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Plate of golden-brown Reuben Balls with Spicy Sauce, one cut open to show melted cheese.

Reuben Balls with Spicy Sauce

These Reuben balls are a delicious appetizer. They combine classic Reuben sandwich flavors in a bite-sized format, served with a spicy dipping sauce.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 24 balls
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

For the Reuben Balls
  • 1 lb corned beef cooked and finely chopped
  • 1 cup Swiss cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup sauerkraut drained and squeezed dry
  • 1/4 cup rye bread crumbs fresh
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1/4 cup Russian dressing
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour for dredging
  • 2 cups panko bread crumbs for dredging
  • 2 large eggs beaten, for dredging
  • 3 cups vegetable oil for frying
For the Spicy Sauce
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp horseradish prepared
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp hot sauce or to taste

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Small bowl

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped corned beef, shredded Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, rye bread crumbs, 2 beaten eggs, Russian dressing, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
  2. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. You should get about 24 balls.
  3. Set up three shallow dishes. Place the flour in the first, the 2 beaten eggs in the second, and the panko bread crumbs in the third.
  4. Dredge each ball first in the flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally coat it thoroughly with the panko bread crumbs.
  5. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
  6. Carefully fry the Reuben balls in batches, without overcrowding the skillet, for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  7. While the balls are frying, prepare the spicy sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce until smooth.
  8. Serve the hot Reuben balls immediately with the spicy sauce for dipping.

Notes

You can bake these instead of frying. Place them on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.