Oh, let me tell you about these scrumptious reuben balls with spicy thousand island dipping sauce! They’re like little bites of heaven that perfectly marry the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich into a fun, shareable appetizer. Imagine crispy, golden balls filled with savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Swiss cheese, all paired with a zesty dipping sauce that adds just the right kick. Trust me, these reuben balls are not just a dish; they’re a conversation starter and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering! You’ll want to make them again and again!
Ingredients for Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delightful reuben balls! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound corned beef, chopped
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Oil for frying
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons horseradish
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking—trust me, it makes the process so much smoother!
How to Prepare Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making these reuben balls! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious appetizer ready in no time!
- Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Toss in the chopped corned beef, drained sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix everything together until it’s well combined—don’t be shy, use your hands if you need to!
- Once mixed, it’s time to form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. You want them to be nice and compact so they hold together when frying.
- Next, heat up some oil in a frying pan over medium heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan—about half an inch should do it. Keep an eye on it; you want the oil hot but not smoking!
- Carefully place the reuben balls in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown all over. You’ll know they’re ready when they look irresistible!
- While the reuben balls are frying, whip up your dipping sauce. In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, and hot sauce. Mix it well until it’s smooth and creamy. Feel free to adjust the hot sauce to your taste for that perfect kick!
- Once the reuben balls are golden brown, take them out of the oil and let them drain on a paper towel to catch any excess oil. Serve them hot with your delicious spicy dipping sauce on the side, and watch them disappear!
And there you have it! The process is super straightforward, and the result? Pure deliciousness!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional information for these tasty reuben balls with spicy thousand island dipping sauce. Keep in mind that these values are based on typical ingredients and can vary depending on brands and preparation methods:
- Calories: 200 per ball
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 10g
This makes for a hearty appetizer that’s packed with flavor while still being easy to enjoy in moderation. Perfect for parties or game day snacks!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip these up in no time!
- Easy to make: Simple steps and everyday ingredients mean anyone can create these tasty treats.
- Packed with flavor: The combination of corned beef, Swiss cheese, and spices delivers a burst of deliciousness in every bite.
- Great for gatherings: These reuben balls are perfect for parties or game days, and they’re sure to impress your guests!
- Gluten-free: With careful ingredient choices, you can enjoy these tasty bites without the gluten, making them suitable for a wider audience.
Tips for Success
To make your reuben balls truly unbeatable, I’ve got some pro tips that will elevate them to the next level! Trust me, these little nuggets of joy deserve all the love you can give them:
- Fry in batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying! This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect golden brown color. Plus, it prevents the temperature of the oil from dropping too much.
- Use leftover corned beef: If you have leftover corned beef from a previous meal, this is the perfect time to use it! It saves time and adds even more flavor to your reuben balls.
- Adjust the spice: Feel free to play around with the heat in your dipping sauce! If you’re feeling adventurous, add more hot sauce or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to really kick things up a notch.
- Let them rest: After frying, let the reuben balls rest on a paper towel for a minute or two. This helps drain excess oil and keeps them from getting soggy.
- Experiment with cheese: Swiss cheese is a classic choice, but don’t hesitate to try other cheeses like Gouda or even a spicy pepper jack for a different flavor twist!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making the most delicious reuben balls ever! Enjoy every bite!
Variations on Reuben Balls
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up, there are tons of fun variations you can try with these reuben balls! Here are some ideas to inspire your creativity in the kitchen:
- Cheese Swap: While Swiss cheese is a classic, feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Try using sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor, or even pepper jack if you’re craving some heat.
- Veggie Boost: Add some finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the mixture for an extra crunch and flavor. Just be sure to keep the moisture in check to avoid soggy balls!
- Herbed Up: Mix in some fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives to brighten up the flavors. It adds a lovely freshness that complements the richness of the other ingredients.
- Spicy Dipping Sauce Variations: Instead of the classic spicy thousand island, try making a creamy sriracha sauce or a tangy mustard dip. You could even add some dill pickles to the sauce for a fun twist!
- Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs: For a healthier option, swap out regular breadcrumbs for whole wheat ones. It adds a nice nuttiness and makes them a bit more wholesome!
- Mini Versions: Want to make bite-sized snacks? Form smaller balls for party platters or appetizers. They’re perfect for popping in your mouth during game day or gatherings!
These variations will keep your reuben balls fresh and exciting every time you make them. Experiment, have fun, and let your taste buds lead the way!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got these mouthwatering reuben balls ready to go, let’s talk about what to pair them with for the ultimate experience! These little bites are versatile and can be matched with a variety of sides and drinks to elevate your appetizer game.
- Crispy Potato Wedges: Serve your reuben balls with a side of crispy potato wedges or fries. They’re the perfect crunchy counterpart to the savory flavors of the balls!
- Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw can add a nice crunch and a hint of acidity that balances out the richness of the reuben balls. Plus, it’s super easy to make!
- Pickle Platter: Don’t skimp on the pickles! A platter of dill pickles, bread and butter pickles, or even a spicy pickle variety can complement the flavors beautifully.
- Beer: For drinks, I highly recommend pairing these with a cold beer—something like a crisp lager or a rich stout that can stand up to the bold flavors.
- Classic Cocktails: If you prefer cocktails, consider a whiskey sour or a Moscow mule. Their refreshing nature can really balance out the hearty reuben balls!
- Vegetable Platter: For a lighter option, serve these with a colorful vegetable platter and a creamy dip. It adds a fresh crunch and makes for a great contrast!
Mix and match these suggestions to create a fantastic spread. Trust me, your guests will love it, and you’ll feel like a total rockstar in the kitchen!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, if you happen to have any leftover reuben balls (which is unlikely, but hey, it happens!), storing them properly is key to keeping that delightful flavor and texture intact. Here’s how to do it:
- Storing: Let the reuben balls cool completely before you store them. Place them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. This helps keep them crispy! They’ll be good in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: If you want to save them for later, you can freeze the reuben balls! Just make sure they’re fully cooled, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
When it comes to reheating, you want to preserve that amazing crunch:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the reuben balls on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes or until they’re warmed through and crispy again. This is my favorite method!
- Air Fryer: If you have an air fryer, it’s a fantastic way to reheat them! Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through for that perfect golden crisp.
- Microwave: If you’re in a rush, you can use the microwave, but be careful! Heat them in 30-second intervals, so they don’t get soggy. They won’t have the same crispy texture, but they’ll still be tasty!
With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your reuben balls for days to come! Trust me, they’ll still be a hit, even as leftovers!
Imprimer
Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce 2 Delights
- Temps Total: 35 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
Reuben balls served with a spicy thousand island dipping sauce
Ingrédients
- 1 pound corned beef, chopped
- 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Oil for frying
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons horseradish
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Form the mixture into balls.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry the balls until golden brown on all sides.
- In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, and hot sauce for the dipping sauce.
- Serve the reuben balls hot with the spicy dipping sauce.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level of the dipping sauce to your taste.
- Can bake the balls instead of frying for a healthier option.
- Use leftover corned beef for convenience.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 15 minutes
- Catégorie: Appetizer
- Méthode: Frying
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 ball
- Calories: 200
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 500mg
- La graisse: 12g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 6g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 10g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 10g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 50mg
Mots-clés: reuben balls, spicy thousand island dipping sauce
