It was a chilly winter evening, and I couldn’t wait to curl up on the couch with a warm and comforting meal. That’s when I remembered the Crispy Reuben Balls I had been meaning to make. I had discovered this recipe a few months back, and it quickly became a household favorite. The combination of tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and crispy breadcrumbs is just divine.
As I started to assemble the ingredients, the nostalgic aroma of the Crispy Reuben Balls filled the kitchen, transporting me back to my grandma’s house. She was the one who first introduced me to the wonders of Reuben sandwiches, and this recipe is my way of keeping that tradition alive. I can still picture her carefully rolling the meat and sauerkraut into perfectly round balls, then carefully coating them in a crispy panko crust. It was a labor of love, and the end result was always worth it.
Why This Crispy Reuben Balls Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Crispy Reuben Balls
What sets this Crispy Reuben Balls recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The key is to start with high-quality ingredients, like thinly sliced corned beef and sauerkraut that’s been drained and patted dry. This ensures that the filling is flavorful without being too wet or soggy. The secret, though, is in the breading. I use a combination of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese to create a delightfully crispy exterior that complements the tender interior. Trust me, one bite of these Crispy Reuben Balls, and you’ll be hooked!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Corned beef: Look for thinly sliced or shredded corned beef to get the perfect texture in the filling.
- Sauerkraut: Drain and pat the sauerkraut dry to remove excess moisture.
- Swiss cheese: Shredded Swiss cheese adds a creamy, melty element to the Crispy Reuben Balls.
- Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to the perfect crispy exterior is using Japanese-style panko breadcrumbs.
- Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese in the breading adds a savory, nutty flavor.
- Eggs: The eggs help the breadcrumb coating adhere to the Crispy Reuben Balls.
- All-purpose flour: A light dusting of flour helps the egg wash and breadcrumbs stick to the filling.
Step-by-Step Crispy Reuben Balls Instructions
Preparing Your Crispy Reuben Balls
Making Crispy Reuben Balls is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. In just about an hour, you can have a batch of these delectable bites ready to serve. The key is to take your time with each step, ensuring the filling is perfectly seasoned and the breading is crisp and golden.
1- Start by mixing the corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese in a bowl until well combined. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
2- Scoop the filling and roll it into evenly sized balls, about 1-inch in diameter. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3- In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. In another bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
4- Gently dredge each Crispy Reuben Ball in the flour, then dip it in the egg wash, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to help it adhere.
5- Carefully transfer the breaded Crispy Reuben Balls back to the baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching.
6- Bake the Crispy Reuben Balls in a preheated oven until golden brown and crispy, about 20-25 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Crispy Reuben Balls turn out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips:
- Drain the sauerkraut well and pat it dry to prevent the filling from becoming too wet.
- Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion the filling into uniform balls for even cooking.
- Make sure to coat the Crispy Reuben Balls thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture for a nice, crispy exterior.
- Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to ensure the Crispy Reuben Balls have enough room to get crispy on all sides.
- If the breading starts to brown too quickly, cover the Crispy Reuben Balls loosely with foil to prevent burning.
Serving and Storing Your Crispy Reuben Balls
Perfect Pairings for Crispy Reuben Balls
Crispy Reuben Balls are the ultimate appetizer or snack, perfect for game days, holiday gatherings, or any casual get-together. Serve them with a side of creamy Russian or Thousand Island dressing for dipping. They also pair beautifully with a frosty mug of beer or a tangy, fizzy soda. For a heartier meal, serve the Crispy Reuben Balls alongside a fresh garden salad or sautéed green beans.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The great thing about Crispy Reuben Balls is that they can be made in advance and stored for later. Once baked, let the Crispy Reuben Balls cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until hot and crispy. You can also freeze the uncooked, breaded Crispy Reuben Balls for up to 3 months. Just pop them straight from the freezer into the oven when ready to bake.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Crispy Reuben Balls
Creative Crispy Reuben Balls Variations
While the classic Crispy Reuben Balls are a surefire hit, there are plenty of ways to switch things up. Try swapping the corned beef for smoked pastrami or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a different flavor profile. You can also experiment with different cheeses, like cheddar or Gruyère, or add a sprinkling of caraway seeds to the filling for an extra punch of flavor. For a seasonal twist, fold in some chopped sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions.
Making Crispy Reuben Balls Diet-Friendly
To make these Crispy Reuben Balls more diet-friendly, you can make a few simple substitutions. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour in the breading. To reduce the carbs, skip the breadcrumbs altogether and coat the Crispy Reuben Balls in a mixture of crushed pork rinds and Parmesan cheese. If you’re looking for a vegan option, try using plant-based corned beef and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
A: While you can use regular breadcrumbs, the texture won’t be as light and crispy as with panko. Panko breadcrumbs create a much superior crust on the Crispy Reuben Balls.
Q: How long do the Crispy Reuben Balls take to bake?
A: The Crispy Reuben Balls bake for 20-25 minutes in a preheated 400°F oven. Keep an eye on them and flip them halfway through to ensure even browning.
Q: Can I fry the Crispy Reuben Balls instead of baking?
A: Absolutely! For an even crispier exterior, you can fry the breaded Crispy Reuben Balls in hot oil until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
Q: How many Crispy Reuben Balls does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields approximately 18-20 Crispy Reuben Balls, depending on the size you make them. It’s a great shareable appetizer or snack.
Q: My Crispy Reuben Balls are falling apart. What did I do wrong?
A: If the Crispy Reuben Balls are falling apart, it’s likely because the filling was too wet. Make sure to drain and pat the sauerkraut very dry before mixing it with the corned beef and cheese.
Crispy Reuben Balls
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 24 balls
Description
Crispy Reuben Balls are a delightful appetizer that combines the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich in a bite-sized, crispy form. These golden-brown balls are filled with a savory blend of corned beef, sauerkraut, and melty Swiss cheese, making them the perfect snack for any gathering.
Ingredients
– 1 lb corned beef, shredded or finely chopped
– 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and squeezed dry
– 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, plus more for coating
– 2 tbsp Thousand Island dressing
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. – In a bowl, combine the shredded corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, and Thousand Island dressing. Mix well until fully incorporated.
2. – Scoop the mixture by the tablespoonful and roll into small balls.
3. – In a shallow dish, add additional breadcrumbs. Gently roll the balls in the breadcrumbs until fully coated.
4. – In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1-2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
5. – Carefully add the breaded balls to the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. – Remove the Crispy Reuben Balls from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
7. – Serve warm, with additional Thousand Island dressing or spicy mustard for dipping.
Notes
– For a creamier filling, add a spoonful of cream cheese to the corned beef mixture.
– Swap out the Thousand Island dressing for a spicy mustard or horseradish sauce for a kick of flavor.
– Bake the Crispy Reuben Balls in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes instead of frying, for a healthier option.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Snacks & Desserts
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Crispy Reuben Balls are the ultimate comfort food mashup, and I can’t wait for you to try them. The combination of tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and a crispy, cheesy coating is simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer at your next party or enjoying them as a cozy snack on the couch, these Crispy Reuben Balls are sure to become a new household favorite. So what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven and get ready to indulge in the deliciousness of these Crispy Reuben Balls!