Crispy Reuben Balls the Ultimate Game Day Snack

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever get a craving for a Reuben but not the whole sandwich? Honestly, same! These Crispy Reuben Balls are the answer.

They pack all the amazing Reuben flavors into a perfectly dippable bite.

Brief Overview

The Reuben is an American classic. It is said to have originated in either New York or Nebraska. These Reuben Bites turn that iconic sandwich into a fun appetizer! They are of medium difficulty and take about an hour and a half.

This recipe makes about 24 Mini Reuben Bites .

Main Benefits

One of the best things about these is the protein from the corned beef and cheese. This makes them satisfying.

These are perfect for Game Day Appetizer Recipes , St. Patrick's Day Appetizers , or any party. What makes these Crispy Reuben Balls special? They are the ultimate comfort food in a bite sized package.

Getting Started: The Reuben Balls Recipe

Now, let's dive into what you'll need to create these little pockets of joy. Trust me, it's simpler than it sounds. We are going to make some Fried Reuben Balls !

Ingredients: The Building Blocks

Here's the shopping list. Each item is important for the perfect taste of Reuben Meatballs .

• For the Reuben Mixture: 8 ounces cooked corned beef, 4 ounces sauerkraut, 4 ounces Swiss cheese, 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
• For the Breading: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 large eggs, 2 cups panko breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, salt and pepper.
• For Frying: Vegetable oil.
• For Serving Thousand Island dressing.

Gear Up: What You'll Need

You'll need a few things. These are the standard cooking tools. No need for fancy equipment here.

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Deep fryer or pot
• Slotted spoon
• Thermometer(optional)

So there you have it. All you need for the perfect Crispy Reuben Balls experience!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Roll!

Right, let's dive into what you'll need to make these Crispy Reuben Balls . Honestly, it's not too complicated. This Reuben Balls recipe is more about prepping than fancy skills.

Main Ingredients for Glorious Reuben Bites

Okay, here's the dealio. We need to talk quantities:

• Corned beef: 8 ounces (225g) , cooked and finely chopped. Quality corned beef makes all the difference. Think tender, not rubbery, you know?
• Sauerkraut: 4 ounces (115g) , drained and chopped. Squeeze out all the excess liquid or your Reuben Meatballs will be soggy.
• Swiss cheese: 4 ounces (115g) , shredded. Go for a block and shred it yourself, the pre-shredded stuff doesn't melt as nicely.
• Thousand Island dressing: 1/4 cup (60ml) . store-bought is fine, I like to use mine.
• Flour: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , all-purpose.
• Dijon mustard: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
• Worcestershire sauce: 1 teaspoon (5ml) .
• Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) .

For the breading of our Mini Reuben Bites :

• Flour: 1 cup (120g) , all-purpose.
• Eggs: 2 large, lightly beaten.
• Panko breadcrumbs: 2 cups (200g) . Panko is key for that extra crispy crunch.
• Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon (5ml) .
• Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) .
• Salt and pepper to taste.

And lastly, let's not forget

• Vegetable oil for frying, about 3-4 cups (700-950ml) .

Seasoning Notes: Level Up Your Reuben Balls Corned Beef

Spice it up! A dash of cayenne pepper to the Reuben Dip Bites adds a nice kick. Or, consider a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky depth of flavor.

For St. Patrick's Day Appetizers , try adding a tiny bit of caraway seed to the mixture to really lean into that Irish vibe.

No Worcestershire sauce? Soy sauce works in a pinch!.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need a fancy kitchen to whip up these Fried Reuben Balls . Here's what's essential:

• Mixing bowl.
• Smaller bowls for your breading station.
• Baking sheet, lined with parchment.
• Deep fryer or a heavy pot for frying – safety first! .
• Slotted spoon to rescue those golden spheres.
• Thermometer optional, but great for keeping that oil at 350° F ( 175° C) !

Alternatives? A Dutch oven works great if you don't have a deep fryer. A couple of forks can stand in for a slotted spoon. These are great Game Day Appetizer Recipes !

Cooking Method: Let's Get These Crispy Reuben Balls Cookin'!

Oh my gosh, you guys! We're diving into Crispy Reuben Balls today. Forget boring old appetizers. I'm talking about Reuben Balls Recipe that'll make your taste buds sing!

Prep Steps: Gettin' Our Ducks in a Row

First, mise en place , as the fancy chefs say. Chop your 8 ounces (225g) corned beef nice and fine.

Drain and chop 4 ounces (115g) sauerkraut like your life depends on it. Shred 4 ounces (115g) Swiss cheese . Get all your bits and bobs lined up.

Honestly? It makes the whole process smoother than a Sinatra song.

For time saving? Do your chopping ahead! Prepping the Reuben filling the day before Crispy Reuben Balls is a game changer. Just be sure to store it in the fridge, safe and sound.

Remember don't lick the spoon as it has raw eggs!

step-by-step: From Reuben Mess to Reuben Masterpiece

Ready to roll? Let's go!

1. Mix that chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, 1/4 cup (60ml) Thousand Island dressing , 2 tablespoons (30ml) all-purpose flour , 1 tablespoon (15ml) Dijon mustard , 1 teaspoon (5ml) Worcestershire sauce , and 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) black pepper in a bowl.
2. Chill the mix. This is key ! At least 1 hour . It needs to firm up to roll those Reuben Meatballs .
3. Set up your breading station. Flour, egg, and panko (with garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper) in separate bowls.
4. Roll the chilled mixture into 1 inch balls.
5. Bread 'em! Flour, then egg, then panko. Press gently.
6. Heat your oil to 350° F ( 175° C) .
7. Fry in batches for 5- 7 minutes , till golden brown.
8. Drain on paper towels. Serve those hot Reuben Bites immediately with Thousand Island dressing.

Pro Tips for Absolute Reuben Ball Bliss

• Don't skip the chilling! Seriously, it's the key to perfect Fried Reuben Balls .
• Maintain that oil temperature! It makes a world of difference. Too cold? Greasy balls. Too hot? Burnt Mini Reuben Bites .
• make-ahead? You betcha! Roll and bread the balls, then freeze them. Fry 'em straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time. Perfect for Game Day Appetizer Recipes or St. Patrick's Day Appetizers !

Honestly, these Crispy Reuben Balls are so good, they're practically addictive. They will be the star of any party, like a delicious Reuben Dip Bites .

Grab a cold pint, maybe a Manhattan, and enjoy the ride.

Recipe Notes for Your Crispy Reuben Balls

Honestly, making these Crispy Reuben Balls is easier than parallel parking in Camden Town. You know? But I've got a few tips to make your Reuben Balls Recipe go from "meh" to "OMG!".

Let's dive in.

Serving Suggestions: Get Your Plating On!

Okay, so you've fried these Reuben Meatballs to golden perfection. Now what? Forget just dumping them on a plate!

• Presentation is key, innit? Arrange them artfully on a platter with a bowl of Thousand Island dressing in the middle. Scatter some fresh parsley around for a bit of colour like a fancy pub snack! I like serving my Mini Reuben Bites in mini paper cones for that street food vibe.
• Complementary Sides: Think classic pub fare. Coleslaw is a must. Potato salad is always a winner. Or how about some pickle spears to cut through the richness? As for drinks, a crisp lager or a cheeky Irish stout is spot on. These Reuben Bites also pair nicely with a Manhattan!

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Right, so you've somehow managed to not eat all the Fried Reuben Balls in one go. Respect! Here's how to store them:

• Refrigeration: Leftover Reuben Balls Corned Beef can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Honestly though, they're best eaten fresh.
• Freezing: I wouldn't recommend freezing cooked Crispy Reuben Balls . They tend to get a bit soggy. However, you can freeze the unbreaded balls. Just thaw them completely before breading and frying.
• Reheating: The best way to reheat is in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use an air fryer for extra crispiness. Microwave reheating is a last resort, as they can get a bit soft.

Variations: Get Creative!

Fancy a twist on the classic? Why not!

• Dietary Adaptations: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. You could also try using almond flour for a lower carb option.
• Seasonal Swaps: I once made these with kimchi instead of sauerkraut totally unexpected but delicious! You could also swap the corned beef for pastrami, especially after St. Patrick's Day!

Nutrition Basics: The Down Low

Ok, let's be real. These Reuben Dip Bites aren't exactly health food, are they? But everything in moderation, right?

• Simplified Info: Each ball is about 150-180 calories, with a decent amount of protein and a fair bit of fat. Sodium's a bit high thanks to the corned beef, so go easy on the salt elsewhere.
• Key Benefits: They're a great source of protein and, let's face it, pure joy.

So there you have it! Everything you need to know to make epic Game Day Appetizer Recipes or St. Patrick's Day Appetizers .

Go forth and make some delicious Crispy Reuben Balls . You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to keep my Crispy Reuben Balls from falling apart when frying?

That's a cracking question! The key is to chill the Reuben mixture thoroughly at least an hour, but longer is even better. This helps the mixture firm up, making it much easier to roll and hold its shape in the hot oil.

Also, be gentle when breading them press the breadcrumbs on firmly so they stick like glue!

Can I make these Crispy Reuben Balls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the Reuben mixture, roll the balls, and bread them a day ahead. Store the breaded Crispy Reuben Balls in the fridge on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Just be sure to cover them loosely so the breading doesn't get soggy.

Then, fry them up just before serving for that fresh out-of-the-fryer deliciousness.

What if I don't have Panko breadcrumbs? Can I use regular breadcrumbs for the Crispy Reuben Balls?

While panko breadcrumbs give the most amazing, crispy texture (think proper pub grub!), you can certainly use regular breadcrumbs in a pinch. Just be aware that the texture will be a bit different not quite as light and airy.

For a similar effect to Panko, try toasting your regular breadcrumbs in a dry pan for a few minutes before using to get some of the moisture out and give it a crunchier base to work with!

I'm not a big fan of Thousand Island dressing. What other dipping sauces would go well with these Crispy Reuben Balls?

No worries, mate! There are plenty of other dipping sauces that would be smashing with these little morsels. A spicy mustard or horseradish aioli would provide a lovely zing. For something a bit different, try a creamy dill sauce or even a simple Dijon vinaigrette.

Get creative and find something that tickles your fancy!

Can I bake these Crispy Reuben Balls instead of frying?

You can bake the Reuben balls, although they won't be quite as crispy as the fried version. To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray lightly with cooking oil.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown, flipping halfway through. Keep a close eye on them, and make sure that they are heated through.

Are there any nutritional considerations I should be aware of when making Crispy Reuben Balls?

Absolutely! These are a delicious treat, but they are relatively high in fat and sodium, thanks to the corned beef, cheese, and frying. You could lighten them up by using lean corned beef, low-fat Swiss cheese, or baking instead of frying. Remember to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

As always, consult a nutritionist or doctor regarding your own dietary needs.