Savory Corned Beef Balls

This iconic Reuben Balls recipe transforms the classic sandwich flavors into irresistible bite-sized appetizers. The tangy sauerkraut combines with savory corned beef and creamy cheese before being coated and fried to golden perfection. These crispy, flavorful morsels make an unforgettable party starter that disappears within minutes of hitting the table.

I first made these for a Super Bowl gathering years ago, and they've become my signature party dish. The combination of that crispy exterior giving way to the creamy, tangy interior creates an addictive contrast that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients

• Silver Floss Sauerkraut: 1 package (2 pounds), drained thoroughly to prevent soggy balls
• Cream cheese: 1 package (8 ounces), softened at room temperature for easier mixing
• Dried onion flakes: 2 teaspoons, providing flavor without excess moisture
• Sliced deli corned beef: 16 ounces, chopped finely for proper texture
• Dry breadcrumbs or panko: 1/2 cup, for binding the mixture
• Eggs: 2, beaten well for the coating process
• All purpose flour: 1/4 cup, helps the egg wash adhere properly
• Additional breadcrumbs or panko: 3/4 cup, divided for the final coating

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare The Filling:

Combine the softened cream cheese and dried onion flakes in a large bowl until completely incorporated. The onion flakes will rehydrate slightly in the mixture, distributing flavor throughout. Add the thoroughly drained sauerkraut, finely chopped corned beef, and 1/2 cup breadcrumbs to the cream cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed. The texture should be firm enough to hold its shape when rolled.

Form The Balls:

Using clean hands or a small ice cream scoop, portion the mixture and shape into golf ball sized spheres, approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter. If the mixture feels too wet, add additional breadcrumbs one tablespoon at a time. For uniform cooking, try to make all balls roughly the same size. Place formed balls on a parchment lined tray.

Bread The Balls:

Set up a three station breading process with separate shallow dishes. Place flour in the first dish, beaten eggs in the second, and remaining breadcrumbs in the third. Working with a few balls at a time, roll them first in the flour, coating completely but shaking off excess. Next, dip in beaten eggs, allowing extra to drip off. Finally, roll in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the coating completely.

Fry To Perfection:

Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to exactly 370°F. Use a candy thermometer for accuracy as temperature affects browning. Working in small batches to avoid overcrowding and temperature drops, carefully lower prepared balls into the hot oil. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes, turning occasionally, until they achieve a beautiful golden brown color on all sides.

Drain And Serve:

Remove fried balls using a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Let cool slightly for 2 to 3 minutes before serving. The exterior should be perfectly crisp while the interior remains hot and creamy. Serve immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor experience.

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The quality of your corned beef makes a huge difference in these balls. I splurge on freshly sliced deli corned beef rather than packaged varieties. The first time I served these at our annual neighborhood potluck, they disappeared so quickly I had to promise everyone the recipe before they would let me leave.

Serving Suggestions

While these Reuben Balls are delicious on their own, they reach new heights when paired with the right dipping sauce. Try serving them alongside a small bowl of Russian or Thousand Island dressing for authentic Reuben sandwich flavor. For a modern twist, a horseradish cream sauce provides a delightful kick that complements the savory corned beef perfectly.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare these Reuben Balls up to 24 hours in advance of frying them. Complete all steps through forming the balls, then place them on a parchment lined baking sheet and refrigerate uncovered for 1 hour to firm them up. Once firm, transfer to an airtight container with parchment between layers. When ready to serve, continue with the breading and frying process from cold. Add approximately 30 seconds to the frying time if cooking from refrigerated.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your Reuben balls are falling apart during frying, your mixture might be too wet. Make sure to drain the sauerkraut thoroughly by pressing it in a colander or even squeezing it in a clean kitchen towel. Another fix is adding more breadcrumbs to the mixture itself, a tablespoon at a time, until it holds together firmly when rolled.

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These Reuben Balls are guaranteed to impress your guests and will probably become a must-have at every party you host!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can Reuben Balls be made ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare Reuben Balls up to 24 hours ahead. Assemble and bread them, then refrigerate on a parchment-lined tray. Fry just before serving for best results. Alternatively, you can fully cook them, refrigerate, and reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.

→ What dipping sauce works well with Reuben Balls?

Thousand Island dressing is the classic pairing that complements the Reuben flavors perfectly. Russian dressing or a simple mixture of mayonnaise, ketchup, and pickle relish also works wonderfully. For something different, try a spicy mustard sauce.

→ Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake Reuben Balls at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown and heated through. Spray them with cooking oil before baking for a crispier exterior. They won't be quite as crispy as the fried version but will still be delicious.

→ How important is draining the sauerkraut?

Draining the sauerkraut thoroughly is crucial. Excess moisture will make the mixture too wet to form stable balls and could cause splattering during frying. For best results, squeeze the sauerkraut in a clean kitchen towel after draining to remove as much liquid as possible.

→ Can I use Swiss cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! Adding 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese to the mixture would enhance the authentic Reuben sandwich flavor profile. Mix it in with the other ingredients before forming the balls for a delicious cheesy element.

→ How do I store and reheat leftover Reuben Balls?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible as it will make them soggy rather than crispy.