Get ready to fall in love with Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Dip—the ultimate appetizer mashup you never knew you needed until now! These golden beauties pack all the classic Reuben flavors into a crunchy, poppable bite, perfectly paired with a zesty homemade sauce that keeps everyone reaching for more. Whether you’re hosting game day, planning a fun dinner party, or simply craving a new take on comfort food, this recipe will have everyone at your table grinning. Trust me: once you try them, these sensational snacks will become your new obsession!
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something magical about how simple, familiar ingredients can come together to make something so memorable. Every component in these Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Dip plays a deliciously important role—some for tang, some for crunch, and some that melts beautifully inside. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Corned beef: Chop it small for the perfect meaty bite that brings that signature deli flavor.
- Sauerkraut: Drain and squeeze it dry—it adds a welcome zing while making the inside juicy, not soggy.
- Swiss cheese: This melts inside and pairs perfectly with the tangy kraut and salty beef.
- Cream cheese: Softens the filling and makes every bite extra creamy and decadent.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle, sharp note that balances the richness of the filling.
- Caraway seeds (optional): Reminiscent of rye bread, they echo that classic Reuben flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Essential for helping the breading stick and keeping the inside moist.
- Eggs: Bind everything and help the breadcrumb layer adhere for max crunch.
- Seasoned breadcrumbs: These get supremely crispy and provide a flavorful, golden coating.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for frying, giving you that irresistible crunchy texture without any heavy aftertaste.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base that makes your dip luscious and smooth.
- Ketchup: Adds bright color and a subtly sweet tang to the sauce.
- Prepared horseradish: Brings warmth and that nostalgic deli-style kick.
- Hot sauce: Customize the spice to your taste—it brings the dip to life!
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds savory depth and keeps things from tasting one-note.
- Smoked paprika: Just a touch gives the dip a gentle smokiness that makes it unforgettable.
- Salt and pepper: Taste and adjust—the right seasoning brings all the flavors together.
How to Make Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Dip
Step 1: Mix Up the Filling
In a big bowl, combine your chopped corned beef, well-drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, room temperature cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and caraway seeds if you like that hint of rye flavor. Use a sturdy spatula (or clean hands—no shame!) to blend everything together until it’s all evenly mixed. You want every bite of your Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Dip to have a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, tangy, and meaty.
Step 2: Form and Chill the Balls
Scoop out about a tablespoon of filling and roll it between your palms to form compact, 1-inch balls. Try to keep them uniform; this helps them cook evenly and look extra professional when serving. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once your tray is full, slide it into the freezer for at least 30 minutes. Chilling is key! It keeps the filling firm so the balls hold their shape when you coat and fry them—no leaks, just golden goodness.
Step 3: Breading Station Time
Set up a classic three-bowl breading station: one shallow dish for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for seasoned breadcrumbs. Work with a few balls at a time. Roll each chilled Reuben ball in flour, dust off excess, then dunk it fully in the egg to coat, and finally roll it in the breadcrumbs until every bit is covered. This triple layer creates that signature crispy shell and makes your Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Dip extra irresistible.
Step 4: Fry to Crispy Perfection
Heat about two inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy pot to 350°F (a thermometer helps, but a cube of bread that fries golden in about 60 seconds is a good test). Fry the balls in batches—don’t crowd the pan—for 2 to 3 minutes, turning gently until each is deeply golden all over. Transfer the fried balls to paper towels to drain. You’ll know you nailed it when the outsides are shatteringly crisp and the inside is gooey and melty!
Step 5: Whip Up the Spicy Dip
While your Reuben balls are cooling just slightly, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, hot sauce, Worcestershire, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the warmth to your liking—the beauty of homemade is that you’re in charge! This spicy dip is creamy, tangy, smoky, and just spicy enough to keep things exciting.
How to Serve Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Dip
Garnishes
Sprinkle your platter of Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Dip with a little chopped fresh parsley or a few extra caraway seeds for a pop of color and flavor. You can also dust them with a pinch of smoked paprika or serve lemon wedges on the side for a zesty contrast—little touches like these make your dish look (and taste) restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
Pair these hot, crispy Reuben bites with a cool, crunchy slaw or a pile of pickles to cut through the richness and add even more texture. Potato chips, kettle-cooked fries, or even a fresh garden salad keep things light and help round out your appetizer spread for parties or casual nights in.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Dip on a big charcuterie board surrounded by rye crackers and sliced veggies for a playful, interactive snack platter. For cocktail parties, serve each ball in a mini muffin cup with a tiny skewer and a dollop of dip. Or nestle them in a paper cone for the ultimate easy, hand-held treat—guests will love how stylish (and portable!) they are.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cool them completely before storing. Pop any extra Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Dip into a sealed container and keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Store the dip separately to keep the coating from getting soggy, and you’ll be all set for a killer snack tomorrow.
Freezing
Want to plan ahead? You absolutely can! Form and bread your Reuben balls, then freeze them on a tray before frying. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag—they keep beautifully for up to two months. When ready to serve, fry straight from frozen; just add about one extra minute to the cooking time. You can also freeze any already-fried (and cooled) balls, though freshly fried is best for ultra-crispiness.
Reheating
To warm up Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Dip, pop them in a single layer on a baking sheet and heat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes until they’re crisp and hot all the way through. Avoid microwaving, as that softens the coating. If you have an air fryer, it’s perfect for getting that just-fried crunch back!
FAQs
Can I make Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Dip gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the regular flour and breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free versions. The texture and taste remain spot on, so everyone can enjoy this crowd-pleasing dish.
What can I use instead of corned beef?
Pastrami is an excellent substitute and gives the balls a smokier edge, but you can use any deli meat you love. Even leftover roast beef works well, making this recipe extra versatile for using up what’s in your fridge.
How spicy is the dip?
The spicy dip is flavorful with a gentle kick, thanks to horseradish and hot sauce. You can bump up or tone down the heat by adjusting the amount of hot sauce and horseradish to suit your (and your guests’) taste buds.
Can I bake instead of fry?
You can! Arrange the breaded Reuben balls on a wire rack over a sheet pan, spray them lightly with cooking oil, and bake at 400°F for about 15–18 minutes, turning halfway. They won’t be quite as shatter-crisp as fried, but they’re still totally delicious and golden brown.
Can the filling be made in advance?
Yes, the filling mixture can be prepped and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours before shaping and breading. It’s a huge time saver if you’re planning ahead for a party or gathering.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the appetizer that will have everyone talking (and sneaking seconds), Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Dip are it. These crave-worthy bites are fun to make, wildly tasty, and instantly turn any occasion into a celebration. Don’t be surprised when these disappear in a flash—go ahead and double the batch so everyone gets their fill!
