balls. If the mixture feels too wet, consider adding a little more breadcrumbs to help bind it together. Balancing moisture is key to achieving the perfect texture.
• Frying Techniques: For those who prefer baking, you can bake the breaded balls at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. However, frying yields a crispier result, which is often preferred for this type of dish. If baking, consider spraying the balls lightly with cooking spray to enhance browning.

Variations

For those who may have dietary restrictions, consider the following modifications: You can learn more about this topic. These variations allow you to enjoy the essence of Crispy Reuben Balls while catering to diverse dietary needs.

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. This modification allows those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy this delicious snack without compromising on flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace corned beef with finely chopped mushrooms sautéed with spices to give a savory depth. Using a variety of mushrooms can add different textures and flavors to the filling.
• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the filling for an added heat. Adjust the amount according to your preference to create the perfect level of spiciness for your palate.

Crispy Reuben Balls

★★★★★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Appetizer Cuisine: American Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

20-24

⏱️

Prep Time

30 min

🍳

Cook Time

20 min

🔥

Calories

—

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If you're searching for a mouthwatering party appetizer that combines flavors of classic Irish pub food with a modern twist, look no further than Crispy Reuben Balls. These delightful bites are packed with savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and melty Swiss cheese, all enveloped in a perfectly crispy coating.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked corned beef, finely chopped
• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and chopped
• 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• Vegetable oil (for deep frying)

Directions

1.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

2.

Using your hands, take about one tablespoon of the filling and roll it into a ball. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat until all filling is used.

3.

In one shallow bowl, place the flour; in another, whisk the eggs until smooth; and in a third bowl, add the breadcrumbs.

4.

Roll each ball in the flour to coat, then dip into the beaten eggs, and roll in the breadcrumbs until fully covered.

5.

In a large pot or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).

6.

Carefully drop a few balls into the hot oil, frying for about 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown.

7.

Continue frying the remaining Reuben balls in batches.

8.

Allow the balls to cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauces.