I can still vividly remember the first time I tried Reuben Balls. It was at a small family-owned deli in my hometown, and the moment I bit into those crispy, golden-brown nuggets, I was hooked. The tangy sauerkraut, the melted Swiss cheese, the tender corned beef – it was like a party in my mouth! From that day on, Reuben Balls became a staple in my household, and I just couldn’t get enough of them.
Why This Reuben Balls Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Reuben Balls
What makes this Reuben Balls recipe so special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The key is to start with high-quality ingredients – freshly sliced corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and nutty Swiss cheese. But the real magic happens in the way we assemble and cook these little morsels. By carefully layering the ingredients and then coating them in a crispy, golden-brown breadcrumb mixture, we create a Reuben Balls experience that’s out of this world. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked just like I was!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Corned Beef: The star of the show, you’ll want to use thinly sliced, high-quality corned beef for the best flavor and texture.
- Sauerkraut: This tangy, fermented cabbage adds the perfect zing to balance out the richness of the corned beef and cheese.
- Swiss Cheese: Melty, nutty Swiss cheese is the perfect complement to the other Reuben Balls ingredients.
- Breadcrumbs: A crispy coating is essential for these Reuben Balls, so you’ll need a mixture of panko and regular breadcrumbs.
- Eggs: The eggs help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the Reuben Balls, creating that satisfying crunch.
- Dijon Mustard: A dollop of Dijon mustard adds a subtle kick of flavor to the filling.
Step-by-Step Reuben Balls Instructions
Preparing Your Reuben Balls
Let’s get started on these delicious Reuben Balls! This recipe is easy to follow and comes together in just about 30 minutes. You’ll need a few simple kitchen tools, like a mixing bowl, a baking sheet, and a deep fryer or large skillet for frying.
1- Begin by chopping the corned beef into small, bite-sized pieces. This will help the Reuben Balls come together more easily.
2- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese. Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard and mix everything together until well incorporated.
3- Now, it’s time to bread the Reuben Balls. In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. In a separate bowl, combine the panko and regular breadcrumbs.
4- Scoop up a heaping tablespoon of the corned beef mixture and gently shape it into a ball. Dip the ball first into the egg, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help it adhere.
5- Place the breaded Reuben Balls on a baking sheet or plate as you work. Once they’re all assembled, you’re ready to fry!
6- Heat your oil to 350°F and carefully add the Reuben Balls, working in batches if needed. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate and serve hot, garnished with extra sauerkraut or Dijon mustard if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Reuben Balls is to not overstuff them. You want just the right amount of filling to ensure a balanced flavor and texture. Additionally, be sure to let the oil reach the proper temperature before frying to achieve that crispy exterior.
Serving and Storing Your Reuben Balls
Perfect Pairings for Reuben Balls
Reuben Balls are the ultimate party appetizer or game-day snack. Serve them up with a side of tangy Russian dressing or Thousand Island dressing for dipping. They also pair beautifully with a crisp, refreshing lager or a classic Reuben sandwich on the side.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Reuben Balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also freeze the uncooked Reuben Balls for up to 2 months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator before frying.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Reuben Balls
Creative Reuben Balls Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different variations of Reuben Balls. For a spicy twist, add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the filling. You could also swap out the corned beef for pastrami or shredded chicken for a different protein. And for a vegetarian option, use sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables in place of the meat.
Making Reuben Balls Diet-Friendly
To make these Reuben Balls a bit more diet-friendly, you can try a few substitutions. Instead of frying, bake the breaded balls in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. And for a lower-carb option, you can use almond flour or crushed pork rinds in place of the regular breadcrumbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use store-bought sauerkraut, or do I need to make it from scratch?
A: Store-bought sauerkraut works perfectly fine in this Reuben Balls recipe. Just be sure to give it a quick rinse to remove any excess brine before adding it to the filling.
Q: How long do I need to fry the Reuben Balls?
A: Fry the Reuben Balls for 2-3 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Q: Can I make the Reuben Balls in advance and reheat them later?
A: Absolutely! The Reuben Balls can be assembled and frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator and then fry or bake them according to the recipe instructions.
Q: How many Reuben Balls does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield approximately 18-20 Reuben Balls, depending on the size you make them. It’s a great option for a party or gathering, as they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Q: What should I do if the Reuben Balls fall apart during frying?
A: If the Reuben Balls start to fall apart while frying, it’s likely because the breadcrumb coating didn’t adhere properly. Next time, be sure to dip the balls in the egg wash and then thoroughly coat them in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help it stick.
Reuben Balls
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 24 balls
Description
Reuben Balls are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that packs all the flavor of a classic Reuben sandwich into a bite-sized treat. Featuring a savory blend of corned beef, sauerkraut, and melted Swiss cheese, these no-fail bites are perfect for parties, game days, or anytime you’re craving a taste of the beloved Reuben.
Ingredients
– 1 lb corned beef, diced
– 1 cup sauerkraut, drained and chopped
– 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp Thousand Island dressing
– 1 tsp caraway seeds
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. – In a large bowl, combine the diced corned beef, chopped sauerkraut, shredded Swiss cheese, breadcrumbs, Thousand Island dressing, caraway seeds, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated.
3. – Scoop the mixture by the tablespoonful and roll into compact balls, placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. – Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the Reuben Balls are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
5. – Serve hot, with additional Thousand Island dressing for dipping, if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the filling mixture. Leftover Reuben Balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Snacks & Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s just something so satisfying about biting into a crispy, golden-brown Reuben Ball and experiencing that perfect blend of flavors. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and become as obsessed with Reuben Balls as I am! Let me know in the comments how they turn out, and don’t forget to share this delicious dish with your friends and family. Enjoy!